I headed back to the homestead to meet with the rest of the group, who were waiting for me inside. Waiting Sorrow grew tense when I entered, knowing well that I carried a secret in my pocket that could complicate her situation even further. But Malice immediately jumped to the point: the titans could be on the back foot. Attacking now, while they were recovering from our prior encounters, should be the top priority. Before we could strategize further, Poky pulled our attention away. Stoic Alder walked up to the door, and Waiting Sorrow needed to decide on a story. Fast. It's not our place to stand between a kodan Claw and his son, so Waiting Sorrow nodded for me to usher him inside. This conversation was inevitable. He immediately looked to her, clearly confused; to him, in that moment, Fading Aurora was alive. Thankfully, Waiting Sorrow chose fairness and revealed her identity. Alder was understandably distraught—even more than Poky was. The kid stepped in to defend Sorrow's choices. He tried to assure his father that their Aurora still stood with them, and that Waiting Sorrow is no danger, but the Claw was clearly struggling with the news. He was betrayed. His son's life was jeopardized... And we still have a couple of titans to kill. Unfortunately, now is not the time to dwell. Alder, while still distraught, also recognized the fleeting opportunity to resolve our mutual plight. He offered to join his son in battle, if only to make sure that his people and Poky were safe. But his discussion with Waiting Sorrow is not done. That is another inevitability. I checked in with Sorrow and the others before heading out; her guilt sat heavily on her shoulders. She knows it's time to talk to Alder...and Isgarren. No more hiding. Just have a couple of titans to kill between now and then. ***