Rain on the Horizon

Leaves danced within the Arborweave's canopy, sunlight trickling through the few gaps that existed within the tapestry of foliage. It was a peaceful existence, any scars from the Trueflame's endeavors years past since faded beneath loam and moss.

A large clearing lay within the forest's depths, a lake at its center and a town that floated upon its surface—Spielglave. Its waters were cool, yet not freezing to the touch, and the surface was a near perfect reflection of the sky, save for a few ripples that ran along its edge and air bound root-bridges that pathed across like spokes of a wheel.

It was a modest town, home to barely two thousand, yet its reputation was great. Not just as a pitstop that bridged the forest together, or even as the last real bastion of civilization before the harsh cold and rocky cliffs of the north. It held a prestige far more notable than any of those.

Its ale.

The town square was alive when the trio strode in under the evening light, the scent of roasted meats, baked goods, and booze saturating the air nearly as much as the bard's enka. People were cheering, dancing, and celebrating for a reason yet unknown, although it was likely one of the many seasonal things that'd made a comeback with the peace they'd earned.

Citrine's lips scrunched up a little. That would probably make finding Durma a bit of a pain.

Ferris glanced over the crowd, confused and curious in equal parts. "Citrine? Are things supposed to be this rowdy usually? Definitely looks like—"

She didn't get to finish that before she was tugged in the direction of one of the inns, half-elf and construct both guiding her.

"We'll have time to spectate later. For now, come. We still have to do a few things first."

"Like what?"

Citrine hesitated, trying to think of a response. She had the answer, but not the right words to hide its meaning nor the excitement that was building in her heart.

Eventually though, something came to her. "Things like storing our bags, getting settled, bathing. We've been on the road for four days now, and with the rainy season just about to begin, I'd much prefer to spend it in a proper inn."

Clunk gave a reassuring thumbs up to bolster the excuse despite not knowing any more than the ogrelyn.

"…Fine," the warrior relented before sighing, fatigue weighing her feet. "I'm too tired to argue anyway—Wait, did you just say rainy season?"

"Correct. It starts tomorrow. Why, is there something the matter?"

Ferris's face paled slightly with sweat, something that'd become strangely more common these past few days.

"Uh, no. It's nothing, just thought we had another week left. Anyways, let's, uh, get going and do what you said. The rooms and baths and all, you know?"

Golden eyes narrowed as they passed through the entrance, the tavern's door propped open to let fresh air flow. "Ferris? Why are you nervous all of a sudden?"

"I, uh, no I'm not." Her hands clenched inward. "It's just, uh, I'm just feeling the effects of travel, that's it."

"…Are you certain?"

"Y-yeah! Absolutely, rock solid, and, and—You know what, once we get a room, do you mind if you give me some privacy for a bit—maybe an hour or two? There's a couple things I need to sort out."

"…Rock solid?" The half elf deadpanned at the forced humor as she quickly paid down a night for them. "Look, that's perfectly fine—it rather works out for me anyways. But you know you can tell me anything."

"Yes! Of course, I remember, and I do trust you, but I just… need to deal with this, please? It's nothing serious, just a small personal thing."

"…" The half-elf was silent as they made their way up the steps, possibilities popping up within her mind. "I guess it's only fair considering the secret I'm keeping from you, even if it's only temporary."

They stopped before the door, and Citrine took a moment to survey her companion, noticing the way that she shifted before opening it.

"Anyways, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, okay?" Citrine's hand found Fenris's and gave a light squeeze as they entered. "Remember, I'll support you no matter what. We're partners now, aren't we?"

"I…"

The warrior's gaze dropped to the floor as Clunk began chauffeuring their packs to tables and dressers. "I promise I'll tell you before we reach the mountains. But for now, could you please give me just a little more space and time?"

"…Very well. Take the time you need, alright?" Citrine offered a warm smile before departing for the door, her hand slipping from the warrior's grasp. "Is it alright if I have Clunk stand post outside at least? He'll give you the privacy you deserve, I promise."

Ferris swallowed, her mouth audibly dry as she patted the construct. "Yeah, that's fine. Thank you."

With that, Citrine exited, Clunk dutifully standing at his new station as the door was shut and locked behind.

***

By the time the half-elf was back amongst the thrum of the crowd, the party had only grown in intensity.

Yet despite the joyous display and convenient situation that let her set things up out of Ferris' eye, the shopkeep's heart remained anxious, her mind still locked onto her partner's situation.

What was it that the woman was doing? Was it safe? Why was she doing it alone? Why was it so secretive?

They'd learned a lot in the travel between then and now—almost too much for her to remember. Ferris had talked about her attempts to live a life with her new identity, what'd happened the day they'd parted ways those five years ago, and even a great deal of her personal past, something Citrine had rarely gotten to hear before.

So why keep this secret of all things?

Citrine was under no delusion that everything would suddenly be resolved just by them making a promise and finally allowing themselves to be together, but considering how she'd been so willing to share in the days leading up to this… it was jarring.

*squeak*

"!" The half-elf nearly jumped as a squirrel pounced on her head, its tiny claws and tail sending tingles across her skin.

Where in the hells did that come from?

A hand rose to shoo it back away into the canopy above the town before stopping, suddenly remembering just how few creatures were willing to approach her given her ambient mana.

"Wait…" She blinked, her golden eyes slowly widening. "Did Durma send you?"

The critter chittered and nodded.

Relief escaped into the air. "I guess that saves me the trouble of finding him then. Mind showing me the way?"

The squirrel leapt onto the side of a nearby building, wall covered in lattice and vines as it scurried onward.

Citrine matched pace with a light trot, dodging and weaving out of the way of a few crowd members before turning down a side street, the sound of festivities fading behind her and giving way to a root-bridge likely not traveled too often.

She glanced left and right once the squirrel landed upon one of the railings, searching for any trace of the druid.

"Durma? You around—" Her words died on her lips, a familiar presence dropping from the canopy like one of the many leaves above.

The man's body rippled as he touched the ground, the shape of a nondescript bird fading to form a more humanoid one. His cloak flared as it billowed outward, and a gruff but warm enough look formed upon his bearded face.

"Citrine." His voice was deep, thick, and gravelly. "Glad to see you're well."

"Same, Durma. It seems you've been busy from that message you sent." The half-elf returned the greeting, nodding to the squirrel as it scurried over to its master. "Just how far does your influence extend now? Your grove is quite a ways away from here, isn't it?"

"Only a week's journey west by foot." He scratched the critter's neck. "Can't help that things are always trying to bother my home. The Trueflame may have fallen, but their annoying embers yet burn in many corners of the world, as trifling as they are."

"Fair," Citrine shrugged. "To think you have creatures reporting back to you as far as my town though. How many have you got watching me aside from those couriers of yours?" She raised an inquisitive look, not entirely sure how she felt about being spied on, even if it was out of care.

"Only one." The dwarf replied as he let the squirrel scamper off with a few nuts from his pouch. "Though, I'm guessing that isn't the only thing on your mind. How are you, truly? Last we saw one another, your curse was—"

The geomancer waved him off, already knowing from the letter that Larkspur had managed to reach him. "We can talk about that later. Right now, let's focus on Ferris. Did you get my response from earlier? About her situation?"

"Aye," Durma answered, his eyes softening as they took in the half-elf's worried face. "Reading between the lines too, it seems you two are together now, yes?"

The question brought warmth to her cheeks, and she found herself unable to reply.

"…" The druid grunted, nodding as if understanding. "Well, that's two wagers lost, although I reckon your two's happiness is well worth any coin. Damn alchemist and his premonitions."

"Wait, what? Wager?"

"…Forget I said anything." Durma waved her question off, coughing. "Just a bet I made with Larkspur years ago while drunk. Not important."

The two blinked at each other as a breeze ruffled the druid's hair.

"So, uh, oh aye, Ferris." He adjusted his belt, the leather creaking beneath his touch as he redirected the conversation. "She's the Adamantine still. Doesn't matter to me what form she takes. I should know given how many I use. But how is she taking things? I imagine a change that drastic would shake things up."

Citrine sighed at the dwarf's attempts at subterfuge. "That's probably a question best suited to ask in person, but she's doing well, although she seems to have her moments of doubt."

"Eh, no shame in being wary. The world is a cruel place, even for heroes. There's a reason the Ashen King sought to burn it down and revive it." The dwarf begrudgingly grunted, his eyes drifting toward the sky.

A silence passed between them, broken only by the wind and the faint echoes of the festival.

"By the way, Larkspur should be arriving in under an hour. Though he probably has some choice words for both of us—especially you with that note you left for him." Durma leaned against the railing, the wood creaking slightly. "It's humorous in a way. He tries expediting our get-together with that message, and yet somehow manages to arrive last, all because you and Ferris struck out on a journey literally the day after."

"It is, isn't it." Citrine's ears twitched rather guiltily, trying not to imagine how Larkspur felt coming back to her golem-manned shop. "I'm rather envious of you two sometimes, being able to travel so quickly. You and your forms, Larkspur and his concoctions."

"Hm, our leader, envious?" The druid crossed his arms, voice rumbling. "Everyone has their own specialties. It's just how it is."

"True. I apologize for the sentiment. It's unbecoming of a former party head," Citrine replied, bowing her head slightly. "In either case, thank you for this."

"Think nothing of it. Besides, you haven't even really witnessed the real surprise yet."

"?" The half-elf's ears flickered, curiosity taking hold. "There's more than just reuniting for a night or two?"

"You'll find out when Larkspur arrives. Speaking of, I should send messengers to warn any cats of his thieving paws."

"Wait, Durma? What do you mean? Elaborate."

The dwarf chuckled, a strange phenomenon that sounded more like stones grinding than laughter, before turning back toward the town proper and motioning for her to follow.

"You'll see."