The First Light Inn was a small, cozy inn on an island a few miles from the Heart of Haven. The island was home to a low hill dotted with small groves of trees. A little brook trickled from a spring on the hilltop, winding through the trees in a long, sinewy ribbon before splashing off the edge in a shower of mist.
The inn was a two-story building sheltered against the base of the small hill and tucked away between a few of the larger, gnarled trees. Ivy crept over the trunks and onto the hewn stone walls, giving it a sheltered, protected feeling. Smoke curled from the chimney atop the second story, disappearing into the starlit sky, and the warm firelight flickering in the windows of the first story beckoned me forward.
Haven glided in front and opened the door, ushering me through. The realm hadn’t been cold, but I still shivered as a wave of heat escaped the common room, enveloping me like a hug. Inside was a room suspiciously like inns found in the villages of Heartland, with a tavern-like common room and accommodations above.
The common room was spacious but cozy, with a low ceiling and tables scattered around in a haphazard circle. Soft music filled the air with a playful tune I recognized, coming from nowhere yet everywhere at once. A Remnant leaned over the counter, idly polishing a mug. He wore leather armor and a cloak with two short swords strapped to his hips. His eyes glinted as we entered, but he ignored us after a friendly nod.
Elise and R’lissea sat on a small table meant for four in the corner, directly in front of the roaring fireplace. They leaned over what looked like a hearty meal, giggling together as they ate.
"Xiviyah, you made it!" Elise said, clapping her hands together. "You’ve got to try the food here!"
She gestured to her bowl, grinning widely. The stew was packed with chunks of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. But perhaps stew wasn’t the right word, as the broth looked more like a sauce. A small whiff was all it took for my mouth to water, and before I knew it, I’d taken a seat opposite the fire.
"Did you find who you were looking for?" R’lissea asked.
"Yes, it was very... insightful."
"Careful, Oracle, it’s hot."
I jumped as a melodic voice caressed my ear. A golden, translucent arm slid before me, setting down another bowl. Whirling in my seat, I blinked, startled to find the remnant had returned behind the counter. He met my gaze with a warm smile, a small dimple creasing his cheek.
"Go on, try it!" Elise urged, leaning toward me. She watched with bated breath as I raised the spoon to my lips."
An explosion of flavor caused my entire body to freeze, a pleasant tingle racing from the tip of my horns to my tail. The food was simple, something I’d expect to find at any small village inn, yet it surpassed even the fine cooking of the Divine Throne. I’d only been allowed to sample their cooking a few times during feasts and banquets, but even the nostalgia associated with that food fell short of this.
"I can’t believe how long you’ve been holding out on this place," Elise said, grinning as I immediately went for another bite.
R’lissea giggled, reaching out to catch my hand before I could take another bite. "Slow down and chew a little. It’s not going anywhere. If you eat too fast, you’ll get a stomach ache."
"It’s good," I mumbled, deliberately putting down my spoon. I took a few breaths, chewing the rest of my food, before resuming eating. "Where did all this come from? The remnants don’t need to eat, do they?"
"That’s what I’m saying!" Elise exclaimed, stabbing her spoon at me. "We could have been enjoying feasts for weeks!"
Guilt pricked me, and I reluctantly set down my spoon. "It’s not that simple," I explained. "I can’t control Haven while I’m inside. And we’ve been constantly moving, so..." I lowered my head as a wave of helplessness washed over me.
"Yeah, well, couldn’t you just leave us in here while you rode with Fable?" Elise’s lip curled in a grin. "I, for one, would love to sleep in a real bed again."
"No, it’s, um...maybe?"
Their eyes gathered on me, and I frowned. Why couldn’t we, exactly? Fate and the remnants lived here, right?
A familiar tingle danced down my spine as Haven materialized behind me. I cringed but didn’t turn, refusing to give him the satisfaction of startling me.
"Of course it would, my lady," he confirmed, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "As long as you are outside, you can close the portal, and anyone within will remain safe, though unable to leave until you reopen it. However, should something happen to you, the entire realm will crumble, and those inside will perish."
"What a cheerful thought," R’lissea muttered.
"Speaking of that," I said, touching my chin thoughtfully, "Korra mentioned it could potentially conceal an entire army."
R’lissea blinked, her head tilting slightly. "That wasn’t the first thing that came to mind?"
Heat crept up my neck, and I averted my gaze. "I-I’m sorry. I...didn’t think to try it."
"I didn’t mean to pry," R’lissea said quickly. "I just assumed...well, sometimes I forget how different your experience has been. It shouldn’t bother you that you didn’t think of a tactic like that."
Haven’s hand gently touched my shoulder, and I flinched, a squeak escaping my lips.
"Easy, my lady," he chuckled. "There is no need for this. Haven wasn’t suited for such a purpose until recently. Its unstable nature would have been...unpleasant for anyone without Fate powers."
"Oh. Thank goodness." I let out a small sigh, and the agitated flick of my tail ceased.
"I don’t think much has changed, anyway," Elise said. "It’s not like you could just welcome the demons into this place, not with a shard here. And what would you even do, just walk to the next city and let them all out?"
R’lissea nodded. "The shard, yes, but...other things, too."
She held my gaze, gentle but firm. I broke eye contact first, the tip of my tail curling around the leg of my chair.
"I...I don’t want them here," I mumbled, staring down at my lap.
If it were Fyren and some of his more trustworthy demons like Kahlen, perhaps I could consider it. But I doubted the Remnants would welcome such an intrusion or me if I allowed it. They had dedicated their lives to battling demons and protecting their worlds from invasion.
"Well, I don’t plan on walking another step," Elias said, folding her arms.
I started to smile, but her face remained solemn, with no hint of the teasing smile she normally wore.
"Sorry?" I asked, glancing at R’lissea helplessly.
The elf shrugged, and Elise rolled her eyes.
"Did you really expect me to get out and walk for another week through some desolate canyon when I could just relax here? That library looked like it held a treasure trove of magical knowledge. I bet I could learn a lot by studying there. It would be a good chance to catch up to you two."
"Library?" I asked, "They have a library here? What’s it like? Do they have a-" I clapped my cheeks, forcing myself to take a few deep breaths. "Sorry. Are you really going to be okay staying here alone? If something happens to me, you’ll be trapped here, or worse."
Elise shrugged. "I’m already in that situation, aren’t I? I’m pretty sure the only reason those apostles even acknowledge my existence is because I’m your friend. If it weren’t for you, we’d all have been eaten by demons."
"No, that’s...probably true," I muttered. "But you’ll be all alone here."
"I’ll be fine. The remnants we met were very kind, and I’d like to try to convince them to teach me a thing or two. Besides, you’ll check in, won’t you?"
"Of course!" I said, nodding. "But still..."
"How about you?" Elise asked R’lissea.
She hesitated, stirring what remained of her stew. After a breath, she looked up and met my gaze. "With the church hunting us down, I don’t want you to be alone. Fyren didn’t leave for no reason, after all."
"You would do that?" I asked softly, fingers curling into my skirt.
She shrugged. "Yeah, it’s like Elise said. Besides that, we’re friends, right? I couldn’t just leave you alone with that brute out there."
"Brute?" I tilted my head.
Elise giggled, leaning over to nudge R’lissea’s shoulder. "She meant Luke. He looked like he’d eat you up if we let him. Now I’m wondering if I shouldn’t stay with you two. Can’t be too careful, right?"
My lips parted, but no sound came out. I stared at them, face going red, until they both burst out giggling. I squeaked and covered my face, and even though I was sitting, my tail waved back and forth, knocking against my chair’s legs.
"I-it wasn’t like that!" I finally stammered, peeking at them between my fingers.
Elise laughed harder, reaching over and ruffling my hair. "What was it like, then?"
I whimpered, ducking my head, but couldn’t escape her hand. How exactly could I explain what happened during the battle? It wasn’t what they were thinking. It wasn’t.
He was just worried about me.
"Alright, that’s enough," R’lissea said, relaxing in her chair. She held her smile but stared at Elise until the girl retreated to her own seat.
"Try not to cause any trouble," I mumbled, staring at my lap.
Elise leaned forward, still suppressing her giggles. "What was that?"
I looked up, meeting her eyes. "It’s okay if you stay here, but don’t cause any trouble."
"Oh, I’m not a child," she scoffed, rolling her eyes playfully. "You’re making me sound like a child."
I frowned, fixing her with as stern a gaze as I could muster. She glanced behind me, where my tail continued to flutter, and her smile grew again.
"That’s what I mean," I mumbled.
"Alright, fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "I only act because it’s you."
Clearing my throat, I rubbed the lingering heat from my face and glanced at Haven. "Is that fine with you?"
"If it is your will, my lady," he replied with a graceful bow, "I will continue to ensure her safety."
"Thank you," I said, turning to R’lissea and adding, "There’s something important we need to discuss."