As sunset yielded to twilight, the Taproot slowly filled with locals seeking food and drink after a day’s labor, but to the surprise of most, a dozen or so star elves, including Jhered, stream in and commandeered a back corner not far from the trio’s table. Approaching them, the merchant bowed respectfully and motioned for permission to join them. Taking the seat by Nymara when it was granted, he greeted them cordially; “Welcome back… we were all gratified to hear that you’d returned seemingly unscathed. I hope you’ve finally heeded my advice and abandoned your quest.” “No,” Nymara replied in a warm, but emphatic tone. “In fact… we were successful. We found my sister and the Ancient… who is actually one of my ancestors… and has taken her on as his apprentice. It seems the tales of his madness are just that… tales. It’s our success that brought us back here in the hopes that you’d deliver this letter to my father for me when you return to Sildeyuir next.” “It would be my honor, lady,” Jhered declared, clearly stunned by what she’d told him, accepting the sealed envelope she handed him and tucking it away safely before taking his leave as the young lutist from her pervious performances, who’d took his place in the front of the tavern, started tuning his instrument. “It seems your audience awaits,” Courynn encouraged her with a proud smile. It was clear that the star elves at least were only there to hear her sing. Downing a deep drink of mead, she rose and made her way to her accompanist, raising a welcoming murmur from the patrons. It seemed that the recent experience, and most likely a good amount of practice, had improved the lad’s skill, but he still missed several key notes in the various ballads they performed late into the night until the tavern keeper declared last call at midnight as usual and they sent their audience off with one final number. Returning to the table to find a fresh mead and jar of cream waiting, a mildly arrogant smirk turned her lips as she downed a long draw of the sweet, fermented liquid to slate her dry tired throat, while, almost as one, the star elves filed out quite conspicuously. Returning to the boarding house room, Nymara poured Myrrha a bowl of cream, which the feline familiar attacked ravenously. Prompting Lynneth, who’d been observing their interaction and affection for one another, to muse; “I never considered summoning a familiar before… they always seemed more of a liability than a benefit to me. But seeing you with her has made me reconsider.” “I don’t know what I’d do without her,” Nymara replied, petting the cat while she feasted happily. “She’s been my closest friend and confidant for so long… I’d be truly lost without her.” “When I’m home in Delthuntle I’ll have to give it due consideration,” the human sorcerer pondered. “What are your plans when you get home?” Courynn inquired curiously. He never understood why people chose to live in cities or what they actually did day to day there. Life in the wild, living off the land, was normal to him. “I’m sure I’ll find some mischief to get into… but I may not wait till I get home,” she smirked capriciously.