3rd adventure: Rebirth

4:38 PM, 20th of December
Highwind, Free Feathers

It is snowing outside the Coin's office.

People are hanging up tinsels and lanterns in the streets for the winter's solstice. Tomorrow, people will celebrate the birthday of all of those who were born during the winter. Families will gather in their homes to eat together, while others will prefer to party outside until late into the night.

Not you however. Sonlake Dermold has called you for an urgent mission, and you are now waiting in front of Eve's desk. She is debating over which one of her dresses she should be wearing tomorrow; the blue, or the red one?

"Hey Fedler," pipes up Breeze. She is sitting in her own chair.

"What?" replies the ranger, her arms crossed because of the chilly temperature.

"Isn't it your birthday soon?"

"Yes. I was born on the 27th."

"Then we should have a party!"

She shrugs. "Why not? That is, if we're not working on that date."

"We'll just have to make it so by doing a super good job!"

Moneypenny ignores this conversation, and continues to agonize over which dress to wear.

Mihai suddenly looks pensive.

"You should wear the red dress. You'll definitely rock it!" Steve says with double thumbs up. He's working away at his poetry as usual, having dragged the furniture over.

Even Moneypenny raises her eyes, and gives a thankful smile to Steve. "Thank you. I think you're right."

"Yeah, red is better!" confirms the fairy with a thumbs up, imitating Steve.

Mihai glances at Fedler's hair.

"You're welcome, Eve!" Steve goes back to work. He's writing a birthday poem for Fedler and outlining two more for Zelk. Fedler's birthday poem is about what a great teacher she is and how much Steve respects her. The first for Zelk is about day they spent walking in a park and the second is about her smile.

"Blue makes you seem 'cold', but red is very festive this time of year, right? I suppose it depends on what kind of evening you have planned. Oh, now I really wish I could be there."

Konrad is just relaxing with a good book.

Diplomacy
Make it red.
Diplomacy
He's speaking suggestively. Fraternization isn't against Coins policy...

Eve's expression brightens, and she decisively puts away the blue dress. This is when Sonlake calls for the 113th adjunct.

"Oh, Mr. Dermold is ready to receive you," says the young secretary. "Please, go inside. And thank you for your advice!"

Breeze deploys her wings and begins to hover in the air. "Come on Steve, you'll be able to work on your poems later."

"Are any of them naughty?" Fedler jokes.

The blue-haired girl peeks at the contents. "Not this time."

The ranger chuckles, and walks into Sonlake's office.

Konrad nods to Eve. He marks his spot in the book he's reading and walks into the office.

Mihai walks into the office.

Steve laughs. "I'll be sure to add some smut for you, Fedler!" With a practiced hand, he quickly gathers up his notes, stacking them in such a way that he will be able to quickly distinguish them from each other, before placing them in his writing case. He moves the table back to it's normal spot and then joins the others in Sonlake's office.

The 113th adjunct finds their handler at his desk, waiting for them with his hands joined together. Despite the fire in the small chimney, he still wears a thick jacket to stay warm. His expression is serene, almost cheerful.

He greets the party. "Hello everyone."

"Hi!" Breeze exclaims. "How are you doing?"

"Very well, thank you for asking." He smiles. "I asked for you because I have very god news to share."

Fedler raises an eyebrow, and glances at her companions.

Mihai frowns like this feels off to him.

"We won an all-expense-paid trip to Lofell?" Steve says excitedly. "I didn't even know we entered."

Sonlake smirks and shakes his head. "I'm sorry, this mission won't take you that far away from here. But Konrad is right, even if he was joking; we can't talk in public about it. Not yet." He pauses, and turns serious. "I assume that Mihai has already told all of you, but let me take it from the top; the orb in Saemon Olyr's head has had an effect on his mind. The experts at the Bright Falls asylum have concurred that the degenerative effects of Madness have been halted, and although certain aspects of his personality have been lost forever, the director of the facility has agreed to release Saemon into the care of his sister."

He pulls out a piece of paper out of his drawer, and stands up from his desk. "Your mission is to escort Saemon Olyr from the Bright Falls asylum to his home in Waterglass. I think that his sister will appreciate this birthday gift."

That get's Steve's attention. "When do we leave, sir?"

Mihai is still too stunned to speak.

"Right after this briefing. The asylum is ten minutes away on foot."

"Director..." - Mihai finally manages - "...the Orb has to have done more than just halt it. Last i saw him conscious, he was berserk."

"Maybe he's doing better since the last time you saw him? It's been months."

Fedler is stunned by these news, and she can only gawk at Sonlake.

"You will transport him by carriage," explains Sonlake. "He can now walk because of the physical therapy he went trough, but this trip would be too exhausting for someone in his condition. If anyone asks you, this is just a standard escort mission. The Council has a lot to consider regarding this matter. All you have to worry about is getting Saemon back home. There won't be any need for woven shackles, a muzzle, or any sort of medication. Here's the document that proves that he is to be entrusted into your care."

He gives the sealed letter to Steve. "Once you have him, take a carriage from our stables, and you'll be good to go. Any other questions?"

Breeze shyly raises her hand. "Is he... really better now?"

"Yes," confirms Sonlake.

"Like, really better?"

"Yes, he is."

The fairy blinks multiple times, and an uncertain smile finally appears on her face.