Oh, the small victories. Upon returning to the Waking Sands, I found not just Yda, but Y’shtola as well—both alive, both having somehow evaded capture.
Turns out they’d been just as busy as I have, searching for leads, chasing whispers, following trails in opposite directions. We’d been so close to each other at times, yet never crossing paths until now.
It was a relief like no other, seeing their faces again. For a moment, the weight on my shoulders eased.
And then… Her voice.
Hydaelyn herself spoke to me, her words ringing clear and bright. She told me more of the crystals I’ve been gathering from the primals—that they are more than trophies, more than proof of victory. They are part of something greater, something that feels both heavy with duty and blinding with purpose.
I can feel it now… the threads pulling me toward the next step.