Fay nodded at the chief's words, though he wasn't quite sure how to improve just yet.

He had powerful creatures, true but he felt he wasn't tapping into their strength properly, nor using them at the right moments. Still, he also knew no one could teach him further.

That path was his to walk alone.

He would need to develop his own skills, his own tactics.

And among his companions, there was one he hadn't dared to draw upon… perhaps that was why she remained distant.

Just as he feared, Mirage, she too kept him at arm's length.

They had forged a unique pact one unlike any other and yet the bond felt incomplete.

That was what he needed to work on the most.

"Yes, Chief. I'll do my best to get stronger," Fay said, thoughts already drifting toward what lay ahead.

Instead of a reply, he received a firm slap on the back. It didn't hurt, but it knocked him forward a step.

"You're the leader now, Fay. I'll take the time I need to recover, and then I'll help however I can. I'll guide your people, but in terms of power and winning their loyalty… You did that on your own.

Now, become a good ruler. Help not just the hums, but all the races under your banner grow."

Fay looked around again, taking in the sight of different people—different species—sharing food, laughing, talking, and dancing to music made with handmade instruments.

This was his home now, his shelter.

One with his rules.

And those rules would be simple.

He knew what it meant to suffer under the ones who cast him out.

"I'll need a lot of help, though," Fay said softly. "So please work with me, Nahrin. You've always been a great leader in my eyes. I'm still lacking…"

Nahrin smiled, then turned toward his daughter.

"Horin, I'm putting you in charge of the Ravari for now," Nahrin said, his voice calm but firm.

"The kid's going to be doing his best, so you need to start building the confidence to watch over your own, too. There are still some sick in the Eluwyn forest—we can't leave it all to Elaruîn. Please check in on the situation tomorrow."

Fay silently agreed. He'd go as well.

And if it came to it, he'd take Mira.

If his sister's help was needed, even Mirage would probably let her ride on her back.

"Well, let's finish up here," Fay said, stretching slightly. "I'll need to get up early. Hopefully, Erian comes back with news."

He stood and gave a small wave to Nahrin and Horin, who seemed content to stay a little longer. Then he began the long walk toward the palace.

It was far enough that part of him wanted to summon Grin—but he decided against it.

As he walked, Fay took in the sight of the town—cleaner now, with most of the broken houses and lingering debris being cleared away bit by bit. It was starting to look better, more alive.

Even the damaged section of the wall was being rebuilt, thanks to the creatures, especially the ones with earth magic.

The reconstruction was already halfway done.

But the gate... the gate was still too heavy.

All that remained was lifting the massive gate back into place…

And that was something only Mirage could do. No one else had the strength.

He reached the wide stairwell and began climbing. It felt endless, but he passed the lonely throne room still scattered with gold coins and eventually reached his room.

Inside, Mira was sleeping soundly, curled up beside the two younger kids, Rina and Tomo.

Mirage, in her small dragon form, was pinned under all three like a very unwilling pillow, hugged on all sides.

Fay smiled softly.

He removed his armor quietly, keeping the rest of his clothes on, and lay down on the corner of the bed.

The canopy above was heavy with silken curtains, beautiful, elegant, but far too extravagant for him. He stared up at them with a sigh.

Then a voice flickered in his mind.

[Did you finish eating?]

He turned slightly. Mirage was still lying there, unmoving, one eye half-open before it closed again slowly.

[Yeah… best meal I've had in weeks. Thanks, Mirage, for helping us bring it back. We've got enough for days now, especially once we dry it properly.]

He responded through their mental link, the bond pulsing gently.

[I got my fill, so quit thanking me already. I hate overly formal gratitude.]

Her tone was dry, dismissive—but not cold.

[So… what's the plan for tomorrow? Can I lie about again?]

Fay smiled.

So that's all she had in mind?

[We will need to head into the Eluwyn forest, I can go with Grin if you don't…]

[Speak no more, I read what needs to happen, I am also curious about is plague and will go to see those infected, having made the real bond I got some better immunity to it, I also recall a Wyrmling being affected, this really interests me, that a lesser dragon-kin would be affected, that is...]

Fay also nodded. He was the one who fought it, of course.

[Good, now rest, I will search for breakfast first thing in the morning, there is no amount of food here that will help me sustain my body for long.]

Fay wondered just how much food they would need for that to happen, and if they would need to raise even larger creatures for his dragon.

[You might be right… I will need to invest in creating a proper food supply… make this land thrive to my convenience and bring in creatures that will feed me.]

Fay closed his eyes after that thought. Hours later, he was awakened by Mira, who did not have a pillow to lie on anymore.

Mirage left early, so the girl was forced to use Fay as her replacement.

Fay stayed in place just long enough for her to rest another ten minutes before having her and the two kids up.

"Let's go eat you three. We need to start early, and you two, Tomo and Rina, I will need to see which elements you might be good with. It is time to have you get a creature."

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