The journey down the mountain was easier than the journey up. The sun was setting, painting the snow in shades of pink and gold. The air was cold but clear.
Ashe drifted beside Evan, silent for once. Lydia walked ahead with Emma, giving them space.
"You did well," Ashe said finally.
"Thanks. It was mostly standing there and letting things not work."
"That is a skill. One I am learning." Ashe's dark eyes studied him. "You are... kind. Even to enemies."
"He wasn't really an enemy. Just a guy with a fortress and some anger issues."
"And the dragon?"
"Lonely. Like you were." Evan glanced at him. "Like a lot of things in this world."
Ashe was quiet for a long moment. Then: "I am grateful. For what you did. For what you are teaching me."
"You're welcome."
"I do not know if I can ever be... good. But I am learning to be less hungry. Less destructive. That is something."
"It's everything." Evan stopped, looking out at the mountains. "The Weaver says improvement is about becoming more yourself. But I think it's also about becoming better yourself. The version you want to be."
"And what version do you want to be?"
Evan thought about it. "One that doesn't break things by accident. One that can help people. One that... belongs somewhere."
"You belong with us," Ashe said simply. "With Emma. With Lydia. With Ross and his enthusiasm. With the Weaver and her silence. With me."
Evan smiled. "Yeah. I guess I do."
They walked on, the fortress fading behind them, the palace waiting ahead.
And for the first time in a long time, Evan felt like he was walking toward something, not running away.
It was a good feeling.
***