“Since arcane stones are recharged in direct sunlight, and the mist obscures so much of it, I have to leave it up here every second of every day to collect as much light as possible. It's a bit difficult going without it, but I must in order to keep the barrier up.” Lena remarks, also admiring the shining stones. “I spent almost thirty years with this on my wrist, rarely taking it off for anything other than sleep and bathing. But it's necessary, as undead seem to be less likely to wander into areas that aren't covered in the mist. It's not a guarantee, but it every little bit helps.”

Still gazing at the bracelet, Zyra tries to find the words for how impressed she is. “It's... really amazing that you've been able to accomplish so much out here, where dangers could be lurking just beyond the fog at any second.”

“It looks like more than it feels, really.” Lena replies as her expression grows more grim. “I've been here for quite some time now, and I still feel like I'm contributing little to helping the Mistwalkers quell the miasma.”

“Do you regret it?” The young mage looks up to the chief, concerned about the older woman's doubts.

Lena shakes her head and gives a resolute answer. “No, I don't. It's hard work, maintaining this place and offering help to every Mistwalker who passes by, but it's important work. And important work is rarely easy. It's difficult to know for sure how much I'm helping, but I know, at the very least, I'm taking a small burden off the shoulders of every Mistwalker who passes through, and that's far more than what they would receive if I weren't here at all.”

“That's true.” Zyra nods in agreement, thinking about the fact that the group not only would have taken an extra day's rest if Terrance weren't fortified, but they also wouldn't be aware of the increased dangers that lie further north. Who's to say that they would even be alive right now if it weren't for Lena?

“Tell me, Zyra.” The chief turns the conversation around, taking the opportunity to be the one to ask questions. “Do you plan on continuing north tomorrow?”

The young mage furrows her brow, wondering how to voice the thoughts filling her head. “Last night, I was reconsidering my place in this journey. People who come this far usually are the ones who actually care to save Yhordran. Not that I don't care, but my original goal was to just improve my casting. Part of me feels like I should quit while I'm ahead because I'm not in the position to play hero.”

“And what does the other part feel?” Lena asks softly, encouraging the pyromancer to continue.

“The other part still wants to try.” Zyra answers with a hint of focused determination. “I can't abandon my team after we've made it so far already. And I can't know for sure if I'm not capable of stopping the mist if I don't try first.”

“I see.” The chief smiles, happy to see her young peer's resolute expression. “'Playing hero' – as you put it – isn't some sort of switch that can flicked at any instant. It isn't easy to come to the decision to risk one's life for a greater good. The thought strikes fear into most people. But the true call to action comes when you realize that your goal is more important than your fear, and that goes for any type of ambition one sets for themselves.”

Zyra silently agrees and momentarily resumes staring at the bracelet with six glowing stones in front of her. She admits to herself that she has no urgent personal reason to proceed north with the others now that she's improved her casting like she wanted, but she can't bring herself to leave them just when things are about become tougher. She also found herself moved at the altruistic motives of Veros, Royd, and Lena, who came forth and volunteered themselves for the harsh quest simply because someone needs to. Atticus's face also flashes in her head, and she silently acknowledges the importance of him being able to openly confess his inner turmoil like that, and admires his willingness to overcome his past. She couldn't bear to abandon him after such a tender moment.

“You said you received help on your casting by your Threcian teammate, Atticus, correct?” Lena suddenly starts a new topic.

The young mage swings her head up, surprised at the shift in conversation as if Lena could read her mind. “Uh, yes. Why?”

“Forgive me if this is too personal, but...” The elder woman shows a tinge of hesitance preceeding an abrupt question. “What is your relationship with him?”

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“Relationship?” Zyra repeats the word, perplexed and somewhat embarrassed by it despite having no reason to be. “What do you mean?”

“How close are you to him?”

“Well, he's...” She begins, thinking to last night's heartfelt talk, but her recollection of their evening at Rosemont also manages to intrude upon her mind. “ He's definitely the person I'm closest to in the group.” The pyromancer reluctantly states as if she were admitting to something humiliating. “Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering if you consider him trustworthy.” Lena gives a vague response.

Zyra ponders if the chief considers Atticus to be shady for some reason. She could understand why a normal person would think that when looking at him while he's dressed in his intimidating armor, but Lena is a well-read, six-stone mage who already knows what a Threcian royal guard looks like. Personally, Zyra had no reason not to trust the knight after the intimate moments they've shared in the past several days.

Lena continues. “You mentioned he was able to perform a silent incantation, as well. He must be quite adept at casting if he was able to do that while still being out of practice like he said he is.” She furrows her brow and narrows her eyes slightly, as if deeply considering something. “Well, it's nothing important for now. Is there anything else you wanted to ask?”

Zyra shakes her head. “No, nothing. You've really eased my mind about several things. I'm sorry to bother you with my small problems.”

“It wasn't a bother at all.” Lena reassures with a warm smile. “You're the first mage I've spoken to in a long time, let alone a student. It does make me miss the university.”

“Will you go back to teaching when this all ends?”

“I would like to.” The chief nods as an expression of wanting washes over her face. “Well then, shall we?” She beckons her young guest to follow her back down the stairs, and they return to ground level.

After exchanging short goodbyes, Zyra decides to return to the guesthouse to announce her decision to continue north with the others. When she arrives there, she sees all five men huddled around the fire pit as they were last night.

“Welcome back.” Veros is the first to greet her. “How'd your talk with the chief go?”

“She helped me out a lot.” The mage replies as she sits herself down on the only vacant stool left. “I've decided to continue north with you all.”

“Really?” Veros responds, surprised at the decision. “Can't say I expected it, but I'm glad you decided to join us. You're a valuable asset to the team. Kellar just told us earlier that he'd proceed north as well.”

“I don't really have much of a choice.” Kellar replies bitterly. “I still haven't found any loot worth taking back home, and I can't return empty-handed.”

Royd scoffs. “You'd just feel bad for leaving after making it this far. Admit it.”

“Quiet, you meathead.” The rogue fires back.

Veros continues, ignoring the short spat between the usual suspects. “We were just in the middle of discussing how to prepare ourselves for tomorrow. The best we came up with is to even out our own equipment by having everyone take a sword or shield if they lack one.”

“I don't have any experience with a sword, but I'm not against taking one just in case.” Zyra responds with confidence, but quickly turns her head in curiosity about how to make the plan a reality. “But where are we going to get extra swords and shields?”

“Erik ran into Vincent outside and apparently the Mistwalkers here who do the daily patrols along the road take back weapons and shields they come across on bodies, including knives, swords, and bows.”

“So you plan on asking Lena to spare us some of them?”

Veros nods. “That's the plan. Do you think she'd allow it?”

“After talking to her, I can't imagine she'd be the type to be overly stingy about it. Unless, of course, they don't have that many to spare to begin with.”

Kellar interjects. “So who's gettin' what, exactly?”

“You, Erik, and Zyra will get both a sword and shield.” Veros begins to list off the required equipment while pointing at recipients. “Royd will get just a shield, as his axe seems to be doing fine for him. I'll get a bow and quiver of arrows; it's been a while since I used one, but I should be fine after some practice shots. Atticus is the only person who doesn't need anything.”

“Sounds good to me.” Royd affirms his commitment to the plan.

“Do we know what kind of swords and shields they have, specifically?” Kellar asks.

“He didn't really go into detail.” Erik answers. “If they're simply picking up any usable equipment they come across on patrols, there could a huge variety, but there's no telling if they're any good until we examine them for ourselves.”

The bald rogue strokes his chin, pondering the possible choices. “Best case scenario, they have Legion equipment plucked from soldiers who bit it. But then again, they might want to keep those for themselves.”

“We shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch.” Veros interrupts. “We could get a rejection for any reason, or the equipment could be so terrible that they're not worth using. We should be be prepared to deliberate on a new approach if either of those things happen.”

“Right...” Kellar slumps his shoulders.

“When should we ask her?” Zyra inquires.

“We'll wait for dinner, where we can meet with her casually.” Veros answers. “Is everyone alright with that?”

“Aye.” Royd responds with a strong nod. Everyone follows suit in agreement. Now, they patiently wait for the early evening to approach Lena with their important request.