A friendly chat

You wake to the smell of breakfast, though you’re still curled up with Sarah and Melora. Both of them barely stir as you disentangle yourself, and you leave them to rest as you get yourself dressed. Making your way over to the campfire, you find the others already up, and joining them is a rather sheepish looking Victor, and the earth spirit, Amara.

Ferra hands you some food as you join them, but before you eat you look at Victor. “So, I’m guessing everyone had a good night, then?”

Before Victor can answer, Cassie pipes up. “I know we did! Ferra is a lot of fun, almost as much as you, Nicholas!”

Alex giggles. “She’s always so quiet until we get our hands on her.”

Beside you, Ferra shrugs. “I enjoy pleasure as much as any of you. It is better with Nicholas, however.”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “Well, that answers my question, I suppose. So, can we get a proper introduction, Victor?”

Again, he is interrupted before he can speak. This time, it’s Amara who answers. “I must apologize. It has been quite some time since my love had visited, and I was impatient. However, we’ve since taken care of that, and Victor has filled me in on roughly what has happened.”

You nod. “That saves on some explaining, I suppose. And will you be joining us?”

Amara smiles at Victor. “I believe so. According to him, young Melora has had her vision restored?”

You smile. “She has, but you can thank Cassie for that.”

Cassie giggles. “I did good! I’m just glad I could help.”

You chuckle. “You’ve done wonderfully, Cassie. And I’m sure Melora will be up soon, Although I can vouch for how comfortable it is to snuggle with Sarah.”

Everyone laughs, and Alex adds her own opinions. “We need to get back, so we can ALL share!”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, I know you girls have plans. Speaking of, what’s the plan, Victor?”

Finally, Victor is able to speak. “It’s simple from here. We travel a few days through the forest, and we’re home. Very simple, especially with Amara here.”

The earth spirit nods. “I do not allow an Order presence within my forest. There is something rotten at the heart of that empire, and it shows in the scum that leads their forces.”

Ferra cocks her head. “You speak as if you rule this land.”

Amara smiles. “My domain is the earth. I am no ruler, but I will protect that which I care about.”

You nod. “A noble sentiment, and one I can wholeheartedly agree with. You aren’t risking anything by coming with us, are you?”

She shakes her head. “Unlikely. The local forces know better by now. And as I understand it, you don’t plan to stay secluded for long, correct?”

“That’s right. We need to do more than make raids if we want to make any progress.”

Victor interrupts. “All this is something we can discuss later. I’ll feel much safer once we’re home.”

You nod. “Fair enough. I’ll go wake the sleeping beauties.”

Alex stands with you. “I’ll come too. I wanted to talk to you anyway, Nicholas.”

You look at her for a moment. “Something serious?”

She shrugs. “Nothing bad, I promise.”

You smile. “Ok then. But be gentle waking these two, they’re obviously tired.”

Alex giggles. “You’re always very thorough, I know!”