The timber & cob cottage sat at the end of a narrow path eroded in the threshed grasses over the many years. A low stone fence encircled a wide garden, cordoning off the homestead from the world, an island of calm. A lone figure in a careworn linen smock knelt in the dirt, fussing over the weeds that habitually plagued the garden. When Vera and I stepped through the wooden gate, she paused, placing the trowel gripped in rheumy hands down, before twisting to look us over.

  The smile that spread over her face was like the sun rising all over again. My grin matching her own, I strode over quickly, helping her stand. “Hello! It’s good to see you-” I was interrupted by a surprisingly firm hug, as she squeezed and clucked happily.

  Pulling away, she craned her neck up at me, eyes crinkling. “Bram! Oh I’m so glad you’re home. And look at you!” She reached up to pat my shoulders, looking me over critically. “What has Mrs. Havers been feeding you? You’ve put on so much muscle!” She chuckled, before her face drew into severe lines. “But more importantly: What in the planes took you so long? It has been too long, and you know it!” I grinned sheepishly, before catching myself and turning toward Vera, who was standing quietly at the gate.

  “Mom, this is Vera, she’s my new guild partner.”

  Vera smiled and walked over, kneeling to extend a hand to the significantly shorter human. “A pleasure, ma’am. Bram’s not told me much about his hometown, but if the rest is as lovely as your home, I may never leave!”

  Giggling like a much younger woman, she clasped Vera’s much larger hand. “Aren’t you sweet! Parma’s nothing special, but I’m certain we can find a place for you! You can call me June. Now, come inside! I can get something together, you must be hungry from the trip out here.”

  Despite our protestations that we had eaten and had no need of it, we soon found ourselves sat at the small round table, sunlight falling through the open windows as Mother quickly prepared some dried apple slices and cheese while peppering them both with questions on life in the city, and Vera’s preferences for dinner. I picked at it, but in truth I was still content from the apple I’d wolfed down for breakfast, more interested in quickly sewing the opening in my pants closed. Vera tucked in, happy to have some lighter fare.

  Sitting down carefully on her cushioned chair, June let out a contented sigh. “So, what brings you out here, hmmm? Surely not just to see your mother, Bram?” She looked at Vera skeptically, “It would be the first time, you know.” Even Vera raised her brows at this, as they both turned to me, setting my ears burning.

  I raised my hands, trying to ward off the intimidating gazes. “I’m sorry! My job at the guild only allowed days off for Llyrsday, and it's a two day walk!” Mother harrumphed in response, but I pressed on. “Truthfully though, I did come just to see you, mother. There’s been a lot that’s happened and I hadn’t seen you in so long, it felt like the perfect time to come home.”

  She narrowed her eyes, catching on to what I’d said. “What’s happened? You spoke like you’re not working at the guild anymore. Did you do something? And don’t think I didn’t notice you patching your pants. Goodness, do I need to write to Nicholaus?” She made to stand, but I placed a hand over hers arresting her flight with a chuckle.

  “Nothing so dire. And my pants just tore… on the way here,” I said, dodging that question with all the grace of a bull. “No, I have great news: I’ve got a core binding!” I grinned, letting the news sink in.

  She blinked, shocked for a moment, before tears welled up in her eyes and she clasped my hand tightly. “I’m so proud of you! Oh Bram, this is wonderful, truly wonderful! Oh my word we’ll need to tell the whole village! Oh I’ll have to go get some supplies so we can celebrate…” She trailed off, clearly making plans for a whole to-do.

  Vera and I chuckled, before I interrupted the old woman’s machinations. “There’s a whole story, a real adventure too. I can tell you later, but you don’t need to go into town, Mom. I can go pick up anything you need, and we don’t need to let everyone know…”

  My mother made a shushing noise, waiving away his protests. “Nonsense. You’re the first person in generations to get magic in the village, and I can’t wait to tell everyone. Including that stuffed up priest and all those ninnying nay-sayers! My son is a proper mage!” She seemed to glow with pride, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her I didn’t quite fit the description of a mage. Yet, I thought, still clinging to some small scrap of hope.

  “Ah, well, I don’t really want to have to parade in front of the whole village, Mum. I just want to see you. And while we’re here, we figured we’d take care of any issues on the board.”

  This time she did stand, grabbing a scrap of paper and scribbling down some notes, speaking without looking up. “I know, you always were such a good, humble boy. But you have to take life by the horns sometimes! Bram, you’re a mage and an adventurer now, humbleness can only take you so far. The stories of adventurers aren’t told about the ones who never talk about themselves!” She finished scribbling, handing the list of supplies written in a slightly jerky hand to me. “Here. When you go into town, grab all of this. Tomorrow I’ll head into town and let folks know they can come over and celebrate with us. Agatha is going to be absolutely sick with envy,” she cackled merrily. “Now, I know you just got here, but I need to tidy up. So out, you two! Vera, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you, I can’t wait to hear all about your travels, and what your plans are. Come back for dinner, and we can talk all about it!”

  With that, she ushered the two of us out the door, and suddenly we were standing awkwardly, glancing at one another as the sounds of cleaning and singing echoed out from the cottage. Vera threw her head back and laughed, and I joined in. After a few moments and wiping away a tear, she spoke quietly. “Well, your mother is a whirlwind! Surprising, for someone of her age. I was not expecting such a fiery welcome!”

  I grinned, leading the way out of the gate. “Neither was I. Mom’s usually a bit more reserved. Though it has been a while, and without Dad to rein her in… Maybe this is how she’s always been, really.” Closing the gate behind us, we started down the path to the village, the houses arranged in a broad crescent around the calm waters of the lagoon. “We’ll check out the board, then we’ll head to Alvin’s shop, we should be able to pick up everything we need there.”

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  Vera nodded, stepping alongside as the path widened. There was a smattering of villagers strolling about the village, and already a few had stopped, shielding their eyes from the sun to get a better look as we arrived at the central part of the village. The small chapel, painted in the familiar white with a bright red roof, stood to the side of the square opposite a lone storefront- Alvin worked hard to ensure travelers saw his place. In the center a broad notice board stood, built with a small overhanging roof to protect the notices from the weather. We approached it as a few more curious souls stopped to watch the interlopers.

  “Watching like gulls hoping we might drop a snack. Sorry about this, bunch of bumpkins,” I muttered as we reached the board.

  Vera just chuckled quietly, bending forward to read over the smattering of handwritten notices. “I told you, I’m used to it. Doesn’t bother me a lick.” I grunted noncommittally. The stares sure bothered me. Not only that, but the smell here was nearly overwhelming. It had been years since I’d been home, and I certainly didn’t remember the village reeking quite so powerfully of dead fish and sweat. The strong scent was putting me in a foul mood, and distracting as I tried to peruse the board.

  Not that there was much to see. Several notes were postings of when to expect trader’s through town, and asking if anyone had extra rope to repair a torn fishing net. One, however, caught my eye. This notice was requesting an escort into the Siren’s Gullet to collect the moss that grew there. Siren’s Gullet was a cave to the west, along the rocky shore of the coast past the lagoon, so named for the sound of the wind passing through the wide cave mouth at low tide, which resembled the singing of the deadly creatures. This wasn’t the only reason the notice was interesting, however. The poster was Larrica, an old friend.

  I turned to Vera, who had finished reading over the notices, looking bored. “This here, this escort into the Gullet, we should pick this up. I know Larrica, and we might be able to snag some of the moss too. It’s got a numbing effect, it’s great for healers. But it’s also great mixed in ale, makes it extra fizzy as it numbs your tongue.”

  Vera laughed. “Alright, sure, that sounds like fun. Though I’m not sure I like the sound of this ‘Gullet’ place.”

  I waved nonchalantly. “Aw don’t worry. It’s just a name, no actual sirens. There’s just occasionally some dreg’s that like to pitch up in there, so it’s not safe for folk to go alone. We might just have to scare some off, or toss ‘em out if they’re stubborn. It’ll be easy. Plus, I know Larrica, it’ll be nice to catch up.”

  Vera pursed her lips. “I feel like you’re just temptin’ fate like that. But alright, sounds like a simple job at least.” She paused as she turned to consider me. “Should we go grab our gear? I’m fine a’course, but you might want your hammer at least.”

  I thought for a moment, before shaking my head. “Might as well, I suppose. Mind waiting here for a minute? I’ll just run back to grab it.” At Vera’s ascenting nod, I jogged off. The breeze was cool, though the humidity was on the rise and the air felt thick and sticky as I ran. Leaping over the gate, I dashed in to grab my hammer and was out before mother could even respond to my quickly shouted “Everything’s fine just need this!”

  Returning back down to the village, I was unsurprised that Vera had attracted a small crowd, those who’d managed to overcome their hesitancy to sate their curiosity. Slowing to a quick walk, I rolled my eyes at the barrage of questions heaped upon the ogress.

  “Where are you from, miss?”

  “Are you with the Hunter’s Guild?”

  “You must be strong, ever hauled on nets?”

  “Did you come here to slay some beast?”

  “Are you in a party? Did June hire you?”

  This last caused me to huff out a loud breath, startling some villagers in the back, who turned around, eyes widening.

  “Bram?” Several voices echoed the exclamation as the group’s attention swiveled, an almost physical thing as it landed upon me.

  I smiled thinly, my old front desk face back on. I gave a small wave. “Yes, hello everyone. I’m back, but just to visit. Vera here,” I motioned to her, arm slicing forward and causing the crowd to split as I stepped forward, “and I are in the village for a few days. No, we’re not looking to help haul in nets, thank you. Yes, we’re available for hunting work. But before that, can someone point us to Larrica’s house? It’s been a while, after all.”

  That got a few chuckles, and before long we’d been pointed to a house with blue and yellow flowers painted on the door frame, down the beach. It stood back perhaps a dozen yards from the edge of the gentle waves of the lagoon, and the windows were open to the breeze as they approached. Walking up to the door, I knocked on the frame twice before stepping back. Vera yawned, distracted by a small crab scuttling past.

  The door opened, revealing a somewhat frazzled looking woman, dark hair spilling out of her bun as she held an infant on her hip. Her cheeks were fuller than the last time I’d seen her, and a wedding wreath now adorned her wrist, but there was no mistaking Lare. The small scar on her chin, from when she’d been kicked by old Davrin’s goat was still there, and the little one even had her bright eyes. She gazed over the two of us, eyes going wide first as she gawked at Vera’s stature, then wider still as recognition flitted across her face. “Bram? Is that… really you?”

  I grinned, nodding. “It is. Great to see you, Lare. We’re in town, and we saw your notice. Thought maybe we could help.” Larrica just stared at me, uncomprehending. I glanced at the sleepily blinking baby, uncertain. “If this is a bad time, we can come back tomorrow though.”

  That seemed to wake her from her stupor. “No no! One moment, let me put him down, and we can talk.” She shuffled inside out of sight, cooing to the infant quietly. A few moments later, she reappeared, smoothing her dress and retying her hair. “Sorry, I’m a mess. Adrien’s out past the reef today, so I’ve just been with the little one all morning, and he doesn’t mind if my hair isn’t its best,” she laughed nervously, before clearing her throat. “So, Bram, who’s your friend then?”

  Vera stepped forward, extending a hand with an easy smile. “Vera, pleasure to meet ya. I’m with the Hunter’s Guild, same as Bram.”

  Larrica’s smile faltered, as she looked between us. “The Hunter’s Guild? So… so you actually made it, Bram?”

  I tried to keep the slight annoyance out of my voice. Was it really so difficult to believe? Plenty of people joined the guild. “Sure did. Vera and I are in a party, and we’ve been in a few scraps together now. You’ll be safe.”

  Vera nodded, adding “Aye, we’ll see you in and out of that cave, no doubt.”

  The young woman blinked, clearly struggling to order her thoughts. “Well, alright then. I need to gather some moss in the Gullet. Hadrian - that’s my son, I mean - he’s teething. The moss’ll take the edge off. And nobody’s been in the Gullet in a bit, so I’m worried something’s moved in, but I need that moss.” She said this last bit with a desperation that put me off. Larrica had always been so strong willed and fiery. We’d been close, but that was ever so long ago it seemed. The woman, no, the mother before me, was clearly very different from the girl I remembered.

  I cleared my throat. “Well, we can do that. Should be easy enough, long as nothing too big has moved in. When do you want to go?” I turned to look out at the far side of the lagoon, where a thin strip of rock and coral separated the lagoon from the sea.

  Larrica hesitated. “The tide is on its way out still, but not for much longer. If we could go now… I should be able to gather enough before it comes in.”

  I frowned. That didn’t account for any time spent clearing the deep cavern of any new tenants. And once the tide came in, the entrance was almost completely submerged. I voiced my concerns. “I’m not sure about that. If we run into something, we could be trapped until the tide rolls back out.”

  “Well if we see anything we can just leave, and try again tomorrow afternoon. Please, I’ve been waiting for weeks. Hadrian is miserable,” she pleaded. I averted my eyes, and sighed.

  “Alright. Might as well try. Vera, that alright with you?”

  The ogress rolled her shoulders, cracking a grin. “I’m always up for something new. Never been in a gullet before,” she chortled.

  Larrica clasped her hands and glanced up, muttering a quick prayer of thanks to Llyr. I kept the distaste off of my face as we stood there awkwardly. Larrica ran inside to grab a large basket, strapping it onto her back before she made plans with an older neighbor that I only vaguely recognized to watch Hadrian while she was gone.

  Jogging back up to the two adventurers, she smiled nervously once more. “Sorry, I’m ready to go now.”

  I nodded, unsure how to reconcile this timid woman with the friend I had grown up with. I shook myself mentally, ignoring it. People changed. I certainly had, and perhaps this was just the natural course. Regardless, it was time to work. The three of us set off down the edge of the lagoon with the sun high in the sky.