Game in the Brain

 PART 3

Wren struggled to pronounce her name, Irilia, who gazed at him as if their souls were entwined by a long-shared history. Her recognition became apparent when she addressed him, “Kaleen, sunspouse. Is that you?” His response, tinged with confusion, was, “Sorry, do I know you?” The realization dawned on Wren that this body and its memories were not solely his, and this woman had played a significant role in his counterpart’s life. Her graceful acceptance of his confusion pained him, as her smile reached her lips but not her eyes. “May I know your name, sir?” she inquired, resigned yet composed. “I remember being called Wren. Who are you?” he asked, seeking her identity.

As they reintroduced themselves, Irilia revealed their past as former spouses, separated nearly twenty winters ago, their progeny now establishing their own families. Alongside Irilia were Thiria and Dashil. Thiria, slighter in stature, bore the marks of fatigue and pain yet retained an undeniable beauty reminiscent of models or actresses from Wren’s past, aged ambiguously in their twenties or thirties. Dashil, while not as striking as the others, had a youthful resilience etched in her features, distinguished by intense brows, dark lips, and a narrow chin.

The other two, more human in appearance yet still striking, were Sain and Thine. They were shorter, reaching only to Wren’s collar, with long, curly hair and vivid, round eyes—Sain’s hair a reddish-brown, Thine’s jet black. Their features, rounder and less angular, contrasted with the elfin elegance of the others, set against their darker, sun-kissed skin.

Wren, whose mind was usually scattered in the presence of attractive women, found an unsettling clarity now. This lucidity rendered him asexually detached, save for an inexplicable draw to Irilia. His former awkwardness and obsessive pedantry were absent, replaced by a quiet, attentive demeanor. Engaging naturally, he noticed Sain and Thine’s reactions brighten, their pupils dilating with interest as he focused on their words. The intrusive thoughts that once besieged him were now absent, replaced by a serene concentration and self-assuredness.

Observing Irilia and Thiria, Wren discerned subtle nuances in their aura, gleaning meanings from their sparse words. Dashil, slightly less refined, hinted at her half-elf heritage through subtle subordination to the elfin women—a detail Wren noted passively, recalling only when necessary, as evident as distinguishing a tree by the shadows of its leaves.

Sain and Thine exhibited profound reverence towards the other three women, a sentiment amplified by the care and recovery magic they received. They learned survival and healing under the tutelage of their more experienced counterparts. To Wren, Irilia and Thiria exuded the charisma of actresses, yet in matters of camp logistics—its care, protection, and security—they commanded with authority, orchestrating the tasks and strategies needed. Wren found himself acting instinctively on cues from Irilia, puzzled by his own responses, yet her fleeting smiles in his peripheral vision suggested a shared past, rekindling briefly in their cooperative glances.

Thiria and Dashil were more direct with their needs, requiring explicit communication with Wren, who proactively sought to understand their requirements. In contrast, Sain and Thine’s needs were more nuanced, demanding attentive inference from Wren to affirm the value of their contributions.

Wren took on the role of scout and provider, securing game, water, and materials for self-bows and arrows, while also ensuring the camp’s safety from predatory animals. Irilia and Thiria, leveraging their experience, guided the group in essential survival skills—from setting up camp to self-defense techniques. Wren came to realize that the scissor lock move, pivotal in his combat success, was a technique he had learned from Irilia, a relic of their shared past.

Efficiently, Wren repurposed the captured mail into vests for three of the women, while adjusting boiled leather cuirasses to fit the others. Thiria, regaining her strength through blood magic, necessitated an increased calorie intake for the group. They discreetly altered their elven features to blend more with humans, sacrificing some efficiency for anonymity. Their martial training intensified, with Sain and Thine assimilating blood magic to maintain parity, their efforts visibly depleting their physical reserves.

Their journey led them north-westward towards Asthoros, driven by Irilia and Thiria’s need to uncover the slavers’ knowledge of their village and the summoning ritual. Dashil, Sain, and Thine, though initially hesitant, were galvanized by the resolve of the elfin women. Amidst the underlying fear and trauma of the ordeal, the group was aware of the slim odds of traversing back 2000 kilometers to their origin. Irilia, concerned for her grandchildren’s safety from potential slaver raids, prioritized their security and education. Thiria, fueled by a desire for vengeance, gathered toxic flora for her burgeoning arsenal, while Irilia concentrated on nurturing the skills and knowledge of the younger women.

The transition from wilderness to civilization was marked by the gradual thinning of the dense woods into managed woodlots and copses, signifying human cultivation. The sparse, deliberate arrangement of the trees gave way to a broad stone road, approximately five to six carriages wide, by Wren’s estimation. Their group, cloaked in heavy garments and makeshift armor, resembled a band of armed militia, with the women disguising their forms to appear more like men.

As they progressed, the signs of civilization intensified—fires flickered in the distance, and the mingled scents of smoke, cooking, and urban life grew stronger. Before them stretched a formidable wall, towering ten meters high and five meters thick, dominating the horizon. The skyline was punctuated with the slender forms of minarets and temple spires, alongside residential spires adorned with bells and lamps, casting a welcoming glow. The ambient sounds of prayers, bells, and gongs mingled with the bustle of travelers, creating a lively cacophony typical of a city’s heartbeat.

Approaching the southern gate, they were greeted by the imposing figure of a patron deity sculpted above the entrance: an ox-man with sprawling horns akin to those of a Guar or Aurox, merged with the lower face and hands of a man, large enough to encircle three or four adults. Wren’s tactical eye quickly assessed the city’s defenses—kill holes strategically positioned along the wall housed archers, their bows strung with iron-tipped arrows at the ready. Observing the flutter of armor in the breeze, Wren discerned it to be primarily boiled leather, tinged with discoloration where metal lamellae were integrated for enhanced protection in vital areas.

This detailed description aims to vividly capture the initial encounter with Asthoros, blending elements of ancient civilization with the strategic considerations of its defenses, and setting the stage for the rich historical and cultural tapestry that defines the city.

Asthoros presented an unexpectedly pristine appearance, its streets paved with stone, indicating the city’s affluence. Wren deduced that the substantial stonework hinted at a prosperous urban core, eager to witness its scope. He noticed the self-mending qualities of the pavement, where cracks seemed to have seamlessly closed, speckled with quicklime—evidence of a Roman concrete-like material in use. The streets, designed with a subtle incline, directed rainwater towards efficiently engineered drains, where work gangs were actively removing accumulated sludge. Beside them, neatly arranged, were stone and ceramic perforated tiles, ready for road maintenance.

The city’s aroma was surprisingly fresh, more akin to contemporary metropolises than the medieval city-state Wren had envisioned. Beyond the broad main roads, residential buildings lined the thoroughfares, interrupted by narrower alleys at regular intervals. Architecturally, the streets were dominated by multi-storied structures, rising to about five levels, supported by robust arches and columns that formed arcades. These covered walkways provided sheltered pathways, bustling with the activity of beasts of burden and carts.

The area around the arcades buzzed with perpetual construction and renovation. Building materials were systematically arranged and secured, signifying ongoing repairs and enhancements. The auditory landscape was a blend of continuous carpentry and the clamor of street vendors weaving through the arcade, their calls melding with the city’s soundscape.

Open toilets integrated within certain side streets displayed a raw aspect of city life, where the daily routines of eating, drinking, and socializing coexisted. Wren observed the perforated stone underfoot, indicating an elaborate network of canals beneath the streets, linked to these public facilities. He noticed the strategic flow of water through these channels, moving steadily towards the south and west of the city.

A notable establishment was a public bath, situated near inns, taverns, and a travelers’ guild, creating a hub of activity and services. Inquiring for lodging, Wren learned of a Hospitia located in the city’s western part, illustrating the structured and accessible amenities Asthoros offered to its inhabitants and visitors.

The playful yet mischievous children attempting to pilfer their belongings offered a lighthearted diversion. Irilia, Thiria, and Wren were quick to spot these youthful antics. While Irilia navigated the path ahead, Thiria mingled along the crowded edges, and Wren, ever watchful, trailed the group. The bustling crowd necessitated louder communication; Wren spoke in codes instinctively shared with Irilia and Thiria, while Dashil translated for Sain and Thine, aiding their understanding. As they acclimated, they actively engaged in the discourse, with Wren elucidating the urban landscape—identifying thieves, slavers, and gangs scouting for victims.

As they immersed themselves in the city’s rhythm, the group, especially Dashil, Sain, and Thine, adeptly modified their accents to blend in. Irilia and Thiria facilitated this linguistic adaptation, reinforcing the correct pronunciations and accents. The exploratory exchange of new words and their nuances enriched their understanding, with each member contributing insights into the locals’ usage and intonation.

Wren’s acute vision, capable of discerning minute facial expressions and body language from afar, became an asset, though Sain and Thine needed blood magic to achieve similar perceptual clarity. This ability earned appreciative glances from the group, particularly from Irilia, whose subtle gestures of satisfaction stirred something in Wren. Their interaction with the locals, marked by genuine assistance and gratitude, further integrated them into the city’s fabric.

At the Travelers’ Guild, Irilia prioritized gathering intelligence, where a reception desk offered structured assistance—a setup Wren amusingly found clichéd yet functional. The group settled in, with Thiria facilitating the order of boiled water and tea, negotiating terms with a vendor paying her dues to operate within the guild’s premises.

The ordering system was intriguing: small wooden cards, each bearing a symbol representing the menu items, were placed in a lockable device showcasing the top card. A distinctively colored card could be inserted to modify or cancel the order, a detail Wren noted with interest. Thiria handled the transaction, providing change, as the group delved deeper into discussions about their surroundings. The timely arrival of their order paralleled the intensifying conversation, highlighting their integration into the city’s dynamic environment.
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Wren meticulously dissected their forthcoming actions, teaching Sain, Thine, and occasionally Dashil—who masked her curiosity—about his observations of the city’s populace. He distinguished the various professions and gauged the economic strata, deepening his understanding of the girls’ past by correlating these roles to their native village professions. He observed the city’s wealth, reflected in the exorbitant costs of sustenance and accommodation, a challenge for the women to meet in terms of bronze and silver.

Thiria returned to the group with hot water and a distinctive snack: cakes seared between iron plates, filled with sweet beet jam and coated in savory lard. In a discreet gesture, she removed the herbs she had been masticating from her mouth, blending them into the tea. Wren, observing this action, recalled instances during their journey when Thiria would subtly spit into their beverages. The new context here was her spitting into boiled water, a process that intrigued Wren, considering the potential for residual flavors or sediments in the water.

Wren’s grasp of Thiria’s magic deepened with this observation. He realized her abilities in manipulating plant properties, neutralizing toxins, and purification didn’t just involve external application but required her to internally generate the necessary reagents or ingredients. This method, while perhaps unsettling to some, showcased Thiria’s adept control over microorganisms and her capacity to enhance or alter flavors and chemical compositions through her inherent magical processes.

Thiria’s interjections in Wren’s discourse not only clarified details but also led to enriching exchanges that elevated her status as a wise and enigmatic figure among the women. Even from a distance, Wren, alongside Thiria and Dashil, managed to grasp fragments of Irilia’s dealings with the clerk, including the discreet exchange of coins and the clerk’s profuse apologies to other customers. The involvement of Sain and Thine in the conversation, drawn by Irilia’s strategic and charismatic interaction, instilled a sense of confidence and intrigue.

Dashil’s interest in Irilia prompted Thiria’s description of her as a diplomat, which Wren quickly nuanced with intelligence connotations. Thiria amended her description to scout and agent, hinting at a shared history with her husband, Kaleen, her gaze fixed on Wren to emphasize the need for discretion. This revelation nearly made Wren choke on his too-hot tea. His effort to swallow the scalding liquid painfully underscored his obliviousness regarding Irilia, juxtaposing his intellectual acumen with a personal blind spot concerning his “sundered-spouse” and her clandestine prowess.

By the time Irilia rejoined the group, they were already indulging in their third order of snacks. She seamlessly integrated into the gathering, beginning her meal with an air of nonchalance. Thiria, maintaining the guise of casual conversation, subtly sought confirmation of the details discussed with the clerk. Irilia, while focusing on her food, provided confirmations and clarifications, revealing she had secured an audience with the guild master and the possibility of obtaining endorsement letters, particularly for favors that might leverage their unique abilities.

Wren, taken aback, noted Irilia’s use of seduction, especially her implied offer to assist the clerk and her partner with conception. This rare display of forwardness not only underscored the gravity of their situation but also hinted at the necessity for such intimate persuasion to ensure their mission’s success.

However, the casual atmosphere was momentarily disrupted when Dashil subtly averted her eyes, signaling an unseen threat. Wren adapted, tuning out the ambient noises to concentrate on the sounds filtering through a one-sided perforated barrier, enhancing his situational awareness. Irilia and Thiria, sensing the shift in Dashil’s demeanor, engaged Sain and Thine in light-hearted dialogue, a strategic move to soften their collective body language and dispel any suspicion of their alertness. This subtle dance of words and gestures underscored the group’s adeptness in the nuanced art of spycraft, where every action, no matter how trivial, was a calculated step in their covert operations.

Wren chastised himself for not sooner grasping the breadth of Irilia’s wisdom, which she patiently imparted through tales of their shared history and the lurking threats they faced. During their journey to Asthoros, in the scant hours of rest at night, she unveiled the intricate world of blood magic and its practitioners. Wren learned of the Matriarchs, Priestesses, and Witches: the Matriarchs, who collaborated with nobility to refine talents and abilities, even altering embryos to sculpt flesh; the Priestesses, who wielded magic for healing and affliction, capable of manipulating the body’s fabric to heal, harm, or immobilize; and the Witches, who exerted their influence over beings and nature, crafting potions and commanding thralls.

Irilia’s insights into the world of warlocks and blood mages, and their comparative lack of power next to the moon-empowered women, captivated Wren. Despite his elven acuity, he felt a profound attraction to Irilia, an allure that transcended mere physical appeal. His mind, woven with myriad threads of focus, allowed him to dissect his reactions and thoughts meticulously. He was drawn to her, ensnared not just by her physical beauty but by her seductive intelligence and the way she seemed genuinely engrossed in his words. Unlike his past life, where his attractions often led to simplistic reactions, here he could perceive the layers of her allure, recognizing the calculated charm she wielded with effortless grace.

This attraction, however, did not manifest in the usual distractions; instead, it sharpened his attentiveness. Wren’s interactions with Irilia, and indeed the other women, were characterized by a keen charm and thoughtful engagement. His interest was genuine, driven by a desire to learn and understand, rather than any physical or emotional need. This detached yet intensely curious approach made him remarkably charming, his allure amplified by his self-control and analytical mind. Wren’s realization of his own vulnerability to attraction, despite his intellectual detachment, added a layer of complexity to his character, showcasing a man who could be the epitome of self-control yet candidly acknowledge the simple human folly of attraction.

Irilia’s breadth of knowledge, as she disclosed, came not only from her own experiences and the final confessions of the dying but also from the narratives of western traders. Her ability to extract memories from those on the brink of death hinted at a darker aspect of her past, suggesting a willingness to end lives when necessary. This revelation should have alarmed Wren, yet his intrigue with Irilia created a blind spot, his judgment clouded by an inexplicable draw to her.

The information she shared with Wren was comprehensive enough to offer a clear framework for understanding, yet it was crafted to avoid overwhelming him, allowing his own judgment to navigate the complexities of their environment. Their conversations, though rich in information, were interspersed with moments of tension, where Irilia momentarily seemed to anticipate a counterargument, a habit stemming from her interactions with Kaleen. This dynamic hinted at a historically fraught and intense relationship, where open, unfiltered exchange—although rooted in truth and mutual understanding—may have led to past conflicts and misunderstandings.

This underlying strain, coupled with their deep connection, created a paradoxical interplay between familiarity and distance. Irilia, facing a man reminiscent of her once beloved husband yet devoid of their shared burdensome history, found herself in a quandary. The potential for a new beginning with Wren, a man echoing Kaleen’s essence but unmarred by previous transgressions, offered a tantalizing yet fearful prospect. This nuanced interplay of emotions and memories underscored their interactions, revealing a complex tapestry of love, regret, and the enduring search for truth within the shadow of their shared past.

In the room they rented, they took meticulous measures to ensure a pest-free environment, burning herbs and lining their beds with spice deterrents before succumbing to sleep. The allure of the city’s baths was strong, but the need to disguise their true identities and origins took precedence. Despite being nestled within the city’s heart, the wilderness’s silence was replaced by the incessant nocturnal activity of Asthoros, where the sounds of persistent labor pierced the night.

Irilia departed first, with Wren trailing discreetly a hundred steps behind. She rendezvoused with Sana, the clerk, whose personal tales of loss after her third child added a somber note to their nocturnal journey. Their passage through the city was a silent dance of shadows, navigating a labyrinthine route that belied the dangers of nighttime strolls in the sacred city. Sana’s familiarity with the locale allowed them shortcuts through private properties, her apologies met with understanding nods from the accommodating owners.

Wren, unable to follow Irilia’s stealthy shortcuts, opted for the illuminated public streets. His journey was fraught with danger as he encountered gangs emboldened by the night’s cover, testing their luck against the city’s defenses. Wren’s acute senses picked up the distant clamor of conflict, the sound of a javelin thwarting a thief’s efforts at forced entry. The activation of a nearby spire signaled the city watch’s alertness, casting light on the immediate area.

Navigating through the chaos, Wren deftly avoided the gangs now scattering in panic. His defense was swift and non-lethal, using the falchion’s blunt end to incapacitate with broken fingers and wrists, a measured response that avoided life-altering harm. His actions, while forceful, were a testament to his control and strategic approach to confrontation within the bustling, perilous nightscape of Asthoros.

Wren discreetly followed Irilia, finding a vantage point on an adjacent structure where he could observe without being noticed. From his perch, he overheard Irilia engaging with Sana and her husband, Timon, discussing the intricacies of blood magic and its potential to aid in conception and pregnancy.

Timon detailed the guildmaster’s availability and the bureaucratic process for their upcoming audience and documentation. The conversation shifted to the delicate topic of fertility assistance, with Irilia confirming her capabilities in blood magic, leading the couple to believe she might be a blood mage or matriarch.

The discussion took a personal turn as Timon expressed concerns about their difficulties in conceiving. Irilia, with patience and expertise, outlined the blood magic procedure, explaining that it could enhance the viability of the pregnancy outside of Sana’s natural cycle. She described how the process would require a substantial contribution from Timon, as the magic involved would strengthen the developing embryo for a full-term pregnancy.

The scene unfolded with a sense of ritual and reverence as Irilia prepared to utilize her abilities to aid the couple. The night progressed through phases of rest and rejuvenation, punctuated by the sounds of a deeply personal and transformative process. From his concealed vantage point, Wren intently observed the events, his thoughts oscillating between the present and memories of his past life with Irilia. He subconsciously bit his lip, a reaction to the intimate echoes of shared history and the realization of the proceedings below.

As the hours unfolded, marked by the rhythmic cadence of life-creating efforts, Wren’s reflections deepened. He acknowledged the extraordinary power of blood magic in shaping and creating life, paralleling the scientific processes akin to modern fertility medicine from his original world. The sounds emanating from the room—gentle murmurs, the rustle of fabric, and intermittent soft exclamations—acted as poignant reminders of his past experiences with Irilia.

They had once shared such moments, immersed in magic and mutual vulnerability, weaving the fabric of life with their united intent. Wren realized that Irilia was selecting the most viable embryo, a process reminiscent yet distinct from the practices of his original world, where excess embryos might be stored or discarded. Here, Irilia employed her magic to reintegrate the unused material into the mother, enhancing her capacity to sustain the pregnancy and reducing the likelihood of complications.

The ritual of blood magic was grounded in the physical realm, necessitating direct contact, with Irilia’s bodily fluids playing a crucial role in facilitating the physiological transformations required. This laborious night, filled with Irilia’s meticulous manipulations, revealed the depth of effort involved in such magical interventions. Wren pondered whether elfin conception typically demanded such a triadic collaboration or if it was reserved for instances fraught with difficulty. The night’s events offered a glimpse into the exhaustive and intricate nature of blood magic, its impact resonating deeply with Wren’s understanding of their shared past and the complexities of life creation.

As the night waned and they left the couple to their rest, Wren observed the toll the ritual had taken on Irilia. “She would get sore, and I had to help him out. He is a very willing man and faithful husband,” she remarked, her voice devoid of irony, aware of Wren’s awareness of the bedroom activities. “Unfortunately, his health and diligence have made him not as robust as some men,” she added, locking eyes with Wren, an unspoken acknowledgment between them.

“You don’t have to explain to me,” Wren interjected softly. “You mentioned you were sunspouses. Decades have passed, and you’ve had other partners. One of them died protecting you while I… I ran.”

“Yet I feel the need to explain,” she countered, brushing her hair from her face, her eyes lingering on his, just a tad too long for casual notice.

“I’m not Kaleen. You shouldn’t feel obligated to explain,” Wren responded, his gaze unwavering, absorbing the intricate features of her face.

“Yet I see some of his mannerisms in you, a stranger who doesn’t know me,” she mused, halting her advance, her lips barely moving in a silent confession that Wren easily deciphered. Her subtle flirtation seemed out of place to Wren, who, devoid of his former insecurities, could dissect the intent and hesitation behind her actions.

Irilia’s gaze, intense and questioning, seemed to ponder aloud, “Why do you act like when we first met, as if you were Kaleen?” This moment of vulnerability and reflection highlighted the intricacies of their relationship, bridging past and present, and revealing the deep undercurrents of connection and confusion between them.

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Dashil, Sain, and Thine have formed an unexpected bond, shaped by the shared trauma of witnessing slaughter and enduring loss. Wren, with his attentive and empathetic nature, made them feel valued, treating their words and experiences as significant. His demeanor was that of an ideal companion, focused on aspects of their lives that brought them comfort and ease. Thiria and Irilia served as guiding figures, embodying the roles of mother, elder sister, and even father, offering wisdom and gentle discipline, reminiscent of the soothing presence of a nurturing parent during night terrors.

Thiria’s incense offered more than just a fragrant ambiance; it dulled the sharp edges of fear and memory, evoking a childlike vulnerability in the women as they sought solace in her presence. Thiria reminisced about the days when her children, and later her grandchildren, would find comfort in her embrace, echoing the warmth and security Theel once provided. Her musings on Theel’s love and protective nature highlighted a profound connection, one where the roles of comforter and comforted seamlessly intertwined, revealing the depth of familial bonds and the enduring nature of love.

Thiria, amidst the quiet of the night, carried the weight of her memories, particularly of Theel, whose death was a vivid tapestry of courage and brutality. She witnessed his fierce battle, where it took an onslaught of adversaries to overwhelm him. Despite being outmatched, Theel fought with a tenacity that was both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. Thiria saw the desperation in his attackers as they struggled to subdue him, finally resorting to spears and savage blows to decapitate him. This gruesome end, while horrific, underscored the profound love and determination Theel had for her, a memory that, although painful, shaped the indelible image of him in her heart.

Theel’s hands, rugged and calloused from years of labor—constructing, gardening, and smithing—were a testament to his life’s work and his strength. Yet, those same hands were capable of gentle caresses, intimate expressions of love and desire that transcended the passing of time. Their frequent moments of closeness were not merely acts of physical love but reaffirmations of their deep, enduring bond. Even as they aged, their connection remained vibrant, fueled by mutual need and affection.

Losing Theel was not just a personal tragedy for Thiria but an existential void. His absence left a palpable emptiness, a silence where once there was the comforting presence of a partner who had been her other half. For Thiria, an elf with a long span of years and a wealth of memories, Theel’s loss was not an event to move past but a profound alteration of her being, a shift in the essence of her existence. His love and sacrifice were imprinted in her soul, a reminder of their shared journey and the unyielding strength of their bond.

The poignant memories of Theel stirred Thiria in her sleep, causing tears to stream down her cheeks. Sain, awakened by the silent echoes of Thiria’s grief, observed the sorrow etched on her face, illuminated by the moonlight seeping through the window. This wasn’t the first time she had witnessed such a display of pain; the night had often revealed the hidden depths of Thiria’s loss.

Moved by the sight, Sain reached out, her actions tender and protective. She brushed away the tears with a soft kiss, a whisper of comfort in the heavy silence of the room. Wrapping her arms around Thiria, Sain pulled her closer, offering a silent embrace that spoke volumes, a promise of shared strength and unspoken understanding in the quiet hours of the night.

Thine’s dreams, usually haunted by visions of her sister combating slavers, were less intense this night, though the echoes of conflict lingered. Sain’s slumber took her through the unfamiliar streets of the new city, mingling with memories of her father and brothers; her heart ached for her mother as she instinctively clung tighter to Thiria. Dashil experienced a jarring interruption in her dreams, reliving the moment her elfin father fell to the slavers’ blades. The potency of Thiria’s magic seemed amplified within the confines of the room, offering a stronger buffer against the nightmares than the open wilderness had allowed.

The sharpness of the past traumas, while not erased, began to dull, the immediacy of those horrific memories fading as time under Irilia’s and Thiria’s nurturing guidance wove a tapestry of healing and stability, aiding the women in navigating their grief.

When Irilia and Wren returned, they gently roused Dashil to unbolt the door. They joined the somber yet comforting huddle, with Irilia nestling close to Wren, enveloping him in a tender embrace. His weary senses barely registered the closeness, drifting between the realms of wakefulness and sleep, enveloped in the shared warmth of their gathered presence.