At the turning point of the afternoon, Lellia came to the last stretch of the path to her destination. Though she’d gotten a good night’s sleep, the hours of walking chipped away at her energy, along with being subjected to the inane ramblings, arguments, and speculations of her two companions. Vethirn had sent her the usually well-mannered dwarf, Beldroth, but perhaps as a cruel joke, he paired him with a particular elf – a loud, pompous Gildvar named Lossan. Together, on any occasion, the two catalyzed into the perfect antidote for the absence of headaches.

“I’m tellin’ ya, Lossan, he cut his damned ears to hide it – he’s a damned elf!”

“That’s ridiculous. One cannot simply hide being an elf,” insisted the Gildvar, a lanky arm reaching up to slick back a stray chestnut lock. “I assure you there are many other ways in which we’re lovelier than humans. And double that for dwarves.” A shrill, unpleasant laugh burst from his nostrils. Beldroth took his comment in good humor, a chuckle of his own escaping from his gut.

“Now watch it, ya skinny prick.”

“I meant it in the nicest way,” Lossan assured. “That said, I suppose he is quite old for a human. There’s no telling where he’s been and what he’s done.”

“Or where he is now, for that matter! Got this princess here to thank for that.” Beldroth patted Lellia on the back, the force of his blocky hands knocking her off-balance. She caught her step and leapt out of his reach, then twisted around to face the duo walking backwards.

“See what happens if you touch me again.”

“C’mon, we’re all pals here, aren’t we? Jokes and good fun, like old times.”

“It’s hardly ‘old times’ anymore.”

“Well, ya can’t always be stone-faced and pissy just ’cause things ain’t the same as they used to be. Now watch out.” Beldroth pointed forward to alert her of an impending collision with the door. She stopped, and the dwarf stepped around her, giving her a gentle push to the side. He fumbled with his keys, red nose scrunching and sniffling, then let his companions in first.

Once they made it to the basement, Gryntha opened the door, her eyes widening as she caught sight of Lellia. She stood stunned for a moment before stepping out and clicking the door shut behind her.

“What is this, now?” she asked, her shock restrained under a half-whisper.

“Supplies, as it were,” said Beldroth. “I think Vethirn’s cracking under pressure. He’s asked us to bring her to his room.”

“Straight to his room.” Looking their guest in the eyes, Gryntha made a motion as if flicking up an imaginary hood. Lellia obliged, having wanted to hide her face from the start. They were admitted into the foyer, where everyone was taking the opportunity to laze about while circumstances still allowed for it. More than a dozen crowded around the bar, curious and speculative whispers cropping up amidst their drunken racket as the trio passed by. Lellia gritted her teeth, keeping her eyes forward and her body tensed until they reached Vethirn’s room.

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“Oi,” shouted Beldroth, pounding at the door, “Supplies.”

“Just a moment.” The half-elf’s voice was groggy. After a longer wait than anticipated, he dismissed Lossan and Beldroth, inviting Lellia to step in. His room was a regretful sight: a cavern of stone bricks with only a singed, patched-up bedroll, a few bags of his clothing and gear, and a shelf containing five books salvaged from a much larger selection.

What gave her genuine, disheartened pause, however, was the absence of the various board games he’d collected from every corner of the continent, from unique chess boards to niche cultural diversions. It appeared, too, that from what was a sizable hoard, only his favorite set of dice remained. The pieces were made from the gray clay of a Drondaris riverbed; although he was only half Dronvar, Lellia knew him to harbor a bittersweet fondness for the part of his heritage that denied him.

“Glad you’ve made it,” he said, pulling her away from her thoughts.

“Yes, well, you left me with little choice. What’s all this secrecy about? Have you not told anyone I would be coming?”

“Of course not. I would look like twice the fool if you didn’t show up.”

“Understandable. And now that I have?”

A frantic knock sounded at the door, shaking it on its hinges.

“Vethirn, what’s going on? Who just walked in with Lossan and Beldroth?”

Nosy as always, thought Lellia, tucking away a smirk. She stepped aside, allowing Vethirn the space to tend to his burden. The two bickered at the door for a time until she managed to talk her way past him. She recognized Lellia in an instant; the light revealed a glimpse of her face from the shadow of her hood.

“Are these the sort of allies you risked your life to seek out?” Avara asked. “Truly, Vethirn? You say to trust you, but I’ve never found you less worthy of it.”

“You’ve given me no chance to prove otherwise.”

“You’ve led a traitor straight into our new home.”

“Give me a chance, Avara,” said Vethirn, his posture stiffening. “With none of your nitpicks, objections, or persuasions. And please don’t push me to make that an order.”

Lellia narrowed her eyes, regarding Avara and finding no fault in her concern. Her face hid none of her confusion, hurt, and exhaustion.

“I know it’s me you don’t trust, Avara,” Lellia chimed in, taking a slow step forward as she gestured to herself, “So don’t make it anyone else’s burden, even if it was his order. I’m right here to talk, if you need any reassurance.”

“I just… Why?” Avara asked. “Why did you leave us? We needed you.”

“A loaded question, and hardly a discussion for my first hour back. But I do suppose I owe an explanation. May need to dull my nerves a bit before I go and spill my heart out, but even then, I’m not sure I can make any promises.”

“Well, you haven’t changed a bit. At least I can give you that.”

“I’ll take whatever I can get.”

A weight was lifted, leaving behind a certain sense of relief. Not forgiveness, but understanding – which was a start. In spite of this, Avara’s grimace strained her face as if she were trying to swallow something sharp.

“I hope he’s right about you, and that you’re not planning anything.” Avara closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath before taking her leave. On her way out, she muttered, “Welcome back.”

A sly smile crept across Lellia’s face, growing by the second even amidst the pangs of uncertainty surging through her stomach.

“Please don’t give me that look,” said Vethirn. “I’ve seen it far too often lately. Your pack must be heavy – I’ll show you to your room.”

“Very well,” Lellia sang, hands in her pockets and a swing in her step as she followed him out.