The man falls silent.

Another knock. Then 2 more.

Knock. Pause.

Knock-Knock.

The man breathes out deeply, calming down. He walks over to the door and opens it.

“Good evening.”

A masked man walks inside. Ili freezes, getting up from her chair.

The mask leaves only his eyes to be visible. A dirty cloak covers his tall form.

The darkness of his eyes meet hers. A few more similarly dressed people follow him inside.

“Don’t worry,” the man says, gently. “We won’t do anything to you.”

Despite his appearance, the man’s tone was calm and warm. Ili relaxes.

“We brought you some provisions. It isn’t much, but it should last you a few weeks, until we come back.” the man tells the father.

A door creaks open. The child walks out of his room. His eyes brighten, running into the mysterious man’s arms.

“Uncle!”

The man hugs him for a few moments, before letting go.

“Growing bigger and stronger every day, aren't you? You’ll soon become stronger than Raegar the Lion himself!”

The boy laughs, pumping his chest with pride. His mother stands in the corner, next to the door, seeming reluctant to approach.

“Irene…” The man makes a small, acknowledging nod.

“Misha…” 

She looks at him longingly, before turning away. “Kirill, come to bed. It’s late. Say goodbye to your uncle.”

The kid hugs his uncle again, before rushing back to his room.

A few masked people return from the kitchen.

“We put the goods in hiding. There was also a sword there…”

“It’s mine!” Ili responds quickly, getting up from her chair.

The mysterious man looks at Ili, then turns to the father.

“I’m glad to find you well, Jan.”

No response. Jan looks down.

“Take care of Irene…” the masked man says.

The father nods.

“Alright, let’s go. We still have work to do.” Misha signals the others, ready to leave.

“Wait!”

A silent pause. A reluctant breath.

“Would you take her with you?”

Jan looks at Ili, reluctance in his eyes.

“She’s not from around here. Says she’s looking for someone. Maybe you could help her…”

Misha looks at Ililith, waiting.

“Who are they…?” Ili asks the father, quietly.

“They’re from Æhre… We may have our differences, but they’re… good people… You should go with them. If you want to find the person you’re looking for, your best chances are with them.”

Ili stays silent for a few moments. She looks at the masked people, trying to read them, but alas, feels no hostility from them.

“Alright…”

She walks into the kitchen, before returning with her sword. She steps outside of the house, stopping near the masked man. The man nods, turning away and signaling the others.

“Let’s go.”

Ili turns around, looking at Jan one last time, making a solemn bow.

“Thank you… for everything.”

“Take care.”

With that, she leaves with Æhre. The warm air of the house gets left behind, as they go far into the forest. Small flickers of fire light up the surrounding area, from a torch held by another member of Æhre, but it gave little to no warmth…