The next morning, the village was alive with movement. Horses were saddled, packs secured, and carts rattled as they were loaded with batteries and bulbs, the goods Liraeth would later sell. Armor glinted under the rising sun, the air heavy with both excitement and the quiet weight of departure.
At the gate, a crowd had gathered. Grokk stood tall with the guard units, Lunira and her wolf pack at her side, and many villagers, monsters and humans alike.
Uncle Drake bent low, speaking softly with Celine as she cradled baby Evelyn, while Orrin lingered at his. Not far off, Jen leaned close to Old Man Dan, her voice hushed but affectionate as she said her goodbyes.
"Grokk," Lumberling called out, stepping forward. "Occasionally check the second base for me while Shade hasn't woken up yet."
The hulking gnoll's grin was toothy and confident. "Leave it to me, my lord. With the strength you've given me, I can be there in no time if trouble comes."
