Sonder left Grimalkin's house before noon.
She made her way back to the seat of Nesh, her mind already turning westward to damp stone, dripping water, and something waiting in the dark.
By the time she arrived, Lacuna was waiting by the entrance, leaning on a wall.
He was likely not supposed to do that, and Sonder doubted he was permitted to just stand idly by.
"You're back," he said, straightening as he saw Sonder approaching. "How was the great Grimalkin?"
"She's just a person."
"That's… disappointing," he said. "What'd she look like? Horns? Eyes that glow?"
"No, nothing like that. She looks like any other Thole might."
She brushed past him.
"I'm leaving," she said simply.
Lacuna was confused. "Leaving? As in… Gloam?"
"Yes. I have to."
He looked genuinely surprised for a moment.
For a longer moment, he said nothing. He nodded slowly. "Then I guess this is goodbye."
"For now," Sonder said.
He tried to smile. "Don't forget the rest of us when you become some high wandering mage."
"I'll try not to."
Inside, Sonder found Thiliel waiting, as if she had known she would come.
"You've been to 'Grimalkin'," Thiliel said, her tone as flat and coarse as ever.
"I have."
"And now you're leaving."
"Yes."
Thiliel's eyes narrowed. "You do realize, House-friend, that your position carries responsibility. You've been given standing, privilege, and safety. You can't simply walk away from that."
Sonder met her gaze evenly, her eyes sharp. "I don't have time for that. I have to leave."
The words came out harsher than she'd intended, but she didn't take them back.
They stared at each other, the silence between them like a blade being drawn.
Unexpectedly, Thiliel almost smiled, not the cruel or political kind, but something closer to pride.
"You might almost be Thole after all," Thiliel said. "Still, if you insist on going, you won't do it empty-handed."
She gestured to one of her attendants, who stepped forward carrying a leather pack.
Inside were folded robes, a few wrapped parcels, a waterskin, and a small pouch heavy with coin.
"Rations, travel clothes, and enough money to keep you from starving," Thiliel said. "Also, effective immediately, you're dismissed from your position within House Nesh."
"Dismissed?"
"Fired, as you outlanders say," Thiliel replied. "And branded as a deserter."
"Branded?" Sonder repeated again, frowning.
"Not literally," Thiliel said. "But your name will carry that mark in our records. It will keep others from asking too many questions when you're gone. And it will keep the leftover members of House Hoar satisfied."
Sonder accepted the pack with quiet gratitude.
It, like many other things in Gloam and of the Thole, was made of red leather. The stitches were of beautiful quality. They formed the shape of a bird, with the moon behind it.
"Consider it a favor, one that you owe me for later."
Sonder nodded. "Then I'll make sure to repay it."
"I'll look forward to that. Take care of yourself, and your family."
She turned to Lacuna. "I wish you luck, Lacuna."
"Won't be needing it," he said.
And without another word, Sonder turned and made her way toward the outer gates.