Die. Respawn. Repeat.

Coming out of the skill-induced trance of The Road Not Taken is a heady thing. Most of that, I think, is because I pushed myself to the limit and more. I hadn't really been planning to hold on to the skill for that long, but when I looked Miktik in the eyes—when she realized what was happening...

I hadn't expected or prepared for that. How could I?

I did the only thing I could. Not the smartest thing, perhaps. Not the most battle-efficient, certainly. I feel wrung out, like even trying to use more Firmament at the moment is going to burn out what's left of my core. Trying to stand up causes me to sway on my feet—lucky for me, Ahkelios and Guard are almost immediately at my side, helping me.

"Thanks," I say. "Pushed myself a bit hard there."

"You think?" Ahkelios grumbles. He-Who-Guards guides me to sit back down, and Ahkelios holds up a hand before I can say anything else. "We're taking a break," he says. "I'm going to make you a bed, and we'll make plans in the morning."

Before I can respond, Ahkelios disappears into the forest. I blink.

"We could've just borrowed a bed from the crows," I say, bemused. "He wants to make me one?"

"I believe Ahkelios wishes to feel as though he is doing more to help," He-Who-Guards says. He crouches in front of me. "How are you feeling?"

"You don't have to worry that much," I say, wincing. "I overdrew on Firmament. I'll be fine with a bit of rest. Probably."