Take a Breath

Cailynn and Samson truly speak for the first time, with Samson explaining that the berries allowing them to communicate are limited, so he has to choose when to use them carefully. He speaks to Cailynn about Kaeleth, a man known as a "Slayer", one who was a voidwalker like Cailynn, but was given too much information too quickly. With the knowledge granted to him, he chose to bring an end to the Rootdwellers and all who serve them. Cailynn ponders if the man can be saved, but Samson warns her that killing such beings causes one to lose themsleves. He is about to reveal one more important piece of information, but the magic of the berry ends before he can say it.

The next day as the heirs travel back to Colline, Marik requests Via up front so they can talk. He checks in on her, wanting to see how she was feeling after learning the information about the Oracles of her mother's homeland. Via admits that while the information is upsetting, she's glad that she went through with it, only hesitating out of the fear of what her family might think of her. Marik opens up about never wanting to know about who inflicted his curse on him, claiming that he believes the answer would only bring further misery and destroy his relationship with one of his parents. The two encourage each other, wanting to show their support despite not fully understanding each other's decision.

Back in Colline, the heirs meet up with Captain Morreau and Torwynn Astralor. Torwynn elaborates on the events in the city, where cultists came looking for the heirs but were unsuccessful, though they killed the taitor who had aided them yesterday before fleeing town. Torwyn requests to be released from his service and is granted it, though Marik decides to go and speak with the man later.

Edwinn and Via talk, with Edwinn trying to repair his relationship with her. Via admits that she thinks she'd been unfair to Edwinn, but believes the only way they can heal is start over.

Edwinn accepts, though assures Via that he will be a better big brother to her, and they will learn everything they can about each other to grow close again. Via says that she is looking forward to that.

At the tavern, Marik meets up with Torwyn and opens up about his respect for the Knight, citing a specific tournament he watched as boy where Torwyn won. Torwyn explains that the reason he left the knight life behind him was from learning what happened to the former Green Knight. Soleilan knights mistranslated an ancient text and believed that it would be a great honor to slay him, and they were eventually successful. Torwyn grew disenchanted with the idea of knighthood if after a thousand years, everything we did just faded away...what was the point? Marik insists that trying is worth the effort, citing the guards who saved their lives to save Marik the night of the Skyhaven massacre. Marik vows to not let those deaths be in vain. He invites Torwyn to join them before departing, hinting at his princely identity.

The following day, the safehouse is approached by one Marceline, the assassin from the Golden Chrysalis that Xanthe and Edwinn stopped. Despite some mishaps, she gets into a conversation with the heirs, offering the services of her organization, the Crimson Lotus. She agrees to send some assassins with them in order to take out some targets that they can mark with a blowgun she grants them. They agree to return to speak with her after rescuing Zepharos, and decide their next move.

Before departing Colline, the heirs celebrate Xanthe's birthday, offering many treats, entertainment, and of course gifts. Each sibling grants a personal gift to Xanthe, and it is all topped off with a gift of Hill Giant Strength from Talon. The siblings all head out for a night on the town, enjoying one last night of fun before their rescue mission begins the next day.