After their lessons ended, Airam, Hermione, and Esther made their way back to the estate, tired enough that even Hermione had little to say.
They intended to bathe before dinner and, once they had eaten, finally go to bed. The afternoon had demanded more concentration than any of them expected. Esther still looked pleased whenever she remembered the golden Tree she had seen, but her steps had slowed, and Hermione kept flexing her fingers as though she could shake the weariness out of them.
Airam walked beside them in silence. She had not spoken much since leaving the yard, and neither of her sisters had tried to make her discuss the lesson again.
As they approached the house, they noticed Ulrich standing near the front entrance. Ceres was with him, apparently ready to leave. She had turned toward him rather than the path, and he seemed to be giving her some final instructions.
