Speak with Ramon and head back at last.

You spend hours with both Ramon and the village itself--coming up with plans, watching people walk by, eating tasty food, relaxing, recovering. It feels great to have things actually fall into place, especially after everything that's happened. Even Fava sticks around for now. Though if you want to get back to Castle Phoenix at a reasonable hour, you should get home soon. The sun is already on its way down.

Zido, while still distraught, actually seems more motivated in the end by his failure. He really does care about Gobiidae, though after everything, he can't seem to help but act more like his previous self again. Certainly he comes across as self-absorbed, but you get the vibe that this won't happen again. He's actually quite strong, and as guard captain, you'll be in contact with him.

Grenmila is still locked up. Ramon says they may end up releasing her, though if they do, they'll consult with you first. The fear is that if they keep her here, William might actually do something about it. You understand. When one of your people was held captive, you stormed straight in to get her back. If they kill her, it could be even worse. It might be best to send her back with a message.

Your party is given a royal goodbye as you begin your adventure back. It's heart-warming to be given such kindness.

Peony leads you along the quickest route between the trees and over the rocky hills. It really is dangerous terrain within a forest easy to become lost within, but until you can set up some sort of route, Peony could even help guide people between.

She's really become more mature, even if she doesn't always act it. The Elder Tree might be gone, but I feel like they have a new protector, and I don't just mean me, or Castle Phoenix. Before it was a tree, that was a beautiful dryad, just like Peony.

"So, uh--" Fava suddenly speaks up, fluttering behind the rest.

You turn. "Oh yeah. We need to figure out what to do with you."

She rubs her arm nervously. "So I'm a little sandwiched between Gobiidae and your place, aren't I? I can't just abandon my lair. I don't just mean out of arrogance, but like, I can't have strangers steal what I have down there. It could be dangerous in the wrong hands. But that's where I'll always be. It isn't like I can uproot my house and run away, so I was wondering if you'd just let me go home. Once I have things cleaned up, maybe I'll... visit you?"

"Why would you want to do that?" Niki asks.

"Well, to be honest, I was really impressed with all of you. Not just in my lair, but back in town. You guys are the real deal. And a Demon King who isn't an asshole? I didn't really think that ever happened. I also saw those two golem girls. You acted like you recognized them. It was Elok Daven, right? I can't stand that. I'm supposed to be the best artificer around!" She takes a deep breath, and then looks right at Niki. "Plus, it was so much fun playing with you guys. Especially you~."

Niki blushes. "Don't ever talk about that!"

"I don't know. You seemed to be enjoying it at the time."

Suddenly, the warrior casts her shield's light straight up at the flying pixie. The sudden sensation forces an embarrassing moan from her mouth. As she holds herself between her legs, her wings flutter wildly, and she begins to plummet with a face glowing red.

You step over and catch her in both hands.

Fava whimpers and shudders as she tries to regain her bearings. "Okay m-maybe I deserved that," she mutters.

"Don't get Kyle's hands wet, now," Niki says quietly before turning away.

She stands up immediately. "How easy do you think I am?!" After clearing her throat, she crosses her arms and flutters back up into the air. "W-Well, this is my stop. I've gotta clean out the rest of the rubble too, so hopefully you didn't bust my bigger body up too much."

"Goodbye for now, Fava. You know, we have a pixie at Castle Phoenix too. You'll have to say hello when you find your way over," you say.

"Oh yeah? I'd love to meet her."

You scratch the back of your head. "... Yeah. I have a feeling she'll love to meet you too," you mumble.