Astraia looked her former master in the eyes and gave him a firm nod, her eyes showing an unwavering conviction, determination to do just that. She wouldn't let this be the end of the Rangers. She wouldn't let his sacrifice go to waste. She would do everything in her power to ensure that they survived, that they rebuilt, and that they protected this world from this new threat. It wouldn't be an easy task. She knew that. But it was the task she had been given, and one she would have chosen for herself. True, it seemed like a lot more responsibility than someone as seemingly free-spirited and carefree as she was would normally take on, but regardless, she would do it, and she would succeed, no matter what.<br/><br/>As she passed through the portal, she felt the push from the portal, something she knew to except, given her previous experiences with portals. Unlike many of the others, who landed flat on their faces, their chests, or their bellies, she landed relatively gracefully on her feet. She looked around at the world that had now taken shape around her. Before her lie a white cliff coastline stretching in both directions. So, they were in Henglewend, then. She took a few steps forward and held out a hand for Seren, who was still on her hands and knees. "Come on. Up you go," she said, giving her friend one of her token smiles, pulling her up and then looking to the others who hadn't gotten up yet, either.<br/><br/>Iggy and Kai had unusually sullen looks on their faces, as did the others who had fallen through. Had they not gotten up because they were hurt? Or because they had lost the will to do so? She didn't know the answer, but either way, she knew that they needed to. It was the first step forward for her downcast comrades. "Same goes for you lot. It's time to get up," she encouraged them, her voice a bit softer than usual, despite the rather firm nudge she was giving them.<br/><br/>As she looked around, they all began to rise, one by one. Some of them began to talk among themselves, expressing their grief, or their gratitude. She nodded to herself and then turned her attention to the portal and the others who had made it through. Wren, Yue, Ithilnaur, Triarc, Turge, and finally, Authryn. This was truly all the remained of the Rangers. She really would have her work cut out for her. Then again, they all would. Each and everyone one of them would have to work hard in order for them to survive and rebuild. It wasn't impossible, though. It would no doubt be difficult. It would be a struggle for all of them, but it was not impossible, and she wouldn't let them give up hope.<br/><br/>She helped anyone up who needed it, watching as Seren checked them all for anyone who needed her healing, then looked to Authryn when he suggested they find a tavern to eat at. From behind she heard someone ask, "are you kidding me?" She looked back to find Ignius with an expression that sat somewhere between a scowl and a look of disbelief. "We almost died. Most of our comrades weren't so lucky. And all you can think about is food?" he asked with a voice that desperately tried to hide the pain he felt.<br/><br/>"Iggy, don't. Just--" Kai spoke up, putting a hand on his brother's shoulder, which was quickly brushed off. "No, don't. Don't tell me to calm down. We're the only ones left, we--" he retorted with frustration evident in his voice, but was cut off by Astraia. "Ignius," she spoke in a voice that somehow managed to warn him to stop, while remaining gentle and calm. "I understand how you feel, but this won't help anything. We're all frustrated and tired and hurt. We lost a lot of friends and comrades, and with them, I expect some of us lost hope," she replied with a gentle sigh. "But we can't give up. We can't lose hope. If we do, then we're already doomed," she added in another unusually serious string of words, "We have to keep moving forward."<br/><br/>"All that said... I could really go for some food," she smiled at Authryn. "Besides, we could all use some rest, even if you aren't hungry, so it's best that we find ourselves somewhere we can rest for the night," she suggested, eyeing each of them to see if anyone had any objections. Ignius seemed resigned to accept her words, although she could still see the tension in him as he fought to hold back everything from pain to frustration, and Kai and Seren nodded in agreement. She just hoped that the others would agree, too. No matter what any of them were feeling, and she knew that each one of them, herself included, were likely feeling a great many things, they had to keep moving. They had to at least get somewhere safe where they could rest and those who were wounded could be cared for and healed properly.<br/><br/>Now wasn't the time to let their emotions run wild. Now was the time to press on despite those emotions. They could, and she suspected that they would, confront their grief and sorrow, their pain and anger, and all of the other emotions they felt once they settled in somewhere.