I smiled at Isolde. She was right. They had raised me and they knew how to carry themselves better than anyone.

I looked toward the stage where the music came from. The bard had heard me when Pacer did not. She pointed me to the largest house.

[b]"Thank you,"[/b] I said to the bard. [b]"And thank you for the music."[/b]

I turned back to my family at the table. I felt a weight in my chest when I looked at them. They were ready to work immediately. They were trying to be strong for me.

[b]"I know I worry,"[/b] I admitted softly. [b]"But please listen to me. You do not need to find work today. Or even tomorrow."[/b]

I leaned in a little closer to them.

[b]"We just lost our home. We ran through the night. Take a few days to just breathe. Rest. Walk around the town. We have enough gold for now. Let yourselves grieve before you start serving others again."[/b]

I looked at Meli next. I kept my voice gentle.

[b]"Meli,"[/b] I said quietly. [b]"I am going to find Chief Garou now. To talk about the forest and the Windpikes."[/b]

I waited a moment.

[b]"You can come with me if you want. But if you want to stay here with Elena, Garrick and Isolde, that is okay too. It is safe here. You choose."[/b]