The morning sun poured golden light across Pompom Village, casting long shadows over the freshly rebuilt cottages and fields brushed with dew. Birds chirped overhead, and the faint smell of baking bread drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of wet soil and wildflowers.
Inside Maglina's Inn, the clatter of plates and soft hum of conversation filled the dining room as the group gathered around the long wooden table for a late morning lunch. Vaidya, still brushing dried mud from his boots, looked exhausted but alert. Ada sat across from him, her arms crossed loosely as she scanned the room.
"Is Hamad not joining us?" she asked, spearing a chunk of potato with her fork.
Maglina, who was busy pouring cider into a few mismatched mugs, shook her head. "He left early. Said he had some things to attend to before heading back to his group. Didn't say much else."
Ada huffed. "Convenient."
Maglina gave a slight shrug. "He does what he wants. But as far as I'm concerned, with the village nearly back on its feet, you can all finally focus on our own paths."
Solis glanced over to where Phill sat quietly next to Razille, chewing on a piece of bread, his gaze distant.
"Which brings us to the question," Vaidya said, "who's staying with Phill today?"
Razille raised a hand before anyone else could speak. "I will. I think it's time he got some peace. And maybe we can learn more about what they meant by 'key' and 'veil'."
Phill looked up at her and gave a shy nod.
With that settled, the others stood and made their way toward the quest board outside the inn. The freshly posted parchment fluttered lightly in the morning breeze.
Ada squinted at the list. "Hmm. Bandit patrol near the southern pass. Too routine."
Vaidya tapped a finger to one. "Someone's offering pay to help repair an old barn. Could use a few precise hands."
Solis picked a note sealed with a blue wax emblem. "Here. Courier work to Mailie Town. Letter for someone named Lerona. Sounds easy enough."
Maglina stepped out just then, wiping her hands on a cloth apron. "Oh, that letter's from Old Halen. He's been in the village a while. Sweet man. Doesn't talk much, but he's always paying on time."
Solis nodded and pocketed the sealed letter. "I'll make sure it reaches her."
With tasks chosen, the three split up. Ada headed east with her sword strapped firmly across her back. Vaidya took to the hills in the north. Solis saddled a borrowed mare and began the ride westward to Mailie Town.
---
The journey to Mailie was smooth and uneventful. The sun shone kindly, and the roads were lined with blooming sunberries and chirping finches. Solis took his time, stopping once to let the mare drink from a brook and again to share a handful of dried fruit with a passing peddler.
By mid-afternoon, he reached the familiar cobbled lanes of Mailie. The town was quiet, its warm brick buildings wrapped in ivy and accented with polished wooden signs. He asked for Lerona's residence and was directed to a small house nestled by the southern edge of town.
A woman, silver-haired with bright green eyes and a shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders, answered the door.
"You must be Lerona," Solis greeted.
"Yes, dear. And you are?"
"Courier from Pompom. I was asked to deliver this." He handed her the envelope.
Lerona's eyes widened slightly as she turned the letter over. Her fingers trembled as she opened it.
After a few moments of silence while she read, she smiled sadly. "Still writing in all capitals. That man never changes."
Solis tilted his head. "You know him well?"
"We're married," she said, her voice soft. "Halen and I... we lived here for decades. After our son's accident, we sent him away for care and Halen went to Pompom to earn extra coin. He didn't want to burden anyone here. Said he'd write once he saved enough."
Solis looked down, then met her gaze. "He misses you. You should visit when you can."
Lerona smiled gently, tears welling in her eyes. "I will. Thank you, young man. You've done more than delivering a letter. You brought a part of him home."
Solis nodded, touched by her words. He offered a small bow and turned to leave, his steps slower than before.
---
Before heading back to the main road, Solis took a detour toward the infirmary. The soft hum of magic and medicine greeted him as he stepped inside. Elizabeth stood over a table of dried herbs, sorting them into glass jars.
She looked up. "Solis. Been a while. How's the shoulder?"
"Better, thanks to you."
A familiar voice chimed in from behind a crate. "Don't forget to thank me too. I also helped you in your recovery when you fainted after the battle with that Omega Dire Wolf."
Solis turned to see Pearl standing there, arms loaded with cloth bandages and a small box of alchemy supplies.
"Pearl," he said, smiling. "What brings you here?"
"Picking up stock. Elizabeth always keeps the freshest poultices. Good for business."
"And for idiots who like to dive into trouble," Elizabeth added dryly, shooting a look at Solis.
He raised his hands. "Guilty as charged."
Pearl laughed, then adjusted the box under her arm. "Well, try not to need more of this next time. But if you do, at least come by and say hi before you get knocked out."
"Will do," Solis said, his grin returning.
As he stepped outside, the sun now beginning to lower toward the horizon, he felt a little lighter. The roads ahead were uncertain, but the bonds he carried—with Ada, Vaidya, Razille, even Pearl and Elizabeth—were solid.
He mounted up and began the journey back to Pompom, ready to face whatever came next.