{Princess — introduction}
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Patchouli walked up the slope with that usual, faintly smug smile plastered across her face. "You wouldn't believe how many people know my name now," she said in a sing-song tone, falling into step beside Riven. "Some call me the camp's guardian angel. Others say I'm the only reason they're still alive. Honestly, I've lost count of my fan club members."
Riven didn't look up from the leather strap he was tightening around a horse's saddle. A row of the newly bought blue-section steeds stood tied to a wooden post, their manes glinting in the sunlight. Goldie was at the far end, quietly inspecting each animal with a methodical pat and a glance.
"Good for you," Riven said dryly. "I'm just trying to make sure these horses don't bolt when night falls."
Before Patchouli could answer, Riven's pocket crackled—his communicator stone flaring faintly with Oliver's voice.
"Riven, quick question," Oliver said, his tone casual but edged with curiosity. "You know anything about the Avernal Nether world?"
Riven straightened, brushing his hands off on his coat. "We had a portal," he said, emphasizing the first word. "Until Garrick decided to 'help' Hale Eryndor with a stability test… and smashed the keystone. Now it's rubble."
Patchouli stifled a laugh.
Riven continued, already pacing toward the cart stacked with supplies. "We'll need to build a new one underground—safe from weather and wandering idiots. For that, we'll need obsidian from where lava meets water, plus a gemstone: ruby if we want fire alignment, sapphire if we want ice. Your choice determines how long it holds open."
Oliver paused on the other end. "…Right. So no quick trip today."
"Not unless you feel like shoveling molten rock," Riven replied. "And no, that wasn't an invitation."
The stone dimmed, and Riven returned to tightening the horse straps. Patchouli gave him a sidelong look, still smiling. "Sounds like someone's been busy without me."
Riven just snorted.
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If you want, I can write what happens when they actually go to retrieve the obsidian and gemstone so the Avernal Nether portal can be rebuilt. That could naturally set up the next conflict.