Seekers of the Stone Maker

“Gosh, it’s only been a little over a week, and you look stronger!” Lopper exclaimed.

Rhokhishi smiled wide and hopped off her horse. She gave a pat on its shoulder, then pointed to the stables. It turned slightly and followed Myla’s horse to the trough for a drink. As Lyla walked by, she grabbed her hand and gestured to the satyrs she had considered family for these past few years.

“Can you walk over here for just a second?”

“Sure?” Lyla replied.

Hand in hand, Rhokhishi made her way over to Lopper and Rags and brought her clasped hand up in front of her.

“Lopper, Rags, this is my girlfriend, Lyla.”

“We already know Lyla, Philomena. Why would you-”

Lopper elbowed Rags hard, then gestured to Rhokhishi’s hand.

“That’s lovely, dear. I’ve had my assumptions but figured it was best to wait for you to tell us,” Lopper smiled.

“What do you mean you assumed? I had no clue!” Rags threw the grimy towel over his shoulder and placed his hands on his hips.

“You typically don’t, love,” Lopper teased. “It’s nice to see you all again. Are you staying long?”

Rhokhishi looked over to Lyla, unsure of the answer.

“Well, we wanted to stop by, but I don’t think we’ll be here for long. We picked up a stray, and we’re helping her run an errand,” Lyla pointed toward Ana.

She looked over, seeing Elysium and Torra, who had made their way over to the rest of the troupe. Leaf and Ana stood to the side, trying not to get in the way, awkwardly looking around at the troupe’s home for the winter.

Rhokhishi and Lyla walked over with Lopper and Rags and waved as they jumped into the conversation.

“It’s so good to see you all again. It’s been quiet with all the troublemakers out this week,” Elysium joked. “And I don’t believe we’ve met?”

“Oh, hi! I’m Ana.”

“She’s our new stray,” Lyla teased, knocking her shoulder into Ana’s playfully.

“Welcome to the Stillmight Campground and the Arcana Emporium as a whole,” Torra smiled.

“It’s quite a large place you all have here, in the middle of nowhere. It seems lively,” Ana stated, looking around at the different creatures going from place to place, cleaning, unpacking, or relaxing outside their cabins.

“Ah, yes. It’s a busy time, this part of the year. We all made our way back, but some still have to clean the cobwebs and unpack,” Elysium stated. “They’re all so used to packing and unpacking in just a couple of days, so it’s nice to take our time.”

“Is Blight still cooking? I’m starving…” Lyla held her other hand to her stomach, and Rhokhishi could hear it growling, even though they had eaten only a few hours ago.

“We had lunch a bit ago, but I’m sure there’s still something leftover if you want to check.”

“Mind if I come with?” Ana asked Lyla. “I’d like to see if I can help in the kitchen.”

“Whatever you wanna do, just come on!”

Lyla gave a small peck on Rhokhishi’s shoulder and rushed toward Blight’s kitchen with Ana. Rhokhishi could smell the food, probably already being started for dinner, and decided to unpack and catch up with her family.

The party made their way to their cabins, with Torra and Elysium taking Leaf to the guest cabins for their stay. With Sir Max on his back, Kohl walked by, and Rhokhishi gave a slight nod before sitting on the patio steps and leaning against the railing.

“It’s so good to have you back, dear,” Lopper stated, patting her shoulder as she walked past.

“It’s good to be back.”

“And with a girlfriend, too! Rhokhishi’s making her way in the world. It won’t be too long before she won’t need us to keep her armor clean,” Rags teased.

Rhokhishi picked up Rags in a large bearhug, squeezing maybe a little too tightly.

“I’ll always need you two.”