Our heroes stand in a small room, located in Dr. Elund's office, in Scarletwood. They have escaped Star successfully and now was waiting anxiously for news about their friend's, Oar, condition. "Things are really turning into a mess," frowns Galen, "Aren't they?" Edeline looks to the floor, trying to mask her anger. "He'll be okay?" asks Adie, "Right?" "I'm sure he will be." says Vi, "After all, Faeda did help."

Adie: "Yeah, Faeda... thank you. I don't know what would have happened, if you didn't help Oar..." (-_-)
Faeda: "Of course I would help! I like Oar too." (^_-)
Adie: "You do?" (o_O)
Faeda: "Well... yeah. As a friend, that is... I don't like him, like him." (;^_^)
Adie: "What are you talking about?" (O_o)
Vi: "I think what Faeda is trying to say is... she doesn't have romantic feelings for Oar." (;^_^)
Adie: "What an odd thing to say... who said you liked Oar, in that way?" (;^_^)
Faeda: "I just thought I should mention it, so there would be no misunderstandings or jealousy." (;^_^)
Adie: "Misunderstandings about what? Faeda, you're so weird!" (;^_^)
Faeda: "Haha..." (;^_^)
Vi: (;^_^)
Galen: "If you ask me, you three are acting weird..." (>_>)

The door opens and a tall gentleman, with brown bushy hair, steps from a room. He is carrying a doctor's bag and looks a little exhausted. "Dr. Elund." nods Edeline, "How is he?" "Well," sighs the doctor, "He has a very nasty wound, took thirty-two stitches to close." Adie gasps and Faeda moans. "But," nods Dr. Elund, "I believe your friend, the healer, has undone anything fatal. He just needs rest right now, but he'll be okay." Everyone sighs in relief. "You can visit him a little later." nods the doctor. "Thank you, Dr. Elund." bows Edeline.
Our heroes feel relieved, as they leave the office. Oar was going to be okay! Now, they had to figure out what to do, in the meantime. "Maybe we should go look for the shard." suggest Adie. "No," sighs Faeda, "I think Oar would like to be involved. Maybe we should wait until he gets better?"

Edeline: "I'm afraid we don't have that luxury, Faeda. Now that Zev and his crew are involved, they won't stop until they get the Key." (-_-)
Galen: "Yeah... it's best to find all the shards quickly and get you to the Golden Soul, before Zev does anymore damage." (>_>)
Vi: "Galen and Edeline's right." (-_-)
Adie: "I'm pretty sure that Oar wouldn't mind. He understands how important this is." (;^_^)
Faeda: "Well, I guess you would know that better than any of us, Adie. Okay, let's find the fourth shard." (^_^)
Adie: "Hey! What are you implying, Faeda?" (o_O)
Faeda: "Nothing at all..." (;^_^)

Before Faeda could listen to the song, an older man, rushed over to their side. "Excuse me." he bowed slightly. He is wearing a nice brown suit, his neat dark and wavy hair edged with gray, he looks important and wise. "Yes, sir?" asks Faeda, nervously. "I am Mayor Douglas Morrain, of Scarletwood." he bows, "I was wondering... did you happen to see a cart, on your way here?" Everyone looks at each other, uncomfortable, not knowing what to say.
But the Mayor lets go a sad sigh. "From the look on your faces," he says, "You have. And it's not good news. I feared as much." "It was Star," offers Edeline, "Of Zev army." "That much, I know." nods the man, unsurprised by the mention of Zev. "Were you close to the people of the cart?" asks Edeline. "They were as my children." nods the Mayor, "I view every native here, as family. But..." He looks as if he want to say more, but stops himself.
"Drop by my office, by nightfall." he says instead, "It's in Town Hall, in the middle of this small village. You can't miss it." Before anyone could respond, the Mayor has rushed off.

Galen: "What was that all about?" (o_O)
Edeline: "I don't know, but it sounds like he has something important to tell us." (>_>)
Faeda: *listening to song* (-_-)
Adie: "It's so sad... poor guy." (o_o)
Edeline: "I know that Faeda's mission won't erase the bad guys from the world. But I do wish it would. Zev and his army shouldn't be allowed to live!" (;u_u)
Vi: "I agree." (-_-)
Galen: "But it's not really up to us, to decide what happens with the Golden Soul. It's all in the Guardian's hands now." (u_u)
Adie: "Yeah... let's just find that shard." (-_-)
Faeda: "Um..." (;^_^)
Edeline: "What's wrong? What did the song say?" (o_O)
Faeda: "To visit Mayor Morrain, at nightfall." (;^_^)
Adie: (o_o)
Galen: "Huh???" (o_O)

While waiting, our group grabs a much needed meal at the local cafe. Galen is stuffing his face, as usual, while Edeline gives him disgusted glances. Adie seems to be distracted, not really eating, and staring off into the passing crowd. "Hey," says Faeda, placing a hand on Adie's, "Oar will be fine." "I know." she jumped, "I wasn't-" "It's normal to be worried about a friend." nods Edeline. Adie sighs, "It's it that obvious?" "Hey," muffled Galen, "We're all worried about that little creep. But, I'm sure he'll be fine! Besides, Dr. Elund said so." "Galen." growls Edeline, as bits of food fly from his mouth and land near her plate.
"And," muffled Galen, "He'll be back to his old, 'Death is a gift', gloomy self. So, I wouldn't worry. This is probably the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to him. Well, in his mind, anyways." Edeline punches Galen in head. He swallows hard and then chokes. Faeda and Vi give each other confusing looks. Adie stares, wide eyed. "Why'd you do that?!" screams Galen. "Don't talk with your mouth full!" growls Edeline. "You could have just said that!" yells Galen, "You didn't have to hit me!" "You were spitting food all over mine!" yells Edeline, "It's disgusting!"

Vi: *whispers* "Wow... they really are a weird couple." (>_>)
Faeda: "Uh-huh..." (;^_^)
Adie: (o_o)
Edeline: "You eat like an pig! Look what you've done to my plate! I can't eat that now!" W('O')W
Galen: "So?! I'll just buy you another plate, no big deal!" W('O')W
Edeline: "But I wanted this plate!" W('O')W
Galen: "What difference does it make?!" (>_<)
Faeda: "Um... people are staring..." (;^_^)
Adie: "How embarrassing..." (u_u)
Vi: "Maybe we should leave." (;^_^)

By nightfall, our heroes make their way to Town Hall. They are greeted by the Mayor's assistant, Mr. Kirk, who leads them quickly to the Mayor's office. It was if something secret and important was going to happen. Our heroes were both worried and anxious. They walk into the nicely furnished office, finding Reeth, sitting on top of a huge oak desk and singing a joyful tune!
"Oh, no!" squeaks Galen, "It's that weird girl again!" "Reeth?" asks Faeda, "What are you doing here?" "And don't say it's 'quiz time'!" shouts Galen. "What?" asks Reeth, confused at first, "Oh! No, no... I'm just waiting for papa to get back." "Papa?" everyone asks, staring in disbelief. Adie gasps, "You have a father?!" "Of course I do!" laughs Reeth, "Don't be silly! And my papa is important! He's Mayor of this town!"

Galen: (o_o)
Edeline: "Your father is Mayor Morrain?" (o_o)
Reeth: "No... it's some other Mayor of Scarletwood. Duh, of course he is!" (>_>)
Adie: "Wow... this is all so shocking." (o_o)
Galen: "Yeah! What does father think of his little girl, running around Serenity alone, and hassling complete strangers?!" (u_u)
Reeth: "He supports it!" (^o^)
Galen: "Gah!!!" (@_@)
Adie: (o_O)
Faeda: (;^_^)

The office door opens and Mayor Morrain walks in. "Reeth," he nods, "Please get down from my desk." Reeth huffed and slides away from the desk. "We need to have a very serious chat," the Mayor continues, "So, would you mind leaving the room, Reeth?" "Aw!" she whines, "I never get to hear the good stuff!" "I'll buy you an icecream, later." assured the Mayor. "Okay!" smiles Reeth and then bounces out of the room.
"I don't mean to pry," says Edeline, "But do you think it's wise to let Reeth travel Serenity alone?" "Ah," smiles Mayor, "So I take it, you've ran across her, in your travels." "More than we cared to." mumbles Galen, Edeline nudges him. "My daughter," nods Mayor, "Is exactly like her mother. Stubborn and very powerful. So, when she decided to travel Serenity, quizzing other travelers, I didn't dare say no. That would be like trying to cage her mother, all over again."

Edeline: "Her mother...?" (o_O)
Mayor: "Was killed. The last time that Zev's army ran amok." (-_-)
Edeline: (u_u)
Mayor: "She was a highly skilled Mage. Her name was Maewynn, a beautiful woman, we were married for thirty-two years." (-_-)
Faeda: "I'm so sorry."(-_-)
Mayor: "Not at all. My memories of her are fond. And I see her spirit in Reeth!" (^_^)
Faeda: (;^_^)
Mayor: "What I'm trying to say is, Reeth has the training and skill of a master Mage. She can take care of herself." (^_^)
Galen: "I see." (>_>)
Mayor: "Besides, Scarletwood haven't been too safe lately... and that brings us to the reason I've asked you here." (-_-)

The Mayor opens a locked drawer in his desk and pulls out an item. "The fourth shard!" gasps Adie. "Yes," nods the Mayor, "Am I correct in assuming you are the seer and her escorts?" "Yes." answers Faeda, holding out her hand for the shard. The Mayor carefully hands it to her. "How did you know?" asks Edeline. "I just had a strange feeling." says the Mayor, "Lately, Zev's army have been stopping in town, looking for this very shard. The people and I have been putting up an resistance, denying any such shard, but Zev's patience is running out."
"Hmm," says Edeline, "I wonder why Zev haven't just burned this village to the ground. That's usually his style." "Yes," says the Mayor, "I know. That's why we are thinking that Zev is planning something darker for this town. So an group of Scarletwood natives, including I, have been planning a counter-attack against Zev. We've been gaining allies, from all over Serenity, and have the full support of Queen Raypera. We plan to attack Zev and his army first. Then destroy them once and for all."
"Sounds like a good plan." nods Edeline. "Yes," says Mayor Morrain, "But there is a problem. It seems as if Zev has a hint of our plans. He has sent an soldier to kidnap members of our group, to get more information. And everyone is well trained to not talk, even if torture and death is involved. The couple who were killed, that you know of, were on their way back here to share information on allies in Bowcrest. When they didn't show up, yesterday, I assumed the worst." "How horrible." says Adie, in a small voice.

Mayor: "But Kevin and Marie knew of the risks. They were brave and died honorably." (-_-)
Edeline: (u_u)
Faeda: (-_-)
Mayor: "Now that you are here, seer, it is a blessing. You have the shard, so that less time we'll have to worry, and more time we can spend planning the attack." (^_^)
Faeda: "Yes... And if I reach the Golden Soul, maybe Zev will stop this insanity!" (-_-)
Edeline: "He will never stop. No matter what." (u_u)
Mayor: "Yes, I'm afraid your friend is right. That's why we must defeat him." (-_-)
Galen: "We will find that last shard, so the Mayor's battle won't be in vain!" (^_-)
Adie: "Yeah!" (^_^)
Mayor: "Yes, that's an great idea. You and the seer will do your part and we will do ours!" (^_^)
Edeline: (-_-)

"But of course," says the Mayor, standing, "You will stay the night here." "Yes," nods Faeda, "Our friend is with Dr. Elund, tonight." "I've heard." says the Mayor, "I'm glad he will be okay." Adie looks worried. The Mayor continues, "I will have my assistant, Kirk, show you to your quarters. You will be staying at the nicest Inn in town, if you don't mind." "Thank you." smiles Faeda. Edeline looks towards the floor. That night, our heroes sleep in nice warm beds, dreaming of tomorrow and the quest ahead.
By morning, they visit their friend Oar at Dr. Elund's. Oar is lying in bed, a surly look on his face, as Adie squeals and hop into his lap. "Ow!" he yells, "Watch the stitches!" "Oh, sorry." she smiles. "What's with you, anyway?" he frowns, staring at Adie, as if she had three heads. "What's the matter, Oar?" grins Galen, "Disappointed that you're still alive?" Oar is brooding. "See," shrugs Galen, "Told you he'd be the same gloomy guy."

Faeda: "We're very glad that you're okay, Oar." (^_^)
Edeline: "Yeah, you had us worried there for a while." (^_-)
Vi: "I admit... I was worried too." (;^_^)
Galen: "Nah, I knew he would be okay." (^_^)V
Adie: "Great! The gang is together again!" o(^_-)O
Oar: "...Sentimental fools..." (-_-)
Faeda: "I hope you don't mind, but we kinda found the fourth shard, without you." (;^_^)
Oar: "Of course. I don't expect an seer to stop her mission, on account of me." (-_-)
Faeda: "You mean, you're not mad?" (;^_^)
Oar: "Why would I be?" (-_-)
Adie: "Besides, he'll be with us, as we get the last shard and visit the Golden Soul!" (^o^)
Vi: "Yes, we have a few more steps to go. Are you ready, Faeda?" (>_>)
Faeda: "Ready!" (^o^)

"Well," says Adie, "Dr. Elund says you may leave today, Oar. And he recommend that Faeda does a healing spell for you, from time to time, it will help the stitches heal faster. And he said you'll have to take it easy. So no more joining in fights, for a while." "I never cared to in the first place." shrugs Oar. "Now that everything is settled," nods Galen, "Let's go get that last shard."
"Wait." says Edeline, looking towards the floor. "What is it, Edeline?" asks Faeda, worried. "I have something to tell you." she says, refusing to look at anyone, "You see... while the Mayor was speaking of his secret plans to take down Zev and his army, I got to thinking. And I couldn't stop thinking about it. So, this morning, before anyone was awake, I meet with the Mayor. He says their plan will start later this evening... I... I'm going to stay here and join that battle."

Faeda: (o_o)
Galen: "But... why?" (o_O)
Edeline: "Come on, Galen. You know better than anyone here, why I have to fight." (-_-)
Galen: "Yeah... but..." (O_o)
Edeline: "I have made up my mind. You guys can go find that shard. Faeda will be protected well enough with the four of you." (-_-)
Adie: "So... this is... goodbye?" (;_;)
Edeline: "No! I plan to catch up with you guys, after the battle. So don't worry!" (^_-)V
Oar: (-_-)
Faeda: "It okay. I understand, Edeline." (^_^)
Vi: "Just promise us one thing... that you will catch up with us." (>_>)
Edeline: "Yeah, sure thing!" (^_-)
Galen: "Edeline..." (-_-)
Edeline: "Yes, Galen?" (-_-)
Galen: "...Be careful." (-_-)
Edeline: "I will." (*^_^*)

That morning, our heroes set out in search for the last shard, leaving Edeline behind. Twenty feet away from town, Galen yells, "This is nuts! What are we doing?!" "Yeah," sighs Faeda, "I was hoping you would say that!" "We can't leave our friend behind!" nods Adie. "It's not too late to turn back." says Vi. "Are you people mad?" frowns Oar, "Faeda has an important job to do!" "Friendship is important." frowns Adie, placing her hands on her hips.
Everyone looks at Oar. "I suppose you're right." he sighs, "I guess I'm going soft." Faeda and Vi giggles, Adie cheers, and Galen chuckles. "Let's hurry back!" nods Oar, "We have to help Edeline and the others!" Our heroes head back to Scarletwood...