Kire felt him release her hand at Ysaryn’s teasing, though she was thankful that he didn’t at least do so with revulsion. She listened to the two of them argue about where to go next, and when their tempers rose she was about to step in when Ysaryn addressed her. “Thicket first—” Kire began, then her eyebrows rose when Ysaryn teased her rosy cheeks. She pouted at the elf, trying to wave her fingers away, when Ruli interrupted. The two of them had keener senses, so Kire waited to see what they smelled. [i]Gemini.[/i] She saw the look of fear cross Ruli’s face, and Kire frowned, her hand on her sword as Ysaryn led the way.

The sight of the burnt wolf, and the vine tied around it, was a relief. She had no doubt Narda killed the wolf, and Kire guessed they had dragged the corpse to Lithilote to show the elves what kind of threat this thicket was. She arched a brow at Ysaryn’s cackling, then turned when she pointed behind her. 

“Ahh, and the Wyvernling returns!” Narda called, hurrying towards them. “And here we were getting ready for breakfast.” 
“Hey Nard,” Kire said, grinning honestly, “and Zeke. I’m glad you both are in one piece.” 
“Hah! But I bet we missed out on a lot, didn’t we?” Narda said, thumping Kire on the back. “And I see you found our little trophy there.” She snorted. “The Raielwen are deciding on how best to deal with this evil wood. I trust Ed has returned home, and that you’ve dealt with the gate?”
“Yes,” Kire replied, “and ‘dealt with the gate’ is an understatement, but dealt with it we have.” 
“Mm.” Narda looked at Ysaryn, seeing the coat and the sword she was carrying. “If I had to hazard a guess, you’ve been to the North, and you’ve met the crew of the [i]Wench.[/i]” The giantess grinned. “Now that everyone’s here, I suppose we must let Aera and our hosts know that we’re about to take leave of them now.” 

Kire let them lead the way, glad that Narda and Zeke were perfectly fine while they were gone. She glanced at Ruli, lips pursed. “Could we talk later, after?” she murmured, her ears going hot. 
“Hmm?” Narda remarked. “What’s this then?”
“Magic stuff. Gate things. You wouldn’t understand,” Kire replied quickly.