James can feel the awkwardness in the room and realizes the dynamics of his group have just changed with the introduction of an important person from his past. None, even Dave, are sure of how to act or what to do. But he hopes that will change over time.

To Roland he asks, “What’s going on?”

“Delia returned with the money from the sale of those knives you made,” he begins. “Got twelve hundred golds for the lot. She also dropped off another sack of crystals, it’s out in your workshop. Surprised you didn’t pass her on your way through Trendle, she just left.”

“I gave her some of those gems Fifer and I collected,” adds Jiron. “She’s going to try and find that gem cutter Alexander mentioned next time she’s in Bearn.”

“It looks like our money problems are over,” Roland says happily.

To Jiron he asks, “Where’s Aleya?”

“She and Errin are out hunting,” he explains. “They’ve become rather good friends and have appointed themselves the hunters of the group. Makes sense as they’re the best with bows we have.”

“She’s picking up her letters pretty quickly too,” adds Roland.

“How is the class going?” James asks him.

“Most are doing well,” he says. “I’ve started them off with basic letters and we’ll progress from there.”

Nodding, James continues eating as he mulls over the information they are giving him. From the front room, he hears Tersa begin a song as the evening gathering commences. Finishing his meal, he says to Dave, “Every evening, we have a get together in the front room where people sing songs or tell stories. Let’s join them.”

Looking slightly out of place, Dave hesitantly says, “Okay.”

They get up and make their way to the front room where James sees his favorite chair vacant as well as another someone placed next to it for Dave. Taking their seats, they settle back as Tersa finishes her song.