Final Days of Rest

Marik is summoned to Talon's chambers where Edwinn and the King are waiting. Talon suggests that Edwinn go with Marik to Faithspire to clear out the creatures in the sewers, which Edwinn and Marik both agree to. After traveling to the city, they head down and fight various evolutions of Kython creatures, ending with the death of The Ravager which controlled the others.

On the way back, Marik spoke to Edwinn about his need to speak up, how if he's going to stay with the King's Hand his opinions and insights may still prove useful despite what happened with Davian. However, when prompted to reveal any information he was hiding, specifically about the gauntlet, Edwinn avoided the topic, leaving Marik frustrated as he soon departed.

Shortly after, Cailynn returns from the Serpent's Grove. A Council meeting is held where the topic of the new spymaster is brought up. Ultimately, it is decided that Viktor will be given a test run to see if he's fit for the position, with a final decision being made later. Secondly, Cailynn opens up about the success of her trip, with the elders agreeing to be open to joining Ederia proper. While concerns are raised about how this would be handled, it seemes that ultimately there is a strong change for success, as it is revealed that Cailynn is a descendent of Lendryn, the brother of the founding members of the Serpent's Grove.

As the others leave, Cailynn confronts Talon about hiding this secret from her, wondering why he would choose that time to reveal it in front of everyone rather than speaking to her first. She is upset because she feels that already many in Ederia ignore her efforts and think little of her, adn she fears that this knowledge being revealed in this way will only make it worse. She feels that her connection to the past is not relevant, as she is tellign the story of Cailynn Falkrest, not of Senua, Lendred, or even Talon.

Octavia goes to visit her friends, Poppy and Isadora. The two insist on their innocence, saying they would have told Via exactly what was going to happen had they known. Isadora mentions an envoy from Soleilae, who arrived and spoke to her father. She describes the man, though Via doesn't recall anyone who matches him. After some probing, Isadora tells another story, though mentions that the Shepherd (same man interested in Edwinn), appeared to her and threatened her to continue the ritual. The three of them agree to continue the ritual, believing that it will be their only chance to save themselves.

After an uplifting birthday chat with Talon where he is gifted Nornathi armor, Edwinn decides to be fully honest with his siblings. He gathers them all and tells them of the gauntlet, revealing the last of his secrets. It seems to be too little too late though, as Marik and Cailynn have very little reaction to the information, and Via only offering a few kinds words and saying she still needed more time to forgive him. Xanthe stays by Edwinn's side, gifting him a beautiful updated version of his blade.

The Falkrest family celebrates Christmas together as Talon gathers everyone. He gifts them each personalized uniforms for the King's Hand, showing off their own personalities and connection as a family. There is true joy in the family as everyone loves their gift, the problems of tomorrow seemingly just a little further away now.