The gates of Ashring were open wide when we came up the path. Not thrown open, just that steady "open" that says yes, we're here, yes, we're waiting, and yes, if you want trouble, you'll get it. Which is code for: welcome back, please enjoy your complimentary chaos.
Splitjaw let out a low whistle. "Haven't seen it this busy since… ever."
He wasn't wrong. Kobolds hustled everywhere. Two new watch platforms, stone foundations solid and freshly etched. The forge wasn't panic-gray, but working-smoke, with the air tasting of bread, steel, and an optimistic pinch of burnt swords.
Bitterstack was already barking from the logistics awning, clipboard in hand, asking if everything is going well.
Relay zipped by with a string of runner tokens, almost tripping on a garden stone. "System notification—Relay node ping successful! I got signal to the eastern pass, boss!" The last part aimed at me, too loud and proud to be humble.
