"Korlin is missing!"

Pholy is pacing back and forth. Steam is rising from her head. She's never up this early in the morning. Sirius has hardly just woken up.

"He's probably around..."

"Kynn and I have searched around the whole outpost. No one has seen him."

"...Where would he have even gone?"

"I don't know... I heard him leave last night, but I figured he was just going to the bathroom..." Pholy twirls her fingers through her golden hair. "Did you say anything to him last night?"

-'Can I trust you not to do anything rash?' '...Maybe.'

"No..."

"Hm, I'm going to go wake up Aure. Get changed."

"Yes, ma'am."

Sirius shuffles out of bed and puts on his warm clothes. Their conversation from last night still lingers in his mind.

-'Why won't I forget things...?'

...

Sirius steps out into the blinding snowscape.

The sun's bright reflection on the white surface doesn't pair well with the outpost's dreary atmosphere.

Still adjusting his eyes and trying to wake up, Sirius drags himself to Kynn's house.

As he walks up to the front, the door flies open.

"I'll go ask the king if he's seen him!"

Pholy rockets out of the house and scurries off toward the king's quarters.

"Someone's motivated..."

Footsteps creak from within the home.

From the other side of the doorway, out steps Aureole in a cute nightgown. Her teal hair is messy, and her eyes aren't even half open.

"Wait..." she grumbles.

"Good morning," Sirius tiredly tells her.

"Siri... morning..." Her pointed ears begin to wiggle.

-What am I, a phone?

Aureole's stomach growls. Her ears stop wiggling and blush.

"Do you want to eat something?"

"Mm..." Her embarrassment is on full display.

The two go inside Kynn's home. Kynn had previously mentioned to Sirius where he stores the food. In Kynn's own words: "Help yourselves to whatever you'd like. Not that there's much to pick from."

He was right. There isn't much. Likely due to the absence of trade.

Sirius rummages around the kitchen and opens a snow-filled container. The container acts like a mini refrigerator. Inside are a couple of cans and other miscellaneous foods. But there is one item that should be suitable for breakfast.

"Are you okay with eggs?"

"Of course," Aureole smiles. Her cheek is pressed against the wooden table. She watches Sirius with longing eyes.

"It won't be anything fancy." Sirius pulls out some eggs and cracks them into the closest thing resembling a skillet.

"I don't mind..."

-I guess she hasn't been spoiled by living at the mansion... or by Cilas' cooking.

The kitchen is compact. It hardly has enough room for one person. But it has most of the essentials. Including a stove.

The "stove" is actually more along the lines of a furnace.

It is a metal box full of charcoals and wood. A large tube comes out from the top and leads outside the home.

Sirius opens the flimsy metal door and looks around.

"How do I light this...? Oh-"

Two smooth stones sit in a small compartment on the side of the furnace. Using his geological knowledge, he deduces the two rocks to be flint.

Sirius grabs the two pieces and smacks them together. He continues smacking the rocks together until the sparks emitted catch the wood on fire.

"Wow... You're pretty good at that..." Aureole's interest is peaked.

"I didn't think that'd actually work..."

Sirius grabs the egg-filled skillet and holds it over the fire.

"Do you like cooking, Sirius?"

"Eh... not particularly. I only know how to make a couple of things. I had to learn so I could feed my brother when my parents were gone." A nostalgic light sits in his eyes. "I'm making fried eggs by the way... since those are the only ones I know how to make."

"I've never had those before," Aureole giggles. "I'm excited."

"Don't set your expectations too high, I've never made them like this before."

"How do you usually make them?"

"Well..." Sirius laughs to himself. "Back in my old world, we had this magical thing called electricity. It helped with things like this."

"Elec...ricy?"

"Ah nothing," Sirius chuckles.

Aureole observes the boy laugh to himself. The sight makes her features soften.

Sirius flips the eggs. They are slightly burnt.

"Ah... dang it. I guess it's been a while... they're a little burnt, is that alright?"

"Yes," Aureole chuckles. "I don't mind. You worry too much, I'm very easy to please."

"That so...?"

Sirius finishes up and puts out the fire. He slides the eggs onto plates and walks over to Aureole. He sets down her eggs and grabs them both forks.

"Thank you... Hey, Sirius?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for coming."

"To the outpost? Of course... I mean, the lord kind of forced me, but still."

"...You didn't volunteer?" She seems a little saddened but keeps a smile on her face. Sirius sits down across from her.

"Well, I wanted to come to help you in any way I can." His comment gets a blush out of Aureole. "But the lord wanted me to come so I could help him get the map to the witch."

"Map to the witch?"

"Oh- yeah... apparently the king has a map that leads to the witch. Though I'm not really sure why he needed me to come... he could just get it himself..."

-Why did he need me to come?

"Hm... well, I'm glad you came."

"...Me too."

A distant look rests within the boy's eyes. Aureole picks up on it.

"The witch huh... you'll be able to get your memories back."

"Mm..."

"How is that going? Have you lost anything else?"

"...I think I might have forgotten a pet of mine... but I don't know. It's hard to know, you know?"

"Right..."

"..."

"...Do you... miss anyone from your old world? Like your parents or friends?"

"...Do I miss anyone...?" Sirius thinks to himself. "I... miss my mom... I guess."

"...What about your dad?"

"...No, I don't miss him..."

Sirius' expression is blank. He quietly consumes his breakfast.

Aureole's mind is taken back to Sirius and Kynn's conversation.

"...What about your friends?"

Sirius plasters a melancholic smile on his face. He sets down his fork.

"Don't laugh, okay?"

"Hm? Oh- of course not!"

"...I've never had a real friend before."

...

"...Sirius, would you consider us friends?"

...

Sirius is at a loss for words.

His body tenses.

-...Do I?

"I..."

creak

Upstairs, the door to Kynn's mother's room slowly creeps open.

Aureole ignores the sound and continues to stare at Sirius. Sirius is struggling to maintain eye contact. He desperately wants to look away.

The door fully opens and Kynn steps out of the room. He gently shuts the door behind him.

"Ah- good morning you two!"

Sirius uses this opportunity to detach himself from the conversation. He quickly turns over to face Kynn.

"G-good morning!"

Aureole sinks in place. Her mood drops instantly. She is visibly upset.

Her throat starts to itch.

"Morning..."

"You made breakfast huh? Making yourself right at home I see." Kynn slides down the stair rail.

"Yeah, was that alright?"

"Of course! My home is your home. I'm more impressed you could actually make something," he teases.

"It wasn't that hard..."

The two finish eating. Aureole stays quiet the whole time.

Kynn tells them where to place their plates and forks. Afterward, Sirius and Aureole prepare to start the day.

Sirius and Kynn wait outside for Aureole to get changed.

"Korlin is missing, huh?" Kynn asks, knowing full well the answer.

"Apparently..."

"The ember, or- Pholy, was making a real fuss over it. She made me run around looking for him all morning. The two of them must be close."

"Maybe..."

"You don't seem too stressed over it."

"...I guess not."

The front door swings open and Aureole steps out in warm clothing. She leaves her hair down.

"You aren't worried about Korlin?" Aureole asks.

"Not really..." Sirius responds. "He can handle himself. I'm sure he'll turn up."

"..."

"You're probably right!" Kynn agrees. "One of my swords is missing. So, he's probably just secretly training somewhere so he can beat me in a duel."

"Probably."

Kynn begins walking away from the house.

"Well, I need to go help the guards prepare. We're planning on capturing a hoarbane if we can."

"You're going to capture one? Really?"

"Yeah, once we bring it back, which we absolutely will, we'll have Pholy burn the ice and then we're going to test out what can harm the things."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Do you have a place to contain them?"

"Yeah, on the outskirts of the outpost, my friend's sister has an empty stable. I told her to dig a really deep hole, so we're hoping that's enough to contain it."

"A hole, huh..."

"Mm..." Kynn is hesitant and doubting the plan. "Sirius, would you mind checking up on her progress? It should be along the south wall."

"...Sure."

"Thank you! You're the best!"

Kynn pats Sirius on the shoulders.

"No problem."

"Who knows, you might even run into your friend!"

"Yeah..."

"Well then, I'm heading off! Wish me luck! See ya!"

Kynn waves goodbye and runs off toward the outpost's main gate.

"Good luck!" Aureole shouts.

Kynn disappears into the foggy horizon.

"...Alright," Sirius takes a deep breath. "Are you coming along?"

"Oh, uh... no, I'm going to go help out in the medical huts again. Maybe meet up with Pholy and see if she's found Korlin."

"Alright... s-see you."

Sirius gives a shallow smile and wave. He heads off toward the direction he believes to be south.

"Mm, see you..."

She waves until Sirius is out of sight.

cough

Drops of blood sprinkle out of Aureole's throat. The white snow is stained with deep crimson.

It hurts.

...

Aureole scratches her fractured throat and heads off toward the medical huts.

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

~Sirius~

"Would you consider us friends...?"

As sad as it sounds, I've never had a friend before. Sure, back in school I had people to talk to. But that was it. Just people to talk to.

I've never had a genuine bond.

Not with my family or anyone outside.

And it's no one's fault except my own. I can't bring myself to make one. Besides, why would anyone want to have a bond with me?

...

Aureole has this way of making me talk.

Her presence just seems to loosen my tongue. I don't know why. Conversations with her feel so natural and easy. She has no trouble asking deep questions and pulling out my few emotions.

I can't help but smile around her. I want to joke around her. I feel comfortable around her and yet...

...

Why does it feel so fake?

...

Korlin once told me that there are people who genuinely want to be around me.

That they care about me.

I want to believe that. More than anything.

But recently everything anyone says... just sounds like a lie.

Quilo got me to recollect about my father.

For most of my life I've purposely tried to ignore what my father has done and said. He's a horrible person. Everything that spews out his mouth is a lie.

...

I guess he's had more influence on me than I thought.

I make my way to the south side of the outpost.

The outpost seems surprisingly massive when walking along the outskirts. All of the buildings are spaced out, so it amplifies the illusion. The lack of people and drab snowfall don't help mitigate the feeling of loneliness.

I've always liked the snow. More specifically, the feeling it gives during wintertime. Something about it has always enchanted me.

It takes a while, but I eventually spot a lone stable.

It's made of a wood much like the medical huts. A low fence covering a large area neighbors the compact building. Inside the fence are many fluffy animals prancing around in the snow.

They kind of remind me of fuzzy sheep. If sheep were shaped like baby hippos and had six legs.

These may be the cutest things I've ever seen.

I arrive at the land and comb around to find the person Kynn was talking about. I don't feel comfortable trespassing, so I just hover the perimeter. No one seems to be around; they must be inside the stable.

As I pass by, the little hippos take notice of me. They run along the fence beside me, squealing playfully. So cute...

I meet the entrance to the stable and knock on the soft door. As I await a response, I pet the fluffy babies through the fence. So soft...

It feels almost like wool...

Hm...

Out of nowhere:

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!"

An abrupt scream blares into my eardrums. I, understandably, am startled and scream too.

I whip my head around to find the culprit.

Right in front of my face is a pair of icy blue eyes. Surrounded by long eyelashes, the rimes stare into my soul.

I jolt back and bang my head on the fence behind me. A little hippo starts nibbling on my ear. It tickles.

More importantly, I get the full view of the screamer.

It's a youthful female snowsqualler. Her white hair is thrown into a messy ponytail. A light-colored tunic is covered by a long cloak.

She dons a massive toothy smile. She gives me a silly aunt vibe.

"Hey there!" Her voice is crammed with childlike anticipation.

"H-hey..."

"Who might you be?"

"My name is Sirius; I was sent by-"

"Oh! Kynn did, didn't he? Hehe..."

"Yeah..."

"Knew it!" She's giggling. The problem is that I can't tell if it's malicious or cutesy. She either has a crush on Kynn, or a burning hatred for him.

"Y-yeah, he wanted me to check how some hole is doing."

"Ah! The hole!" Fireworks practically explode in her eyes. "Yes, yes, come!" She hops over the fence and skips off behind the stable. This lady can jump.

I get off my ass and scurry over the fence. I, along with the fluffy hippos, chase after the lady.

She takes me around to another gated-off area. She unlocks the door and motions me inside like I'm royalty.

"Just this way, Sir Sirius."

"Ha... right," I step through the gate and before me lies a liminal area with a massive hole in the center. "Is this the hole?"

"It is! I dug it myself!" She puffs her chest, full of pride.

"T-that's impressive."

"Ah- please no flattery!" She dramatically recoils and tucks into a ball.

She's one of those, huh... Might as well play along.

"It is impressive! This may be the greatest hole I've ever seen!" Her head whips over to me, her face is pridefully twisted. "The width and depth are impeccable! And this sculpting-! I can't imagine how long this took! You are utterly unbelievable!"

"Ah-!" She moans in overly exaggerated pleasure. "No more! I can't take it!" She is squirming all over the place.

WHAT THE FUCK?!

"I bow to you! Your technique, your patience, your artistic vision-! I simply must express my amazement! You are a being beyond mortal conventions!" I grab my heart and take a knee. "It's simply divine..."

WHAT AM I DOING?!

Tears are spilling out of her eyes like a waterfall. She's also drooling. A lot. I'm scared for what is happening down below.

"S-Sirius... you..." she faceplants into the snow. "You get it! You understand!"

"Y-yeah..."

My cheeks are burning. I no longer want to exist here.

She judders onto a knee and breathes as if she just ran a marathon. She wipes away her tears and wobbles onto her feet.

She brushes off stray snow and clears her throat.

"Apologies. I have never met someone who shares the same enthusiasm for holes as I do."

That sounds awfully suggestive...

"It's alright," I am trying to hide my embarrassment the best I can. I think I'm sweating.

"Ahem, anyway this is indeed the hole. Nice and ready. Have Kynn and the others departed yet?"

"I believe so. Last we spoke he went to go make preparations."

"I see... Sis must be so worried," she giggles to herself. "Hm... so how did you end up meeting Kynn? I haven't seen you around here before. Actually... you kind of look like a..."

Here we go.

"What are they called...?" She examines my face. VERY CLOSELY. "Witchoos?"

Witchoos... really?

"I'm guessing you mean Witch Spawn?"

"Ah! Yes! Those! Are you one of them?"

I nod my head.

She doesn't seem very hostile. I still feel reluctant to share the fact that I am one. It's not that I'm ashamed, I just don't want another incident like back in Auretta. Those man's eyes still give me the chills.

"Cool! What are you doing out here?"

"I'm here on behalf of Lunalir. I'm accompanying a candidate for the throne on trade matters."

"Wow. Never speak to me so formally again, okay? Big words hurt my brain."

I used bigger words when complimenting you...

"Sorry."

"Hehe, so let me guess... Kynn challenged you to a duel when he saw you?"

"Pretty much."

"HA!" She smacks her thigh and laughs like it's the funniest thing she's ever heard. "Ah, that's him alright... Me and him go way back. Childhood friends, if you will. Though I've always been a good bit older than him. I was there when he was born you know!"

"W-wow..."

"Hehe, it's been fun watching him grow. Though he's always been a momma's boy. But the best part is my younger sister! She's had a crush on him since she was born!"

"Ah..."

Why am I hearing this??

"She works over at the medical huts now. She always pushes everything aside to heal him when he gets roughed up. Though she's constantly annoyed he picks fights with strangers. Young love at its finest."

"...Huh..." To avoid making things awkward, I continue the conversation. "So, what's your story? How'd you end up raising these little guys?"

She gives a lofty smile and motions me away from the hole. Thankfully so, because I was slightly worried she would push me in to see its greatness firsthand.

She brings me to the center of the white pasture. She observes the placements of all the scattered hippos.

"Watch this."

Her hand raises to the sky, and along with it comes a funnel of snow. I had almost forgotten the snowsquallers have the ability to control snow. Why didn't Kynn and the others use that power when fighting the hoarbanes?

The flurries twirl and spiral into a chute. With a swipe of her palm, she sends the flakes flying toward the rears of all the mini fluffballs. When the icy wind hits their backs, they give a cute squeal before rushing over to their master.

As the smiling babies run over to her, the girl states her name.

"My name is Nola by the way. I've loved these little guys my entire life. My mother used to raise them here when I was a little girl."

The tiny hippos collide into her arms, and she squeezes them like they're puppies. She pets them as she continues telling her story.

"In truth, I never wanted to take over the family business. I originally wanted to become a traveling merchant. I wanted to explore the world, talking and trading with all sorts of people... but, life happens, you know?"

"..."

She keeps her friendly personality the entire time she talks. While a sense of regret loiters behind her, she also seems content with how her life unfolded.

I don't say a thing.

"Do you mind if I vent a little?"

"Not at all."

"Alright," she smiles. "Don't say I didn't warn you... I met this guy. He came to this outpost after claiming he had nowhere left to go. Judge me if you want but, I thought he was pretty cute, so I let him stay at my place..."

"..."

"Over time, we grew closer and closer. I told him my dream of being a merchant and he told me he would support me all the way. And I believed him. I didn't have a reason to not believe him, he was pretty cute after all." She lays onto her back and lifts up a hippo to the sky. "We saved up money for years. I worked my ass off to be able to afford a carriage of my own. I pushed aside my family and friends in order to work. I even missed my mother's passing because I was working..."

The sense of regret looms a little larger now.

"..."

I don't know what to say.

"When we finally saved up enough money, I was ecstatic. I rushed home with my pay in hand, but when I arrived..." She brings the hippo to her chest and hugs it close. "The guy had run off with all of my years of savings."

...

"That's horrible."

"Mm... it was. But it also taught me a lot. About myself and other people. And now... with no money to my name, I took over my mom's passion. It's the least I could do for her."

"...How can you do it? You talk to me like we've been friends for years. How can you still trust people so easily?"

"...I know people can be cruel and nasty, but... I also know that... people are not that simple. They aren't so simple as to be defined by actions, personality traits, values, motives, or beliefs. The mind is a masterpiece. A masterpiece that through experience blossoms into the uniqueness of life and thought. People are rash, instinctive, and flawed, and yet they try to grow into the perfect version of themselves. They strive to reach standards of what they should be even though they themselves created the standards. People learn from past experiences, but it doesn't always mean they apply those lessons in the future."

"..."

"People can do horrible things, but it doesn't mean I can't try to understand where they are coming from. So, I place my faith in people, and if things go wrong... it'd be my fault in the end."

Her way of thinking heavily resembles Kynn's. She also tries to find the good in people, and believes they act in the moment. While that's likely true for most people, what happens when you come across someone who has been planning something horrible for a long time? Sometimes people are that simple. Sometimes they are just horrible.

"I can't say I agree with your way of thinking..."

"That's okay, it'll soak in over time. But you can't make any friends if you don't trust people."

"...No. But it keeps me safe."

"Safety, huh? I can't say caution isn't smart, but it is restricting. You can know someone your entire life and not know the first thing about them. But you'll never know unless break down that barrier around you."

...

You can know someone your entire life and not know the first thing about them. My brother instantly comes to mind. I knew Canopus since he was born, and yet he still ended up killing me. I didn't know the first thing about him.

The more I think about it... did I even know my parents? I can clearly picture my mom and dad, their personalities and all. But was that really them? Definitely not.

The same goes for Aureole, Korlin, and all of them. I haven't known them as long, we've had some heartfelt talks, but... how can I know for sure that was the real them? What if everything they've said to me has been a lie? I'm grateful to them, very much so, but if it turns out I'm just being used... If it turns out they all hate me... What will I do?

Nola's words sound a lot like Kynn. They even get me thinking the same way his words did. Kynn would probably say it's good if you don't know people fully.

I think that's terrifying.

"You sound a lot like him, you know?"

"Who, Kynn?"

"Mm."

"Hehe, well, I taught him everything he knows."

"That makes a lot of sense."

...Maybe I shouldn't think so hard. Just let good things happen.

A couple of fluffy hippos jump on top of me. I place one gently on my head, and it sprawls out comfortably. Cute.

"What are these things?" I ask. I pet one of their furs. Is this not just wool??

Nola springs to her feet, carrying three of the hippos in her arms.

"These are Alsian Bippies. Have you ever seen a bippie before?"

Bippie is a beautiful name, I must say.

"No. This is my first time."

"Hehe, most bippies around the world lack the fur the Alsian variants do. And since Alsi doesn't get too many visitors, most people have no idea these little guys even exist."

That could explain why Gary, my business partner, doesn't know about them. These bippies could be perfect for him to replicate my hoodie.

If you find any material resembling "wool", would you mind letting me know?

...

"Do you still participate in trade?"

"Yes, I sell the bippies' milk. That is my primary income source."

"Is it profitable?"

"Well... somewhat. I'm managing..."

"Have you ever thought of selling their fur?"

"I can't say that I have... the bippies need their fur to stay warm. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I know this guy back in Auretta. He's working on a new type of clothing, and this fur is exactly what he's looking for. He's struggled with business his entire life, so I was just wondering if you'd be interested in helping him out."

"Hm..."

"I'm technically his business partner, I can assure you he'd treat their fur with care. He's very passionate about his craft."

"Hm," she seems very interested. Her smile says it all. "What else can you tell me about him?"

"Oh, um... he lent me a place to stay when I had nowhere else to go. He's a big momma's boy. Um... he's also a big animal lover. He even named his manfi after himself."

Everything I said got a reaction out of her. They must have hit home for her. A wider grin spreads across her face.

"He sounds like quite the man... Give me a moment." She runs off toward the stable. She comes back with a pair of shears and carefully trims one of the bippies. She collects the fallen fur and places it inside a woven bag. "Here, next time you meet this man, give him this. If it is suitable, I'd very much like to share business with him. Have him send me a letter."

She hands the bag over to me.

"I will. Thank you, I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

"You like helping people, don't you?" she giggles.

"Uh..." I'm unsure of how to respond.

...Do I? I assisted Gary without even second-guessing myself. As if it were natural of me to do. Why did I do that? If Gary's business is successful, I will also gain profit. Do I do this for myself? I don't know...

Suddenly, the bippies begin to whine.

"Uh oh..." Nola sets down the bippies in her arms. "The bippies sense something... They usually only do this when hoarbanes are nearby. Maybe Kynn has returned with one?"

"Maybe..."

"I'll go get things ready. I need to tuck away my babies before the monster arrives."

Nola raises snow into the air again and brushes it against the bippies' backs. The bippies gather in a line and follow behind their shepherd.

"I guess I'll head out."

"Mm, it was nice to meet you, Sirius. It's not often I talk about my past. Thank you for letting me vent."

I wouldn't really call that a venting session... she just kind of shared her life story and ideals with me.

"It was nice to meet you too. Thank you for the fur."

I branch off from following her and leap over the fence.

"Bye, Sirius!"

"See you! Good luck!"

"Thank you!"

I wave goodbye and leave the woman to her bippies. Why do so many people thank me? I really didn't do anything.

Kynn will be here soon, I don't want to get in the hoarbane's path. I'm still a little sore from yesterday.

Should I go find Korlin...?

Nah, I'm sure he'll turn up.

Our conversation from last night enters my thoughts.

Why won't I forget things...?

Does Korlin want to keep his memories?

...I don't know yet. But if that's what you want to do, I'll give it my all to make sure you succeed.

Korlin and I are alike. That's what he told me. On some fronts we are. We contradict ourselves; we do things impulsively... we... are just like how Kynn and Nola explain how people are. Huh...

I don't even know why I want to keep my memories; has he decided to try and keep them yet? I suppose it doesn't matter, if he is trying to help me, he can decide when we arrive at the witch.

The witch... The map...

My purpose in coming here was to obtain the map that will lead to the witch. If I remember correctly, the king should have it in his possession.

It wasn't really clear to me before, but after forgetting if I had a dog or not... I'm on a time limit. I mean, I've known that but... I really don't have that much time. I should check my watch...

Oh, that's right... Aureole has it. How many seconds remain, I wonder?

I'm beginning to feel the pressure.

Should I go and ask the king for the map? Rawlin said to wait for him to arrive... but I'm growing slightly impatient.

"Where is that guy anyway...?"

Will he even show up? Or was that a lie?

...

I don't know... I don't know what I'm doing...

...

Maybe I should go find Korlin. He'll help me decide, right?

But where would he be...?

I start to walk around, hoping to stumble upon him.

Life around the outpost is rural and old-fashioned. Actually, all life in this world has been so far. Apart from the lavish mansion I now live in, everything is calm and quiet.

There isn't any advanced technology. No social media. No electronics.

It's peaceful.

I like it better this way.

But this place is just so... lonely. I feel exposed here.

Maybe once the hoarbanes are dealt with everything will be cheery. It'll be a bit less lonely.

As I wander around the main area, a distant rumbling rattles the walls of nearby buildings.

What is this? An earthquake? Are we on a fault line?

...

No.

That's not it at all.

Something is coming. Coming fast.

I run around toward the hole I patched on the wall yesterday.

It's completely fallen apart.

Did someone break through it? Why?

The rumbling is coming from beyond the walls.

I look out the busted hole in the wall.

...

A shadow is emerging from the haze.

A boyish figure, desperately trying to escape something.

The figure draws closer, and I realize who it is.

Korlin.

He's running.

But from what?

What has he been doing out there?

Another figure appears from the fog.

A massive, towering shadow.

No... he didn't.

He didn't go find their den... did he?

I can question it all I want... but the reality in front of me is...

The hoarbanes' mother is approaching.

...Can I trust you not to do anything rash?

...Maybe.

All I can think of is the question he asked me last night.

Do you think I can become someone admirable?