Make it home.

As the King of Castle Phoenix returns to his home, he's not greeted by thunderous applause or triumphant horns, but a painting of beautiful smiles and flowers, and the embrace of those who care--some gentle like a feather, others as tight as a boa constrictor. All is done now for now, pertaining to your duties in Avana, though that doesn't mean there isn't work awaiting. Just as was said, there will surely be more travel and trade to your town, especially from those merely interested in your existent. Deals will be made, people will be met, though thankfully Stax is an incredible treasurer, so you're not worried. While some amongst you aren't the sharpest swords on the rack, there are plenty in Castle Phoenix with a strong head on their shoulders. Together, you can face anything.

Vyzia the red dragon has retreated to a cave of her own in the Pecho Peaks not far from the dark stone walls of your colony. With her followed Licorice the slime, Melodie and Bass the catfolk, Peep the harpy, Rildrix the gnome, and Gruzmo the goblin, at least for now.

The Lady of the Lake may or may not be around. With various sources of water present, she can essentially appear whenever she desires, but for now you don't see her. She's likely back at Crystal Lake, or merely sleeping somewhere unseen.

Feli and Lepo aren't far. According to Peony, they're spending some time in the outskirts in a similar vein to Vyzia. They're either sleeping together, or sleeping together, depending on the time of day. It's thankfully almost as safe out there as within, both because of your talented guards, but also due to the entire area effectively becoming Peony's lair. The trees answer her call, as do the flowers, the grass, and all else that grows. This is her domain, and she knows it intimately. Nobody is mounting a sneak attack without her finding them first.

The two ladies of the elements are still present, however. Aak'aba the Empress of Ice is meditating silently atop the castle's roof. K'iina the Empress of Fire is gaming hard, now within one of the buildings to shelter her console from the elements. With her is Lynx, though occasionally others take interest in this fascinating relic of your world. You do as well of course, perhaps as the best match for K'iina's skills. You know the most about video games of course, so that certainly gives you an advantage.

Directly in the middle of town, a group of craftsmen are putting the finishing touches on a marble fountain. It's incredibly wide, and the base is traced by gorgeous patterns carved into the stone. The centrepiece extends up into what will eventually run a spray of crystalline water down to the lower basin. It's shaped a phoenix with extended wings. Around it are benches, and just as it is throughout Castle Phoenix, a rainbow of flowers grow between, and trees which will eventually bare fruit cover parts with shade for when the sun burns hotter.

More buildings have been raised, and the ones already present are improved. Plenty of people now have their own homes, some sharing, while others either sleep together in common-rooms, or have their own chambers within the castle itself--some prefer the latter, even if the space is more limited. Niki, Eva, and Amara for example prefer to sleep closest to you, so they haven't even entertained the idea of having houses to themselves. They aren't the only ones, but not everybody can have a castle bedchamber.

You share tales of your trip--the dispute, the coming of Lepo and Feli, the royal family, the coming election. Most importantly, you introduce your allies to one they've met before, yet none of them seem to have realized.