[Haven] It's About Damn Time....

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 38 Saun

As settlement leader, Elisabeth had written Hopetoun’s leader in hopes of scheduling a meeting to discuss matters related to both their settlements, but she would have been silly not to acknowledge that she was excited because not only was Darius Baer said leader, but he was also a Baron, fellow Forged…and her friend. They hadn’t really had the chance to catch up after the Forging or Feast, hence her message by echo scroll.

Balder called out when he spotted the Libertalia slowly making its way for Haven. Of course, they would have to anchor off the coast and row a smaller boat to shore so she had time to dash back to Haven House and make sure everything was ready for the meeting.

It was Saun. It was hot. Elisabeth had very little use for Saun, and even on the coast of Faldrass, coastal winds what they were, it was still too hot for the daughter of Viden. Sweating was not something she enjoyed, so she took a moment to wipe her face one more time before Darius arrived. Cold drinks were waiting and a few finger foods as well. Many areas the young mage struggled in but being a good hostess was not one of them.

Sir Storm of Haven was also not a fan of the heat. Not in the least. As the young woman moved to the door, he lifted his head gently, letting out of pitiful ‘meow’, and promptly laid his head back down, perfectly content to remain curled up on a blanket in one of the chairs.

Stepping out into the sun, she grumbled a bit, which Silk – who had been waiting outside for her chuckled at. “It’s Saun, Elisabeth. You’ve been grumbling at that second sun since its arrived. It’s not impressed.” Furrowing her eyebrows at the comment, she grumbled again. “It’s really a useless season. I vote we get rid of it.” The Haven guard laughed a bit. “You don’t get a vote. Maybe talk to those Immortals that are always whisking you away.” An intriguing idea to be sure, and Elisabeth might have thought about it for a few fanciful moments before discarding the idea.

The pair moved to the beach, joining the other two guards, Balder and Ronan, and the foursome watched the smaller boat launch from the Libertalia. “So, who is this guy? I mean, other than Hopetoun’s settlement leader.” Ronan said, glancing at Elisabeth curiously. “Darius is also one of the three Barons, besides Hopetoun’s leader. He also is Fire Forged, like Balthazar. During the time I was gone in Ashan? Darius was part of that group too. Most importantly, in my opinion, is that he is a good man, and my friend.”

Smiling, she spied Darius’ form, waving. It would be good to see him again.

[Darius Baer]

Arc 721, 38th of Saun

Saun was a hot time of arc in most places in Scalvoris, and nowhere was the heat felt more intensely than on Faldrass. A volcanic island birthed from sulfur and ash, the heat generated from within Faldrass was enough to make the nearest edges of the surrounding Hollow Sea feel tropical - even during the coldest trials of Zi'da.

As a FireForged, the heat didn't bother Darius so much. While he could still get burnt by fire or freeze in ice, the ambient temperature itself had next to no impact on him. Even so, the freshness of the sea breeze that ran across his face as the Libertalia dropped anchor was a pleasant change to the heat of two suns at their zenith.

A rope ladder was dropped down the side of the brig and Darius made his way down to the Lady Jean, his father's rowboat that he had once restored and named in honour of his mother. To anyone watching on, Darius appeared to be alone, but that was never quite the case these trials.

"I'm sure I could fit in that little boat if you'd let me."

It was a voice familiar to Darius, and the mariner chuckled as his feet reached the centre thwart, and, after a little balancing, he settled down into his seat and began to release the Lady Jean from the Libertalia.

"Don't be a fool," Darius muttered. "You're too big. If you were to jump into this small boat, you'd capsize us!"

"I don't mind," came Ledas' reply. "Tigers can swim, you know."

"Aye, so I've heard," Darius' grin remained as he set the rowboat free and took hold of the oars. "But it's bad manners for a guest to arrive soaking wet!"

Ledas said nothing else, then, but for a reluctant growl of acceptance, and the tiger obediently remained in spirit form.

Darius dipped the oars into the water and slowly rowed himself towards shore. He was the captain of a ship, the leader of a settlement, and a baron of a...well...a barony...and he was sure he could have had others row for him. But that was not Darius' way. He was quite content to put in the effort on his own, especially when he knew himself to be in friendly waters.

As the hull of the rowboat scraped on sand, Darius put the oars away, the thick wood clattering as they gently collided inside the small watercraft.

"Behave yourself," he muttered to Ledas, who let out a quite growl of assent.

Then he clambered out of the boat and began to haul it up above the shoreline. As soon as he was sure it was safe from being dragged back out to sea, he turned to see Elisabeth with a trio of armed men. He had never seen before the guards before, but that didn't prevent him from smiling at the sight of his friend.

"Elisabeth!" he exclaimed as he approached across the sand. "I'm sorry for arriving late. I was hoping to be here half a break ago, but the tides tried to keep me away."

He chuckled, exchanging brief glances at the men as he did so.

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 38 Saun

Shaking her head, the young mage sought to assure him that he was right on time. “Well, if there is one thing I’ve learned living on Faldrass is that almost everything is ruled by the tides. Who am I to argue that?”

The guards stayed with Elisabeth for a moment longer, although they were only there to appease their curiosity. Smiling at Darius, she quickly made introductions. “Darius, these are the Haven guards – Balder, Silk and Ronan.” Indicating each as she said their name, all three nodded, reaching out their hands to greet the Hopetoun settlement leader with a handshake.

As quickly as they had been introduced did the three wander off to attend to their duties, leaving Darius and Elisabeth to have a somewhat private reunion. Beaming at him, she resisted the urge to hug him, knowing that there was a time and place. He was visiting on business and as such, she would remain as professional as she could in his presence. The blond sailor’s presence always reminded her of their first meeting in Viden and the simple ease and warmth of their friendship.

“Welcome to Haven, Baron Baer,” she said, grinning at him. “It took me long enough to get you here.”

Elisabeth began walking towards Haven House, beckoning Darius to follow. “I have cold drinks and snacks waiting for us back at the house. Balthazar is away on Element business.” Settlers curiously looked up from their work to warmly greet the pair but didn’t interrupt. Haven was still very much in its infancy, and Elisabeth was aware of that, having seen Hopetoun a few times. “Since the move,” she explained, “things have been moving along rapidly. Easier access has allowed more opportunity for growth. There are a lot of irons in the fire, so to speak, but we are crawling our way forward. Good, hardworking people here.”

Of course, the ‘small’ mission she and Balthazar had recently returned from had stalled a bit of the progress. “I’m curious – did anyone in Hopetoun get pulled away recently for a mission? Pulled, like the way you, Arlo and Doran were pulled for the Forging.” Elisabeth decided not to wait for the answer, and quickly followed up with an explanation so Darius would know why she was asking. “Balthazar and I were a few trials ago. We were taken to Rynmere by Raskalarn.”

[Darius Baer]

Darius smiled appreciatively as Elisabeth made it clear that there had been no need for him to apologise for his timing. Then he shook the hands that were extended towards him, looking each guard in the eye. He was tempted to ask then to ensure Elisabeth's continued safety, but restrained himself, in case it came across as condescending. They were guards, after all - he was sure they knew how to do their jobs.

He appreciated the privacy the guards gave him and Elisabeth, though he bristled ever so slightly at her calling him 'Baron Baer'.

"Just Darius, if you could," he spoke in a bashful tone. "I'm not one for titles when I'm just around friends."

It was a light rebuke, but Darius meant what he said. Become one of the Barons von Smooglenuff still seemed unusual, and although he was slowly learning to accept that he perhaps was deserving of the shared title, he still preferred to think of himself as a Scalvorian commoner than a Faldrassian noble.

"You're right though, aye," he added with a grin. "It has taken me a while to get here. But I'm glad to have an opportunity to finally experience Haven for myself."

The promise of cold drinks and snacks was well-received, and not just by Darius.

"I could do with a cool drink to remind me of Ishallr."

The voice only sounded like a growl to Elisabeth, but Darius was quick to send the brunette an apologetic smile before he quietly addressed Ledas - who was still in his spirit form - under his breath.

"Best behaviour, remember? Can't have you growling and frightening the locals."

Another apologetic smile was sent in Elisabeth's direction.

"Sorry about Ledas. Apparently travel makes him thirsty."

Darius took in the sight of Haven. It appeared to be smaller than Hopetoun, though that stood to reason, given their recent upheaval. But the people appeared to be hard workers, which fit with everything Darius had learnt about Faldrassians. He offered polite nods to any settlers who happened to cross their path.

"Crawling is better than sitting still," he offered in an attempt to reassure the settlement's Videnese leader. "It seems like you have laid some good foundations. You should be proud of your efforts, and of those of your people."

Darius furrowed his brow at Elisabeth's question as he tried to think of the comings and goings that had happened around Hopetoun. His settlement was home to fewer than a hundred souls, but it still took a bit of thinking to conclude that there hadn't been any unexpected arrivals or departures since his own during the Forging.

"Raskalarn?" he echoed the Immortal's name quietly, lest any settlers might be within earshot. "No, Hopetoun has been relatively quiet since the Forging, all things considered. Why did she take you and Balthazar to Rynmere? What did she want from you?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 38 Saun

Elisabeth smiled softly as Darius shook the hands of the guards, allowing him to complete the introductions before she led him away along the beach.

He stiffened a bit at her gentle tease, but she understood. “I’m sorry. I just find it amusing how we’ve both ended up here from our first meeting in Viden. It seems like such a long time ago, but it really wasn’t.” Counting back, what was it? Three, four seasons? Then, they had just been Elisabeth and Darius. Now, Darius was a Baron, and both were settlement leaders on Haven and relatively important figures due to events on the island and beyond.

Life was strange.

The young woman understood why he bristled at it and offered a few words of reassurance to the man. “Darius, you are always going to be my friend. And always just Darius, no matter how famous you become. Our friendship was forged long before any of this,” waving her hands gently around, indicating the settlement but she knew he would understand what she meant. “You were a kind man that warmed up my hands for me. That’s all I needed to know about you to know I wanted to be your friend.”

Smiling warmly at him, she offered the promise of snacks and drinks, and heard a low growl from nearby, arching her eyebrow gently as she looked around. Quickly enough, Darius explained, causing a bright smile to form on the young woman’s face. “Ledas is more than welcome to be seen here. The settlers have seen their fair share of oddness. And of course, I’ll have a bowl of water, just for him.” Ledas was a companion to Darius, but was of Ishallr, and Elisabeth was Ice-Forged, giving them something of a kinship, even though she had only briefly met the tiger in the Glass Temple. Like her relationship with Darius, it was hard to explain.

They spoke of the progress made in Haven, and Darius said she should be proud, and of course, she was. Nodding, she smiled, looking out at the settlement. “They are good people. They supported me and continue to do so every trial. We support each other. I can’t imagine what some of them have been though, but their strength is a testament to Faldrassians. Some of the strongest people I know.”

The conversation had moved on to Elisabeth’s question. Darius seemed certain no one had been taken from Hopetoun, which begged the question why her and Balthazar had been whisked away. The man had further questions though, so they continued along, and she attempted to answer the best she could. “There was a situation in Rynmere. Based on what Raskalarn said, people had been dispatched by several Immortals in different areas. Rynmere just happened to be where we ended up. Nir’wei was there, as well as Ralgar and another woman that I didn’t know, Tor’ee. We were sent into the Rynmere Labyrinth to stop some Aukari. It’s a long story. In the end, Nir’wei vanished, pulled someplace else, and the Labrynith sort of exploded when this dragon burst through it. We barely escaped.”

Darius wouldn’t know, but Elisabeth had left out the part about having been told that Nir’wei had collapsed the entrance to the Labrynith, trapping them inside. The young leader wanted to hear from the man himself before deciding what to do with that information. It was only right and fair.

Giving her friend a quick smile, she concluded the recap. ”It was an interesting time. I had hoped for more of a break between adventures.”

[Darius Baer]

Darius nodded when Elisabeth noted that much had happened since their first meeting. It was true. And yet, despite everything, they were once again meeting at the water's edge after he had arrived by ship.

A slight grin teased at the edge of his mouth when his host spoke of that first encounter, and one hand reached inside his coat.

"I still have this, you know," he said as he pulled his hand back out.

Opening his palm, the sunlight caught itself against a familiar looking metal object. The snowflake had been a gift from Elisabeth, and Darius often carried it with him. He had been careful to ensure that it had made the journey to Haven.

"It seems a little out of place on Faldrass, don't you think?" he chuckled. "But it does snow here in Zi'da, though it doesn't tend to stay frozen for long."

At the mention of Ledas, Darius nodded, and within a pair of trills, the ice tiger had become visible, his giant paws padding across the warm soil of Faldrass.

"A bowl of water would be appreciated."

The beast's words were unintelligible, but the tone of his growl and the slow, deep bow of his head indicated his gratitude.

Darius nodded to a nearby pair of Havenites as Elisabeth spoke effusively of them and their fellow settlers. Ledas barely acknowledged their existence, simply maintaining his attention on the ground in front of him.

"Aye, the Faldrassians are hardy folk," Darius agreed. "They've impressed me time and time again."

The blond mariner followed along with Elisabeth's story of Raskalarn and Rynmere, and he could understand why the Videnese didn't want to go into too much detail. He had been on expeditions himself, and their retellings rarely warranted having all of the minutiae included.

But one thing that Elisabeth said stopped him in his tracks. Ledas, too, perked up, one ear twitching as he stopped and turned his head to face the brunette.

"What did she say?" the tiger asked, a flash of orange rushing through his cold blue gaze.

Darius was wondering the same thing, his brow furrowed deeply as he tried to take in something that had been said rather nonchalantly.

"What did you say?"

When Darius and Ledas spoke again, they did so in unison. And while the tiger expressed amazement, Darius only showed a sense of disbelief.

Elisabeth, of course would only hear a growl accompanying her friend's words.

"Did you say...dragon?"

Darius stared at Elisabeth for a few trills, as if expecting her to reveal a punchline.

"But dragons don't exist," he muttered in bewilderment.

"They did once," Ledas quietly corrected him, his voice audibly taking in the news. "If people have brought them back...? Will wonders ever cease!"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 38 Saun

Finding a grin, matching his own, slipping across his face, Elisabeth waited to see what he pulled out from his coat, curious to know what it was that he still had.

A bright smile illuminated the young mage's face upon seeing the little snowflake again, perfectly remembering the moment she had gifted it. Out of all the people in Idalos, two right people were in the right place at the right time, and a cherished friendship had resulted.

Gazing down at the snowflake, Elisabeth laughed softly. "A little, perhaps. No more than the Videnese that gave it to you, I suppose, although she's doing alright, so I have hope for the snowflake." Glancing up again, expression thoughtful, she recalled that fateful trial in Viden. "I am very thankful for that trial. Sometrials, it feels like this elaborate symphony being composed, but arcs in advance."

Elisabeth knew she wasn't explaining herself very well, or at least the concept she was trying to present, but then again, it wasn't necessary. It was more of a fanciful musing than anything. They both were standing in that very spot, being who they were, but that moment had been fueled by a thousand more. The Viden run-in, meeting up in Scalvoris again, the cadouri caper, Cylus Dusk, The Forging, preparing them for what was to come.

She considered what he said about Zi'da, nodding gently. "So, I've heard. I will have to come to visit you when it snows then. You shouldn't have snow without your favorite Videnese on hand, which reminds me, I was thinking, perhaps, we could organize some special feast in Zi'da between the two settlements. Something about the snow always makes me feel a bit festive." In truth, Elisabeth enjoyed celebrations, and since the snow fell so rarely on the volcanic island, she was of a mind to embrace it when it did.

The young woman's smile widened as Ledas became visible, growling something and bowing his head. Stepping forward, Elisabeth greeted the tiger, gently laying her hand on his shoulder. "You both are always welcome here."

As they moved towards Haven House, Darius and Elisabeth spoke of Faldrassians. Her expression became thoughtful as she nodded her head gently. "Haven has had its share of difficulties, and they've stepped up time and time again. Between you and me, I feel as though I'm struggling to catch up to them sometrials. I'm not sure I'm the leader they deserve. I worry about that."

As they approached the house, her story about Rynmere seemed to strike a nerve. Darius stopped, asking her to repeat what she had said, prompting her to turn around to look at him. Ledas was growling too, a curious noise to be sure. Elisabeth surmised the sound produced when he spoke to Darius, but she couldn't be sure.

"What? Dragons?" In a moment of confusion, she brought her hands up in front of her body, flapping them gently to mimic a pair of wings. "Big things. Wings. Fly around? Yes, dragons."

After a few more trills of watching Darius, it dawned on Elisabeth what the issue was. It was like how the settlers reacted when she mentioned Immortals. The young woman herself happened to be accustomed to their existence, but the settlers were another matter.

Feeling she had dropped something of a bombshell on the unsuspecting man, Elisabeth backtracked a bit, trying to fill in some of the blanks. "Well, I saw one in a vision and then the one in Rynmere, which is a bit more complicated to explain. I got the impression it wasn't the most agreeable creature, but I was crawling out of a collapsing labyrinth and only got a quick look. it wanted us to join this 'hive mind', but we all declined the request."

Touching his arm, she gently motioned for him to continue to follow her, leading him to an area just outside the house. Waiting for them was a small, shaded area with logs to sit on, a few blankets and pillows, facing out towards the water. Smiling, Elisabeth gestured toward the spot. "In Saun, indoors tends to be hot and a bit uncomfortable. At least out here, the cool wind coming off the sea helps. Make yourself comfortable, and I'll grab the drinks and snacks."

It took a few moments, but soon enough, Elisabeth returned carrying a large tray with cold drinks and assorted snacks such as fruit, nuts, dried meat, smoked fish, cheese, and crackers. Setting the tray down on a short table where Darius could grab what he wanted, she quickly lowered onto a pillow and handed out drinks. The tray also contained a large bowl of fresh, cold water for Ledas, which the young woman promptly set down in the sand for him.

Smiling at Hopetoun's settlement leader, Elisabeth settled back against some pillows and took a drink. "So, where do we start?"

[Darius Baer]

Darius' grin grew when he saw Elisabeth's reaction to the metal snowflake. It was a moment that only they would understand, which only increased the value he put on their friendship.

"You seem to be doing fine," Darius chuckled when Elisabeth compared herself to the small piece of metal. "I'm grateful for that trial, too. I sometimes wonder how different our lots might have been, had you not been at the docks when I reached Viden."

It was a musing that had accompanied his thoughts many times, but he always reached the same conclusion: no matter what else might have happened, he was grateful for what had happened.

When the conversation turned to the topic of snow on Faldrass, Darius grinned. The enthusiasm of the Videnese was somewhat expected, but it was still a pleasure to witness.

"Well, you'd be welcome to visit during Zi'da, but I should let you know that Baron von Smooglenuff is planning a party when the snow has fallen."

Darius paused for a moment, realising he had made it sound as though he was referring to himself in the third person.

"I mean," he felt a blush in his cheeks accompany his embarrassed smile as he corrected himself, "one of the other Barons von Smooglenuff. Devin."

Ledas made himself visible and was made to feel welcome by Elisabeth. In response, the ice tiger bowed his head and let out a deep, powerful purr of contentment.

The group continued moving, but when Elisabeth expressed doubt in her leadership, Darius reached out for her hand and slowed to a stop. He checked that there were no settlers within earshot.

"No," he spoke gently but firmly. "You may not have sought to be their leader, but that is who you are. "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." - Malvolio, Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene V They depend on you."

He paused briefly, as if to check that the brunette had heard what he had to say.

"Sometimes you don't need to know what to do," he dropped his voice lower, "but knowing who to ask can be crucial. People will follow you if they see you doing something - the Albarech wouldn't have put you in charge if she didn't think you were capable. And I certainly think you are, too."

Darius stopped, worried that he might be labouring the point a bit in his enthusiastic support of the Videnese. Another tinge of red forced its way into his cheeks at the thought of embarrassing his friend in her own settlement.

Everything changed when Elisabeth began flapping her arms. Darius furrowed his brow at the sight, and had he not known Haven's leader, he might have thought she was mocking him.

"I've heard of dragons in fairy tales," he admitted, his expression shifting to one of wonderment, "but I never thought they might be real!"

"They're more real than you can imagine," Ledas insisted. "And I'm glad they're back."

"Apparently I was wrong," Darius conceded with a wry chuckle.

Both Hopetounians listened on as Elisabeth explained her experiences. Darius could not easily shake his awe. Witnessing a dragon in a vision was one thing, he decided, but seeing one in the scales flesh in Rynmere was quite another.

And then they were moving once more, following their host's lead to a shaded area, and the Scalvorian immediately grinned at the sight of the blankets and pillows.

"A picnic!" he exclaimed. "I approve!"

He was still grinning as he set himself down opposite Elisabeth, and Ledas wasted no time in noisily lapping at the water in the bowl that had been provided.

"Well," Darius said after a relaxed sigh, "you invited me here. Where would you like to start?"

He grinned, leaning forward to pick up a nearby piece of fruit.

"Is there anything you think I can help you with?"

[Elisabeth Black]

Arc 721, 38 Saun

Laughing softly as Darius mentioned how their lots might have been different if they hadn't met in Viden, she considered her friend with an amused expression. "Well, we both would have come away from Viden with far fewer bruises, Ox." Grinning at him, she continued. "The way I see it is all the experiences we had in Viden, good and bad, set the foundation for what we have now, and I can't question the strength of it."

It was tough to explain to others, but Darius and Elisabeth understood each other on varying levels without the need for words. They simply were on the same page, especially with the ways they communicated with each other. Kindred spirits – that was the best way the young woman could explain it.

The invitation to visit in Zi'da was met with a smile, as was the information he shared regarding a party. Baron von Smooglenuff? There were three. Darius, whom she knew. Nir'wei, whom she was familiar with and a source of current concern, and then this Devin. "Oh? That sounds like a wonderful event. I have to admit that I'm looking forward to the snow again." She had been concerned that her time on Ishallr, and the events that took place there, would sour her on her love of all things cold, but excitement still raced through her when she thought about the upcoming cold season.

The blush was noticed, but Elisabeth didn't tease him. Darius struggled with his Baron title, and the idea wasn't lost on her that teasing him about it might harm the situation as opposed to helping, which was always her intent. Instead, she focused on something more obvious. "I look forward to meeting Baron Devin."

Something inside her wanted to tell Darius about the situation with Nir'wei in Rynmere, but she held fast to her resolve to discuss the matter with Nir'wei first. Balthazar knew, and if she were going to tell anyone else, it would have been the blond sailor, but she appreciated how difficult it might make things for her friend, and she had no desire to bring troubles into his life.

Ledas materialized with the pair, and Elisabeth lowered to a kneel to respectfully greet him, returning his bow with her own and a smile. She was Ice Forged, and as such, felt a special connection to Darius' companion. "It is good to see you again, Ledas."

The two settlement leaders continued to make their way to Haven House when Elisabeth expressed doubts about her suitability to lead. He caught her hand, prompting her to look over at him in surprise. Another thing she appreciated about the blond man was how Darius innately knew how to get through to her. There was a difference between speaking words and communicating. In touching her before he spoke, Darius ensured she was focusing on what he said.

Elisabeth squeezed his hand gently as he finished, offering a warm smile. "I hear you, Darius. And I promise that I'm putting everything I am into the settlement. I won't let anyone down. If I have questions or need anything, I know who to ask and who will help me."

As the conversation shifted towards dragons, Elisabeth hadn't expected to be flapping her hands, but she wasn't sure Darius understood what she said, and the flapping just happened. Furrowing her eyebrows a bit, she listened to both him and Ledas express their thoughts.

"Sorry. My mentioning dragons must be a shock. To be truthful, the events of the past few cycles have left me in a state of perpetual acceptance, I guess?" Laughing softly, the young woman tried to explain. "So much has happened, mostly things I never dreamed of, so every time something new happens, I just don't seem to question it anymore."

A bright smile fell upon his lips as her visitor expressed excitement at the beach picnic she had prepared for them. After both had settled, Darius started by asking her if he could do anything for her. Leaning back against a pillow, Elisabeth glanced over at him. "You are doing it, Darius. You are here, and we are finally able to sit down and talk. I'm so happy you are here and that you and I are the settlement leaders. Haven and Hopetoun will benefit from the unique and cherished friendship we have."

Elisabeth believed what she said wholeheartedly. May your faith be bigger than your fear - it was something she had heard said once, and it had stuck in her mind. She had faith in Darius, herself, and the Faldrassians, and it was bigger than any fear she could imagine.

[Darius Baer]

A roar of laughter escaped Darius' lips when Elisabeth spoke of bruises. Less than an arc had passed since their collision in Viden, but it felt as though it had been a lifetime. The bearded blond had been grieving someone who ultimately returned to the living. He had felt completely lost at the time; vulnerable and insecure. Now, on Faldrass, he felt much more self-assured.

"I'm never going to live that down, am I," he chuckled, hoping that his willingness to laugh at himself showed that he bore no ill will towards the brunette. "And I agree. For all the ups and bruising downs, I wouldn't change our friendship in any way."

It was a view he sincerely held. He thought highly of Elisabeth, which was why he was so quick to enjoy her pleasure at the thought of snow. Viden was a dozen or so trials away from Scalvoris by ship, and it must have seemed even more distant in the face of the Faldrass heat.

"It's hardly a frozen Synnefa Bay," he chuckled, "but I do hope it helps to remind you of home."

He paused for a moment, pondering his use of the word 'home'. Was Viden still Elisabeth's home? Or, as the leader of a settlement on Faldrass, was Scalvoris her home now? He supposed that was ultimately up to her.

Darius was pleased that the brunette took his criticism of her self-doubt in the spirit that it was intended. He only wanted Elisabeth - and, by extension, Haven - to succeed. Her willingness to take on feedback and learn from it gave him confidence that she was going to do precisely that.

By the time they sat down in the comfort of shade and cushions, Darius was still coming to terms with Elisabeth's encounters wlth dragons. The revelation that they were not the fictional creatures he had been brought up to believe they were would take some getting used to. But any hopes he might have had of actually processing such news in peace were dashed by Ledas' nonchalant lapping of his water. Apparently the fearsome creature, valiant defender of Ishallr, was a noisy drinker.

This distraction from his thoughts actually made it easier to be present in the moment, and to focus on his conversation with Elisabeth. Her kind words were appreciated, and he nodded in agreement.

"Aye, I hope our friendship continues to go from strength to strength, and that our settlements are able to grow stronger alongside us."

Darius saw no point in there being competition between the settlements. If they weren't willing to help each other, the harshness of Faldrass would eventually claim them both.

"And with that in mind..."

The bearded blond reached into his knapsack and pulled out a small wine cask.

"I helped out a brewer in Almund," he said, "and he decided to move to Hopetoun and make a new brew, using Faldrass potato."

He poured the contents of the cask into two empty cups and offered one to Elisabeth.

"It's a bit warm, because of the potato, but I think it's quite tasty," Darius admitted. "He wanted to called it Baron Baer's Brew, but I think he should aim for something a little more simple."

A slightly embarrassed grin teased at the edges of Darius' mouth, but it was replaced by a warmer one as he put the cask away and lifted his cup.

"A toast," he offered, "to our friendship, and to our two settlements working closer together. To Haven and Hopetoun!"