"I am Sein, the Light of Peace and wisp of Nibel. Be not afraid, acolyte."

Kii took such long seconds to fully digest that it was an actual wisp, one of the seven lights beyond Seir before his eyes. Kii didn't know how to answer this honor. Her voice is calming, her mere presence is, but something in her is also burning with rage.

"Are you here to kill me?"

"No, elder one. I wish to understand and learn. The last thing I want is to vanquish uncorrupted lifeforms in this place. As my companion stated, we are also here in search of two children. One of light, and one of shadow."

Leapers began to prowl too close for comfort thanks to Sein attracting them. Ario moves to deal with them as Sein requires this time to commune with Kii. "I will deal with them. Excuse me."

Kii observes Ario leaving until he is no longer visible in the fog. Sein notices it. "I apologize if my companion scared you, firing the arrow was never his intention."

Kii was still irritated, even if he didn't completely fear for his life, the leaper's noises changing from hissing to distant, dying cries do make Kii tense. "There is no need to explain. If this hunter wanted my head he would have made it so already."

"I assure you my companion is not a hunter of any kind, but profissient with the spirit arc. We are also tense. This place is nothing I have ever seen before."

Kii tries to calm down, breathing slowly and deeply. "I understand, yet bow wielders like him…" Kii seemed to grunt. Sein would perhaps have difficulty in earning any fragment of trust at that rate. Despite the thousands of years on her back, fate never ceases its challenges. Sein shifted to her wisp form, her true self, considerably reducing her powers and defenses and appearing much less intimidating in return. Kii did not remember if he had ever seen Seir in this form once in his lifetime. A little sphere of light, so friendly looking, glowing in gentle blue. A good strike in its true form can hinder wisps greatly, for lengthy periods even. But their immortality denies them death. Kii does think about it, but the thought is as wild as considering why a wisp would be so far away from their seat of power. Kii dismisses the thought, climbing back up to stand with the aid of his walking stick.

"I believe both of us want to learn, Light of Peace. You left your tree for your lost ones?"

"Yes," Sein replied without hesitation. "The children we spoke of are truly special to me. I partook in this trip to converse with my sister in case she denied my children their return. However, things here are far too dire to ignore. If you could enlighten me, even if only a little, I would be deeply thankful."

"You fear Seir has gone missing?"

Sein takes long seconds before replying. "I fear for those she should protect."

Kii is intrigued. Sein's mere presence cannot be taken lightly and he saw an opportunity. Through the years, Kii also dedicated himself to writing events of Niwen's history on parchment. Scrolls that someday could be useful to someone. There is no denying Sein can shake things, and if she is an ally… then maybe there could be a new hope for Howl to live in much lush grounds.

Kii takes a moment before putting his thoughts into words, "A wisp that denies duty for love. I never imagined a day like this would arrive. You take an enormous risk in leaving your land and worry for us." Kii makes a tribesman gesture of respect. "I am Kii, the last of the Noy tribe."

Sein shines a little bit. "Thank you, Kii. I rejoice to know I can learn with your help."

"Hey, we should be good for a while." Ario returns with no weapon in hand.

"Welcome back. Ario, this is Kii. Kii, this is my companion and protector, Ario." Sein introduces themselves.

Kii makes the same gesture he just did to Sein, and Ario returns the same way. "Thank you for granting us a chance."

Kii nods. It is not surprising a wisp at least has one protector at its side. It eases Kii that Sein is not entirely crazy about risking herself here on her own. Additionally, Kii shows to have difficulty being comfortable in Ario's presence. Adult guardian spirits have not been friendly or tolerant for who knows how long Kii could recall, especially the bow users. And Sein notices it.

"There is much, much to tell," Kii began. "However, not here. We shall retreat to our hideout."

"Our?" Sein was joyfully intrigued. "Could that mean you live with a shadowborn?"

Kii doesn't deny her but feels likewise intrigued by her interest, while the archer looks uneasy. Howl will not react kindly to this. Could be a huge risk, but one Kii had to take. Howl required any assistance possible. Wisps are capable of healing and Kii had to consider the source of Howl's ailment. Decay cannot be truly healed with medicinal teas. So, breathing deeply, Kii put himself to speak, "I require a favor from you, Sein. A plea."

Sein hovers forward. "As you wish. What would you have me do?"

"In my place lies a boy I raised. Right now, disabling toxins run in his veins from an encounter with Decay. I was out to find medicine but being truthful, my hopes are slim."

Ario shares a sympathetic look and Sein is more than inclined to solve things involving Decay. "Your efforts did find a cure, Kii. Take me to your child. I will ensure Decay is dealt with." She replies and Kii nods in gratitude.

"And after that, Kii, will you help us find our lost?" Ario inquired, and Kii was confident in this regard. Kii had what this archer wanted. Even if events of the past made it fairly difficult to tolerate his presence, Kii would not be bitter like Howl and not blame Ario for anything.

"Of course, archer. I suspect you will be pleased with what I have to show. Follow me. There is much to do."

Minutes passed since Kii began guiding Sein and Ario to a safe place to talk. Ario kept the guard up at all times. The environment does not allow any sort of easiness to manifest in any way. With Sein saving energy, the attraction of the enthralled wild-life reduced considerably, but Ario could still hear the murmurs of hisses and winds blowing on the fog around. Claws scratching on stone. The scenery never gets better or more lively, keeping the dark landscape no matter how far they traversed. Before long, they reach the place. A cave with an entrance large and wide for creatures of incredible sizes to enter and leave. Ario keeps an alert stance but does not hear much coming from the cave, feeling tense that maybe a shadowborn lives within. Ario and Sein stop before the entrance as Kii awaits them to approach.

"Hey," Sein called. "Thank you for keeping watch. Decay presences don't seem to gather here, so you may breathe easy."

"Can't help it much, you know? This place creeps me out. And the possibility of fallen shadowborn living here is even worse."

"Be calm. Like Kuro, I know how dangerous they can be and I can deal with them."

"A word of caution," Kii spoke, especially to Ario. "You two won't be fully welcomed by Andronius, my boy. But do not be discouraged. I vow to not let him hurt you as long as you don't summon your weapons."

"Andronius," Sein repeated, realizing what she was dealing with. "A name inspired by The Nightweaver, Entronius."

Listening to that, Ario became tenser. While Kii was amused. "Oh? I did not know wisps are fond of our deity."

"I admire much of the arts The Nightweaver is capable of. And likewise, I have a bit of a liking for the beasts touched by it. We will seek no conflict with the shadowborn, Kii. We swear it."

Ario looked at Sein a little curious. "I didn't know that. Even Kuro?"

"Why, she was a beautiful creature. And what not to admire in the complex art of nature with the shadowy touch of a deity? Her colors were vibrant even in the dark."

"Still, you know the threat they can pose… You're trying to talk like Seip and see beauty in nearly everything?"

Sein shines a little bit. "Isn't it better that way?"

"Apologies," Kii barged in. "Let us not dawdle."

Sein focuses on the moment at hand and both accompany Kii inside. The cold air is quickly replaced by the warmth of lighted torches and various candles. It was truly like walking into the den of a predator. a few bones and leftovers were scattered around. And the scent wasn't the most pleasing. However, at least the acoustic the cave gave Ario allowed him to hear Ku up ahead. His ears perk the highest they can, eyes widen in surprise. She chirped frantically, calling for a name Ario did not recognize.

"Hold." Kii immediately told the duo before any could consider an action. "Yes, that is Ku, yet do not run in young one. Walk calmly, she isn't going anywhere."

"You always knew what we searched for? Is Ori also here?" Ario asked

Kii shakes his head. "Ori departed for the last settlement of Niwen not long ago. To the Wellspring Glades."

"Departed? You mean Ori left Ku behind?"

"There is no time," Sein replied this time. "I must see the shadowborn immediately."

Kii nodded, it served well to give it attention. Sein must have felt a presence of Decay inside the cave, and that presence must be Howl. The sooner it is dealt with, the better. They walk in to spot Howl still lying down, eyes closed, and expressed to be in pain. Ku is calling at his side constantly like she's trying to keep Howl awake at any cost.

Sein did want to admire the shadowborn wolf, but there was no time. She flew forward, pulling the attention of Ku who was bewildered by the blue sphere of light coming closer, and then, to the visitors.

"Ayio!" She called and flapped her wings to get to Ario as quickly as possible. Ario received her with open arms.

"It is wonderful to see you, Ku. Are you alright?"

"I am. I am! But Howl isn't! I need help! He complained about some pain and feeling cold and now is not responding to me anymore! He looks like he wants to sleep, like, forever!"

"Good thing that a wisp itself showed up," Kii said. "Howl's health is at greater risk than I first thought. Fear not, Ku. Sein will aid us."

"Sein?" Ku recalled. This name was quite popular back home. Ori liked to tell lots of things about this Sein but was never much interested in her urge to learn to fly. Her eyes focused on the blue wisp that flew closer to Howl like it was analyzing his lying form.

Sein noticed various wounds made with blades and heavy impacts. The worst was indeed, the presence of Decay where it shouldn't be. Plaguing the wounds and entering the bloodstream like viruses. Sein started to heat up, bringing forth flame to incinerate the taint. "This may hurt a little. Stay strong!" The flames come in contact with Howl's various wounds that are hiding under the coat of dark fur and concentrate especially on healing. This hot sensation disturbs Howl as expected, and then spreads across his entire body like it traveled in his bloodstream after the remnants of Decay. Howl whines and barely moves, bringing him to awaken as this new pain helps him focus.

He growls and groans as the venom is burned away from his system, registering the feeling but not fully fighting it. Before he notices, Sein pulls back, having every wound cauterized and then healed. Kii watched, afflicted, but was thankful he trusted Sein to help his child. The flames seemed precise and deadly, but they barely burned more than they should. With the treatment complete, Kii stepped forward, calling Howl.

"My lord? Can you hear me?"

Howl seemed disoriented as he felt fairly tired from the ordeal. The great wolf simply shakes its head, refocusing and groaning. "Have you found… the medicine?"

Kii rejoiced silently. "I found something even better. But now, you must listen to me."

Howl tried to recover, getting up with the initial difficulty, and taking details of the surroundings. "What happened? I felt so weak, so cold all of sudden." His crimson eyes spot Ario, firstly mistaking the guardian spirit for Ori, but the scent is not the same. An intruder. Immediately, Howl bared fangs. Fearing an immediate pounce, Ario cannot help but assume his quickest archer stance, arrow tucked and the string of his bow pulled.

"No snarling at visitors! Thanks to them you are well again. I am certain I taught you good manners." Kii tugged on Howl's ears, stopping the wolf from proceeding with the attack. As Sein does the same to hold back Ario from doing anything. Ku celebrates, running back to Howl. Her chirping calms Howl to an extent, but he can't ignore the so-called visitors, snarling again.

"Who… who are you? You look like a detestable company."

"You as well with all your aggressive growling," Ario replied. "I am Ario, an artist."

"And a hunter," Howl adds and ears are tugged again. The tug is nearly ignorable, but knowing who is pulling, Howl obeys.

"My lord, please contain yourself. These are not the hunters we have known."

"I cannot tell the difference. Guardian spirits are all the same." Howl hears Kii clearing his throat as a signal. It wasn't true anymore. Ori had proved that. Howl rolls his eyes to the fact as he continues to focus fiercely on Ario, and at last, gives attention to the sphere of gentle light flying into view. Howl changes behavior slightly as details settle in. No longer staring at Ario but gazing at Sein. "Are you… Impossible."

"Your eyes do not deceive you, my lord. This is Sein, the wisp of Nibel. Light of Peace." Kii explained. "She is the one who helped heal you from the toxins."

Howl becomes pensive a moment, slightly softening his face, but not completely. "Another wisp in Niwen? Has your forest fallen like ours? I cannot see a reason for you to be here, Light of Peace."

"Warm greetings, great wolf. I am here with a mission to retrieve two children back to their home. My presence indeed brings worry for my land, but rest assured, Nibel lies is rest and healing."

"Hmph. I already can tell what children you speak of. And since you are here, I expect you are willing to help us?"

"Certainly. Understanding Niwen's state is vital. I have yet to contact my sister and her spirit tree. And what I could see so far doesn't comfort me. Life is being overthrown by death and decay. Any information of how things came to be would be valuable."

Sein spoke calmly despite the intense worry behind her interest in knowing more. Seeking Seir could not guarantee Sein to know more or how to help, moving to the spirit tree as well is far too dangerous with Decay so entrenched in the land. The shadowborn and acolyte are oddities. Beings that live in inhospitable environments yet are free from corruption. And also being denizens of the dark, they also must be protected. And to Sein, it was clear that perhaps Kii and Howl were the very last remaining. It wasn't surprising to see the shadowborn so cautious as well.

"Kii can help you with that. He has stored many scrolls that may be of interest. I have other things to do."

Howl needed to get Ku to learn or at least start learning about her latent nature. It would be an easy or hard process, depending on how invested she is. Now, these visitors would definitely complicate things. But no matter, Howl still had a mission to complete.

"Ku will not leave with you until I fulfill my promise."

Ario is taken aback. "Promise? I don't know what you have planned but know you have no permission to do anything to her."

"Quiet, hunter. I do not respond to you."

Ario did not want trouble but the shadowborn's attitude was getting tough to ignore. "We are here to take them home. You like it or not," he said, half apprehensive. A battle against a shadowborn was not one Ario was confident in winning.

Meanwhile, Kii was growing worried again. Annoyed even. "My lord, could you not anger the visitors. They are important to Ori and Ku, as well."

Howl does not respond. He dives into the shadows cast by the lights around the cave, taking Ku with him. "We will be back," he says shortly before dashing away as a shadow, leaving only those words as reassurance while quickly merging to the ambiance and using the darkness as a tool to not be followed. Ario called, urged to fire an arrow at the fleeing shadowy wolf, but he held himself back.

Sein seemed calm despite seeing Ku being taken away. Howl didn't have malicious intent, thus not triggering the wisp to act. Ario, however, was on red alert. "Dear, be calm. We don't know what the shadowborn is planning, but trust that Ku is safe."

"How can you be calm, Sein? We have just found Ku and now she is gone again." Ario turns to Kii. "Tell me where they went," he ordered.

"My lord has moved to the abandoned home of the gorleks to the east. Now known as the Windswept Wastes."

"What does the shadowborn plan?"

"In introducing Ku to her dormant talent. In bending shadows to her will." Kii spoke with surprising cooperativity. Ario didn't know what to think about this strange wolf, but at least, harm was not something he wanted to Ku. Ario tried to calm down.

"So, Ku can learn like all shadowborns. I am happy she has someone with the expertise," Sein said.

Kii nodded, "Andronius, or Howl, isn't very friendly for the most part but is very loyal once one has earned his respect. He doesn't wish any harm for the owlet, don't worry. For now, let me introduce you to a little of our homeland."

"I will be going after them. Sein, please forgive my impatience, but I will be back to pick you up soon." Ario moved to the exit of the cave, determined to track and follow Howl.

"I understand," Sein replied. "I will be waiting here. Watch yourself out there."

With her words, Ario had permission to leave and immediately ran into the fog of the Silent Woods. Kii was impressed with the wisp's cooperation. "Is it safe for you to be separated from a source of light?" He asks, knowing wisps historically need of light energy to operate.

"Don't worry, I have plenty of power to sustain myself without my spirit tree or guardian spirits for a time. Though this time is very precious now, Kii. I will need information. And I trust you will share with me only and only the truth you know about Niwen?"

"You have my word as acolyte."

"I thank you," Sein took a moment, her voice becoming more serious as she now fully focused on the problem at hand, and how she wanted to approach it. "I pray my sister can be cooperative. I hope a peaceful approach will be enough."

"Oh…" Kii doesn't appear bright, which does not surprise Sein. "But, if I may… what do you expect to hear, Light of Peace?"

"Call me, Sein. And it's not a matter of what I expect, but as the wisp of Nibel, there are three things I want to know: How Niwen fell. The presence of Seir across these dark times and any possible status on the Spirit Willow."

Kii became pensive, knowing well how to deliver some of the information Sein wanted. Humming with confidence to show his knowledge and please Sein.

"And as Sein, I want to know how the denizens of Niwen have been faring. And my dear, Ori, how has he adapted to such a wild transition here along with Ku."

Kii did not expect to hear the second part of her requests. fascinating was little to describe how a wisp would behave. Sein had so little similarity to Seir. But for now, Kii could not waste time and do his best to convey the many words written in scrolls across the years for this single being, nodding cooperatively.

"I just may not know about the Spirit Willow, if you would forgive me."

Again, Sein is not surprised. The sight she had of the Spirit Willow from above while on the Zephyr haunted her. None are capable of approaching it. The air around Sein continues to heat up like she is struggling to know with ancient knowledge, things only wisps knew.

"Kii, what made this land what it is today?"

…

The rain was finally ceasing pouring over Niwen at last. The inhabitants of the Wellspring Glades were all quiet under the roof of their homes spending the time the best they could. Opher, however, walked to a different home not exactly made by Grom but by his own kin. It is still difficult to swallow the truth of Kwolok's passing and the consequences that will follow, leaving the baboon reflecting on many things. And one thing he saw necessary was to share this very info with his father, the chieftain of the Hui tribe. If he didn't know already, that is. Opher sighed across the way, minding the end of the rain for short seconds.

Opher had no good relationship with Bantsa, his only parent. Had no good relationship with the ways the Hui should operate. And instead wanted to be free. A warrior that loves to battle, but is free. Since the days the Hui tribe became great warriors of Seir, which were not that grand actually, everything became so strict and serious that not even a joke could fly from one to another. Opher had disobediently fled the camp of training and chilling with much more open and friendly people of the glades. Thus earning the disapproval of his tribe.

That late afternoon could have been better if the Hui camp could have… any life. Opher arrived at the outskirts of the glades and found no soul around.

"Uh, hello? Anybody in here?" Opher called, checking tent after tent, hut after hut. And found no one. "Where has that old man gone? I am ready for… eh, discipline, whatever. Hey, old man? Are you around here?"

Meanwhile, Bantsa would have heard, if not called to deal with outsiders and ended up frozen in place. After ample time under the rain, Bantsa had fallen silent, unable to break the ice prison. Fallen silent and only able to ponder in events of life as his body became numb to the coldness of the prison. Bantsa's moment of quiet meditation is interrupted by the unmistakable thunder of Seir, stirring him right awake.

His heart raced, limbs tried to break free from the prison with renewed vigor, but all in vain. Seir catches the very few remaining forces at her disposal defeated and encased in a familiar ice. The many warriors that wielded a strength greater than a typical mortal… all defeated. "Disappointing." Her unapproving voice reaches Bantsa's ears. Her steps frightened the weary chieftain.

"Y-your Grace. Please, I can explain."

Bantsa couldn't appear more pathetic. So cold and shaking, words trembling. Seir continued approaching the chieftain's prison until her hand could rest upon the ice.

"The outsiders did this!" Bantsa nearly stutters so cold. Wishing for a merciful response from Seir. The Light of Bravery's gaze doesn't change to show pity.

"What use are you to me if you can't deal with a foe your size, Bantsa? Should I revoke my choice of gifting your tribe?"

"No! I am deeply ashamed of this result. Please grant me another chance. No outsider will bother with the renewal of Niwen."

Such words anger Seir. "Bother my renewal?"

"They seem to be after children that recently arrived here. Two outsiders guard a vessel not far ahead. They will use it for transport. One of them seems to command winds!"

"Interesting. Is that the reason you find yourself in this predicament? Have I not given you the means to break free from such imperfect ice?"

"My deepest apologies… I… can't break it. I am so cold, Your Grace. Please–"

"Quiet, whimpering fool. Your weakness has brought you here, even after I gave you purpose." Seir focused on the crystal ice, finding weaknesses like pressure points. Seir hated the idea that Seid was sending windspeakers to Niwen, but could not give it attention at the moment. "I have not much time before my powers run out. And seeing your old age has restricted you so much, I will need to seek younger candidates to follow my words."

Bantsa became apprehensive. "W-what are you saying, Your Grace? I am your loyal follower. My age does not hinder me."

"If you were at your peak, certainly this ice wouldn't be a problem to you. This prison is far from the perfected ice of Seid. And still, you can't break it. A shame. Perhaps your wayward son can be what you are not."

Bantsa is thrown into desperation for the well-being of Opher. "Opher is disobedient but he is talented. Give me more time to straighten him for your service."

Seir almost found it amusing to toy with the old chieftain, at last entering his sight. Seir's glowing eyes were as cold as the ice itself. He knew she would not grant him such a request, not again.

"P-Please, leave him to me." Bantsa was finding the strength to fight the ice prison again. "I beg you to not harm him!" He pleaded, clenching limbs against the icy bindings. Only further intensifying as Seir dismissed the plea completely and took her leave. The sight bought more than despair. Bantsa could not know what was in store for Opher. The struggles against the ice increased tenfold when seeing the urgency of the wellbeing of a disobedient son. Bantsa felt warmth returning to his body but did not acknowledge it in the urgency. Did not notice how the ice became weaker and began to crack until passing the trial of love imposed by Daruk.

Bantsa roared, breaking free from the ice. "Do not touch him!" He slams the ground, earning Seir's attention again. "Whatever you plan, do it to me!"

Panting, Bantsa is allowed to see Seir turning to him once more, her eyes impressed. "Your love for your son freed you from the trial imposed by the windspeaker. For love, you would go to the end of the world. For love, would you give your entire being?"

Bantsa only huffed in anger and worry for Opher before replying, "Without hesitation!"

Seir smirked. "The wind can be mighty, but even it bends before the storm. I will give you one last chance. Destroy the windspeaker and their vessel."

Seir calls down lightning upon Bantsa, one large that repeatedly strikes at the same place. The repeating thunder echoes far and Daruk and Franz are the first to notice the odd occasion. Bantsa is showered with the might of lightning. Stronger and greater, more powerful than ever before. His puny, trembling form is not to be seen anymore. Exhilaration fills the chieftain for seconds as he continues to receive Seir's powers, but soon it proves to be too much to handle.

"It is… too much! Your Grace! I cannot contain it!" Electricity visibly jolts across Bantsa, eyes become completely yellow, forcing him to yell in pain.

"Indeed. I'd recommend you to work quickly."

The ominous message strikes deeply once the empowering ritual is finished. Seir takes her leave, allowing the chieftain to bask upon, or bewail in his new might. The pain was unlike anything else Batnsa ever felt. Such power was not made for mortal kind, yet among all the chaotic hurricane of emotions, there was this will of iron. To make use of this new given power. Bantsa felt like he could move a mountain.

The remaining Hui continued frozen, and Bantsa had no plans to aid them. The chieftain had only one goal, and Daruk conveniently came into sight, just what Bantsa wanted.

Daruk came to investigate the multiple lightning strikes in the area, and worry was visible in the jotun's visage as Bantsa was free from the ice prison. The one judged did not pass the trial most certainly. "What happened here? What happened to you?"

Bantsa only stared at Daruk with unending rage. Answering nothing, and making his choice. "I will not fail." A stream of blood flowed from his mouth.

The winds urge Daruk of imminent danger and Bantsa propels forward with incredible speed to throw a massive punch. Daruk can dodge thanks to the warning but still is bewildered by what happened as Bantsa continues forward. Bantsa is also shocked by his own speed, needing to learn to adjust it. The stream of blood doesn't stop, a message his body cannot handle the sheer might of a wisp, even if a fraction of it. Daruk had valuable seconds to analyze, Bantsa became larger, and the silvery baboon form had much more golden highlights among the jolting lightning.

"The light of bravery…" Daruk realized. Seir herself must be the one who provoked the lightning and made Bantsa into a conduit of storms. The winds are chaotic, challenging Daruk's ability to commune with it. But in the short moments of clarity, Daruk heard the words, son and give.

"Son? Give?" Daruk repeated as Bantsa was already upon him. Daruk had no time to move in response to the opponent and was only able to block the incoming blow. Bantsa punches into Daruk's defending hand, surprising the jotun greatly as the newfound strength surpasses the amount of force Daruk expected, and is able to withstand, taking the blow indirectly to the face and rolling away a mild distance. Daruk quickly recovers, shaking his hand in pain and taking another look at Bantsa.

"You have changed, chieftain. I am unsure if it was for the good, however."

"Your words cannot help you, exiled. Make your peace with your wisp before I send you to the world beyond!"

Despite the odds looking bad for Daruk, he doesn't lose his temper. The words son and give… They must have been what allowed Bantsa to be free from the ice prison. It was unlikely Seir broke it seeing Bantsa this altered. Bantsa must have a son and he is willing to give everything to spare his child from something. "You passed the trial. You have something to fight for. Reconsider what are your priorities, Bantsa. There are greater fights to be fought, and this is not one of them."

"My fight is to destroy you and then the vessel. None will stand before Her Grace's renewal!"

Daruk toughened up, highly disliking what he just heard. The winds were less communicative thanks to Bantsa's electric presence but were not silenced. Daruk frowns deeply, humming the melody of frost and the boreal howling soon starts. The temperature around Daruk drops significantly.

"A poor choice, oh fine leader."

A/N: Heya everyone.

Apologies for the long wait once more. I have been juggling with some irl stuff and on how I want to operate the story forward. I know where I want to get to, aka the ending, but some events must happen before that. I pray I am not destroying the pace or making the story a long drag or even making more plotholes, but I am finding a path that better suits the story in my view. And hopefully for you as well. For now, I deeply thank you for your patience thus far.