We're finally doing this. It feels like we've been in the planning stage way too long while this creature is suffering. Lavia and I made our grand entrance while the others snuck in from behind the tents. I'd like to think we did a rather good job. Her music was as enthralling as always and following its rhythms and melodies in dance drew nearly everyone to us and away from the manta. I couldn't see what was going on with the others until one of the guards spotted them.
I tried controlling the guard enough to pull her attention back, but she could withstand the lure of the Nine. The rest of the Fate Watchers managed to get on top of the manta very quickly, while the guards were either shooting a few crossbows at us or attempting to get their ballista ready. As I used the carpet of flying to catch up with the rest, I saw Ellywick shoot one by the siege weapon, with Dworik finishing them off. I had hoped we could do this without any deaths, but I guess my Queen saw fit to take one life as we saved another.
Our new friend was wounded and exhausted as we fled. All I could do was to give some encouragement and healing, but not nearly enough. They took us to safety and got themself some energy high above the sky. Lavia played us a lovely song about freedom while we had dinner. She's so much better than I. Fortunately, practice sessions with her are a fantastic way to get close. I wonder when she might be ready to talk more. I have no trouble giving her room to adjust, really. I'm just curious, I guess. She has so much energy in so many ways.
Our morning has been one of preparation. We made something to enable us to hold on to our manta friend (who we need a name for) during flight as well as communicating where we need to go. I hope we're not disturbing their life too much.