☀️ Arselia and Akonia

But instead of Mellen, they could have saved Ayko.

I've imagined many times how Ayko still returns in early July, when no one, including the princess, is expecting her anymore. Terrifying. Burned. In some rags. With the crazy look of a gnome who had to hide for several days among corpses and possibly feed on them. Unable to save Zoritsa and Nora. Hiding among refugees or in cargo holds to escape. Crossing the border at night, secretly, fearing patrols. Frostbiting her toes. But alive.
She arrives in Karneol, silently sits on the steps, looks into the distance, then asks Kalina for a cigarette.