Literature
Second Chances
Lauriel and Lyris entered Understone Keep, and for the first time, it did not feel like a fist closing around her.
It was time to inform Ard Caddach of Rada al-Saran's demise, and of the Gray Host's final defeat. The ard would be relieved to hear it, even if the news could not compare to the impossible miracle still unfolding in Markarth's streets—the dead returned to life, loved ones reunited after horrendous tragedy.
Lauriel had every intention of letting the ard know exactly who he needed to thank for that.
The keep still bore the fresh scars of violence. It was crowded with armed Reachfolk and grim-faced survivors, but there was something in the air that had not been present before.
Before Lauriel and Lyris could fully take stock of it, Bradan appeared. He looked worn, but alive in a way that was no longer mere survival. There was relief in his face, and something close to joy.
"Can you fucking believe it?" he said, spreading one hand as if the keep itself were proof
