New beginnings

The next week passes in a blur. Between planning a funeral, preparing for a coronation, and dealing with his emotions, Kael barely has time to take a breath. Ria is in much the same state, the two of them ending each day drained and listless. Thankfully, Gabby and Evie are able to do whatever it takes to keep spirits up. Evie in particular does well, especially considering she’s dealing with her own mess of emotions. The elven woman seems to lift her own spirits by encouraging Kael and Ria, and in turn seems to draw energy from Gabby’s relentless positivity.

In the end, the funeral is unsurprisingly impersonal, with Lord Greyheart being interred in a tomb on the palace grounds. No grand speeches, no great ceremony, but the site is open to all visitors at any time. A few days after the ceremony, Bernal is spotted at the tomb in the late evening, saying nothing. After a time, he turns and leaves. The next morning, he is nowhere to be found, and when Orin finally checks his quarters, they are empty, save for a short note.

My watch ends. I go now, into the mists. Be well.

Though cryptic, it’s obvious that Bernal is gone, with no plans to return. Orin steps up in his place to lead the champions. Despite his youth, he immediately shows great aptitude for the role, recent events having tempered his impetuosity. With just himself, Koa, and Petra remaining, he quickly decides to open recruitment once again. It doesn’t take long before two new champions join the ranks, a pair of non humans. Surprisingly, they are a couple, a lizard man and a woman who describes herself as an ‘avariel’, seemingly some kind of winged elf.

The lizard man, named Tarik, is tall, nearly as tall as Koa, but not nearly as muscular. He is lightning fast, however, his iridescent blue-green scales flashing in the sunlight as he spars. The avariel, named Lucia, looks far less impressive at first glance, despite her striking winged appearance. She is willowy and pale, not the appearance of a warrior. Nevertheless , she is very accomplished with weapons, but that’s not her main strength. She backs up this prowess with an impressive command of the elements, calling forth fire, wind, and lightning with effortless ease.

As the coronation approaches, Orin has a small ceremony planned, to officially welcome the new champions, including Petra. Nothing particularly fancy, more of a swearing in. However, before that day comes, Petra manages to pull Kael aside, a nervous look on her face.

“My king, Petra need…private talk. Can Petra…take king somewhere? Is not bad, just private.”

Her command of the language is improving, but it’s slow going with everything going on. Kael smiles. “I think I can slip away. Where did you have in mind?”

Petra hesitates. “In forest. Petra need to show king. Important.”

Kael slowly nods. “I suppose, if it’s really that important. Although this is a little odd.”

Petra looks down, clearly nervous. “Petra has secret, can’t keep secrets from king. Please.”

Kael nods again. “Okay, Petra. Lead the way.”

Without another word, she turns, and Kael follows her towards the door.