The forge certainly isn't how we left it.
Since the dwarves have taken residence with Volkan, the place has been thoroughly cleared and cleaned. Rooms that were full of broken furniture and mess were once again orderly and neat. The forge itself was a hive of activity, though there was a polite space left around Volkan himself- the dwarves clearly respect more than his raw ability.
Alke it seems has something of the smith about her and worked with Volkan to create a new bow for Corinna in the few days we rested there. With the emotional turmoil of the last few days the act of creation is one that seemed almost meditative. I'm glad- she's had some difficult days recently.
Most of my time I spent with Helikaon, helping him learn to ride better. The steed he's been riding is no ordinary mount as as I tried to commune with it in the early hours of our training, there came a small epiphany as I reached out with my magic. Much as I call on totemic spirits to aid and protect us, or to help me change my form, this steed shares the same fey origins. Helikaon of course snorted and dismissed the claims. A horse is a horse, right?
I didn't realise how much I needed this though. The air rushing through your hair as you gallop, the scent of grass, the feel of the earth beneath your hooves and a horizon that stretches for miles without the confines of streets and buildings.
The freedom of it all and Braz talking excitedly of home has brought back heady memories of home. It's been almost a decade that I've been away, but in that time I have learnt much about myself and the secrets of my heritage. I have so many questions for the man I thought was my father.
After the Games, we plan to capture the Ultros, the vessel of the Dragonlords themselves. Maybe once the oceans are safe for us all to venture on, I might go back and get the answers.