By the next morning, Lumberling made his way to the old tree in the east. Its wide branches stretched like arms over the clearing, a quiet and fitting place to begin something new.
He spotted them before he reached it, Liraeth, already waiting, her posture straight and composed, and beside her, Jen, chattering away with a bright smile.
As Lumberling drew closer, Liraeth glanced his way, then quickly turned her head with a small huff.
Lumberling raised a brow at her reaction but didn't press. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Jen, who beamed at him as if nothing was out of place.
"Hehe, nice to see you today, Brother," Jen said with a mischievous grin.
"I thought it would only be Liraeth joining me this morning,"
Jen tilted her head, clasping her hands behind her back. "Can't I be here too? I'll just watch. Please, Brother, let me stay? I promise I won't cause trouble." She leaned closer, eyes wide, giving him her best impression of a pleading pup.
