"Before we leave the city," Aeldevan said as they all made their way back to the tavern, "we should take this time to do what we came here to do." After no one replied, the gears in their heads turning to remember, he elaborated in great detail. "To speak with Jorvik."

"Oh, yeah!" His friends responded in unison, having forgotten in the midst of everything that had happened within the last few days.

"By the way," the druid continued, "did anyone bother to check the pockets of Vrazhura's guards we defeated?"

Even though he was walking in front, Feyre and Skamos averted their eyes from his direction. Ru dug into her pocket and gave him a handful of gold pieces. "Here, this is half of what I found." He accepted gratefully, not turning around to press the others.

Crossing through the Red Eye's door, they found Jorvik cleaning up some debris that still littered the floor. He was too busy to notice the group enter as he turned to mend a splintered chair.

"What's up, Jorvik," Magra asked, startling him out of his focus.

He smiled and scratched the back of his head. "Ah, you know, just trying to get this place back to what it was." The chair he was working on fell apart again, making him sigh. "At least the building is still here, surprisingly enough. Not like the Obsidian Lounge..." His face grew sullen as his eyes lowered. "All that remains of my pride and joy is the bar made entirely of obsidian." He looked up to see the party sympathizing with him and then shook himself out of it. "But I'm sure you didn't come here to listen to me blabber on. What can I do for ya?"

"Well, speaking of obsidian..." Magra unsheathed her demon axe, flailing it around to show it off.

Jorvik's eyes widened not only because of what she wielded but because the blade came close enough to slice off one of his mustache hairs. Once Magra was done, he held both hands out for her to place the axe in. "This weapon is perfectly balanced," he stated as he gently bounced it in his hands. "And these markings..." he studied the haft intently. "Just as I thought. This was made hundreds - no, thousands - of years ago, before this continent was populated by mortals. In ancient times, the gods would walk the land, and this specific weapon was carried by one of Gruumsh's bodyguards. It might be old," he carefully handed it back to the barbarian, "but it will never lose its sharpness nor its strength."

Magra's excitement was clear on her face as she gripped her weapon in both fists. "This may have used to protect Gruumsh, but I'm going to enjoy using it to kill him."

Ru wasted no time and handed Jorvik her baby bracelet and necklace, both etched with her emblem, and took a deep breath before exhaling everything she knew about them. "I had this bracelet on when I was found as a baby. My adoptive father said I was the only survivor. Years later he found that necklace in a shop and was told to visit Luna Stardust to find out more, but he passed away before he could. We met her and she said it was the crest of a dwarven family from Hammer's Fall. That's actually how I found out I was even a dwarf. And then I saw the same crest on an iron fang boar's horn on display in Olorin's shop, and he told us to talk to you."

Jorvik nodded slowly as she ranted and took a moment before responding. "Luna is correct. This is the crest of the Forgebeards, a family that used to run this city. If what you say is true, then you may in fact be related to them. There are still some people around who claim that name such as one of the city's elders, Jerome."

Ru's eyes lit up and she clasped her hands in excitement. "I've met him! Could you tell me where he lives?"

"He owns a small manor in the northeast quadrant near the city wall," Jorvik replied, happy to have helped her.

Excited that Jorvik knew so much about Magra and Ru's items, Aeldevan excitedly pulled out his minotaur horn etched with a village map and showed it to the dwarf. "Do you have any idea where this is a map of? I found it in a swamp on the way here." The half-elf's eyes were wide in anticipation.

Jorvik looked at it closely and turned it around and over before handing it back. "Not a clue. Sorry." Seeing Aeldevan's disappointment, he added, "But I am surprised to see a minotaur horn." That was enough to put a smile on the druid's face again having at least found something uncommon.

Remembering the final matter they needed to ask about, Aeldevan's attitude turned solemn. "Jorvik," he said more quietly, "on our way to Hammer's Fall, we passed by a pillaged cart. Unfortunately, the horse and rider didn't survive, but we did recover a hand axe that Dulrik said made it likely the rider was on his way to Everlit to warn of the imminent attack from the orcs. Do you have any idea who that was?"

Jorvik face softened at the sad news. "Sounds like Quintus. His job was to run messages between Hammer's Fall and Everlit, so it's a shame that he was killed because of it, but nonetheless honorable."

"But we made those hobgoblins pay!" Feyre said, holding up a fist.

"And giants, too," Magra added, punching the palm of her other hand.

Aeldevan cleared his throat to say more. "We wrapped his body and brought it with us in case he had family here."

"Quintus didn't have any family. Said it made his work easier being gone all the time." He looked around as if thinking where the body should be brought. "Bring his body this way and I'll take care of him. There's a small graveyard in the southeast quadrant where I'll put him to rest."

The group thanked him and started to head back out the tavern. Ru turned to quickly ask, "Is there anyone around that's in the crafting business?"

"Head to the forges and you should find Hilda. Tell'er I sent ya. She might have a full workload though, given the state of things." He gestured to the shattered windows and broken furniture. As the party left, a dwarf came rolling in a log to use as a stool.

◊◊◊

Feyre walked next to Ru and noticed her friend murmuring something while keeping her eyes closed and fists clenched to her chest. "What are you doing?" the gnome asked.

"I'm manifesting that Quintin's body won't be gross," Ru replied, dropping her hands and looking at Feyre. "Even though we wrapped him up, he's still been out in the heat for days." The rest of the group groaned in disgust, hoping Ru's prayers would work.

Once they got to their camp in the woods, they were amazed to see Quintin's remains still wrapped tight and undisturbed. They were grateful only a few flies were buzzing around. Skamos, Magra, and Aeldevan hoisted the body into Kevin's cart. Surprisingly, the body didn't give off a terrible odor, but they all walked in front of the cart just in case. Once back at the tavern, the same three gently lowered Quintin to the ground while Ru notified Jorvik and Feyre brought Kevin back to the stables next door.

"Now to see Hilda," Skamos said, his smile flashing in the sunlight. He began leading the team over to the forges which were easily seen from the main road. "Excuse me, ma'am," he said to a dwarf bending over a project, "do you happen to know who Hilda is? Jorvik directed us to see her."

Standing up straight, she kept her work gloves and goggles on. "Oy, that be me. Hilda Ironaxe, at yer service," she bowed customarily, which the group mirrored.

Getting right to business, Aeldevan approached her workbench with his Helmed Horror's helm in hand. "Would you be able to turn this into anything?"

"Ahhh, haven't seen one of those in quite a while. I can turn this into something that will improve your vision and protect your hearing, but I reckon it'll take me about ten days." Hilda continued turning it over in her hands to inspect the quality. "How's two hundred gold pieces sound?" Always jumping at the first offer, Aeldevan handed over the coins without hesitation.

Knowing her companion takes a while to shop, Magra pushed forward before he had a chance to ask about anything else. "How much would you pay for this?" She proudly held out her large piece of bark. "Ripped it off a treant myself," she said with a puffed chest.

"Eh, I'd say seventy-five gold is the best you'll get for that," Hilda replied, resuming her previous project.

"Seventy-five!" Magra questioned. "This is at least worth one hundred."

Without looking up at all, Hilda responded, "Well I wish you luck then," with no ill will in her voice.

After releasing a huff, Magra agreed and handed over the wood.

"Pleasure doin' business with ya," Hilda's smile was honest and well-meaning, which made Magra more irritated.

Meanwhile, Skamos had taken out his large spectator eye and was playing with it like a yo-yo as he went back up to Hilda. "I don't really want this-" he started before Aeldevan quickly intervened.

"I'll take it!" he said, snatching it out of the Tiefling's hand. "Could you make something with this, too?"

Hilda's amusement was clear on her face as she chuckled. "This would make quite a nice shield for reflecting magical attacks. I suppose I could make this in about ten day's time as well, but unfortunately I've got my hands full and can only work on one thing at a time. I'd charge the same price as the helmet."

As the druid was about to accept, Feyre yanked his arm and pulled him to the side. "Excuse us for a moment, please," she said to Hilda with an innocent grin. Away from the others, she hissed at her friend, "Aeldevan! You have to learn how to haggle more often or you won't have any money left." She took a breath, still holding his arms. "Alright, let me take care of this. Again. But next time, you're on your own," she leered while pointing a finger up at him.

Leaving Aeldevan where he was, Feyre returned to the bench. "Hilda, how are you doing this fine afternoon?"

"Not so well these days," Hilda replied with a sigh. She heaved the contraption she was busy with onto the ground and replaced it with a wooden box which she dumped out on her bench to reveal broken tools and miscellaneous parts. "But doin' the best work I can." Her thin smile curved a little, revealing both hope and determination. She then got to work sorting through the pile of metal and wood.

"Out of ruin comes rich flowers," Feyre poetically recited, "seen as weak but possess strength within." Hilda continued her work but acknowledged Feyre words with a sincere smile. "Do you know where the name Hilda comes from?"

Hilda paused and looked up in thought. "Never quite thought of it, to be honest." She wiped her forehead with her gloved wrist, leaving a smudge of dirt and oil. "Last name Ironaxe comes from me family's axe passed down through generations, which has split more than just wood and, as me papa would say, has cleaved through the ranks of our foes!" She chuckled before looking back down.

"That's quite impressive!" Feyre responded. "When you were born, your family must have thought that since your last name was so strong and forceful that they named you Hilda for balance as it means beauty of the flower beneath the forest and ash, that rises against all tyranny."

Hilda barely had time to absorb Feyre's words before the rogue got to the point. "And with that being said, I wanted to discuss this two-hundred gold situation regarding my friend Aeldevan." Hilda laughed as she adjusted her goggles. "Wait!" Feyre said, "look at me." She motioned for the dwarf to remove her eyewear, which she obliged. "Where did you get those lustrous green eyes that balance so beautifully with your reddish-brown hair? My gosh, you are one of a kind and would stop me dead in my tracks!"

Beneath vibrant eyes, Hilda's fair cheeks blushed as she giggled. "Why thank you. To be honest, I assume there's some fey ancestry in me family. Probably me mum's side."

"Oh good gosh. That's so perfect. Do you want to know why, Hilda?" Feyre continued without waiting for her response. "Because I was gonna make you a deal today. I know you want two-hundred for what he's asking you to do, but I thought if we could bring it down to one-fifty, I could throw in these two beautifully exorbitant stones I've acquired over the course of our journey. And rumor has it that these stones are quite magical in the hands of fey or even partial fey." Hilda looked skeptical but intrigued. "Beauty, and magic, is what you make of it, Hilda. It's about bringing the beauty of magic to what you have."

"Ye mean like manifestation," Hilda clarified.

"Manifestation! That's right, Hilda, and I'm giving you the tools to manifest."

Ru piped up, "All you have to do is believe." Magra followed by repeating believe in song as if she were preaching.

After a few seconds of silence from Hilda, Feyre tried another approach. "Are you looking for love, Hilda? These stones could potentially help you manifest that. All you have to do is believe." Skamos adds his voice to Magra's. "Don't mind them. I can see your belief and desire deep behind those eyes. Do you have a love interest, Hilda?"

"No, I've never had the time," the dwarf replied, a touch of despair leaking out of her otherwise chipper voice.

Speaking soothingly and eyes sincere, Feyre made her final attempt, "Hilda, we all have time for the things we want in life if we want it badly enough. And with that being said, I really want to help out my friend Aeldevan but I also want to help you. And I feel that between these two magnificent stones and your manifestation, you could find what you truly want in this life."

With only a moment's hesitation, "Alright," Hilda said affirmatively. "You got yourself a deal." Whether she truly believed what Feyre said or if she just wanted to get back to work remained a mystery. After exchanging items, they asked Hilda where they could find a tanner and an alchemist. "Unfortunately, we don't have an alchemist in town. But you'll find Saffron, our local tanner, right by the southern gate."

Long before Haven's Blade arrived at the location, they were hit by the pungent smell of hide, ammonia, and other unpleasant scents. Nick didn't seem to mind and sniffed excitedly, alternating his nose from the air to the ground. Once in view, they saw a halfling woman cleaning up around her work area. 

"Hi there, Saffron," Ru called. "We were told you run a tannery."

Brushing herself off, Saffron walked over to greet them. "That's right. And who might you be, sweetheart?" Her gentle voice had a draw that indicated she grew up somewhere rural.

"My name is Ru, and I'm looking for your expertise with finding something to do with this ankheg stomach." She held it up towards Saffron to take.

The halfling took the organ and ran her hand over it for a quality check before offering to give five gold pieces. "I could make a few mundane accessories with this." Once Ru accepted, she went to hang up the stomach to dry. When she turned around, she clutched her chest with a frightened look.

Ru was holding up the tattooed chunk of skin she carved from the orc captain. Seeing Saffron's reaction, Ru quickly lowered her arm. "I didn't mean to frighten you. If you're comfortable with it, I'd appreciate you drying this out so that I'm not carrying around a flap of raw skin as my trophy."

Now understanding, Saffron agreed to the service in exchange for an additional gold coin. 

"Can you make mine into a headband?" Skamos asked excitedly, offering his chunk of skin and coin as well.

"Of course," the tanner accepted, now amused at his request. "These shouldn't take long."

Once their errands were completed, Haven's Blade headed off to visit Jerome, where Ru hoped her heritage would be finally explained. 

◊◊◊

Jerome was working on a damaged wooden porch that wrapped along the front of the manor. In only boots and tattered pants, Jerome's muscles glistened with sweat in the early afternoon sun. Being away from the main city's construction, this area was more quiet. It also hadn't sustained too much damage as the other buildings, with its stone structure no doubt having been a deterrent to fire and smashing.

"Hey, Jerome!" Ru waved a hand in the air while she cupped the other near her mouth. "Need some help?"

Barely looking up towards them, Jerome called back, "Won't say no."

Once the party got to him, he silently gestured to a pile of wood to help set, rubble to clear away, and other miscellaneous tasks. While Nick chased butterflies in the yard, Haven's Blade toiled away to help restore the manor to what it was before. 

Ru and Jerome worked together, with one setting the decking while the other hammered it in place. To her onlooking friends' relief, she finally worked up the courage to talk to him about her past. "You've lived here your whole life?"

"Yeah," he grumbled, focused on the task at hand. He pointed to the emblem above his doorway, barely noticeable and covered with soot blown in from the city's blaze. Noticing Ru's eyes focused on it, he added, "The Forgebeard clan has been here for quite some time."

"Transparently," Ru slowly started, waiting for Jerome to look at her. "I came here with more purpose than just to help clean up, and I actually wanted to ask you about that emblem." She took out her bracelet and necklace and held them in her palm for Jerome to see. "I joined Haven's Blade at a time in my life where I had a lot of questions and have been seeking those answers, and Jorvik actually sent me over here after I showed him these." Jerome gently lifted a hand to take the cold iron jewelry from her hand and hesitated, but Ru motioned for him to go ahead. "Do you recognize these or know anything about them?"

Meanwhile, Skamos, Aeldevan, Magra, and Feyre were all looking over at the two and listening, not realizing that they were passing the same stone block around to each other rather than moving it out of the way.

Jerome carefully turned the keepsakes over as if afraid they would disintegrate with the wrong movement. No longer focused on the project, he eased himself to sit on the edge of the porch. Finally, he looked up at Ru. "Where did you get these?"

"I was wearing the bracelet when I was found as a baby. My adoptive father found the necklace a couple months ago but passed away before we could find out any more. The shopkeeper had told him to seek Luna Stardust in Everlit, so that's where I went and discovered I'm actually a dwarf." Jerome's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but Ru just laughed. "Yeah, it helped explain why I felt very confused as a child. Eventually, things led me here."

Jerome's eyes began to shimmer as he suppressed tears, staring at the emblem on the bracelet. "If this bracelet really belongs to you," he sighed in disbelief before looking back in Ru's eyes, "that would make you my granddaughter." Ru was speechless, so he explained. "Your father Thron and mother Brynn were killed by orcs while traveling about twenty years ago. They were always traveling - just mundane business. They took you that time." He looked away and clenched his eyes shut and his hands turned to fists. "They were all-," he stopped, not wanting Ru to hear the gruesome details. "They were so close to the next town, but that had been decimated by the orcs, too. By the time we got there, we couldn't find you, so we thought the worst..." His shoulders shuddered as he resisted the urge to cry. After getting his sniffling under control, he wiped his face with a dirty forearm and turned back to Ru. "We did recover your parents' remains, and they're resting in the city's southeast cemetery if you'd like to visit them." 

Ru had tracks on her cheeks where tears had cleared away the dust. Still unsure what to say, she just nodded and wiped her own face off.

Jerome cleared his throat. "Have you met my son, Dulrik?" He and Ru quickly looked over at Aeldevan who had loudly gasped in shock and realization, but also because the stone they'd been passing around fell on his foot.

Ru laughed and explained how they met Dulrik and his band of dwarves in the forest the other night. "Wow, not only did I meet my grandfather, but I also have an uncle! Thank you so much for telling me what happened." She quickly leaned in and gave Jerome a tight hug, or as tight as she could wrap her arms around his muscular body.

After they separated, Jerome hopped onto the ground and looked at Ru and her friends. "Well, you all are more than welcome to stay here if you need to. Could always use the extra set of hands, too," he joked with a wink.

"We really appreciate that, but we actually have to take a tree to Everlit tonight and take care of some other business," Ru replied. Jerome almost looked disappointed but quickly hid any indication. "But I would love to come back soon and get to know you more!" That seemed to reassure him that he wasn't going to lose his granddaughter again any time soon.

◊◊◊

"Where to next?" asked Skamos as the party headed back across Jerome's vast yard.

Magra rubbed her stomach which growled in return. "I'm getting kind of hungry." Nick barked in agreement.

"You're always hungry," Feyre said, rolling her eyes.

Ignoring Magra's plight, "Let's see if Olorin and Berta are at the Great Hall," Aeldevan suggested.

"Good idea," Ru agreed. "We can make a plan with them about the next steps to take with the council."

As they approached the giant building, they saw numerous soldiers going in and out with a variety of supplies and equipment, from weapons to rations to tools.

"Looks like they didn't bother to torch the place," Skamos commented, the outside of the Great Hall only have smoke marks from other fires.

Magra huffed. "Yeah, I bet. This is where Vrazhura was staying."

Berta then came out the front door, looking at a board in her hand and marking up a piece of parchment.

"Berta!" Feyre called out.

Irritated that one of her soldiers addressed her by her first name, the captain quickly relaxed when she realized who had actually shouted. "Well if it isn't our famed Haven's Blade. To what do I owe the great pleasure?" she joked with a smirk.

"We were hoping to speak with both you and Olorin," the rogue replied.

Berta tilted her head in curiosity. "He's actually at the tavern having a drink."

"Great idea!" Magra exclaimed, eager to go to the tavern herself.

"Why don't we all go there to talk and have dinner," Aeldevan proposed.

"I won't turn down a free meal," Berta quipped. She handed her board to one of the soldiers passing by and told them she'd be back later, and then started walking towards the Red Eye with Magra on her heels.

As Feyre walked by Aeldevan, she said with a side-eye, "You're the one who's paying for her, by the way."

At the tavern, Olorin was at the bar finishing off a glass of Smoky Lychee red wine. Berta had gotten to him first and asked him to join everyone at a table. She also took the opportunity to order herself a Raging Rat lager, which was shortly presented to her in a large metal tankard. 

"I'll have one of those, too," Magra said to the barkeep, a dwarf whom they hadn't seen before.

"Oooh!" Skamos was reading a list of drinks, and his fingers and tail were wiggling in anticipation. "I'll have the Tiefling tequila, please!" 

"A Red Gooseberry mead for me, please," Aeldevan requested. 

Ru and Feyre were too busy looking at the food menu to order a drink. "Hey guys," the gnome announced to the group, "how about an all you can eat for five gold?" She was immediately met with shouts and whoops of agreement.

Shortly after everyone got settled around the Red Eye's largest table, Aeldevan and Skamos's drinks were delivered. The bard's was a small glass of deep purple liquid and a brilliant red flame dancing on top. "If I were the king of the forest!" he sang, before blowing out the flame and emptying the glass down his throat.

Halfway through Ru's explanation about her relation to the Forgebeard clan, the assortment of food was delivered in several trips: mussels still steaming in a white wine sauce, blackened grouper with the perfect amount of char, roasted lentils and zucchini atop a bed of golden rice, and grilled yellowfish tuna with sliced lemons on the side. Everyone's eyes and mouths were wide open, delighted by the wonderful display.

"This looks amazing!" Magra commented as she immediately began spooning food onto her plate.

"I guess once word got out that the orcs left the city, some people wanted to offer what they could to help out during the rebuild," Berta explained.

"Yes," Olorin commented between bites, "very generous, indeed."

The first round of plates were cleared off by the time Ru concluded her story. Olorin seemed very pleased, most likely due to the fact that he helped point her in the right direction. Berta, having not associated with Ru as much, appeared more interested in a second round of food and drinks which she got up and ordered.

"As happy as I am that Ru finally found the answers she sought," Olorin addressed the table, "I imagine there is another reason you asked to speak with both Berta and me."

"You've got that right," Skamos replied. "This morning I interrogated that orc we captured." In response to Olorin's raised eyebrows, he admitted, "with the help of Ru and Aeldevan." The wizard smiled but gestured that he didn't mean offense. Skamos continued his account with interjections of corrections and belches from his friends, well into their next round of dinner.

Finally, with barely a scrap left on the table, Skamos finished his recounting of the morning's events. There were a few moments of quiet as almost everyone leaned back with hands on their satisfied stomachs as they caught their breath and thought about everything they heard.

"What if," Ru broke the silence first, "the bodies he was referring to means all the people of Everlit? What if the plan is to burn the city down and use them as sacrifices in the ritual?"

"Well," Olorin started, "it is quite fortunate that you were able to get so much information out of him. However, the situation is certainly not favorable, especially if it is what Ru suggests."

"You can say that again," Berta muttered, her cheeks rosy from the several drinks she downed.

Olorin continued, "If the ritual is this close to being completed, we need to act right away."

"Can we let my stomach settle first," Magra groaned.

"We're actually planning to go to Everlit tonight," Aeldevan said. "I know how to take us via tree now, so we'll be there in an instant." He looked at the wizard and captain. "Do either of you need anything while we're there?"

"Another beer," Berta hiccupped, raising her mug. Olorin brought his thumb across his neck, gesturing to the server that she was cut off.

Clearing his throat, he replied, "If you could bring me along, that would be most helpful. With Berta essentially taking military governorship of the city," the captain looked at him with a cheery expression and raised her empty mug again, but he just continued, "my services are no longer required here at the moment. It also appears that I will need to immediately begin preparations to help protect Everlit from this ritual."

Aeldevan agreed and described their meeting spot, the willow tree in the quiet part of town nearest the woods where Magra had passed along her intel to him in bird form. "We'll meet there at sundown."

Once the tab was paid, Olorin helped Berta back to the Great Hall while Haven's Blade brought their herd of animals to Jerome's at Ru's suggestion. 

"What's this?" Jerome exclaimed with a dumbfounded expression and the slightest twitch of a smile.

Ru put on her sweetest face. "We were hoping that you'd watch our animals for a night or two while we're in Everlit."

"This aint a farm," he replied almost exasperated. "Besides, you'll need them to travel there, and it'll take a lot longer than a couple nights."

"We're traveling by tree!" Skamos responded excitedly, reminding him about what Ru told him earlier.

Jerome didn't know what to say next, and though his mouth was moving, he didn't produce any sound. He finally sighed and conceded. "Fine, they can stay in the barn out back." The party cheered and high-fived each other. "But," Jerome interrupted, "you're all responsible for any mess they make and money for food."

"You got it," Feyre immediately replied, walking up to Jerome. "Aeldevan will pick up the tab." The druid's face showed disbelief at his friend's nonchalant comment, especially when none of the animals were explicitly his.

Feyre continued talking, explaining to Jerome some lengthy process of care that Dilliah required. "She's on a very specific diet. She gets twelve dandelions in the morning, no more no less. For a midmorning snack, she likes a bucket with three quarter-cups of pumpkin seed, one quarter-cup of milk -".

"She doesn't even get any of that from you!" Aeldevan interrupted, incredulous. "You think that just because he owns a manor that means he's rich?"

"Shut up, Aeldevan," the gnome called over her shoulder. "Please ignore him," she continued with Jerome, "he doesn't know what he's talking about. As I was saying, and three cups of oats. Mix it with water and a little maple syrup if you have it." She pulled out a fourteen-page packet and flipped to the second page. "That's what she likes for her mid-brunch. For late-brunch..."

While Jerome acted like he was listening with nods and smiles, the rest of the party led the animals to the barn. When they came back, Feyre was stuffing the packet back into one of her pouches. "...and that should be good enough until we get back." Jerome's body jerked as if he had fallen asleep standing up, but Feyre didn't seem to notice.

"Thanks granddad," Ru shouted as they headed across the lawn to their meeting spot. "Please update Dulrik about me being his niece. I look forward to talking with you both more soon!" Jerome agreed and waved, a smile spreading across his otherwise stoic face. 

◊◊◊

As soon as the willow came into view, Feyre sprinted at it and collided with the rough bark. "Aeldevan!" she groaned as she rubbed at her scratched face. 

"Olorin isn't even here yet, so I didn't cast the spell." The druid looked at her in amusement. "Maybe that's what you get for making me pay for everything." She replied by sticking out her tongue, which only looked more funny with the giant welt growing on her forehead.

A few seconds later, Olorin came into view carrying his pack of things. "I cannot remember the last time I traveled via a tree," he chortled.

Once everyone stood around the willow, Aeldevan placed the palm of his hand on its bark. It began to glow a bright shade of green that then expanded into a portal they could fit through one at a time. As soon as the opening reached the base of the tree, he quickly ushered everyone before it closed. Ru leaped through first followed by Feyre, and Magra screamed as she charged head first with Nick howling after her. Olorin calmly stepped through, and Skamos took Aeldevan's hand to enter just before the portal contracted, leaving no trace of magic.

Aeldevan had chosen the grand oak tree in Radiant Square just outside Haven House as their destination. Unfortunately, the portal opened under a large branch that hung over the square's colossal fountain. Everyone tumbled into the shallow pool being filled with a continuous shower of sparkling water, emitted from the fountain's central ornamentation.

"Nice going," Feyre sassed. She waded waist-deep to the edge of the fountain and clambered out. 

Olorin magically walked on top of the water to avoid getting wet, at least until Nick jumped out and shook himself off, throwing water over everyone.

"At least it's not winter anymore," Skamos replied with a laugh. "That was fun!" He flashed his partner a smile and patted him on the arm in appreciation. 

"Sure beats walking for days, too," Magra added, lifting Ru out of the water.

While getting out of the fountain, they could hear Aelderheart's deep laugh from the house. "That one made my wood split," he gasped, even though he didn't need to breathe. "Come inside and warm up."

Olorin waved at his old friend but started to head off in the other direction to go home.

Before he got too far, Aeldevan requested a favor. "Olorin, would you be able to get Everlit's council together for tomorrow morning?"

The wizard chuckled as he turned back around to face them. "That should be easy seeing as how I am one of its members." He took out a scrap of parchment and scribbled something down before handing it to the half-elf. "Meet me at ten o'clock at this address in the Silken District, the political center of the city. Skamos should be able to guide you there." With another smile, Olorin bid farewell and headed home.

Once Haven's Blade was safely in their house, they threw down their bags and immediately went to start drying by the warm fireplace. Skamos called out for his mother to see if she was around, and before he could take another breath, Janice came out from the kitchen with a wide smile and a tray of tea and cookies.

"I'm so happy to see you all!" she beamed. Janice placed the tray on the large dining table before grabbing Skamos in a big hug and then proceeded to do the same to everyone else. "Aelderheart told me as soon as you arrived, so I put together some snacks I happened to make earlier today."

"These are excellent, Ms. C," Magra complemented, crumbs falling out of her cookie-filled mouth.

Ru noticed Nick sniffing a blanket laid out on the floor near the hearth. "Are Ilyana and Wolfgang around?"

Pouring tea into cups for everyone, Janice answered, "They're actually out on a walk and should be back soon. Ilyana has taken to walking around in the evening to keep her leg strength up." 

The tray was emptied of treats in a matter of minutes, and while Janice was refilling it, Ilyana and Wolfgang arrived. Once greetings were out of the way, everyone settled in to tell each other what had transpired in the past week.

Janice was now completely moved in and almost ready to put her old house up for sale. Without needing to spend time worrying about cleaning and maintenance due to the house's magic, she busied herself with baking and bringing food to those less fortunate in the city. Ilyana was recovering nicely and had started hunting again just outside the city's walls. Aelderheart was content where he was, grateful to have others around and to be able to enjoy the sunrises again after having been in the catacombs for so long. 

As Feyre and Magra recounted the close calls with Vrazhura's guard and the burning buildings, Ilyana and Janice were on the edges of their seats. Janice almost teared up after Ru shared her family story. When Skamos went over his interrogation, accenting with flourishes of course, his mother looked so proud. However, the mood darkened when the ritual was brought up, and Ilyana looked ready to don her bow and quiver again to join their fight. The tension subsided though once Ru explained the plan to talk with the council in the morning, which seemed to ease everyone's worries if even just a bit.

Late into the night, they all agreed it was time for bed. Once everyone was asleep, Aeldevan snuck into Feyre's room where she laid in what looked like a very uncomfortable position in the middle of the bed, her sheets contorted around her shivering body. He carefully lifted her pillow and placed under it four of his sparkling stones and five gold pieces as thanks for saving him some money earlier. As he walked back around the bed to leave, he gently laid a balnket over her.