[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/BKV06Ya.png[/img][/center]


Steph listened in silence as Minoc answered her questions as best he could. She felt her chest tighten when he told her that over 150 years had passed, and she couldn’t help but give voice to a small gasp when he said the name Julie Anderson.

[color=DeepSkyBlue]“Julie Anderson…”[/color] Steph whispered after Minoc had finished. [color=DeepSkyBlue]“T-That’s my mom…”[/color]

With the knowledge that her mother’s journal now resided at the Castle of Solace, Steph found herself even more eager to begin her journey there. Perhaps it would have information on her parents’ fate. If they were still alive somewhere, or…

She felt her eyes begin to moisten.

[color=DeepSkyBlue][i]No,[/i][/color] she chided herself. [color=DeepSkyBlue][i]Now’s not the time for that. Focus on the task at hand, that’s the most important thing.[/i][/color]

But first…

[color=DeepSkyBlue]“Thank you, Minoc,”[/color] she said after a moment, while taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. [color=DeepSkyBlue]“For the food, for your help, for watching over me all those years… For everything.”[/color] 

Steph smiled as she gave the old wizard a hug.  

[color=DeepSkyBlue]“Okay, Peter,”[/color] she announced with renewed determination once the embrace had concluded. [color=DeepSkyBlue]“Lead the way!”[/color]