Hal held her hand over her eyes to block the sun as an unexpected, wooden structure came into view. It looked like a fortress, steady and strong despite being made only of lumber. But she did not see a lot of opportunities for stone or hardened clay, like they had on Illium, where they had plentiful options. She could just barely gauge the peaks of buildings on the other side of the intimidating wall.

"A precaution, after the war," Albriech explained, ushering his horse forward to stand beside hers.

"It's brilliant," Hal said quietly, thinking of how exposed the Tenari were. And they certainly had better resources at their disposal. "Although, I'm sorry it came at such a cost to you and your village."

The brothers muttered quiet acknowledgments, and it was clear that it was still very much a sore spot for them, just as it was for Hal regarding Illium and Uden. There was something about watching your home being invaded mercilessly that changed a person. Especially when you felt like your best efforts were not enough to protect it.

Murtagh brought Levi up to her horse, Shadow, and reached over and took one of her gloved hands in his, lifting it to his lips. His eyes asked her, Are you okay? Hal nodded, giving him a gentle smile as they finally approached the gate. It was not guarded as Hal first expected. Although, the more she thought about it, the more she realized it would be futile. Just like in her village, their small population meant people were always needed to help pull their weight elsewhere. They could not simply afford to sit around doing nothing. But she wondered if Roran felt differently after the attack on the capital.

"It doesn't look like anyone's on duty," Baldor commented, glancing around. "Follow me."

He urged his horse forward, Hal, Murtagh, and Albriech following. Hal wasn't sure what she expected beyond the walls, but did not know if she was surprised or relieved to find nothing except more trees and snow-covered ground. There was no sign of another living soul anywhere —

"Welcome, weary travelers!"

They'd barely made it two steps in when a voice called out to them. They turned to find Roran walking towards them, nothing but smiles as he approached with two small children in his arms. The oldest couldn't have been older than five or six, with dark curls and a nervous thumb in her mouth as she rested against Roran's shoulder. The other was a fidgeting infant, that seemed to pay no heed to the fact that he was being carried under Roran's arm like a sack, squirming and laughing as he tried to escape.

Baldor and Albriech shouted in delight, dismounting first to hug their friend. Hal and Murtagh shared a smile before climbing down, patiently waiting for the three men to catch up before approaching.

"I saw Thorn pass overhead not too long ago and figured you all must be close. Hal, Murtagh, welcome to my home," Roran said, and Hal knew for sure that his spirit being in Carvahall was much different than when he was in the city. There was something disarming and warm about his demeanor, how his eyes seemed bright despite what he had witnessed only months before. In Ilirea, he had been Roran Stronghammer, earl and soldier. But here, he could be Roran Garrowsson, father and husband. Hal then ached for her home with such ferocity, so that she could have the same comforts that he had clearly felt since returning.

"Thank you for having us," Murtagh said.

"I trust your travels went well. And all was well in Gil'ead. Hopefully Lord Farst didn't give you too much trouble."

"I think he was on much better behavior," Murtagh admitted. "Although perhaps that is because he realizes now that Hal knows how to wield a sword."

They all grinned, Roran himself laughing as he said, "Good, good." The little one in his arms let out a shriek of frustration and Roran muttered, "Oh, all right," before setting the child down. "Baldor, could you keep an eye on —"

The boy took off, laughing and squealing with no apparent destination in mind. "I've got him," Baldor said quickly, lunging for the boy before he got too far.

Roran shook his head, hardly concerned. "My youngest, Ro. He just started walking a few weeks ago and has been impossible to keep in one place for long."

"He's adorable!" Hal exclaimed, feeling a smile being pulled out of her as Ro waved at her, she waved back, and he giggled. She straightened and looked at the girl, who, upon catching Hal's gaze, buried her face in Roran's neck. "And who is this shy one here?"

"My eldest, Ismira. I admit, I did not know she was capable of being so quiet."

"Oh, she just doesn't know us yet." To Ismira, Hal said, "Hello, Ismira. My name is Hal."

When the girl didn't respond, Roran said, "Come now, don't be rude. Say hello."

The girl mumbled a pained, "Hi," before hiding her face completely.

"Well, she never stays so quiet for long," Roran continued, unperturbed. "You all must be tired. Hal and Murtagh, I can show you to your rooms if you'd like to rest. I hope you don't mind staying with Katrina and I. We have just enough bedrooms to accommodate."

"Oh, Murtagh and I can share," Hal said without thinking. And Roran gave her a surprised look, that she quickly interpreted and realized what she had implied. "No, wait…sorry." She quickly stopped herself from saying they had done it before, and instead said, her face hot as a fire, "We, uh, we got…married. A little over a month ago."

Roran's expressions shifted from surprise to genuine delight so quickly that it made her want to sink into the ground. Although she was not embarrassed that she was married, it did not come as naturally to say aloud. In fact, she realized, this was her first time saying it at all.

"Try to contain yourself, iet dunei," Murtagh deadpanned. "We are in public."

"Oh, shut it you."

Roran visibly relaxed, chuckling as their quip disarmed even him. "Well, in that case, congratulations to you both. Katrina, was preparing a hearty meal for your arrival, so that will give us more to celebrate."

"Oh, she shouldn't have to go through such trouble —" Hal began.

"It's all right, Hal. I assure you she will be delighted to hear the good news. She's so excited to meet you both, and she'll be even more excited to welcome you into the family. Besides, in times like these, it's important to be able to recognize moments such as this."

"Thank you," Hal said, her voice low. But she was pleased, happy even, to hear such words.

"Katrina's out at the moment — hence, why the children are with me — but she'll be back this afternoon so you can meet her." Roran said, turning back towards the way he had come. "Come. I'll show you where you'll be staying so you can get cleaned up and rest. Feel free to let Thorn know we're about a half a mile north, just over the hill here if he'd like to meet us there. I take it he's out hunting?"

"Aye," answered Murtagh. "He enjoys tracking the mountain game."

"As do I!" Roran retorted with a deep laugh.

Hal was relieved to be spared from further human interaction for the time being. She wanted nothing more than to rid herself of her travel clothes and take a fresh bath. Baldor and Albriech walked them partway before they went off separately to surprise their mother and father with their visit. Hal knew better than to ask if they would be joining for dinner, but already she missed their company. While she was grateful to Roran for the open invitation, she could not pretend that they were truly that close. These next few days would truly be a test to see if they could all make this work.

Roran lived deeper in the woods than Hal would have guessed, the feeling of isolation growing stronger, with no other homes or neighbors nearby that Hal could see. However, there was nothing menacing about it. Perhaps it was simply Roran's company or the fact that Hal liked the Spine, but it felt peaceful and quiet. A large contrast to the constant noise of the city. In fact, she realized just how loud Ilirea had been by comparison, and she began to relax until they approached the wooden structure that was Roran's home. Hal actually paused and blurted, "Oh."

It was a beautifully simple structure, made of logs each perfectly shaped and cut so that the finish was smooth. Hal just knew she could run her hands along the beams and not contract a single splinter. It was two-stories with a wide front porch, which held two rocking chairs, the size of adults, and two smaller ones. It struck her so suddenly, the thought that Roran had built this hut with his own hands for his family. And how proud he must have been to unveil it to his wife and children.

"You built this yourself, Roran." It wasn't a question, but still he nodded, his ears slightly pink with humility.

"It's not much —" he began.

"It's lovely," Hal added gently, giving him a knowing smile. "My childhood home looked a bit like this. My father built it."

It was all she said, but a knowing silence passed between her, Roran, and Murtagh as she quietly let her eyes roam over the structure with a pang of longing and jealousy. Without realizing it, her hand went to her chest, her nails digging into the tissue of her breast where her heartache began to feel so strong that it was as though she had to massage it back into place.

"Hal?"

She blinked, looking up into Roran's expectant face and realizing she had been standing in a mournful silence for several beats too long. She gave him a wan smile that revealed nothing of the turmoil in her mind and said, "Shall we?"

The tour was brief, but Hal was happier for it. It felt nice to be inside a simple, clearly loved home. When Roran left Hal and Murtagh alone in the room where they would be staying in, Hal dropped onto the bed. They set their bags down at random on the floor, too tired to sort through anything at the moment. Murtagh crossed his arms and leaned against the dresser, raising his chin a bit as he appraised Hal carefully. "Is everything all right?"

Pulling off her boots in silence, Hal shook her head, regretful of having soured the mood so quickly. After a few moments, she began to speak. "Do you ever have those moments of unexpected clarity where it's as if your mind and all you've endured is suddenly catching up to you? Like you could just be going about your day, minding your own, and without warning your thoughts remind you of all the terrible things that have happened to you?"

Murtagh grunted knowingly.

"That's all it was," she continued. "My mind saw this place and immediately I was a little girl again. I want so badly to only remember the good things. To not hurt so much when I think back of what life used to be like. But it's like my mind won't let me. Like no matter what I do, I have to punish myself for being the one to live."

Murtagh sat down beside her and the movement startled her enough that she took a sharp breath, suddenly coming to as if she had been in a trance. Hal pressed her lips together to hide how they quivered with emotion. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it firmly.

"What happened to you is not something that will fix itself overnight," he began, his voice low so that it did not carry. "Especially considering you've cut yourself off from it up until some months ago. It's okay if it still feels raw. It's okay if it still hurts."

"Don't you ever feel it though? Especially now with your mother or before, with Tornac and Denu? All those moments that remind you of them or the memories you have of them. And some days it just guts you all over again, no matter how much time has passed? I don't even think it was so much the trauma of what I saw on Uden. It was the reminder that my father was so proud of his home because it was a symbol of his labor and love. And the fact that I no longer have that but Roran and his children do…"

She cut herself off before she could finish, a bit of shame making her face hot as she decidedly stared down into her lap. "You of all people should know that I am the last person who will judge you on being angry with others who have something you want. It is a hard, painful truth to swallow. But I know your heart is always in the right place. You don't have to hide your feelings, even if they are shame, from me. Not ever."

Hal nodded, the lump in her throat swelling painfully. "I know."

He kissed her temple before climbing back to his feet. "I'll get your bath started, it'll help you relax."

Before he could move, Hal reached out and took his hand, still cold from the outdoors despite the gloves he had worn. She pulled him towards her so that she could kiss his knuckle, her way of thanking him knowing he would not accept any verbal gratitude. She soon released him, looking up to find his expression gentle and warm. He leaned down, bracing one arm on the bed as the other cupped her cheek. Hal closed her eyes before she felt his touch, and his kiss was as soft as she expected. She felt at ease by it, comforted. I am here, it said.

By the time they both washed up and had changed into more proper attire, they could hear two mature voices coming from downstairs, a man and a woman's. Hal and Murtagh shared a look, the door to their room still closed for privacy as they took the final moments to gather themselves. Hal had forgotten until then what this must mean for Murtagh too. A chance to get to know a member of his family. Something that had been denied to him all his life. He took her hand and she gripped it firmly before he led the way back down.

The creaking of the wood under their feet gave their presence away, and both Roran and Katrina looked up at the same time as Murtagh and Hal entered the kitchen. Inside, it was warmly lit, Roran sitting at a small table pushed up against the wall, his sleeves rolled up as he skinned a basket of potatoes, a mug of ale within arm's reach. At his feet was Ismira, drawing with a piece of colored wax and looking wildly more comfortable than she had before. Katrina stood at the counter in front of a medley of vegetables that were quickly forgotten when she spotted them.

Katrina let out a noise of surprise and excitement as she locked eyes with Hal, quickly wiping her hands on her apron before rushing forward. "Oh, Hal, it's so wonderful to meet you!" The young woman took Hal's hands in hers. "Welcome to our home. I know it's modest — it's certainly no palace — but I hope you have found everything to your liking so far."

"It's better," Hal assured her. "Much better. Believe me. I am not accustomed to palace living by any means. Your home is lovely, Katrina. Murtagh and I can't thank you enough for having us."

Katrina beamed at this before turning then to Murtagh. "And Murtagh, I can't tell you what an honor it is to finally meet you as well. I'm delighted you're here."

"You are too kind, Katrina," he said formally, almost as if this were a political meeting rather than a familiar one. "As Hal said, I'm grateful to you and Roran for hosting us."

"Well don't let me keep you both standing." She turned away from them, gesturing towards the table where Roran sat. There was only one other chair, but Katrina said, "Darling, can you grab an extra chair from the dining room. Hal, Murtagh, please feel free to sit and rest. I know you both must still be exhausted from your travels."

"Absolutely not." Hal stepped towards the counter as she said this, Murtagh already rolling up his sleeves with the same idea. "How can we help. Neither Murtagh nor myself like being idle so please, whatever you need just let us know."

"I couldn't possibly ask our guests to —"

"It's all right Katrina," Roran assured her with a broad smile. "Besides, with more hands on deck, the sooner we can all relax and eat."

At her husband's gentle but firm reassurance, Katrina relented, tasking Hal to help her chop the vegetables while Murtagh and Roran continued to skin the potatoes. Roran then spoke up and said, "Katrina was just telling me some good news. The traders got in late last night in town. You arrived just in time, you're in for a real treat."

"Traders?" Hal asked.

"Like the merchant stalls we saw in Teirm," Murtagh clarified. Hal looked over at him as he added, "Only they travel to remote towns with their goods so that people can still get what they need when they're too far out from any major cities to do so."

"Do you deal with these traders often?" Hal looked to Roran with her question. "Because, in case Murtagh hasn't told you, my first dealing with merchants didn't end on the high note I was hoping for."

Roran scratched the back of his head bashfully. "Ah, he may have mentioned something about that."

"What happened?" Katrina asked, looking back at Hal and Murtagh curiously.

"A dessert stall was actually a set-up for slavers," Murtagh stated, his eyes daring down to Ismira as he said the word slavers, clearly uncertain if it was appropriate to say near her. However, the child paid the adults no mind, her wax scratching across her parchment, the wood underneath the page adding a unique texture to her drawing. "They were apparently in the business of…err…taking women."

Katrina's face paled in horror. "That's awful. Were you hurt? Did they catch the people responsible?"

"We were both lucky," Hal said, her tone easy-going to ease the woman's obvious concern. "Murtagh and I were both able to defend ourselves. And they did get the men responsible, although we had to flee before we learned what happened to them. We didn't want them to catch Murtagh just yet."

Katrina's hand went over her heart in sympathy. "That sounds so frightening. I'm glad you're both all right." She looked to Roran. "We've certainly never had issues like that with the traders who come to Carvahall — and many return year-after-year so we know them quite well. I think you will have a much more positive experience than you did in the city."

"Well that certainly sounds promising," Hal said. "Truthfully, I wouldn't mind trying another dessert stall…"

Murtagh chuckled. "We will find you a dessert stall, iet dunei."

Once everything had been prepped and Hal's services were no longer needed, she lowered herself to the floor by Ismira, who had remained largely quiet. She peered over at the girl's paper, smiling at an image the resembled mountains, trees, and a river cutting in between, and a small girl standing under the sun. "May I ask what you're drawing?"

Ismira didn't immediately respond, and Hal could tell she was getting shy again. Not one to be deterred when it came to children, Hal leaned forward and pointed. "Is that you? She has the same pretty hair."

A slow nod.

"Do you mind if I draw with you? I like to draw too."

Another shrug. Hal took that as she always did with kids and grabbed a spare piece of parchment and a piece of black wax and got to work almost immediately. "What are you drawing?" Ismira asked suddenly.

Hal wrapped her arms protectively around her paper. "No peeking, it's a surprise."

"But you peeked at mine!"

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Hal picked up her paper and scuttled on the floor until her back was to the girl. Then she looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out, hiding a grin as the girl's eyes widened then brightened at the taunt. Over the next few minutes, Ismira kept trying to sneak looks over Hal's shoulder. The more Hal would loudly protest, the more emboldened the girl became, driven first by curiosity, then by Hal's exaggerated reactions. Soon enough, their little game dominated any and all conversation as Ismira took to hiding in random spots around the kitchen in hopes of sneaking up on Hal.

"I know she's here somewhere," Hal proclaimed loudly, looking around the kitchen. She looked over at Murtagh, pretending not to notice that the girl was hiding behind his legs. "Have you seen, Ismira?"

He shook his head. "Not at all." But when he tried to cross his legs, the girl shouted, "No!" then yanked his leg back down. Roran snorted into his drink.

"Did you hear something?" Hal asked, looking at Katrina. "I could've sworn I heard her just now."

"I haven't heard a thing," Katrina said, shooting her daughter playful wink. The girl giggled.

"There it is again." Pretending to be stumped, Hal held her chin in her hands. "What a shame. And I had just finished my drawing. I could finally show it to her after she's been so patient."

"Wait, wait! I'm here, I'm here!" She crawled through Murtagh's legs and ran to Hal. "Here I am!"

Hal jumped. "Good heavens, I didn't even see you there."

"I want to see your drawing!"

Holding it behind her back, Hal made a face of hesitation. "I don't know…it's not my best work. I'm a little rusty."

"PLEEEASE!"

Hal grinned. "Well since you asked so nicely…"

She unfolded her sketch. Ismira frowned. "This side is blank."

"No, it's not; that's my picture."

Quiet chuckles throughout the room.

"I can see the lines on the other side," the girl said with a knowing smirk.

"Clever, clever." Hal turned the picture around. "There. What do you think?"

The little girl gasped, her eyes going bright. "It's me!" The girl took the paper as Hal offered it, then spun around to Katrina. "Look, mama, she drew me!"

Katrina glanced at the paper and her mouth fell open. "Hal…oh my goodness, this is beautiful. Roran, look at this."

He was already on his feet, curious after Katrina's reaction. Hal beamed humbly from her spot on the floor as his eyes widened in delight. "Heavens, Hal. You have a natural talent."

She scratched the back of her head. "Thank you. I don't often draw people, I admit, so they're a tad trickier for me. But I spent a lot of time sketching wildlife growing up, so I picked up on it eventually."

"What do you say to Aunt Hal?" Katrina asked her daughter.

Hal's heart skipped a beat, feeling a dizzying bit of delight at the title. But it was nothing compared to when Ismira took back her paper and rushed towards Hal, throwing her tiny arms around her neck. "Thank you, Aunt Hal!"

Stunned, it took her a few moments to respond. She wrapped her arms around the child's small body, taking this small moment for herself. "You are so very welcome."

Dinner was a delightful affair. Hal and Murtagh insisted on helping set the table while Roran helped Katrina with the finishing touches. Ismira had attached herself to Hal for the time being, passing the utensils as Hal set them neatly. After the food was put out, Roran took his spot at the head of the table, and Katrina sat at the other end, Ro strapped into a chair with legs tall enough to sit evenly with his mother so that she could feed him. Murtagh sat to Roran's left, and Hal to his right, with Ismira beside her. The food was delicious, with everyone going in for seconds, and the wine flowed for much the evening and into the night. So quickly and easily did it feel like they had done this dozens of times before.

"I would like to make a toast," Katrina exclaimed suddenly after topping everyone off. They all raised their glasses, following her lead. She looked each person in the eyes before continuing. "I may not be supposed to say this, but when Roran first received his summons for Murtagh's pardon, I admit that we were both unsure of what to expect. And, forgive me for saying, but I think there was a bit of skepticism as well.

"But when Roran returned, his tune had changed completely. He admitted that he did not know if he had gotten through to you, Murtagh. He was so worried that perhaps he had not left the impression he hoped. So, when we received your letter that you would like to take him up on his invitation to visit, we were both so excited. Neither Roran nor I have any blood relatives left here in Carvahall, and family is so important to us. I hope it is not too forward of me to assume that you both understand this sentiment."

Hal was surprised. She had known Roran had no family left — except Eragon, of course — but she hadn't realized the same held true for Katrina. Perhaps that would explain her eagerness to meet Murtagh and Hal. She shook her head, grinning. "It's not too forward at all."

Katrina breathed into a wide smile. "I know there's still so much we don't know about each other. But I'm so grateful to have you both here. I look forward to all that is to come as we grow our families."

Hal's face suddenly went hot as Roran said, "Cheers!" She and Murtagh quickly followed suit, glasses clinking loudly together. She briefly caught his eye, and the expression on Murtagh's face made hers burn even hotter.

After they finished their meal and drinks, Hal and Katrina were washing dishes side-by-side — Roran and Murtagh were on the front porch sharing a pipe while Ismira met Thorn — when Katrina said, "I realize it was wildly presumptuous, during my toast, to assume you and Murtagh would have children. I hope I did not cause offense."

Hal felt the heat return to her face and she quickly shook her head. "No, not at all."

"Oh, good. I think I was caught up in the moment. I've always liked the idea of a big family, especially since mine was so small and…often lonely, I admit."

Hal swallowed nervously, then dove in. "I didn't realize you had no blood family left. I am sorry to hear it."

Katrina's face grew heavy. "Aye. My mother died when I was young, my father a few years ago, during the war. They had no siblings, nor did I, and I never knew my grandparents. My father and I only had each other, and unfortunately that put a difficult strain on our relationship. Especially when Roran courted me. I hate that he died before we could make amends. I know he would have loved Ismira and Ro with his whole heart."

Hal's throat grew thick. In all her concerns of having kids, she had never thought of what they would grow up without. That notion shook her, making her throat feel tight. "I understand. I wish neither of us knew this feeling. But I do understand."

Katrina stiffened, then nodded glumly. "I'm sorry too. I wish it got easier, but…"

"It never does," Hal finished. Katrina's eyes had turned red, her expression both grieving and grateful, and Hal shot her a small smile, reaching out to take her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. Katrina's expression softened.

"You were wonderful with Ismira, by the way," she added.

"I spent much time with children back home," Hal explained, slightly embarrassed yet pleased. "You could say I have a soft spot for them. Their antics are full of such wonder and innocence. It almost never fails to bring a smile to my face or ease my worries if I can hear a child laugh. In a way, it's a signal to me that, so long as they still find joy in the world, then everything is okay. And I'll be okay too."

Katrina gazed at Hal with newfound respect and sadness. "Aye. I like that very much."

They finished the dishes in a more relaxed silence, listening to the men on the porch as their laughter became louder, more distinct. Hal felt herself breathe properly for the first time in a long time as she let that sound cradle her for the rest of the night.