Page 13 of To Fight and To Fold

“Timberscale was home to carpenters, loggers. Their help has been… instrumental. We’ve come very far in your absence, though it was felt by all.”

Thea was silent for a long moment as she took in the glowing lanterns, the alleys and neighborhoods, and home after home—whether set into a rolling hill or a trunk of a tree.

“Come here, Thea,” Vaelen said, and tugged her into a hug. The familiar green, bright scent of Vaelen filled her senses, and she embraced the archdruid, forcing her tears back. “It’s so good to have you home. No matter what happened.

Thea’s heart thumped at the word. This is what she’d been missing, in Evergale—this feeling of belonging. “It’s good to be home,” she managed to mutter, though it was rough from her throat.

Vaelen chuckled. “You always were stubborn. Come. I’ll show you your new place and you can rest.”

Though her body was sore, her mind tired, Thea frowned. “Don’t you want to know…”

“There’s plenty of time for that. Just come to Claw Hold when you’ve collected your thoughts and rested.”

“Alright. Thanks, Vaelen.”

“It’s good to have you back, kid.”

Thea rolled her eyes at the archdruid, but only after she’d left a key in Thea’s hand.

She used it to unlock the small abode, and stepped inside to find a furnished and modest… home. A bed, a small kitchen, a bath, and even a resting area with a fire stove. Small round windows looked out into the Heart of Cloud Haven.

The grime of the day seemed to weigh on her all at once, and she tried out the bath first, with the water and warmth spells working in tandem, runes glowing softly. Then she tried the clothes already placed in the small dresser. They were mismatched and well worn, but comfortable and warm. Then she tried the bed.

She avoided most thoughts and, after lying down for exactly ten minutes, put her boots back on and went to find Vaelen.

Thea walked amongst the new growth with awe. These homes were filled with—and had been built by—the refugees the druids had saved. Their progress was admirable, but it also meant Evergale had been making their move.

When exactly had the crown decided to take over Timberscale? It must have been after Thea left the Sixth Guard, where she had started, and worked her way up to Fourth Guard, before she'd come across Aaryn and been recommended for the Second Guard.

All according to plan, she thought drily as guilt wormed through her. Thea walked along the tread path, moss and clover and grass and flowers and trees filling in the rest of the land that wasn’t taken up by homes.

It was practically crowded now, though at this late hour perhaps not quite so. Everyone she passed offered her polite nods. She recognized none of them.

Rat folk and humans and elves and satyrs and draconic peoples—a melting pot. The druids turned away no one in need, because Evergale cared not who faced their wrath.

The runes glowed and dispensed her on Claw Hold.

When the tile shifted out of place, her surroundings had changed and the sounds of revelry reached her, and despite the small buildings that surrounded her, a bonfire glowed, and she followed its light.

“You didn’t give us much time to set up,” Vaelen complained as she approached.

“What’s all this?” Thea asked.

Vaelen held her hands up, and as she clapped them, the fire behind her exploded into a shower of sparks. The small crowd of people surrounding it cheered. Familiar faces.

“We’re glad to have you back,” Vaelen said, and her voice had so much gravity—emotion and affection and relief. “Come rest your mind. Have a drink or partake in the blooms. There will always be business.”

Vaelen turned to the small crowd, who had quieted as she spoke, and the archdruid raised her voice, along with a mug. “Tonight, we revel in the return of an ally! Welcome home, Thea!”

A few dozen echoed her words, and raised their mugs—or pipes—and the entire gathering rang out in a cheer.

Thea’s eyes welled, and she dashed her tears away on the back of her hand before she lifted both of them high and shouted, “I’m home!”

They whooped and hollered, and Vaelen was grinning, holding out a palm. Thea took it and was led to the warmth of the fire, the warmth of her people.

Their joy filled her heart; their songs rang in her ears. Thea accepted the blooms, and smoke filled her lungs and soothed her worries. As she laughed and nudged shoulders with a familiar druid she’d met years ago, the fire burned on, and so did their revelry.

The runes lit up as their party drew the attention of the other isles, and the celebration grew. For the first time in months she was surrounded by nature and warmth and welcome.