There's more news.

Your dad and mom found the sprout of the earth tree near your home. With the tunnels inside still intact, this means you could potentially sneak into the baron manor or voyage toward one of the others faraway sprouts should the need arise...

And with tonight being the ritual of Last Bells for Augustine and young Olin, you have to wonder if you'll be able to sleep at all.

--

Augustine Aurora, Shigeko Takara, Seyraphal, your parents, and your small self all sitting around your family table for a hearty supper was a new, wonderful experience.

Of course, during your travels, you've eaten on bigger tables with many more folks. This is the first time where you not only know everyone, but genuinely appreciate them.

Augustine dominated the conversation as she talked about who was who in Eichenwald: blacksmith Griswold, a short, grumpy man who only missed orders when he lacked materials. Grocer Carrie, who established herself in the first residential western district, known for supplying the Mamono village. Midwife Olmann from the Wildland, who currently heads the woodcutter guild...

''I have to go prepare, it's getting late.'' Your father announced once the conversation entered a lull. He gently got up with his dishes to place them near the oven. ''I'll come back soon.''

He exited outside, his form illuminated by a handful of candlelamps your parents had placed earlier tonight for this ritual.

''Phew... Yeah, I'm getting nervous.'' Augustine rubbed her trembling hands together. ''I've... been ignoring what's about to happen, to be honest.''

''It is never easy... but I fully believe this communication can help you heal.'' Your mother spoke gently; she had considerably warmed up to your godtouched friend during supper.

''I believe there is great strength in doing this, despite the pain.'' Shigeko commented, and Augustine kept her gaze firmly on her empty plate. ''No souls handle grief similarly. I've witnessed many cases where people seem to become... static, where all they do is survive instead of living.''

''You think that's how I am now, Shigeko?'' Augustine didn't look up as she asked.

''Not yet. Perhaps knowing you missed a chance to say goodbye because of whatever excuses the bishop will give to justify himself could poison your grief. Even if all that result from this is failure, you know people around you do care.''

''Hm...'' Beside you, Seyraphal's antennas twitched.

''There is one thing I'd like to ask before emotions likely make it impossible for me to talk.'' Heaving a long, wary sigh, Augustine nervously rubbed her hands together and looked to you, then your mother. ''You have the ear of the little lordling who failed to manage the Mamono village, yes?''

''I'll know tomorrow. Since the militias locked down the entire district, Thibault and maybe even his father will have to arbitrate so... I guess we'll see.''