On the final evening of their stay, Aria and Vael strolled along the promontory by themselves.
The past four weeks had slipped away exactly as exceptional months always do rushing past rapidly, packed with activity, and then suddenly nearing their conclusion. The mounted procession would begin its journey back toward the northern territories when morning came. Vael needed to return to the governance of her realm. Helsa had to carry on with the extensive reconstruction efforts. Iola was facing years of deep contemplation and internal reckoning. This coastal bluff would return to its usual state of isolation and stillness, occupied solely by Aria alongside Kael, Cress, Aldric, and the pair of young practitioners from the quiet branch of the craft.
On this particular night, however, the two
