Despite the solemnity of the last few days, our camp has turned into a modest festival of lights, curated by Gale. Tieflings and druids have gathered to celebrate the lives of those lost and the safety of the grove. Bards play jaunty music as people dance and drink.

Laughter fills my tent as a haze of smoke coils through the air. Astarion sits comfortably on my lap. Maps and glasses are strewn across my desk. Hembry, Zevlor, Apikusis, and Maylee are gathered as we discuss the coming campaign.

"It's not like the cult expects a group of helpless druids to chase them back to their wretched tower. They mistake order for power, but what are a pack of gnolls and a warband of goblins against military genius?" Hembry shoves me with a hearty laugh.

"It doesn't take a genius to trample hyenas. I was lucky to find a good horse. It's just a shame I hadn't come sooner."

The laughter dies down and there is a moment of silence.

"Aelar will want us to press on," Maylee says. She gently taps the glass of water in her hand. "I certainly will. The wardens have appointed me First Warden in light of his passing." She takes a long sip.

"A wise choice. Are you ready to shoulder the responsibility?"

"Vash. This war is the dawn we need. We keep calling it a new beginning, but it's more than that. What we are planning here in this tent right now will affect generations of the Emerald Grove. I will be sure it's done."

I reach over and grip her hand. She gives me a soft smile.

I lean back in my seat and Astarion adjusts himself. I take a breath from my cigar and let the smoke slip from my mouth. "We need to begin organizing a cavalry for the wardens. Zevlor, you and whatever Hellriders you can recruit can be included in that number."

Zevlor lowers his cup of mead to the table. "I haven't been a cavalryman since before the descent." He laughs softly. "I used to have a very loyal mount. Delilah. Smart as a whip, and gentle as a foal despite her size. I'll be glad to have a new horse, but I miss her still."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

He quietly waves me off.

"How many Hellriders have you recruited thus far?"

"Seven, but I expect more. I've only just had the opportunity to start hunting them down, thanks to the couriers."

Apikusis taps ashes from her cigar into a shell on the table. "It's become quite the quest tracking them down, but I'm happy to help. I like the challenge. I expect word from at least twenty more Hellriders any day now. You came from a pretty large unit."

"It was what Zariel demanded. She pushed us beyond our abilities with little support. Many of us fled."

"Did you flee?" I ask.

"Fair of you to ask. Yes. Not because war is brutal, but because the command was poisoned." He leans forward on the table. "I am not afraid of dying for a cause, if the cause is just, but there is no justice in the Hells."

Astarion has an arm around my neck, lounging comfortably. "So, how on earth did you escape?"

Zevlor falls still. "A deal."

"Let me guess. The soul of your firstborn?"

"A favor from my cavalry. To be honored immediately, when Mad Maggie calls."

"Mad Maggie? How can a name so hilarious sound so damned ominous?"

"Strangely enough she is one of the more reasonable warlords in the Hells. She specializes in war machines and is slippery enough to know how to move between planes. A useful acquaintance, though dangerous still."

"Are you in communication with her?" I ask.

"Not directly, though I have connections. I'm loath to reach out, for obvious reasons."

"Of course."

Perhaps Mizora can give me information on Mad Maggie. Or the shades. They both will cost me something… I'll have to decide how much I'm willing to pay.

For a moment I search the tent for Bex, to see if she can find stables willing to provide horses for the campaign.

My heart sinks.

…right…

I grip Astarion's waist and take a sip of mead. "Apikusis, do you think you can organize communication with local stables to get estimates?"

"Shouldn't be an issue, though I have enough to juggle as is. Where's Bex?"

Astarion's lips curl inward and he glances at me.

I lift my cup of mead halfway. "Bex is currently going through something personal. I'm not sure if…" I pause. "Well, let's consider her a non-variable for the time being. I won't be speaking more on the matter." I hide behind my glass as I take a sip.

Hembry pats my back, jostling my drink. "We move forward, then! You'll be happy to hear I've heard back from the Sussur Concord."

"About time. What word do they bring?"

"They are more than happy to host us while we find a way to the Shadow Cursed Lands. Lady Lumael is especially excited about meeting you. She regrets she couldn't be here to celebrate with us and sends her regards."

"She sounds like a busy woman."

Hembry shifts slightly. "Well… I wouldn't exactly say that. She doesn't travel to the surface world."

I lift a brow. "No? That's a bit odd for a First Druid."

"We all have our own strange ways. That's what makes my presence here necessary, and I'm grateful for it."

I take another sip. "So, it stands to reason that we meet with the other First Druids in her domain."

Hembry grins. "Precisely. All whom we have reached out to have agreed to come. You'll have ample opportunity to parley with them. I'll send word back that we will be traveling that way."

"Thank you, Hembry."

He bows his head reverently. "With that being said, I'm afraid my cup has run dry. I'd best refill before the tieflings drink it all." He gives another hearty laugh before making his way out. Surprisingly steady for a lush.

We wave him off, and Maylee raises her glass. "Agreed. If there is nothing more to be said I think I've had quite enough for today. I need to rest."

I tap Astarion and he hops off my lap. I walk over to her and take her hand. "If you need anything, just let me know."

She glances up at me. "Actually. If I could speak with you later. Privately."

"Of course."

She dips her head and steps out with a gentle wave to Zevlor and Astarion.

I kiss Astarion's neck. "Join the party. I wish to speak to Zevlor privately. I'll need to gather our camp later to discuss our plans for the Underdark."

"Uch. Can't you relax for half a moment? Promise me at some point today you'll actually enjoy yourself. Not everything needs to be a war briefing."

Zevlor leans forward. "He's not wrong, you know."

I chuckle softly. "I promise."

He gives me a light peck on the lips and taps my nose. "Don't be too long."

I shake my head with a soft smile before sitting back down. I take a final drag from my cigar and tap it out.

The final dregs of mead spin at the bottom of the glass as Zevlor turns it on the table, absentmindedly. "With everything that's happened, it's good to see my people smiling for once. This is exactly what they've needed, despite Halsin's unfortunate fall."

"Have you spoken to Bex since we returned from the goblin camp?"

"No. She isn't speaking with anybody. Halsin's death seems to have affected her deeply. As it has for us all."

"A waste. But his sacrifice saved the grove."

"A scholar and a hero." He drinks the last of the mead.

We go quiet and I let the silence stretch before shifting back in my seat and resting my ankle on my knee. "I wanted to speak to you about Doni."

"Doni? What about him?" He chuckles lightly. "Has he been giving you trouble?"

"Not at all. I think the boy shows promise. I'd like to take him on as my ward."

Zevlor studies me. "Not to sound crass, but with everything you're juggling, taking responsibility for a child seems a bit…" He measures his words. "Ambitious."

"I think the boy is worth the time. He just needs the right hand to foster his potential. I can offer that to him."

"If you wish to try, that would be very generous of you. Though it might be a challenge. He hasn't spoken a word to anyone since the journey began."

"What do you know of him?"

"He lost his home in the Descent. His father was a runner in Avernus. He was left behind when the city was restored."

"What is a runner?"

"One of the volunteers that would go above ground to search for supplies. Most civilians lived in the sewers while in Avernus. It was the safest place to be, given the demons and warlords that flooded the city. Doni's father was taken by Mad Maggie. He was never seen again."

"I see what you mean when you say she was dangerous."

"Exactly. It wasn't an easy decision to treat with her, but I was desperate to get my people out."

"You've given so much to help people in need. First your cavalry, now the refugees. Have you considered settling down?"

"Have you?"

I smile and tap my claw on the table. "And Doni's mother?"

"I know nothing about her. Doni's father never spoke of her."

I nod softly, staring down at the maps. The boy truly has nothing but the wretched memories of what his life used to be. Perhaps it's for the best that I don't remember my own. Utterly unburdened by the grief of whatever the hells I used to be.

If I can give him purpose, I can see what he becomes. What I could have been.

Zevlor and I step into the celebration. People dance and mingle. A few beer barrels have been brought in as people sink deeper into their cups.

Shadowheart is trying to keep her balance, wine glass in hand. She's dancing with a druid woman, who is laughing and holding her up under the arms as they sway.

Karlach is sitting with the wardens, regaling them with tales of the Blood War. Zevlor and I join them. I stand behind Maylee, she glances up and reaches for my hand. I take it and give it a pat.

"That's the thing though, isn't it?" Karlach says. "Once you've got a Cambion by the wings, they're nearly useless. They don't know how to balance without them. After that you have to look out for… well… the rest of them!"

Laughter breaks out, and a ruddy-faced warden lifts his beer stein. "Tell us about pit fiends!"

"Aim for the soft spots!" She shouts, and they raise their cups and cheer.

Maylee quietly stands. "I think that's enough for one day. Walk with me to the grove?"

I give the party a wave and walk with her down the path to the ivy gate.

"He…" Her throat immediately grows tight. "He believed in you. He spoke about the future often. The grove not just being a sanctuary, but a foundation for what we were building. What we are building still. He promised me…"

Her face goes red and I put an arm around her as she leans into me. She begins to choke before she stops. Heavy sobs overwhelm her and she buries herself in me. I hold her as she cries. I remain until she settles.

She finally pulls back, though the sobs have left her gasping.

"I'm pregnant, Vash."

My eyes soften and I rest a hand on her cheek. "Whatever happens next, your child will have a place. I'll be here for you."

Her forehead tightens and more tears run from the corners of her eyes. "He was right." She nestles her face in my palm and utters no more.

We continue on, her head on my shoulder.

After escorting her home, I walk the hollow. Few people remained behind as the celebrations continue at camp. Some tired souls drift about. I hear children's laughter closer to the grove. As I move up the path I see a tail disappear between some stones along the side of the path. I crouch down and peer inside. There is absolutely no fucking way I am going to attempt getting in there.

The idea of my shoulders wedging makes me feel…

I hear a grunt and feel someone giving me a nudge.

"Doni," I say with a soft chuckle. "Just the street urchin I was hoping to find."

Doni rolls his eyes with a wide grin. "Uugh."

Almost a word, I swear it. "I wanted to speak with you. I have a proposal."

He shifts, giving me fleeting glances.

"How would you like to come stay with me? We can travel to Baldur's Gate together and I can teach you a thing or two about being an adventurer. Does that sound good?"

He takes a small step back and begins chewing on his thumb.

"If you need time to think about it, I understand."

He runs his arm over his head and glances around.

My focus shifts to something coming up behind him. Mol. "What's all this?" She approaches with her typical swagger.

"I'm speaking to Doni about potentially becoming my ward."

"Is that so? Well, the answer is no. I'm not going to have you waltz in here and break up my family. These kids are my responsibility, not yours."

I stand, looking down at her.

Doni pushes Mol's shoulder back.

"Don't get hysterical, Doni, I'm just looking out for you. The last thing we need is some goody two shoes butting in on our operation. You're staying."

"Nnngh!" Doni's arms hang at his sides, shoulders stiff.

"What? You're too good for us because you're buddy-buddy with the hero of the hollow?" She sneers.

I take a small step back and watch.

Doni shakes his head before shoving Mol.

"Don't get handsy with me!" She shoves him back.

Doni raises a fist, but Mol pulls a knife. He stops and lowers his hands, stepping back. His eyes narrow, and he flexes his jaw. He looks up at me and I open my hand.

"Don't do it." She spins the knife in her hands. "You'll regret it. Trust me."

He wrinkles his nose at her and takes my hand.

"So, that's it." She points her dagger at him. "I never want to see your face again. Neither of you." She holsters the knife and dips between the rocks.

We watch her go before I put a hand on his back. "Do you have things?"

He's chewing on his thumb again. He nods yes.

A girl about Doni's age walks up to us, eyeing the hole between the stones.

"Arabella?"

She looks up at me. "You remember me?"

"Of course. How are you?"

She hesitates for just a breath, but smiles. "Fine." She turns to Doni. "I'll get your pack. Wait right here." She disappears into the impossibly small hole.

I glance around and find a crate. We sit together, his legs kicking as they hang over the edge.

"I'm sorry, Doni. Had I known it was going to cause a ruckus…"

He waves me off, staring off with a somber face.

I give him a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Is there anything you need from Aaron? A tent? A bedroll? You've been wearing the same rags for days."

He nods.

"We'll get you the supplies you need."

He smiles as he fidgets with his fingers. Several moments pass and I enjoy the quiet as we sit together.

Arabella returns with a loose rucksack. "Mol is not happy. I practically had to fight her for this bag myself."

She hands it to him and he slings it over his shoulders. He gives her a grateful nod.

She glances up at me. "Take care of him, Ser Neel."

"Thank you, Arabella."

She looks at Doni and her chin quivers. She throws her arms around his shoulders. He hesitates and wraps his arms around her. She gives a heavy sniff before leaning back and wiping a few tears from her eyes. "Good luck, Doni. I hope to see you again, soon."

Doni looks at his feet and nods softly.

"Let's go." He takes my hand and we walk to Aaron's stall before heading back to camp.

The sun is starting to fall, and I snap a flame into my hand. Doni looks at me wide-eyed and then begins trying to snap. I stop and kneel, snapping the flame away.

"You press your middle finger against your thumb. "The sound comes from your middle finger striking your palm, amplified by your cupped ring and pinky fingers."

Doni watches me do it a few times and tries again, but the snaps keep landing soft. His nostrils flare and he tries a few more times in rapid succession. "Nnnnggh!"

"Frustration won't serve you. Breathe. Then lick your finger and try again."

He stops and then gives his middle finger a lick and snaps. His eyes go wide.

"Good! Now for the flame."

I worked with Doni to find his flame, and as we arrive at camp he's snapping the flame in and out of his hand, playing with the fire along his fingers, busy. The festivities continue as the sun begins to wane.

"Do you know how to set up your tent?"

Doni is focused on his flame. I crouch down and gently take his wrist. "Doni."

He blinks and looks at me. "Do you know how to set up your tent?"

He shakes his head no.

"Dismiss the flame. Let me show you."

He smiles and snaps it out and sets down his bag, pulling out the bundle.

I stand. "Find somewhere flat."

He begins walking around, searching the ground.

Karlach walks up to me. "There you are, Spooks! How's Maylee doing?"

"Weary, as to be expected. Losing Aelar hasn't…" I pause.

Karlach's brow falls. "Ah Spooks. I wish I could hug you."

I give her a soft smile. "I feel it as if it were real. Thank you."

She glances at Doni who is being sniffed to death by Scratch. He sits down and rubs Scratch's scruff, laughing as his face gets licked. "Who's the kid?"

"Doni. An orphan from the hollow. I've taken him on as my ward."

"Spooks! Ah man, that's a nice fucking thing to do for the kid!"

"Language," I say with a playful smirk.

"Oop. Sorry."

"It's getting late. I better set up his tent for him. I have a feeling he's going to be well and truly distracted."

Karlach takes a step back. "Come join the party when you're done. You deserve to unwind. Whether you think you do or not. Promise me?"

I chuckle softly. "Promise." As she walks back Shovel comes screaming out of the shrubs. A half-eaten frog in her hands. Doni jumps to his feet and dashes over to me, grabbing my coat. He stares down at Shovel, chewing on his nail.

"Master Neely! You collect another creature for camp-play?!"

"He's not a creature, Shovel. This is Doni. Doni, this is Shovel. She's a quasit from the Abyss."

Shovel hops and shakes the frog body in the air. "You friend to Master Neely! You friend to Shovel!"

I kneel down. "Shovel, stop screaming for gods' sake."

Shovel falls still. "Why?"

"It's grating. If you want to play, do so quietly."

Shovel slowly bites off one of the frog legs before holding it out. "You want snack?"

Doni looks at the mutilated frog corpse and shakes his head.

I press my lips together, measuring Shovel before leaning into Doni. "If you take anything from her, wash your hands before eating anything."

Doni glances at me.

"Come. Let's set up your tent."

Doni follows me as we stake it out and set it up. He looks at the components of his new tent and needs little help putting it together. He learns quickly when he can focus.

Good.

He settles into his bedroll, and I leave him reading a book, with an apple.

I join the others. The fire is high. There is boisterous music from the druid bards that have stayed to entertain. Laughter rings through the air. It's good to see my people happy, though I know they've been drinking all day.

Gale leads Lae'zel in a dance around the flames. The man does know his footwork.

"There you are, Darling. Gods, do you get distracted." Astarion grabs my hand and pulls me into a dance.

Can I dance?

I step lightly with him. I recognize the dance, one common for soirées. Relief washes over me. Thank the gods, I'm not about to make an ass of myself.

"Look at you! Not a thought in that head and you can still move. One would think with the way you swing your sword like an ogre, you wouldn't be light on your feet."

"Perhaps my empty head is the secret," I say, pulling him close by the hips.

He laughs and clings to my shoulders as I lead.

"A child?!"

I hear shouting from across the camp before seeing Shadowheart staggering up to me.

"No! No, absolutely not!" She slurs.

Astarion and I stop.

"You... You killed Alfira!"

The party grows quiet and I glance around. People are staring, and soft murmurs pass through them.

Astarion grips my arm. I briefly close my eyes before focusing on Shadowheart. "Shadowheart, what are you talking about?"

"The bell! I saw the bell, and it didn't ring! That proves it! Why would you? How could you?!"

She tries to slap me but staggers and misses.

I catch her. "Shadowheart, are you okay?"

"Get off of me." She pushes my hands off her as she rights herself. "You know what you did. You dug through her like an animal. Just like he said."

"He?"

"No, no. That's not right. Not he. Someone else. Not him."

"Shadowheart?"

"It doesn't make sense. I just don't understand why you would do it? Why? And now you've taken Doni as a ward? No."

I catch Karlach's eye. "Can you get Shadowheart a blanket?"

Karlach's brow is tight, but she gets to her feet and jogs off.

I turn back to Shadowheart. "Maybe you should head back to your tent for the night. Perhaps you'll feel better in the morning."

A few people share glances as the music slowly begins to play again, and the attendants turn back to festivities.

"What?" Her eyes narrow. "You did it. You..." She staggers again, and I catch her elbow. She wrenches her arm free haphazardly.

Karlach returns with a blanket. "Come on Shadowheart. It's been a fun day, but I think it's time to turn it in."

I nod to Karlach. "Borrow my coat if you need to. Make sure she gets plenty of water."

"Smart. Thanks Spooks."

Shadowheart watches me, lips tight. She's guided away, stumbling against Karlach's gentle hand at first, before finally following her.