Everyone was left speechless.
At a time like this, that was what you cared about?
Messmer was the first to rise. "Now that Miquella has truly entered the divine realm, how do you intend to deal with him?"
The Tarnished helped his wives to their feet as he answered, "Rest and regroup first."
Messmer froze. "Rest and regroup?"
The Tarnished nodded, glancing at everyone's injuries. "We've taken quite a beating during this pursuit ourselves."
Messmer looked around at them, then slowly nodded. "Very well. At this point, we should proceed steadily and cautiously. Shadow Keep will be open to you while you recuperate."
He paused, his gaze settling on Melina as his tone grew complicated. "Melina, come with me for a moment."
Melina blinked and looked at the Tarnished.
The Tarnished winked at her and waved her along.
Melina pressed her lips together and followed Messmer into a corner.
With that, the tumultuous pursuit of Miquella came to a temporary halt.
And the siblings, Melina and Messmer, finally reunited after their long separation.
Over the next few days, Shadow Keep became as lively as a New Year's celebration.
The supplies brought by the Five-Party Alliance filled three warehouses-fine grain, cured jerky, fresh fruit and vegetables, bundles of arrows, crates of medicine, and twenty entire wagonloads of ale!
The soldiers of Shadow Keep stared at the supplies with ravenous eyes.
"A-all of this is for us?"
"Obviously. Who else?"
"Good heavens... how long has it been since we saw this much food?"
"Not since before the expedition, right?"
"Boo-hoo... I could cry..."
"What are you crying for? Get moving! Once we've hauled it all in, we're drinking!"
Fueled by the supplies, simple bonds of comradeship quickly blossomed. In less than three days, the soldiers of the Five-Party Alliance and Shadow Keep