Halsin sat beneath the tavern's weathered beams, content with the gentle hum of conversation around him.

Children's laughter outside carried through the open door, drawing a quiet smile. Rebuilding had proven every bit as worthwhile as fighting. He noticed someone searching for a place to sit and gestured toward the empty chair across from him.

"Please, join me. Good company nourishes the spirit as surely as any meal." His calm gaze held genuine warmth.

For the first time in many years, the world felt as though it was healing—and so was he.