Janus, Veryn, and Amiya remained at the memorial. They knelt between graves, hands pressed against earth, voices murmuring words meant for the dead rather than living. Their postures suggested they would stay until something within them settled.
"We'll go on ahead," Reinhard said softly. "Take the time you need."
All three nodded without looking up.
Permission granted, understanding conveyed through simple gestures. They would find their own way back when ready.
…
The group continued eastward, reduced now to four. Reinhard, Marie, Joseph, and Brunhilde moved through the restored forest with Signal Master leading. Joseph held the device carefully, watching the needle track direction with single-minded focus.
The landscape shifted gradually as the trees grew denser, streams grew wider, and the ground grew softer.
Then they emerged into a clearing.
