For the first time in what felt like years, Argolaith stood still.
Truly still.
The forest was no longer calling him forward. No monstrous beasts stalked the edges of his thoughts. No trials loomed in waiting. The god of knowledge, though unseen, had left his message. And now, the journey paused—not ended, not forgotten, but simply set aside.
Seminah's quiet stillness had not faded. But it no longer pressed against them like a veil. It simply was.
As Argolaith stared out from the small porch of his childhood cabin, he finally spoke.
"I want to stay here," he said softly. "For a week. Maybe two."
Kaelred raised an eyebrow as he leaned in the doorway. "Seriously? You? The 'press onward or die trying' guy?"
Argolaith gave him a faint smile. "Even I need air."
Malakar stood beside the hearth inside, inspecting the woodgrain of the walls. "You've earned a pause. The forest will wait."
