"How did I not know?! Keith, how long have you known?! When did you find out?! Who else doesn't know?!" Trace threw his arms around as he came to grips that his friend was suddenly someone else. "Why wasn't I told?!"
"Oh, calm down!" Natani hobbled into the room clutching her side. Trace's jaw dropped as he saw hi-her.
"Seriously, how did I not know?"
"Well, Keith has known for a couple months, since before we got to the Basitin islands. And Flora only found out yesterday. It's not been high on my list of priorities to make sure everyone who needs to know actually knows. And on top of that, I'm still the same Natani. Just a bit different now."
"That just- that's a rather important piece of information to not know about someone!" Trace said, blushing slightly. Natani laughed, and leaned against the wall.
"So, Lyn'Knoll?" she said, changing the subject. "When will we head out?"
Trace was still reeling from the revelation about Natani, and put his head in his hands. Flora smiled and put her arm around him. "We were hoping to leave today or tomorrow. We hope to leave the estate in Eric and Kat's capable hands, but if they don't want to stick around, Trace set up enough defenses it should still be standing whenever we come back."
"Thankfully none of us have too much to carry." Keith said. "A handful of sets of clothes, some camping equipment. Shouldn't take us too long to pack up. I'll go find Eric and have him come see you." With that, Keith left the room. Resounding silence filled the room as Zen awkwardly stood up.
"I should also get packed. I'll swing by your room to get your stuff too."
"Not on that leg." Natani took his side. "Kat might kill you if you don't get some rest. Maybe she can make a splint before we leave." Trace and Flora were once again left alone in their room as the two 'brothers' left. Going around the room, Trace began grabbing clothes for himself, then Flora. While he was doing that, Flora found their tent that had been packed away, as well as their bedroll and backpack.
"We're going to need more supplies. I'm glad I can get some fresh shirts, but I really don't have much else. If I made a list of things to pick up as we head through towns, what would you like me to put on it?" Trace asked.
"Definitely some heavier clothes." Flora glanced at the pile of clothes Trace had made. "It's only going to get colder from this point on, and those don't look thick enough for travel during fall. I'm not sure how long it'll take us to get there, but I'd rather we don't freeze at night. And no, you aren't 'hot enough' for the both of us." Trace laughed as he pulled a tattered coat from the closet. "Also, food. Natani and Keith did alright, but I doubt they want to go running through the woods ever day looking for dinner, especially since it's at least a six week trip." There was a small knock on the door.
"Trace? Are you in there?" Eric's voice came through the door.
"Come on in." Eric stepped into the room, and his eyes scanned the chaos of their packing.
"Leaving already?"
"As much as I'd rather stay, it's for the best. Things are changing, and the world is about to burst with chaos that I'd like to not be involved in. For not just my sake, but for hers." Flora blushed as she kept packing. "But without me, the estate will be largely unattended now that Rose is… now that she's truly gone. I'd like someone to be here to watch after things while I'm away." Eric suddenly realized what Trace was implying.
"Oh! You want me to stay here? In charge of the whole place?"
"Not just you. Kathrine would be welcome as well, as would Mike and Evals, if they are willing to put up with you still. I don't know how long I'll be gone, or if I will even be coming back. The Legacy Estate would be yours to use as you see fit until I returned."
"Trace, I- I'm flattered. Honored, even. I'd be happy to keep the place clean. Where are you heading, if I may ask?"
"Lyn'Knoll is our plan still. The… fiasco here hasn't changed our plans. If anything, it's made me more ready for something new. I'm happy to leave my old life behind me. I'm not who I was, and I don't plan to become that person again."
Eric smiled. "I'm glad you're happy. I'll keep things tidy, and Kat will be glad she won't be cooking all the time."
"Thank you. I'll be sure to say goodbye before we leave." That afternoon the estate was both quiet and still, but at the same time a flurry of chaos and motion. Keith collected his armor and searched in vain for Lynn and Madelyn, only to learn from from Kathrine they had left already. Zen and Natani collected their few belongings and Zen had Kat make a splint for his leg. Mike was happy to be given a job, but Evals was more reluctant. Eventually, he agreed, but said that he wouldn't be a slave or servant. That evening everyone was gathered in the lobby, as orange sunlight filtered through the windows. Zen had a wooden crutch he was leaning on, and Natani's bandages were freshly changed, with some spares in her bag. Keith's armor glistened, his sword hung by his side, always ready. Flora held onto Trace's arm as he carried their large bag. Between the five of them, four bags of equipment, tents, and weapons clanked and rattled.
"Keep that leg wrapped, and careful not to spar too hard for a few weeks, OK?" Kat was fussing over Zen's leg, pulling the bandages and checking how tightly they were wrapped. Evals and Mike were off to the side, just watching.
"From this moment, you have control over the magic protecting the estate. Use it however you please." said Trace.
"I'll keep the place standing for you while you're gone. Safe travels, friends." Eric said. Smiling, Trace opened the door, and led everyone out. Their journey was about to begin.