The next morning, the general was already seated at the long breakfast table, dressed in a crisp tunic, posture as straight as if he were still in uniform.
Vell joined him without ceremony, robes trailing softly over the tile floor.
The general had offered him and Sonder a room for as long as they needed.
It was still early, and, as always, they were the first awake—just like the day they met.
They'd heard of each other for years before that—mutual stories passed through commanders, scouts, and scribes. But it wasn't until a night near the front lines, faces half-lit by a campfire, that they finally met and spoke.
Vell poured tea from the steaming pot between them; the general's brew—strong enough to brace a man for war.
"You still take it with honey?" the general asked, sipping.
"Bees work so hard for it. I still can't trust sweetness that comes too easy," Vell replied.
The general chuckled.
They talked for a while—about times when Vellichor was still just a name in mage circles and the general had more black in his hair than gray.
Then, footsteps echoed down the hall.
The daughter came in first—tall, steady, broad-shouldered, but graceful. Her husband followed, a quiet man. Their girl trailed behind, a year older than Sonder, maybe.
Introductions were made, though Vell had seen the daughter once before, but only as a newborn.
Not long after, Sonder appeared, hair still a little wild from sleep.
Another introduction followed, but the general's daughter and her husband left quickly to get to work.
"This is Cadre," the general said, introducing the girls to each other. "My granddaughter. And this is Sonder, daughter of Vellichor, an old friend of mine. I'm told she's no stranger to magic."
Cadre gave a shallow bow, then immediately looked at Sonder with open curiosity. "You're really a mage?"
Sonder nodded, then said confidently, "I am."
"Can you do spells?" Cadre asked, sliding into the seat beside her. "Like real ones?"
"Some," Sonder said. "But I'm still an apprentice."
"I don't know any spells," Cadre admitted, "but I train with the sword. Mother says I'm better than most of the guard."
"I've trained a little too," Sonder said.
Cadre perked up. "After breakfast, want to spar?"
Sonder hesitated just long enough for Vell to say without looking up from his tea, "You girls go on and play."
Sonder gave a small nod. "Alright. Just practice."
Cadre's grin was immediate. "Of course."