Welcome back to the very entails. This week's story takes us to the city
of winter Haven, the cold and crisp climate complimented by the view of the
Ivory peaks high above. Though a recent war may be over and the people
of winter Haven were on the winning side, that doesn't mean they didn't have
casualties. Today we explore a twenty year old lord forced into a position of
power that he's ill equipped to deal with, and dealing with extensive injuries from
one of the last battles of that war. Without further ado, Ladies and
Gentleman, The Armored Lord by Brianna Murray. From what I understand, the
first few weeks were as torturous for the clerics tending to me as they'd been
for myself. I'm fortunate enough not to remember much of it. I would
wake up in such a state of pain and panic that I could only scream
until they forced enough or and ash down my throat to not be into a
state of unconsciousness. I can't imagine a pain worse than what I felt once
I was aware of it. All. What I can remember from those early
days, it is worse than anything I've ever felt. I don't know how
I was able to keep my sanity after so much pain. The howling was
apparently loud and violent enough that the entire palace could hear it. My earliest
memories are still the screams, waking up and feeling every inch of my remaining
flesh feeling as though it were sliced apart and coated with salt. The white
hot pain would be so blinding that I had no idea who was offering the
bolt of my lips. But I would drink gladly, glutless, not from
thirst but trauma physical and mental. I would sleep then, but my dreams
were hardly an escape. In my dreams, I would face the dragon once
more, again, and again. The flames would rush towards me like waves
breaking against the shore, melting my skin, my muscles. I swore I
could feel it in my bones. They say dragonfire is unlike any mortal flame,
and now I understand. Back then, I would have dark thoughts in
my moments of lucidity. If only I become ash in the inferno like the
forest had, if only no one had found the only son of Lord and
Lady Winterhaven amongst the debris, I could have died there instead of living on
in constant agony. I could have died believing his parents were still alive,
believing his father was a good man. But I did live. I lived
long enough to hear the God's awful truth of it all. I lived to
find myself a lord at only twenty years of age, incoherent screaming and unable
to stand the softest touch without the numbing effects of ourn ash, I was
suddenly thrust into a role my father had not rained me for. He told
me as much raising me. I would be the Lord of Winterhaven one day,
but not anytime. Soon, when I was able to wake up without
screaming, rumors started to circulate that I had died. No one could have
survived such a blast of dragon fire and live. They whispered to one another
that the council was lying about my survival to continue running the city without interference
from the townsfolk. What would become of winter Haven if there was no true
leader to take the mantle. Months passed, and a blur to me or
an ash is helpful for pain, but my perception of time was warped and
clouded. When I could see and understand, I wish I couldn't. I
wish I didn't have to see my missing arm and destroyed body. My torso
was flayed away. I didn't know what had become of my face yet,
but I could fee that it was as burnt as the rest of me.
There was a constant cluster of cleric's dawned in the white robes of Aubrey,
worshippers of the Sun God. I didn't know any of them personally, but
I did know that they came to help us in the war. At least
a dozen must have stayed behind after to tend the wounded, myself included.
It was a cleric that I first spoke to, wincing as the words passed
through my raw throat. Did we win? I rasped. I'd startled the
older man a drought. I might not have seen him in the dim room
if not for the white cloak, because the sun had darkened his skin to
a near black. He'd been coating my destroyed chest with some thick paste,
which only cooled for a moment or two before the heat of my body rendered
it ineffective in calming the constant burn. Yes, my Lord, he acknowledged,
overwatch has fallen one of the White Ravens has taken post as queen.
Most of the armies have returned home. At that time, I didn't catch
the use of my lord. If i'd questioned him on it, I may
have learned the fate of my parents then and there. Instead, I took
some solace in the victory. I learned of the truth the next day,
lying in bed, when I still fused shut by injury, unable to open
it on my own volition. All three council members stood at the end of
my bed, along with Simone. She was the one who often organized the
council and helped keep things running without making decisions. She was at that moment
the only one who offered me true empathy as they delivered the news. This
must be a lot for you to take in. It's all right if you
need time, she had said, soft and sweet, clearly trying to influence
the others to offer some solace. I'm sorry for your loss, young lord,
Judith said more stern, but it's important for you to understand the current
state of things. I think she was sorry. I believe they all were
in their own way. However, they had the fortune of being months removed
from the event. And I was just learning of it. Now my mother
slain, my father, the murderer potentially also the killer of my grandfather,
and his lust for power. I didn't reply up un to that point,
I had only asked the one question to the drought cleric. I think it
was good of them to believe that I didn't speak because it was too painful.
It was technically true, you were the sole monarch of Windohaven. Now
the people are nervous. Cale explained further. There are so many refugees to
consider. Half of the Evergreen is burned down, and there's an organ encampment
that has popped up between Winterhaven and there. It's a very delicate situation.
As soon as you can, you need to make an appearance. Dutch told
me, you will have to show the people that their lord is still alive.
It will make things easier for everyone. I held my breath. I
didn't know if they could read emotions in my scarred face. I was told
before the war that I was really easy to read. That my face betrayed
every emotion I felt. I hope that wasn't the case any longer, or
else Dutch would be able to tell that the idea of facing anyone but along
the entire city was unbearable to me. He will not be ready for some
time, A voice said one of the clerics. I think it was the
drought, but I can't be positive. He needs rest. I agree,
simone said softly, and I could see her trying to nudge the council,
brave of her considering her station. Thankfully, they seemed to take the hint,
and without too much of a struggle, only Dutch wavered, meeting my
good eye with an austere gaze. The city needs you at your best now.
I didn't know what he meant by that at the time. I can
only think about how fucking angry I was that he insinuated I could ever be
at my best again. My best came before the dragon fire seared it out
of me. Now I was left with what remained. They filed out.
I felt a bowl being brought to my lips. I drank, and the
clerics filed out after. Before I drifted off, I could feel the heat
of my tears on my cheeks. To the credit of the council, A
full two days passed before I heard from them again. I was able to
open both eyes. Now they had to cut my eyelid apart very carefully,
but I'd been given a frankly absurd amount of orang age beforehand. I remember
the mechanics of it. I felt it, but it was just pressure on
my skin and then a release. I had to be bandaged up after,
and then when I blinked, I could feel it again, and I could
see the bits of muted light that shined through the dressing. It got to
the point where I could set up with minimal help, so long as I
had enough drugs in my system to numb the injuries. I'm glad we were
able to save your eye, Spenn said to me. Spenn, I learned,
was the drow that had been treating me before I woke up. He
seemed to be in charge of the others. It was a close call.
I would have smiled if I thought it possible. Instead, I glanced up
at the tall Drow and gave a nod. Thank you. They've sent word
to esther Holt that we'd like them to send their best enchant for your arm,
right my arm. That made sense. It wasn't as if money or
any concern for the Lord of Winterhaven. I'd seen enchanted prosthetics before, but
I hadn't considered it as an option for myself. Somehow, it was easy
to consider my current state permanent, a bedridden child who was somehow a leader.
Will it hurt, I asked. I winced at how childish I sounded,
but Fenn barely reacted beyond a shake of his head. No, it's
not a painful magic. I've seen it done before, he assured. You
won't have sensation in the arm, but you'll have total control over it.
It will take some getting used to, I can imagine, I agreed.
Looking over to the side table. There were three envelopes piled there, and
I recognized the writing immediately. The council came. I help, it did
three separate times. The poor girl. They've never been great at getting along,
I acknowledged. There was a tinge of sarcasm to my voice. That
was likely the first real emotions Finn had heard from me. My mom was
able to keep them in order. I didn't look up to and when I
reached for the letters with my remaining arm, I hadn't mentioned either of my
parents yet in doing so hurt my heart enough that I nearly welcomed the slight
pain that came from moving by myself. It was a momentary distraction at least.
The first letter was from Dutch, straight and to the point. He
said he wanted to discuss the actions of the council had taken and what they've
held off on until I could recover. He requested I send word to him
directly when I felt well enough to meet. The second letter was Judith,
and it was a bit longer. It offered a few more pleasantries, acknowledgement
of how dramatic this all must be for me, how she hoped the message
found me well. The gist of the note was the same, a request
for return missive to arrange a one on one conversation. Cal's letter was more
helpful, as he went through the motions to explain the state of the city
instead of just allude to further details later on. He also acknowledged a power
vacuum that was currently taking place and that Judith and Dutch were both eager to
fill it by appealing to me as the one who could make decisions on the
matter. That explained the desire for private meetings, though I could have pieced
that one together on my own, because Cale actually wrote a helpful message it
was quite a bit longer, which caused Sven's attention. What does that one
say? He asked. I appreciated his casual tone. Sven never treated me
as anything more than a patient in need of care about what I expected.
Three of them are budding heads and need a proper lord to help sort things
out, I replied bitterly. I have no idea where they're going to find
one. What makes a proper lord? If I may ask, I have
absolutely no idea. I was proud that I made Spenn let out a small
chuckle at that. After finishing Kal's letter, I stacked it back the way
it had originally been stored, only then catching the date. I felt my
stomach twist a little inside. It was my birthday a few days ago,
I said aloud. The words felt heavier than they should have, and Spenn
seemed to understand that it was a loaded statement. He took a slow breath,
as if he needed a moment to process the information. But I saw
the trace of pity on his face. I didn't mind it as much as
I thought I would. Some of the other clerics looked at me as though
I were some abused puppy, but Fenn's pity was rare and more subtle.
That made it easier to swallow. My father and I would go hunting on
my birthdays. That was the tradition, and since since I was old enough
to ride back, then I would just ride behind him while he hunted.
He feels like a long time ago. It was, it's fin acknowledged you,
I imagine it feels like a lifetime ago. I never saw that in
him. Even when he hit me, I didn't think. I thought he
was a warrior, not a killer. He was my father, and I
looked up to him. There's nothing wrong with that. Are you kidding me?
Of course there is. He killed my mother. I spat back as
loudly as my course throat would allow. The trout didn't even flinch. Most
young men look up to their fathers, and few fathers have truly earned it.
He said, his voice as even as it had been before my outburst.
It's all right to mourn the men you thought he was alongside, mourning
your mother and everything else that's gone now. The conversation died there. I
was too tired to reply, and in truth, I had no idea how
I would even begin to stitch together all I wanted to say, thoughts buzzing
around my head about my parents, the city, the war, all of
it so much larger than I was. Instead, I leaned back against the
pillows with a pain to hiss, worn ish, I couldn't manage much else.
What's Fan obliged me. He handed me the bowl. He only brought
it to my lips when I was completely incapable, and I drank deep.
After I drank, I drifted into a fretful sleep. For once, it
wasn't the dragon that I faced, but my father, who was nearly equal
in my nightmares. As much as I appreciated its Fen's consistent presence at my
side, I couldn't say the same for the influx of messages from the Council.
It seemed every day there was another helpful reminder that Judith or Dutch would
like to meet with me in private, or that the citizens of winter Haven
needed to be addressed, or that dignitaries from other cities were asking for me.
In particular, I remained steadfast in my isolation, though it wasn't as
if that was difficult. I had few visitors in the first place. In
making it clear multiple times that I was not available for private conversations, kept
the council at bay. For the most part. I only spoke to Spen.
It seemed the Drought was the only cleric to still tend to me,
and when I had asked, he had explained that the others had returned to
Aubrey. When I went on to ask Spen why he hadn't returned with them,
I received a wary smile. I'm a stubborn old man. I don't
like to leave a charge midway, even if you're no longer in mortal danger,
he said. A learn of Spen's upbringing through casual conversation. Apparently he
was only half Drought, though you wouldn't know that by looking at him.
His mother had been human and his father had been an adventurer. After he
was born, she joined the Church in Aubrey, and when she passed away,
the church took over his care. He sought a life through the church
as a healer, in part to repay them for that gift. His talent
was undeniable, even though he seemed to downplay, I was well aware that
he was the only reason my shattered body was able to cling to life.
But Fenn refused to acknowledge it. Because of that talent, he rise through
the ranks quite young, but at a certain point he just stopped accepting promotions.
People don't want to say it, but especially when I was in my
prime, the church would have suffered if it were led by a drough,
he confessed to me one night while we shared a meal. It was better
for me to continue my work through healing and gentle guidance, and it allowed
me to stay where I was needed. Father Angus is well suited to leadership
in a way that I am not. But he's sick, right, I
asked, remembering talk i'd heard from the other clerics. Spenn side and nodded,
he is. I haven't had the chance to see him, Fenn said.
His eyes lowered, and I was well aware that in that moment,
I was the reason he hadn't seen Father Angus in some time. A father's
human and we are close to the same age. Your kind don't live as
long as mine. He's been sick for nearly a year. Aren't you sick
of me? Yet? I could ask the same, Spenn said. He
returned my smirk and moved to help me stand. I did so, a
little shaky, but able to support my own weight. You're doing well.
How does it feel like needles are crawling around in my legs? I said,
honestly, parsing out my breathing to help with the pain. I took
a few steps forward, fetching the bowl of oorn age for myself. Spenn
said nothing. Neither of us had mentioned the way that he'd been keeping it
out of my reach. I hope that the fact that I was walking would
stave off any questions as to how much of the drug I was partaking in.
But better for what that's worth. I caught my reflection in the mirror,
then quickly looking away. My face was disgusting, a parody of what
it once was. People used to say I was handsome before. I had
a few of my mother's features, her hair, her eyes. The rest
of me was my father. I suppose all that had been burned away by
the dragon flame. Maybe I should be grateful, still hurt to see her
eyes looking back at me from my butchered face, though, Did you send
my letter to Mrkin? I asked, slowly, lowering myself into a chair.
It felt nice to move, I did. He was surprised. Did
you change your mind about the color. No, not that, I told
him, taking another sip from the bowl, just an additional requests. Fenn
made a soft sound, curious but not prying. In return, I changed
the subject. How have things been in the city. There was a hesitation
that made me nervous, and I sat up slightly straighter. Tell me,
I told him more stern. I've been gone for far too long. The
council keeps sending messages what needs to be done. I want to know what
you think. I'm still relatively new to winter Havens. Fenn pointed out,
Maybe that'll help. The draft. Took a deep breath and sat across from
me. He never flinched when he looked at my face, even though I
still did. What would you like to know? Everything? We won?
So are things better? I wasn't here before. Remember, Fen's voice was
low but patient. But the war will always linger. I can feel it
when I walked through the town, Ghosts of those who didn't return, desperation
from the ones who depended on them. What do you mean, well,
the children for starters, most of them are working, and they're working younger
orphans, some others with only one parent who need to take over for the
one that didn't come home, Fenn said, And there are many I don't
know what to do with their talents now that there's no need to fight a
war. But we won. That's a good thing, I said, the
desperation in my voice sounding again almost childish. It can't all be bad.
No, it isn't, but it is in flux. A guiding hand would
not go amiss. My jaw tightened and I slumped forward. I knew what
he meant. The council, we're talking themselves in circles, unable to make
any real, tangible changes without approval from the lord. A reclusive A lord
was worse than no lord at all. They likely would have arranged some new
form of government by now. If I hadn't survived, that may have been
better. Your life is in a state of flux as well, a Vanuel,
Spenn said, interrupting my thoughts. You'll want to consider carefully how you'd
like to bend it before fate decides for you. I gulped, tasting the
orange ash on my tongue. It was bitter. Adjusting to my new arm
was both shockingly easy and incredibly difficult. I trained with the sword before the
war, but i'd given up on the idea entirely when I learned my dominant
arm had been lost. It wasn't even just my arm. Most of my
shoulder and a good portion of my chest needed replacing. Market needed to measure
every inch of me to ensure a proper fit. The parts were cast in
a light weight metal, better for the rest of my body to adjust to.
I was told he had me test my hand by lifting and setting down
several objects around the room. It was a surreal experience. I went through
the motions of moving my hand as if it were my own, and it
followed my commands. But there was no sensation, not that I expected there
would be, but it was still strange. Yet ME practice my grip on
a pillow several times before we moved on to a ceramic cup, which I
promptly exploded in my metal grasp. It'll take some getting used to, but
he'll get the hang of it, he promised me with a nod. I
thanked him, and Haines Fenn traded some notes on my care s. Fenn
had promised to stay until I was able to carry on with my normal life
without assistance. The arm was the last piece of that Merkan then opened his
bag, handing me what I had requested, a mask. It was made
from the same material as the arm, fitted from my face perfectly. I
would be able to see out of it, speak without being too muffled,
but not be seen. Spenn looked surprised, and I cast him a weary
smile. Meat, isn't it, I asked? Putting it on, The
fit was so perfect it was almost like a second skin. Now when the
children's scream when they see me coming, at least it will be on purpose.
Spen didn't try to hide his disapproving gaze, and Merkin just looked awkward.
I felt guilty, but at the same time I took a perverse joy
in making the age uncomfortable. I took a deep breath, able to smell
the metallic tinge of the mask that hit what little remained of my nose.
Thank you, you've done me a great service, I said with a nod.
As Markin was leaving, I turned to Spin. I think I'd like
to send some messages now, I need to get the council. They arrived
within an hour and I was waiting, sitting at a table testing my hand.
I picked up a cup and set it down, keeping my fingers lax,
and instead balancing it by holding the stem of the glass between the crux
of my two metal fingers. That would do for now, to avoid any
more damage. I was quite pleased with myself, though I couldn't drink with
a mask on. Dutch was the first, but Judith and Kale were there
before the man had gotten through his greeting. I hadn't misled him or Judith.
I just asked to see them, without specifying whether the others would join
us. Seeing one another wasn't the only thing they hadn't been expecting. However,
I must have been a sight, finally fully dressed and sitting up with
two arms and a metal plate over my face. Ah, we heard Merkin
had arrived. Ka was the first to break this silence. It must be
a relief to have both arms again, it is, I agreed. I
set the glass down, very very carefully. I didn't want to make a
fool of myself when I'd been the one to call the meeting. But I
don't think we should be wasting time discussing my condition. We have many things
to talk about. I thought we'd be meeting alone, Dutch said. I
realized I was able to smile, and he wouldn't be able to tell,
so I did. It seemed like a good idea for us all to meet
together so I can hear everyone at once, instead of bouncing from one of
you to the other. Don't you agree something about the way Judith and Dutch
both bristled told me that neither of them did, But they also both knew
well enough not to argue. They were both good people deep down. It's
hard to be equals with someone who doesn't share your ideals. I imagine that's
why they'd both hope to convince me privately, but I knew better than to
let that happen. At least I spend the next hour or so listening to
the three of them explaining the various solutions they had in mind for the city,
as well as politely but firmly undercutting one another with why one plan wouldn't
work while theirs would be successful. I paid close attention. I knew that
I'd need to learn all of this as quickly as possible, especially if I
refused letting Judith and Dutch become my sole teacher. Once they were gone,
I took the mask off and guzzled some more in Ash. The pain shooting
through my skin nearly unbearable by that point, and I put the mask back
on. Did you hear all that? I asked Sven, who was prepping
herbs by my bedside. I stayed sitting at the table, not quite ready
to confine myself to bed again. I did, Sven said with a nod.
I thought of excusing myself, but it wasn't a good moment. I
sighed and leaned back into the chair. As the Ora and Ash started to
take effect well, I asked, well, what what did you think?
I pressed about all of it. I think you're the one who needs to
consider all of it. I am, but I want to consider your opinions
too, I argued, you were close to being a leader in Albury,
weren't you. I'm sure you have some thoughts. When that pours, both
some wine and we can discuss. He looked on shore for a moment,
but then nodded and allowed himself to do as I asked. He poured two
glasses, though I started to doubt I had the strength to remove the mask
again by the time he sat down. I listened as well as the Ora
and Ash would allow me to, asking questions here and there, when Spenn
started to address the bigger problems the city faced, and surprisingly giving my own
opinions when they were asked for, which was quite often. When the sun
outside began to set, I took Spenn's help to get from my chair to
the bed. When were you planning to return to Aubrey, I asked.
I hadn't decided yet a fortnight. Perhaps I'm not terribly missed. I doubt
that. He took off my mask and I kept my eyes closed. I
was exhausted and fairly high, but not so far out of it that I
didn't know when I was saying. When I asked the next question, what
if you didn't? I started planning to address the city. I felt bad
for Samoan, as she was the one who had to organize things, but
I helped where I could. Mostly I worked on my speech. I spent
hours a day at my desk looking the same two or three pieces of paper
with frustration. It wasn't going to be a long speech, but I needed
it to be right. When I allounced Fenn to read it, he said
it was well crafted, but gave me some notes to polish it up.
The idea of going out onto my parents' balcony and speaking in front of hundreds,
maybe thousands people was horrifying. I'd almost rather faced the dragon again,
I joked to my new advisor. Those Fenn hadn't been officially appointed. He
had accepted the position, not the night I had first asked him while under
the effects of rain ash, but when I followed up again the next day
and a bit more of a sober state. Have you ever given a speech
before? He asked, and I shook my head. I have. It
can be stressful. I could give you some tips, please. The day
came too quickly for my comfort, but I practiced with Fenn each day leading
up to it. I was scared and took quite a bit of solace in
the mask. The day was bright and hot, and I decided to only
sip some ora and ash before I prepared, not gulp it down as I
usually would. I've been trying to wean myself off under Spen's advisement, but
it was difficult. One of the many things that separate dragon fire from mortal
flames is that dragonfire wounds never ceased to burn. I dressed, finding something
suitable for a lord among my old clothes. It hung off me slightly from
the weight I'd lost, but did its job to hide my frailty. As
the moment approached, I was joined by simone in the Council. We were
going to go out together and they would stand behind me as I made my
speech. They all looked a little hesitant when they saw Spinn, likely because
up until that point they'd only seem span in his cleric robes, and I'd
commissioned a more official outfit for him. He looked more proper in a suit
coat and pants, though he admitted he felt uncomfortable in them. My Lord,
I'm afraid it may send the wrong message if we have a cleric join
us on the balcony, Dutch said, we don't want the citizens to believe
that you're too weak too. He's not joining us as a cleric, I
said, cutting him off. He's joining as my personal advisor. Ductor's eyes
gave away a surprise and a momentary flash of anger. It was cruel of
me not to warn them, I'll admit, but I didn't want to spend
the days leading up to my speech wrapped in arguments. I think that's what
the Council's meant for Judith asked, her tone sharp. Yes, I appreciate
your guidance as well, and your roles won't be changed. Send serve as
my right hand man, much like Simone is to you, I said,
with a direct comparison to their helper. There wasn't much room to argue,
and certainly not enough time. I believe we should make our appearance. The
tension in the room was thick, but the four nodded. They took their
place behind me to the left, and true to my explanation, Spen mirrored
them on the right. I opened the doors, and the music of the
festival outside faded. I took a deep, slow breath and stepped out,
keeping my eyes closed. At first, I had not expected applause, simply
for existing, for surviving. It was a strange experience. It wasn't long
ago that my mother and father stood exactly where I was standing, and I
stood behind them with the account. My father used to throw his hands up
to greet the masses, beaming with pride, while my mother would smile and
wave. With my mask, the crowd couldn't see whether I was smiling or
not, which was good because I couldn't quite manage it. While wrapped up
in my own nervous energy. When the clapping died down, I cleared my
throat and opened my eyes. Thank you, winter Haven. I began projecting
my voice as best as I could manage. The amplifying spell that had been
cast on the area did the rest, allowing the entire crowd to hear me.
I was worried that the rasp would be punishing to their ears, but
none of them seemed to flinch. This is not the first time I've appeared
before you, but it is the first time I've addressed you. I wish
the circumstances had been more favorable for us. All winter Haven has suffered.
The struggle of a near decade long war has scarred our streets. In our
minds, we felt the grips of terror at the encroaching armies of Overwatch,
and the devastation at the loss of loved ones. I wish for you all
to take heart in knowing our victory has been set in stone. Overwatch has
officially sent word of their new leadership and have reported the death of the tyrant
King Carter. Of course you all know this by now. I'm sorry for
making you alway like the city my body has gone through great turmoil. Some
of you may have theorized I died in the dragon's flame. At times,
I'm humble to confess that I wish I had been, But I'm stronger now
than I've ever been before. I have the clarity to recognize that this city
and I are the same, changed irreparably, but strengthened as well. You
and the armies that fought alongside you have brought forth a new and better world
to Theia, a world where all kinds may live together without fear. This
is your victory, not mine. Winter Haven's strength has always been and always
will be her people. In honor of my mother, I will do all
I can to continue you that crucial tradition and serve you all. Now feast,
dance, sing, and celebrate your victory. You have all earned it.
The applause was uproarious, something I'd been terrified would not happen. I
twisted my own stomach in a thousand ways, worrying that be silence after the
speech or jeers and jibes. Instead, I found a smiling city, eager
to celebrate a victory that had been delayed for far too long. I bowed
my head and stepped off the balcony with the others. More than anything,
I wanted to rest, but I couldn't. I was expected to join in
with the others, not to dance, specifically, though my mother and father
used to. I had no one to dance with and had two left feet.
On top of that, I couldn't feast or sing either, not with
my throat and mask. But I'd be present, sitting at the head of
the table as a symbol that Winterhaven had a leader once more. Hopefully that
would be enough. We hope you enjoyed the day's story Again. You can
reach out to us at any time with story suggestions, feedback, or reactions
at d A and d R podcast at gmail dot com. We'll see you
in two weeks for another news story, But until then, dear listeners,
keep the fire burning for us.