Still awake in the morning. Scythe started making breakfast. The smell roused the rest from their tents. Everyone sat around the fire to warm up. After breakfast, Liz and Reven helped clean and pack up. Readying the horses, Astela walked up to Scythe, "I wanted to apologize for last night. I was wrong with what I said."

Scythe didn't even stop his work, "ehh."

"Can I get more than an ehh, I crossed a line. I want to try making it up to you."

"What done is done." Scythe said.

"Let me finish that," Astela offered, "You even did the night watch by yourself."

"Fine." Scythe stepped back, letting Astela start the work, but not saying he already finished the work. Walking away to help with other things.

Finally getting back to the city, everyone went their separate ways, except for Scythe, Astela, Liz, Reven, and Ifera. Heading to the church they left Ifera's child. Seeing her child, Ifera picked her up and twirled. "Thank you. Thank you for bringing me back home."

"No worries." Scythe said, then bringing a hand to his face pointing at the large scab "I just want to find a healer for this."

"I know a great healer, she is amazing with a needle, she could suture it clean."

"Sure, how far is it."

"Just down the road. It's next door." Ifera said, "Come on Aura. we are going to see auntie."

"Big auntie? Yayy!" Aura had a lot of energy.

"Thank you, mother, for watching over her."

"You need not worry. We care for all children." the Mother spoke softly.

"Once more, thank you." Ifera said, "Scythe let's mosey over then."

"Sure. You know the way, why don't you lead." Scythe suggested.

"I can do that," Ifera said.

Walking down the roads, you could see the vast majority of the people living in this part of town, were demi. Some of the cloth was a surprising silver color. "Who made those clothes. They look great?" Astela asked, "I kinda want my own."

"I'm sure Flora might have some in your size," Ifera said.

"If it's Auntie, she could make it in an hour." Aura spoke

"Really? That's fast." Astela gasped

"Well, we're here," Ifera said. The building was larger than the rest, even the door was large. Ifera knocked, and entered, "Flora!? Are you home."

"Ifera, and guests, just a moment." A massive spider-like body came down elegantly from the ceiling, her eight legs landing without a noise, "oh little Aura. It's been some time."

"Auntie," Aura ran into Flora's arms.

"So what brings you here today? It seems not just for a visit?" Flora asked

"He. Sorry, Scythe, saved my life. He got hurt, I was wondering if you could fix it up. Also, Astela love's your clothing, do you have any in her size."

Flora moved closer to Scythe, "The cut is deep and ragged, a blunt object made the tear, maybe a dull piece of iron. I can suture it, but there will be a scar." Flora moved to Astela, "I don't disclose sizes, but I think I have a few items in your size."

"What do I owe you?" Astela asked

"Oh don't worry about that. When nobody is here, I just make stuff, hats, gloves, coats, and dresses." Flora chatted, then made a motion for Scythe to move closer, "come here, I can't stitch you up if you stand so far away."

"Oh okay." Scythe moved closer. And sat next to Flora.

Occasionally wincing at the pain, "it makes it harder if you move like that." Flora spoke, stitching the wound shut, "Just a few more."

Scythe sat still, for about another minute. "And done." Flora seemed proud of herself, "I'd say that looks great, now that's finished, Astela dear, could you follow me?"

"Sure." Astela followed.

"Well, I didn't expect that," Ifera spoke.

"What?"

"Most people tend to be scared of the Spider demi's" Ifera informed, "the eight legs and all."

"I ran into one before. She was kind and small. She knitted some bandages for me and my team. It saved my life."

"Team? You didn't mention that before."

"I… I was used in battle. I'm a cannon fodder slave."

"I don't know how to respond to that." Ifera was honest

"Yeah, even Zander had that reaction."

"Zander… where do I know that name? And Astela… you know the king?" Ifera asked

"Yeah, he is my adoptive father." Scythe stood up, as Flora left the little room she and Astela went into.

"Astela will follow shortly, she is just changing." Flora looked at the stitches, "Yep they look good. I realized I never asked, Scythe would you like a jacket or something?"

"Uhh sure. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Okay, follow me." Flora led Scythe into a different room, "I have to say this, Scythe, Luna misses you greatly."

"I… I know."

"If you know, please go back to her. It hurts me to see her like that. Sitting and watching the gate, waiting for you to return."

"I didn't know." Scythe looked down

"I want you to write a letter, saying you are okay and alive, you don't need to say where you are. Just that you are alive, and you plan to return eventually."

"I can do that."

"Also Sol knows you made a contract with Phae. she wanted me to give you this, along with a message." Flora handed over a large package wrapped in spider silk, with a letter on it. The letter read

Hello Scythe.

I do not know when or where you will get this, but it is in my hopes that you get it sooner.

There are many things we, Luna and I have hidden from you. We thought to protect you, but if you deny fate, you can make things worse. So in the attempt to make fate change once more, I have asked Flora to bring you Fenriin.

Fenriin is a shield I took from Phae, there are eight in total, two are in the package. I ask that you keep yourself safe and return home, I miss you. I miss all your little questions. Even though I seemed annoyed, I did like them.

I do not know how fate has treated you, but I still hope you have that childish heart. And innocent laugh.

Luna blames herself. Aurora went after you. Irgo left. And to let you know when I wrote this, the cherry blossoms bloomed early, on the second of spring, year 736.

If fate has been cruel, you were named on the fifteenth of winter, year 724. This might not make sense if it's been more years.

Please come home.

Sol

Scythe held back the tears, "How many years ago were you given this?"

Flora had a look on her face, one that implied the answer, "Seven years ago."

"They must think I'm dead by now." Scythe let the tears flow, "I didn't know that much time passed already. I thought it was maybe three or four years, but seven…"

"I'll give you some space." Flora left the room.

Scythe sat reading and rereading the letter. Every word is like a knife in the gut. Eventually, Scythe stood up and wiped his face. Everyone was waiting at the door frame, Scythe walked through. The letter is still in hand. "I'm going to head out now, I need some time. Flora?"

"Yes." Flora looked at Scythe

"Thank you for telling me, and for this." Scythe held up the package. Before anyone else said anything, Scythe left.

Walking through the roads felt endless, filled with people each living their own lives. Scythe was crowded but felt void. Just another face in the endless streams of people. These people were happy. Scythe walked and walked. Looking over the great wall, time almost slipping away. What is real? What is fiction? Questions like that filled Scythe's head. It wasn't orders or even mundane days. He had absolute freedom, to do whatever he wanted. A voice broke his thoughts, "Let's head home Scythe." Looking at the person, Scythe saw his childhood friend, Aurora. Blinking a few times. It was Astela reaching out a hand, "you need some rest. You've had a busy few days."

Scythe followed without speaking, still partly lost in his head. Sleep would not come easy.