Nimue Murtra and Kaiden Milone walk hand in hand on by the docks of Sealhead Cove. Both dressed in loose well-made clothes of white. It is a beautiful day to take a stroll outside. And they have been cooped up in the Milone House too long.

She has been by Kaiden's side for weeks, helping him and his sisters to cope with the execution of Kaya from the poisoner queen's hand, as well as the absence of Luci Milone sent to the temple. The Milone house has become a house of ghosts, but with Nimue there the gaping hole, where the two girls used to be, has slowly started to fill. Laughter and smiles are there in the house again.

Life is too short, Nimue thinks, clasping Kaiden's hand even tighter. Hiding their affection for one another has slowly become a thing of the past. And she is glad for it, she doesn't have the stubbornness to resist anymore. Though they still argue. And always will.

The air by the docks is fresh and salty. Boats toil and bob in the harbour. Their familiars tread behind them, and the fox and the wolf make a fine pair. Both sleek and fat from the best of the catch. Nox especially. Though the people of Wolf Spring have turned their backs to the Milones, the strength of their gift has not wavered.

They stop for a moment to admire the view, not venturing any closer. But watching from a safe distance as the fisherwomen and men are all bringing in their nets from the morning, with an array of crabs, lobsters and fish. They will have a break. Perhaps swap shifts. And then set out again in their boats for the evening and afternoon catches. It reminds Nimue of home. Bastian City has Bardon Habour and lies by the eastern coast while Wolf Spring has the west and Sealhead Harbour. The sea breeze is nothing new to Nimue.

"Shall we fetch some oysters for your mother?" Nimue proposes, resting her head on Kaiden's shoulder, "or should I go?"

They are both silent for a moment and Kaiden turns to look at Nimue, weariness in his eyes.

"No," Kaiden says stubbornly, "we will both go, the people can't hate my family forever."

Nimue nods in agreement. They can't. But people can be vicious. And the sting is still fresh.

On evenings before she has walked through Wolf Spring streets alone, when she passes taverns she hears the whispers about the Milones. That they're cursed, their ancestors reached for the throne and failed, that they are rebels and traitors, still wanting to end the queensline. Though none would dare say it to her. And of course it is nonsense. The Milones have no political ambitions anymore.

But Nimue is still an outsider, they won't talk to her directly, a naturalist brought up by warriors. And Nox doesn't help on the streets. They all fear the wolf. But that is useful at times.

"More fool them if they do, they will lose out on the ripest of apples and the best sea catch, the Nicholsons can't compare," Nimue says, thinking on the family that has so recently risen up in station thanks to the Black Council, thanks to her foster mother. It is hard but she knows Pele did what she must.

The Milones had committed two crimes. Kaya trying to kill Queen Carina. Lucie's whose familiar killed one of the temple and attempted to help Kaya. Lucie's hound and Kaya paid the price. And the rest of the Milones must endure.

The Milones will never foster another naturalist queen, the Nicholsons are to be the first family of Wolf Spring. But decreeing it does not make it so.

"Aye the fools will," Kaiden replies, a smile dancing on his lips at the thought of those who turned their back on the Milones missing out on the fruits of their labour, and he urges them forward, "half a dozen oysters and a few fish should do the trick for the house for lunch, you know how my family loves to eat."

Nimue nods, chuckling fondly as they walk towards the oyster stand. It should be fine enough. It is run by a nice old lady, Rena Millner, an old friend of Gwyneth. Though she has neglected to visit the Milones for tea since Beltane, but she is not hostile and won't throw rocks or stonily ignore them like some do.

As they approach Rena betrays a small but genuine smile and her cormorant familiar, Hattie, let's out a squark in greeting before diving back into the sea several yards behind them. She is only under the water a moment before rising triumphantly with a small silver fish in her beak and swallowing it whole. Nimue wonders if Rena called the fish so close to the docks just for her familiar to gorge.

Rena's honey blonde hair is marred with a few streaks of grey and so is her face with a few lines. She has never been a beautiful woman even in her youth, but she has been one of presence and character, and that makes her beautiful in Nimue's eyes.

Everyone knows she sells the best oysters, though she has a few fish on her stand. There are many who also deal in the fish catch, that competition is vast.

"Hello Kaiden, hello Nimue," she greets them, before looking at their familiars who are well behaved hoping for a stray fish from the back to be chucked their way, "and hello to you too Nox and Sven."

"Hello," Nimue says but Kaiden only nods. He never used to be angry but there is a darker streak now since Beltane. It is understandable.

To her credit, Rena doesn't let Kaiden's lack of a hello deter her friendly facial disposition. But it seems Nimue will have to do the small talk.

"How many oysters would we like today?" Rena asks, already preparing a bag.

Clever woman, Nimue thinks. To get them away quickly before Kaiden sours more, or before people start to note her familiarity with a Milone. A dangerous thing in Wolf Spring nowadays.

It is as if they have forgotten all Gwyneth Milone did with funding new charities and the like over the years to help remove the stain that Jules the Usurper placed on their family years ago. The people of Wolf Spring are fickle indeed, Nimue thinks angrily.

"You know the Milone house as well as I Rena," Nimue begins, satisfied when Rena's face drops a little, "it takes half a dozen oysters to satisfy their stomachs."

Rena nods, smiling now in memory but her expression becomes tentative again in an instance. Nimue thinks she may deign to ask about Gwyneth Milone and her family.

But Rena does not. And Kaiden doesn't bring it up. So they continue, business as usual, the tension not addressed.

"Half a dozen oysters it is," Rena says trying to lighten the mood and the spies the familiars eyeing up the fish, "and how about a couple of free fish for your wolf and fox?"

Nimue nods in thanks, putting the coins for the oysters on the counter from her own pocket before Kaiden can protest, "Nox and Sven will appreciate it."

Rena throws most of the fish she has on her stall towards the two. Far more than she should for free. They instantly go to work lapping it up, Nox most of all who growls a little at Sven. The fox submits and patiently waits for the wolf to finish first. It doesn't take long and then Sven goes for the few left.

"Thanks Rena," Kaiden says politely, only at seeing his familiar happy, but his face is still tense and Rena can tell.

The older woman's face is strained, she looks to her feet ashamed before opening her mouth again, unable to stop her words pouring out,

"I am sorry Kaiden, for not coming around recently ... and if your mother needs any help or a break from the girls they are welcome in my house," Rena says quickly, her eyes darting around unconsciously to check if anybody heard her offering friendship to the Milones but then she stops, thinking better of it.

"A little too late Rena," Kaiden replies tiredly but then his tone softens, "but I thank you all the same."

She nods, relieved at some acknowledgment, "the people will move on, it's still so fresh in their mind."

The Milones as traitors, as rebels. It will be a hard stain to get rid of.

"As it is in ours," Kaiden says, his tone hard, "and they didn't lose two sisters."

One to the grave. Another to the temple. Nimue holds Kaiden's hand even tighter, even Nox comes over to brush against him in comfort and Sven leaves his last fish to do the same.

"No they did not, it is a horrible thing, Kaya no longer suffers Goddess rest her soul but little Luci to live the rest of her life away from her family and without her familiar" Rena's voice cracks in true sympathy, "it is a horrible thing."

She passed the bagged oysters over to Nimue who takes them gratefully and brightens her expression, "At any rate I'm glad that you have this pretty one taking care of you."

Nimue smiles fondly at that, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, "this one needs a lot of taking care of."

Kaiden stares at her in mock hurt, clasping his chest, "how you wound me Nimmy, don't listen to her Rena, I was the one carrying her home the other day all the way from the bent over trees because she felt tired."

Nimue blushes, punching Kaiden's shoulder. The only reason she felt tired was because of what they were doing at the bent over tree all night. Her lower body was exhausted.

"Piss off," Nimue smiles, blushing even more when Rena gives her a knowing smile.

"She's your woman now Kaiden, if she wants to be carried she must be, look at those blades at her side," Rena says and Nimue smiled, the blades is a habit from Bastian City, "and the wolf she follows, I wouldn't argue with her."

Not many would. Save for her foster sister Morrigan. And Rowan Westwood, but such things come from spending so much time together as teenagers in the war city. They all used to bash each other about with fists and words when they were young.

"But arguing is half the fun and the passion!" Kaiden pipes up and the three of them exchange a laugh together. The weight slowly lifting.

"Aye it is, you two make me miss being young," Rena says wistfully, "young and in love."

They both smile at that, turning to each other. Their hands firmly interlocked. As they have been since they were children. Kaiden said the words to her a week ago and Nimue of course said them back. And their passion for each other has grown even larger than before.

They are both smiling and lost in looking at each other then for a long while.

But suddenly, a rock on the side of Kaiden's head and Nimue snaps towards the source in rage. It doesn't take long to see the approaching Nicholson brothers. Three large bullies. Always the worst ones whenever the Milones ran into trouble in the town.

"Are you alright?" Nimue asks concerned and Kaiden nods, anger blotting his face, "I'll send Nox to tear a chunk out of them the idiots."

But Kaiden shakes his head, ducking as another rock is thrown.

"Let's just go home Nim," he says irritation rather than anger evident on his face, "I can't be arsed for it today."

Nimue nods reluctantly and they start to head the opposite direction but not before Nimue wills Nox towards the boys. She doesn't turn her head and doesn't need to. She only smiles as she knows what is to come.

But she hears their satisfying cries of fear. Then Kaiden turns to see the ruckus and Nimue is forced to.

Kaiden is not annoyed though, Nimue knew he wouldn't be. And they both watch in amusement at Nox's growls as she snaps at their heels. And the boys run hard, in the other direction. The one trailing behind his older brothers barely missing Nimue's teeth as she goes for their ankle.

And then Kaiden laughs, it is the sweetest sound Nimue has ever heard. Especially when she has heard it so rarely of late. His light is returning a bit everyday.

And he takes Nimue into his arms, kissing her hard and laughing,

"Goddess I love you! Especially when you don't listen to me."

Nimue smiles, glancing as the boys disappear into the town and Nox starts to run back to her, "and I you."

After their embrace they stay like that for a while, well until Nox comes back and Nimue rubs her head in thanks,

"Good girl," she says and Nox licks her hand, "now let's go home."

—

When they reach home they cannot resist each other, making quick hellos and goodbyes to Gwyneth Milone and her husband, Drew. Adela and Greer have not yet returned from blooming fruit in the nearby meadow. Which is good. And as empty a house as they are likely to get.

So, they cheekily retire to Kaiden's rooms for a pleasurable few hours, taking a few oysters up with them to save before all the Milones returned and ate them all.

After all their lovemaking, Nimue isn't hungry at all, she's only tired. And satisfied. And so she naps with Kaiden's fingers stroking her head, and dreams of beautiful things.

It a pleasant nap, and Nimue sleeps hard for an hour before opening her eyes gradually, finding herself still being held in Kaiden's arms. And she turns to face her lover.

He is already staring, smiling faintly as he stops playing with her dark hair, sprawled on the white pillowcase like ink.

"Sleeping beauty finally awakes," he says sarcastically kissing her head lightly.

Nimue just smiles lazily, "bore off."

"Fiesty already are we?" He responds as Nimue yawns reaching for Nox who sleeps at the bottom of the bed, Kaiden's fox, Sven resting on the silver wolf in turn. They must've forced their way in after Nimue fell asleep and joined her in napping.

The wolf wakes instantly, nuzzling into Nimue's hand and putting herself right between the entwined couple.

"Don't be jealous Nox," Kaiden warns playfully and the wolf responds in kind by nipping his hand which makes Sven nip at her.

"You should know better than to tangle with a grey wolf," Nimue said, stroking her familiar's warm fur, "just ask the Nicholson brothers."

Kaiden laughs, stretching to entangle both Nox, Sven and Nimue in his arms,

"If I knew better I would never have gotten involved with you my darling," he says, lightly pressing a kiss on Nimue's nose, earning a playful swat from Nox whom he was partially crushing. Sven worms his way out of the cluster and coils his tail around his face on the floor. They aren't surprised, Sven only has so much patience for crowded beds.

"Very true," Nimue agrees and then yawns, "I suppose we should get up now, we promised your mother we would help prepare for dinner."

Kaiden groans, pressing his face into a pillow but even he begins getting up. No one refuses his mother.

"Fine fine, I suppose I've had you all to myself for half the day, the rest can be for family," Kaiden says reluctantly, giving her one last kiss before he drags both of them out of bed.

Once they are dressed they go down to the kitchen, Kaiden disappears to the bathroom for a moment and Nimue runs into Greer Milone, the eldest of the girls, lingering in the hallway, upset written all over her face.

Nimue instantly goes to her, already anticipating the source of Greer's angst.

"Nimue," she begins, a little bit angry, a little bit anxious, "Cori won't leave that blasted room again, Adela and I have been trying all day but she won't listen, maybe you could try and get through to her?"

A common occurrence.

Nimue nods with hesitating, "of course."

Everybody in the house knows Cori Milone has been in the blackest of moods since her twin was sentenced away to the temple after Beltane. And for these weeks the Milones have become her family.

And so she doesn't hesitate as she goes into Corianne's room, smiling at Adela Milone in greeting who gets up gratefully from Luci's old bed and both Milone girls stand in the corridor, hoping and waiting as they always do. For something to break through.

Very occasionally. Cori listens to Nimue. Perhaps it is because she isn't family.

When Nimue first sees the young girl, she is in her usual position, faced away from any visitors, hugging her knees on her bed, her brown hair sprawled around her like a protective barrier.

Still, Nimue is undeterred and sits down on the edge, brightening her face.

"Come on Cori, it is too bright of a day to be inside, let us go to the meadows, bloom some strawberries with me," Nimue suggests with a smile before glancing around the room.

It is a pleasant room, painted a pale pea green with two wooden twin beds, a large open window with streaming white curtains that billow in winds outside. Such is the way, their cottage is very near to the coast. From the window, the beginnings of the meadow creep in, along with the sunlight that touches every corner of the room, even the bed adjacent to Corianne Milone's. A bed that has been stale and vacant since Beltane, it reminds Nimue of a flowery tomb.

"Not today Nim," Cori replies, a familiar forlorn look in her eyes, as she stares straight through Nimue, looking to something cannot see. That none of the Milones can see.

Nimue smiles, though is is strained, her eyes darting to the two older Milone girls, Greer and Adela who stand in the doorway anxiously. Adela shakes her head in frustration, always the most impatient of the lot and Greer's face takes on a look of grim determination as she marches to her younger sister's bed, sitting by her feet.

Corianne doesn't even acknowledge her, but Greer doesn't stop her pale blue eyes boring into her younger sibling.

"Corianne Milone we have had enough!" She snaps and both Nimue and Adela automatically grimace at the use of Cori's full name though Adela cautiously moves again into the room itself.

That gets Cori's attention as she just looks at her older sisters the same way she looks at Nimue, pure exhaustion and grief. When she does Greer seems to hesitate, her features become slightly softer as does her tone,

"It has been months now, we all mourn Kaya and we all miss Lucie dearly, I know it is different for you," she begins, "you and Lucie haven't spent a day apart since you were born until now, but we must adapt, do you think your strong willed twin would want you festering away in bed everyday away from the sun, away from life, away from your gift, you are a naturalist we need to feel the earth beneath our feet, the sun on our faces, the feeling of blooming something. Anything."

A moment passes, then another and another, the uncomfortable tension in the room rising before Corianne, with a great effort, stops looking through Greer.

"It doesn't matter," Cori replies flatly, "where would I go except these meadows that me and Lucie played in everyday, where Kaya helped me bloom flowers for the first time. It is the only safe haven, the only place where we aren't looked at in scorn by our neighbours, yet now it just reminds me of all our family has lost. Kaya and Lucie are both gone, one dead and one forced into a life she hates never to see us again."

Nimue cannot help but wince at that, it is true. The absence of the two Milones aches and the people do not wish to be associated with the Milones in any regard.

But the way Corianne speaks so flatly, the life completely sucked from her, is the most disturbing thing. She has changed. They all have.

But without her twin it is like Cori has lost a phantom limb.

"Kaya is gone it's true," Greer says and to her credit her tone doesn't tremble or waver, "but Lucie is alive, your twin is alive, and the rest of us are right here, and we cannot bare to see you waste away."

There is silence until Adela moves closer to Greer.

"I agree, it is unnatural, you will feel worse away from your gift, your familiar, for Goddess sake," Adela snaps in frustration but Corianne has gone straight back to looking out of the window, stubbornly ignoring both of her older sisters.

Nimue watches Greer and Adela exchange a look of exasperation before Greer mutters,

"Leave her, it is no use, we'll try again tomorrow."

It is the tune they have been singing since Cori lost her twin. Everyday they try. Everyday she shuts out the world.

The older Milones leave, muttering worriedly between themselves but Nimue lingers for a moment. She has more patience, the older girls have been trying to coax Cori out all day. It is natural they are at their wits end.

"You will see her again," Nimue says firmly, "I cannot promise you when but you will, I will use whatever sway I have with my family before there is a new Queen Crowned, and with any luck Nalani will prevail and I know she will certainly have leniency."

Cori just remains silent for a moment before turning to look at Nimue with a cold gaze,

"You cannot promise such things, you are not a queen."

Nimue shakes her head, "no I am not a queen but my mother heads the Black Council and my friend is a queen, the Ascension is going slowly so far, give it more time, even the shadow queen could be open to petition if she prevails. You know my mother won't let the poisoner sit the throne."

Cori just stares, her face turning even colder,

"Your mother was the one who ordered my sister's death and sent my twin away, excuse me if I don't take your words or promises to heart," she says.

"For Goddess' sake Cori, you know the ways of the island and its rulers, I'm not saying it is right," Nimue snaps in exasperation but upon Cori's vacant gaze tries to soften her gaze. She shouldn't have reacted like that, Cori is not herself she is locked in a prison of sadness far away, "but Pele does have to make decisions based on law and fact, the law is hard but it is the law, and until a new Queen Crowned ascends she is Fennbirn's ruler and ruling means hard choices."

For a while Cori says nothing and turns away from Nimue's gaze again, staring out of the window as if letting herself be drawn into a far away dream. She wonders if she said the right thing to Corianne but it is hard to know what to say. And sometimes she responds to the blunter approach. From what Nimue gathers, her twin Luci, was also very blunt.

"I can see why my ancestors rebelled in the first place," the Milone girl says quietly hugging her knees to her chest even tighter, "step one toe out of line and be punished forever."

Nimue doesn't know what to say to that, and now she feels a deep weight in her own chest.

"You will not be sad forever Cori, we all love you, and will be here when you're ready," Nimue says at last, reaching out to put a hand to her shoulder, but the girl shrugs it off.

And suddenly Nimue but cannot bare it anymore either. It is the same everyday.

So, knowing she won't get anywhere with Cori and it is one of those days she won't be reasoned with, Nimue leaves the room and goes into the kitchen where Adela and Greer now help Kaiden and their mother Gwyneth with plucking pheasant for dinner.

They seem calmer than they did in Corianne's bedroom, but practical work often calms the mind.

The oysters Nimue had brought hours ago are all gone, only shells remain which makes Nimue smile. She knew none of them would last once people got their hands on them. Adela, in particular, has a soft spot for seafood.

Gwyneth looks up from her dinner prep at Nimue and smiles. It is no longer so forced as it was weeks ago. They all grieve but Gwyneth is a hard woman as well as loving, that's why Nimue likes her.

"Any luck?" Greer asks and Nimue shakes her head. But nobody looks surprised. It has been that way.

When she locks eyes with Kaiden she feels better, especially after he gives her a trademark grin.

"Well, have you come to get your hands dirty or just stand there and look gorgeous?" He asks cheekily, throwing more feathers into a pot.

"Can't she do both brother," Adela pipes up and looks at him in mock disgust, "she's far more easy on the eyes than you you ugly git."

Kaiden gasps at her sister in mock hurt and Nimue laughs, letting Nox brush past her feet to go through the backdoor to the garden. She hears her wolf yelp in excitement a moment later. Nimue guesses all the Milone familiars play together in the garden.

"Adela how can you say such things when you and your sisters are all so lovely," she respond fondly. It is true. They are all beautiful with shining brown hair, full cheeks and tanned skin. And all with strong naturalist gifts.

"Aye but you have that long ravens hair, no one else has a shade that dark," Adela says in envious admiration, "the butterflies looked so lovely in it yesterday by the meadow, you have queens hair."

Nimue laughs again and snorts, pulling at a lock. Queens hair indeed.

"Pity I don't have the eyes then," Nimue jokes, her blue ones sparkling.

Adela nods, "pity indeed, we could use a naturalist queen to vouch for us now the whole island wants us dead."

The room's mood drops a little at that and Gwyneth frowns at her daughter who instantly looks apologetic.

"Sorry Mother I was only joking," she quips, "and it's true, yesterday I just went to the bakery and some stupid bloody kid pelted a rock at me by Gillespie's Bookshop."

Gwyneth sighs, putting her plucked rooster hard down on the kitchen surface, "Aye it's true but I wish it were not so."

Greer frowns then puts a hand to her mother's shoulder in comfort,

"We all wish it were so but do not fret mother, we have each other and our gift is still strong," Greer reassures and then laughs to herself a little, "let the Black Council rise the Nicholsons in station to be the next naturalist queen guardian, they will never have fields as plenty as ours not familiars as fierce."

All the siblings grin at that, nobody is truly afraid of the Nicholsons, they are only an annoyance, Gwyneth manages a little smile before silently going back to work.

Nimue rolls up her sleeves and begins helping. It reminds her of Bastian City, where everyone helps out and isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. But that is why she likes Wolf Spring as well. It is honest work. With honest people.

"Don't worry Milones, it will take a few more months but the people will forget Beltane and remember the good you have all given to them, even though they probably don't deserve it," Nimue says smiling at them all, a smile which they return.

A comfortable silence ensues as they work happily for a moment and that homely presence is present in the Milone house again. It makes Nimue smile. There are small moments where the family feels whole again.

Gwyneth at last decides there are enough birds plucked for supper and waves Greer off to hang the rest of the unplucked birds in the large storage cupboard. The meat will keep for a couple more days. Adela gathers all the wayward feathers and Kaiden helps his mother cut the meat into smaller chunks, shooting Nimue a wink as he grabs a knife, spinning it for flair, a trick Morrigan taught him when he first came to Bastian City.

Nimue wipes her hands down her apron and smiles at them all fondly. Watching them all makes her miss the Murtras and ache for the family she never knew. Minerva, little Ares and now even Achilles who has returned from the mainland after so many years. But they will be there always. And Kaiden needs her right now. And it feels right being here, amongst fellow naturalists. The warriors can only understand her to a certain point.

She briefly wonders if her and Kaiden would've met sooner if she had been brought here. Her parents were surely naturalists. Or one of them was at least. Did they live in Wolf Spring? In Kenora? In Bernadine's Landing. So many questions that she may never have the answer to.

Nimue frowns as that strange longing for her true family takes over, but is soon broken from it when she hears Nox's howl of excitement from the garden. Louder than the sounds of her playing with the Milone familiars.

This howl means company and familiarity. Not threat.

She rushes to the door but the visitor beats her to it and it is none other than her foster sister Morrigan Murtra standing there, pink faced from a long ride, her blood red hair billowing in the Wolf Spring breeze in the doorway, the shine of her daggers gleaming in the sun. An imposing sight as she always is. The war gifted cannot help it.

The Milones nod at her in greeting yet they all look a little surprised. Nimue is too. She is happy. But Morrigan usually sends word.

She leaps into Mor's arms though without another moments thought and after a moment of strange hesitation the warrior hugs her back.

"Mor I missed you!" Nimue exclaims happily but her eyes betray her concern at Morrigan. Her face is strange, happy yet withdrawn, even worried. Warriors never usually worry.

"I missed you too Nimmy," Morrigan says fondly putting a hand to Nimue's cheek before she turns to address the others, "and good afternoon to you too Milones."

"Aye and you," Gwyneth replies, "luckily we have enough pheasants for dinner though you might've given us more notice Morrigan."

She bows her head respectfully, "apologies, but my business meant I could not tarry, I rode through the day from Rolanth ... but do not trouble yourself for dinner."

Gwyneth nods, but Nimue knows she will do Morrigan dinner regardless.

"Aren't you supposed to be guarding Queen Nalani?" Kaiden pipes up.

"Don't involve yourself in my business Kaiden," Morrigan warns, narrowing her eyes.

He grins mockingly, unable to resist the urge to bait her,

"But you know I'm so good at it."

Morrigan shares his smile at that and so does Nimue. It has been a long time since they have all been together. Only Rowan is missing from their group. He calms them all.

But Nimue keeps staring at Morrigan and the way she fidgets in the doorway unnaturally. There is something she wants to tell her.

"Why are you here Mor?" She asks, studying the warrior's reaction.

Mor is quiet for a moment, her expression growing more severe but then after a moment more it brightens. Into something softer.

"It's a lovely afternoon would you join me on a walk," Morrigan asks and the rest of the Milones go back to their respective tasks, except Kaiden who stares at the warrior for a moment longer.

But the two exchange a glance and Morrigan shakes her head slightly and Kaiden sighs before going back to cutting the meat. He is used to leaving Morrigan and Nimue alone.

And then Morrigan spins to leave into the fresh air and sunlight streaming in from outside, knowing Nimue will follow and demand answers.