The Great Hall was alive with laughter and warmth as Vex leaned back in her chair, savoring the festive spread laid out before them. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow on the faces of her friends. Grog, ever the enthusiastic eater, was already halfway through his third plate of food, while Keyleth chatted animatedly with Pike about the beauty of the snowy landscape outside. Percy sat next to her, his usual brooding expression softened by the comfort of the evening. At the head of the table, Cassandra raised a glass, her eyes gleaming with gratitude for the peaceful moment they had earned.

Scanlan grinned, raising his own glass. "To survival, friends! And to the ones who make it worth the fight." Vax rolled his eyes but chuckled. "You say that every year, Scanlan." Cassandra smiled, the faintest trace of a playful look crossing her face. "We could use a bit more of your optimism, Vax." Vex raised an eyebrow. "He just doesn't like to admit that he enjoys it when you're right, Cass." The laughter that followed was filled with the warmth of old friends, all of them reveling in the rare, quiet joy of the season.

They all looked up, as someone new entered the hall.