I burst from Haven with a resolute smile, face upturned to the evening sun. A few clouds drifted across the sky, and a stiff breeze rippled across the long prairie grass. Elise sat cross-legged in front of the gate, accompanied by Fyren in his human visage. He wore a scowl while she stared at the golden swirls worriedly, idly stroking a curl of golden hair.
They both jumped as I emerged, breaking into relieved smiles. Elise got to her feet and looked me over, her shoulders sagging as she found me unharmed.
"What happened? Why did you call Fable?" she asked.
As if to answer her question, Fable and Borealis came out of the gate. Borealis fluttered his wings, hopping from the wolf's back to my shoulder. Both Elise and Fyren stared at him, then back at the gate.
"Fyren, I think we need to talk," I said softly, stroking Borealis's crest.
He nodded. "Yes, I rather think we do."
