Reaching the end of the deserts was a relief for a number of reasons amongst the group. Not least was the return to self-sufficiency granted by the forest. They could hunt again, instead of relying on rations and summoned imps. The Anequinans amongst them had a short period of adjustment but their beast spirits were well controlled and any trouble was short-lived.

From Janius, there was a brief period of nervousness when they group ran close to Bravil. He was quick to take up the responsibility of remaining in their camp outside while the others sold off their supplies. He was open to anyone who asked about his family that resided there. He was stubborn enough about avoiding them that no effort to convince him to take the opportunity to reconnect succeeded.

The getting-to-knowing of Marcaille and Ri'vashi was embraced by just about everyone in both packs. It was a surprise to witness how shy Ri'vashi was, given how stoic and confident she outwardly acted. However, this simply made everyone less intimidated to talk to her after a while. Gallus was glad that she was opening up; it would be great practice for when they reached the Bruma clan. Marcaille was fine company as well, but no one pressed her too hard about that which she did not want to talk about. They were personal matters, after all.

About halfway through the leg between the Imperial City and Bruma, Fendros finally remembered about his odd feelings regarding Marcaille. It was that one time in the reclamations temple in Vos, when they had a visit by a certain daedric prince. Mephala warned them about a Breton. Fendros shared his memory with Ahnasha, but at the point that he did, he was dismissive of it. Marcaille was a fine person and they had no reason not to trust her. If they did, then they would just as likely be within reason to avoid Sabine as well. Fendros simply asked Ahnasha to be careful, as she always was.

[hr]
The group trudged through the wind and the snow before the cave mouth that led to their home. Fendros was the first to answer Ahnasha while he carried a clinging Rhazii on his back. They both wore thick fur clothing, just as they always had to at these heights. "I know. It's hard to believe that we were at a desert a time ago." Fendros took another breath, letting steam flow forth. "I never thought I'd miss this snow as much as I miss the desert heat right now."

Rhazii raised his face from Fendros' shoulder where he had been keeping his running snout warm. "Are we home?" he asked.

Fendros grinned. "Yes we are, little one. We're finally home."

Bringing up the rear, Gallus was also grinning. He turned to Marcaille and Ri'vashi with an encouraging tone. "Ah, just you wait. We'll have a hot, juicy roast waiting for us, and a lovely steaming broth to warm our bones." He vigorously rubbed his gloved hands together to warm them slightly. "And you'll finally get to meet the great extended family that is our clan."