Unlike every other part of the city, Traren’s place seemed to stay up well enough, and looked almost like it did when she visited the first time. Though it seemed normal, a distinct smell of beer and signs of too much partying still emanated through the door, which was left unlocked.

“Seems like he’s in, I guess we’re in luck… For once.” Siravin pushed the door open and went inside, and she followed close by. The main room was littered with spent tankards, a few decorative pools of vomit and signs of a brawl, a few broken stools laid forlorn in a corner.

“Get lost! We’re closed!” A hoarse, heavily hungover voice rang out from behind the counter. They peered over it to find Traren lying on the floor. A half-full bucket of broken dreams stood close by, and he looked quite a lot worse for wear.

“I said… Ouuch… God’s bleeding ass… Closed. Scram.”

“Mr. T… You’re looking like your usual self.” Siravin effortlessly jumped over the counter and tried to get the big man back on his feet.

“Mr. T? Ahh, my splitting head, I must be really drunk… There’s only one guy that calls me that.”

“Yes, it is, and he’s right here.” With a heave, he pulled Traren to his feet. Unsteady, and wobbly, he supported him closely, making sure he would not keel over.

“You, deceptive fool… Urrrph… That foolish kid was a bona fide demonkin, best ‘prentice I’ve ever had. Huugh. Not some lousy kinsman.”

“Sweet of you, but we’re back… He’s lost. Mariel. See if you can find a bucket, and cram it full of snow… He needs a bath…”

Splash! He pushed Traren’s head through the surface of the icy water. The man tossed and waved. A short moment later, he pulled his head back up.

“Do that again, imperial dog, I’ve paid my taxes!”

Siravin sighed and obliged him. A short while of flailing later, he pulled his head back out.

“Mr. T. Are you sane?”

“Pfft, yeah… Who’s that? Can’t say I’ve seen your face before.”

“Nope, secret trick, but it’s me Siravin.”

“Hahaha good joke! That kid’s probably long dead… Right?”

“No Mr. T. It’s me, don’t ask why I look like this. Just know I came back.”

“Hm? For revenge? If you want some compensation, take what you want, but killing me will not be easy.”

She was about to say something, but she immediately spun around, drawing her sword and lowering it at a young, frightened female, carrying an oversized crossbow.

Thud! The crossbow was fired, and the bolt flew right by her, and embedded itself in the wall opposite. The young female dropped the weapon and backed away slowly.

“You’re demon hunters, right? We… We surrender… Don’t hurt that man anymore, we… Held him hostage!”

“Pff, yeah. Don’t worry, we’re not, we’re only here to talk to him.”

“Stop! Leave them alone… If you’re not demon hunters… Who are you?”

---

So that’s it huh? That’s outrageous, unbelievable, and crazy… And yet… Siravin, I would recognize you anywhere…” Traren sighed. They had spent a long time calming down the situation, and explaining to Traren what had happened. At first, he had simply denied it all as impossible, but the more they told him, the more he seemed to accept it.”

“So let me get this straight… You travelled across a continent, sailed to the other, and used a portal thing, to get back here? And you think you’re Siravin and Mariel? I know Siravin would have survived, but…”

“It’s me Mr. Traren! This reminds me of the first time in ages we met… You didn’t recognize me back then either.”

He looked at her for a long time. “Okay, let’s for a second say I do believe you. How would I know?”

“Because, you’ve recently tried to dig up the old box my father kept under the apple tree.”

“So it is you Mariel… I can’t believe it, but nobody else knew… You’re a bit late though.”

“I know, so what happened?”

Traren agreed to tell them, but before he did, he poured them each a cup of his best mead. He securely locked the door and allowed what turned out to be four other demonkin in addition to the girl that had almost killed her, to come out of the cellar. They immediately began cleaning up the place.

“After you two disappeared… A lot of similar incidents began occurring across the continent. The empire blamed the demonkin, and secretly readied its forces… They both wanted to go looking for you… Your mother and your father that is… But they were forbidden to leave the city. They brokered a deal… To leave, Arwaro had to divorce Serin, whom was required to return home to face her punishment and belated marriage. Only then would he be allowed to leave, join the army and look for you at the same time. This happened just before the first snow began to fall…” He sighed and took a mighty sip of his tankard of cold water, prompting them both to partake in their mead, which they soon did.

“So… You’re too late Mariel. Before she left, she told me to keep these items for you, should you somehow find your way back home.” He disappeared into the storage room, and soon re-emerged with a wrapped bundle in his hands.

“She wanted you to have it, and the accompanying letter.”

She opened the bundle to find a neatly folded, familiar dress, together with all her mother’s finery, and jewels. She lifted it up and found a small letter beneath. As she put down the dress, and jewels, Traren smiled to her and handed her a small knife to open it with.

‘Dear baby, sweet, beloved child of mine.

I find myself unable to express myself. If you ever get this letter, I have no idea how much time will have passed. Maybe you have a family of your own now? Could I be a grandmother? It is a comforting thought to think you are okay somewhere. Unfortunately, our search must have proved fruitless if you have the letter. I sent your father out to look for you… But the price was high. I have returned home to my family, and left your father to find you. Even if I should give up my life to see you home safe, it is a sacrifice I will make. If you find your father… Stay with him. You must never seek me, and never speak of me again. I surrendered so that you can live in peace, and I beg you to not waste my efforts…

I will forever love you baby… Live, and be happy!

Your ever-loving mother, Serin.’

She supressed the tears attempting to break out, trying to gather up her resolve. In a bout of determination, she emptied her cup of mead in one go to great astonishment from the others.

“Siravin… I need to find my mother… You can stay here if you’d like? You’re home after all…”

“Don’t start. I’m coming with you…”

“Are you sure? I can’t give her up to lousy politics, but there’s probably a reason she says here to not seek her out.”

“We’ll find her together Mariel. I owe her… Somehow.”

“Give me a day or two, and I’ll have the necessary papers ready. In the meantime, make yourselves at home.”