It was fall.

Hard to tell with the lack of windows in Harbone, but Heidi had to make do with her guesses. Plus, according to Gatlin—who did indeed patrol outside—the trees were turning red and leaves were falling. So, it was fall. Autumn was here.

She considered roping the Hewson children into one of the Joveson traditions to help her, but decided against it. It felt a little too personal. She didn't mean anything against the Hewsons, of course, but there were some family traditions she preferred to stay traditions.

"Pumpkin spice," Gwen suggested, when Heidi asked her what to do for the first day of autumn. "Amber and I always make pumpkin pies or coffee for the soldiers—always with pumpkin spice. It's fun."

"Sure, why not," Heidi said finally, nodding.

"Great!" Gwen perked up. She had been languishing about the boredom of being stuck in a citadel for ages now, even though she was two days away from getting sent to a different citadel as a medic. Heidi agreed with her, though. Harbone felt confining at some times, and even more so for her. Her, who had to stay here for her own safety.

Well, she had to make do with what she had. "Let's go," she gestured to Gwen, her almost-sister, and the two made their way down to the kitchen.