The room seemed to shrink as they stood, walking slowly toward a small shelf lined with jars of preserved flora. Her movements were deliberate, the copper-red braid swaying against her back like a pendulum. She didn’t look at Resven as she spoke, her voice regaining that melodic, yet chillingly focused tint.

"Your Lord is a rare breed if he truly believes in the freedom of the gifted," she murmured, her back still turned. "But kindness can be a cage of its own. A gilded one, perhaps, but a cage nonetheless."

She turned back, her youthful face framed by the shadows of the room. "I will not be a bird in your Lord’s collection. If I am to move my life—and Torin’s—to his doorstep, the terms must be written in more than just coins." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Mhmm, very well. Whatever it is you wish, we will do it to the best of our abilities, we swear it upon the name of our Lord and his house." Resven stood and bowed, his solemn words hanging in the air.

"If I come, I will need an infirmary. Within its walls, my word is the only law. If your Lord or his commanders wish to speak to a patient or retrieve a soldier, they obey the rules. Second, I am a healer, and my first and foremost duty is to tend to the sick and the weak. If there is ever someone that needs me, I will heal them. If they be commoner of from noble houses."

Both men gazed at one another for a second before Keren stood forward, "Then it shall be done. We’ll be supplyin’ ye with lodgin’, coin, and the supplies needed for keepin’ our men... and others in need, healthy and treated. Ye’ll have what ye need to get the job done, and not a soul’ll be wantin’ for care on our watch."

"Very well, looks like we have come to an understanding," The lady replied, "My name’s Elspeth Vane and this is my protector - Torin Haldane."

"The name’s Keren Steelfell, and this old stiff is Resven Longsteed." Keren smiled brightly as he introduced the two of them, to which Resven only groaned.

"We’ll be leaving at dawn, meet us at the Iron Tankard," Resven said with a nod, his eyes falling onto the lady named Elspeth.

It was not long after that when they said their goodbyes, and the two men left.

Standing alone in the dim light, Torin walked to her side, his eyes remaining on the door, "El... are you sure this is a good idea? We don’t even know of this so-called House Osric?" he questioned, concern flickering in his eyes.

"That is exactly why... we’ve been living in this city for almost 6 months and we know of every house in the region, yet one like this finds us first and comes to our doorstep, wanting a healer." she continued, turning to face Torin.

"I don’t want to continue living in the dark shadows of the cities anymore. We’ve been on the run for four years already, and Balsamore hasn’t given up yet. It’s only a matter of time before he finds us in the city."

"Then why not go to House Morvayn, they would gladly welcome a member of the Order into their ranks, and they would be able to shield you!" Torin argued, his voice raised slightly as he continued, "Why turn to a House that may not even have the strength to protect you!"

"Can Godarwin?" She looked up at him with a sad expression, "Only the royal houses can protect us, but even they would have to think twice about protecting us. At least, at an obscure house, we will be able to continue with living... even if my wish is to return to the light... I may never be able to."

"El..." Torin’s voice softened, his words trailing off as he took her hand in his, "I will never allow them to harm you, and one day... You will be able to step into the light and lift your head on high once more."

He promised as he stepped forward.

"Torin..." Elspeth smiled softly, bitter but sweet. She stepped closer and with a reach of her hand she pulled his head down, her lips meeting his...

***

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Bramm was seated on the porch, smoking, when the heavy footsteps of someone approached him. "We have done what we could, Chief. Three of them have advanced to True Red, which is... well, it’s a glimmer of light in an otherwise messy trek."

A soft, irritated groan escaped her lips. Standing before Bramm with her hands on her hips.

"But we’ve also come back with some light injuries. A pack of Forest Wolves thought it wise to ambush us on the way back. Clumsy beasts, truly, but they managed to snag a bit of skin before we put them down."

"Mhmm, well done. You did well. Get something to eat, get some rest, you’ll not be hunting tomorrow. The others should be returning tomorrow or the day after. I want you to welcome them with your team." Bramm nodded, satisfied.

Adara, ever since she had been summoned, had been nothing but a headache to Bramm, teasing him, pestering him for something to do. She either wanted to spar or to go hunt some beasts. Well... between the constant teasing she kept on doing.

Adara turned to descend the steps, but paused, her fingers trailing lightly along the wooden railing. She looked back over her shoulder, a knowing, honeyed smile playing on her lips as she watched him through the haze of his pipe.

"Rest? Truly, Chief? After such an... invigorating hunt, I find I have far too much energy left to simply tuck myself away." She took a slow, deliberate step back toward him, her voice dropping to a silken, teasing lilt. "I had hoped you might be the one to help me spend it. A little moonlit sparring, perhaps? Or is that pipe the only thing you intend to keep your hands busy with tonight?"