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Epilogue

Months since Roland’s arrest and the fall of Mirko’s criminal ring.

The city of Firlandis took the news of the necromancer’s fall as a cause for celebration. Being one of the few settlements to have received recurrent visits, as well as the last and biggest ones from the man, they relished in knowing that they won’t be finding the undead marching for the town or monsters visiting again. The physical scars that were left in the city were about to finish their healing as the last building destroyed then was starting its rebuilding process. But within the hearts of those who lost someone during the struggle, they would remain just a little bit longer.

This Friday, as the summer was starting to bloom, the portal plaza received its usual sudden influx of travelers going back and forth from one side to the other. With both manned Portsec checkpoints and the corresponding merchants awaiting to greet the travelers.

Jensen stepped out from the other end of the portal, taking in the bright seaside sun warming up the fabric of his clothes. The air was indeed a sweet mixture of the summer’s breath and the natural fresh scents of the city were a good contrast to the familiar yet overpowering scents within the Undercity and, to a lesser extent, New Kent.

“Psst! Jensen!” his friend, Artie Tanor called out from the side of the plaza’s perimeter, holding an open door so as to let him bypass the usual checkpoints established for this influx. A perk of both being a high guardian and knowing someone within Portsec.

“Artie,” Jensen greeted, approaching and exchanging a salute with his friend. “No need to be conspicuous.”

“Just worried that my supervisor will think that I’m cashing favors,” Artie said with a small chuckle. “But in all seriousness, it would look less bad if you were wearing your uniform.”

“It would… but I’m taking my vacations.”

“Again?” Artie said.

“I took a break of a month from the guardians… But the captains are more than willing to let me take another one.” Jensen said with a small shrug. “And even if it weren’t, I would be able to absent myself for personal reasons.”

“Right, crusader and all that.”

“Yeah, one of the perks where you make it to that status.” Jensen noted.

Artie nodded, though there was no envy in his expression. “They say that things in the Arwae nu, at least in the Undercity, have been quite hectic, at least in terms of public relationships.”

“Citizens didn’t appreciate the lockdown, but they abided to it. The fortune was that the general conditions of the city are improving. I couldn’t believe it until I came back from my rest recovering from the beatdown I got up against Mirko. He made quite a number in the local crime. Barely find ourselves with organized crime and it’s mostly peace keeping now. It’s taken such a load off the guardians that it has allowed them to bounce back, recruiting and training new members of the force, now properly vetted.”

“They’re even making some sort of campaign or training, aren’t they?” Art said. “I’ve seen guardians a lot, cross back and forth more often.”

“There’s a new initiative for allowing members to take community college classes. Criminology, psychology, engineering and so on.” Jensen noted. “You wouldn’t believe the number of things Mirko blocked Edward and Talia from doing. Usually, they would outvote him, but he would find a way to get in the way.”

“It’s just the two of them, then, to make it easy?”

Jensen nodded. “Both Edward and Talia are taking good care of the New Kent conclave. Though with Edward planning to take the next couple of months to spend with his family, after such a long time keeping them apart and working to fix it. Nash has been prepped to fill in the role.”

“Nash, huh? I’ve been seeing him around here more recently, meeting up in Fort Firlandis and so on. So, he’s been fast tracked towards leadership?”

“Yes and no.” Jensen explained. “Traditionally, rankings tended to be awarded by combat prowess or military feat. But recently you had cases, such as the late sub-commander Olivar where ascents were given to those capable of proper management or demonstrated special skills in other aspects that didn’t revolve on the militaristic.”

“Doesn’t sound that popular,” Artie noted before adding. “Of course, the conclaves that take place in the other side of the portal aren’t popular either.”

“Before passing, the sub-commander did send a report where he praised the captain’s methods and systems, my sacrifice and the potential Nash had within him.”

“Probably saw his reflection on him,” Artie said respectfully.

“Most likely. Either way, ever since the high command provided an answer to which only the captains have been privy to, Nash has been given more responsibilities and tests by the captains. He already did a good job after Mirko’s revolt, now he, with Joanna taking sabbatical to make her trip to Avalon, there is a lot of job to be done. If he can prove himself as capable, he might be capable of ascending the rank just as easily,” Jensen noted, with a bit of envy and pity towards the once shy guardian who might find himself with more responsibility than he ever imagined he would get.

“Since we’re catching up.” Jensen asked looking northward, in the direction of the Firlandis fort. “How’s Lieutenant Talos?”

“All is safe, fortunately,” Artie noted. “He’s keeping a good hand on the leash, guiding the guardians into protecting the roads and keeping the crime low. He did ask me to let him know when you’re back.”

“What for?” Jensen asked.

“I believe he was planning a meeting with the captains, you and Forest, to pay a visit Mirko.” As part of Edward’s arrangement with the authorities, this time talking it out with the guardians beforehand rather than going around their back, each of the criminals captured would be placed in different prisons. Mirko was placed within the southern prison, a good distance away, almost fringing on Captain Porko’s lands where the brutish orcs and trolls would not buy onto Mirko’s superiority complex as easily when they had their own.

Whereas Roland was moved over to the capital of Magnus, where the prison with the highest magical security could be found.

The rest of the men were thrown in the box within the Undercity, the prison Mirko had revolt in an attempt to kill both Forest and Edward. Now with revamped security, they were secured to remain trapped, along with many of their former comrades. The only exception being Paul, who got spared by Trish Whitmore’s testimony, confirming that he indeed tried to help her, and now is stuck with a lesser sentence diluted with hours of community service.

“I guess it’ll be fun. I guess it must’ve been Edward’s request.” The captain despite his calm demeanor did hold a grudge against Mirko and his company and would, often times use chance to see if the time in prisoned had made the disgraced captain, more likely to sell his accomplices. It wasn’t likely, but this was his subtle way of twisting the knife.

“So, for how long you’ll be staying on this side of the portal then. The full two months?”

“Just the first one. From there Camilla wanted to make a trip to the capital. We’d spent a couple of days at an inn while she inquires some things with the college of mages.”

“Work?”

“Personal project.” Jensen said. “We can just say that she’s thinking of working into learning more about the lycanthropic side.”

“Why? Is she preparing or trying to cure it…” At Jensen’s silence, he picked up in the increase of tension to the suggestion. “I was joking… Can she?” he said with sudden apprehension.

“She’s not being that ambitious,” Jensen defended, immediately to pacify Artie’s concern. “Her goal is to understand it better. Hoping to understand it better… It’s a long story but she has a working theory on how to use an old spell to, I guess, placate the wild side of a werewolf.”

“Sounds too good to be true. Basically, wouldn’t it turn first generation werewolves into second generation. Where would you get a spell like that?”

“It’s a Dein family secret.” Jensen nodded.

“Ah I see.” Artie nodded, quite aware of the pedigree the Dein family carried. “Sounds impossible to me… but then again, all I know is that I can turn into a rat at will and under the full moon. Anything beyond that falls into the magical category. Just promise to be careful.”

“I trust Camilla well enough.”

“It’s good to know you two are moving at your own pace… Speaking of, where are the ladies?” Artie noted when one of his superiors whistled him a warning. “I shouldn’t be keeping the door open any longer.” Effectively, some of the regular travelers were looking their way, thinking it was an open path to anyone interested.

“They should be around… There they are.” Jensen noted turning towards the portal. Seeing as two figures emerged just outside of the portal. Camilla Tel Fanas and Trish Whitmore, crossing together, the latter just stumbling upon taking her first step off the blue shimmer. Not the first time she’d made the travel, but the first one in a while.

The girl’s wonderment of this world was apparent as she found herself still discreetly marveled by the travelers moving back and the buildings that had, recently, been completely rebuilt. Despite Camilla’s warning, many of the wizened street vendors who set up shop just outside the fenced perimeter picked up on the girl’s curiosity and were already lining themselves up and practicing their sales pitch.

Though they were disappointed when Camilla grabbed the girls hand and lead her over to the side entrance where Jensen and Artie were waiting. Her luggage back loudly rattling against the polished bricks on the floor.

“I was starting to worry.” Jensen noted as he reached over to help Trish lift up her luggage bag.

“I’m sorry about that…” Camilla explained as she leaned in to plant her lips on Jensen’s lips only for him to answer in ind. Artie gave them a small roll of the eyes, though did bear a sincere smile about him. “After I finished suiting her with tunic, Trish got stopped by at the checkpoint. The officers at the portal found Trish’s lack of knowledge of the alternate suspicious, even after we explained she was here on an unveiled visa.”

“I’m sorry… I just had so many questions.”

“It’s not your fault, Trish,” Camilla noted. “They heard her make an observation of how it looks like an airplane terminal and that kinda set off some alarms. The men assumed she was a first level unveiled.” That referred to lowest levels of unveiled, like the civilians who rented the buildings near the guardian HQ in New Kent.

“That’s right.” Artie nodded in a friendly tone. “I’ll have my superiors have a word with them. In the meantime, you three get moving. I can’t keep this door opened for this long.”

“Alright,” Camilla nodded, holding Trish’s hand and guiding her through as Jensen followed after handing over the luggage bag. The small plastic ceramic wheels bumping up against the stone ground and the polyester nylon of the pack would’ve made Trish a clear target as someone from the other side of the world, but in Jensen and Camilla’s company, both of which wore an item from their jobs to oust them as threats. In the former, it was the piece of plate on his shoulder and the standard issue guardian shortsword strapped to his hip whilst the latter had a large grimoire hanging from the side of her belt, visible under her cloak, as well as a travel version bouncing up against her hip.

“This is so cool! It’s going to be the best vacation ever! “Trish said excitedly, her gaze seemingly drawn over to the nearest thing in their path.

“Yes, I know you’re going to have a great time,” Camilla smiled as they lead the way, guiding her uphill, closer towards the western exit and the guardian’s fort. A soft cloud loomed over them, mitigating the heat of the sun. It only made the city feel all the sunnier to the visiting girl. “Just remember what we told you.”

“Right…” Trish noted as she produced her cellphone, scrolling over her notes. “Dress with appropriate clothes, don’t mention that I’m from the other side of the portal nor my money. Don’t mention technological items. Try not to stare at people for too long and always ask ‘dad’ about what I should do. Is it really necessary?”

“Some people don’t tend to like those that come from the more modern world, others might just think you’re rich or worth a lot, specially to the government-”

“I can’t believe I still have connection here… even if it’s just two bars,” Trish said looking at her phone.

“Yeah, some researchers have been installing routers and signal boosters. Still, this is as good as it gets for now. And as soon as we get away from the city, you’ll notice how strained it’ll get.” Jensen noted before running ahead towards the stables and the carriage services to make the reservation.

“That includes the phone too, Trish.” Camilla noted with a small frown. Somehow getting the feeling that the girl would get into unimaginable troubles.

“Sorry,” Trish said with a soft smile as she slipped the phone within her pocket.

“Forest will be waiting for you, right?”

“I think he-she will.” Trish corrected herself. Whilst she might’ve already heard the full extent of Forest’s story, it still too a good deal of getting used to.

Camilla nodded. In truth, with all the studying and work that’d been put on her desk by Archmage Miranda (somewhat spiteful of going through with Edward’s entire operation without her explicit approval), the elf hadn’t even thought about helping Forest with a gender change spell for the occasion, or to prepare for something that would restore her old male form for a more certain degree. Not that she’d asked Camilla for it either.

“You think?” Camilla noted. “She knows you’re coming, right?”

“I told her I would be visiting by my summer vacation… I just wasn’t sure on the day.” Trish said sheepishly, with deep excitement at the surprise she would carry.”

“Well, I’m sure she’d be happy nonetheless.” Camilla smiled. “Remember that Jensen and I are just a trip up north.”

“The werewolf village?” Trish said a bit fearful.

“They’re actually a nice bunch. You might like them,” Camilla said before whispering. “And don’t worry, you won’t get cursed as long as I’m around.”

“Okay…” Trish said with a small reassuring smile. The excitement almost bubbled off her that she almost jumped when Jensen called.

“I found a carriage that is going down the western road. Will take us to the Vanet clinic,” Jensen called out, reserving a seat in a caravan cart next to some folks dressed in the medical center’s uniform.

Both Trish and Camilla nodded and picked up the pace, getting her luggage to bounce against the irregular cobbled stones as they found their spot for the leisurely trip.

——

“Director?” A woman’s voice asked, tapping on the door asking for an invitation.

“Come on in,” Forest recognized the voice and letting out a slight sigh of relief.

The door to the office smoothly opened and a figure peeked in, seeing Forest and what she was up to, slipped in and closed the door. “Sorry to interrupt. Were you doing your spread-sheeting?” she asked.

“I was,” Forest said gesturing at the laptop before her, inviting Caprina to step up and help revise the numbers. Had it been someone else’s voice behind the door, she would’ve had to quickly close it down and stashed it away just because one of the conditions for her newest acquisitions was that they had to be kept as secret from lower staff, and specially the patients.

Aside from the laptop, other improvements the clinic could rely on were generators and water heaters to name a few. Still rudimentary by other world standards but an incredible luxury on this side. It delayed the rat clan’s reconstruction for a good couple of months to implement perfectly, requiring to bring in a couple of specialists from the other side of the portal, but more importantly, it’d been incredibly expensive by this worlds standards. Fortunately, Forest had just stumbled upon a great sum of money that would take care of it, had gotten within the good graces of the higher ups in the guardians and the Firlandis medical center to buy into her proposal and could rely on Captains Sominos and Morstan to help her get the things for cheaper.

And it was all the ideal investment for the clinic.

Compared to the archaic ways of record keeping, Forest’s laptop, after some brushing up in the programs, made it easy to keep track of patients, power usage and, more importantly, money spending and hospital’s budget. The water heater made general hygiene much easier whilst the electricity was used for subtle things, such as keeping some of the kitchen appliances working and invest on electric light within the nurses and clinic staff quarters. Not to mention keeping Forest’s laptop charged.

“Are we doing good?” Caprina asked, keeping her notepad close to her chest as she leaned in for a better view. “We’re just in our second month of opening… do we really have that much of a surplus of funds?”

“I can hardly believe it myself… which is why I’m redoing the math.”

“I heard there’s worms that can slip into your computer and change numbers, any chance that’s inflating the numbers?”

“Those are viruses… and it doesn't work like that,” Forest noted as she closed the computer, deciding that she’d been staring at it far more than she was supposed to. “Do you have something for me?”

“Oh right,” Caprina said handing over her clipboard.

Forest skimmed through the contents. A patient list featuring those that’d been recently admitted, the observations and treatments provided, including the list of the materials and the issuing healer. After it were reports from the night guards informing how all was quiet and serene, then there was the cafeteria’s menu, some notes addressed to the administration and finally, a report on the electric power usage, meant to be kept secret from the cycling staff.

Fortunately, everything appeared in order, with the only biggest problem she faced was the understanding of the handwritten notes. She hoped that, at some point she could get some more laptops and a printer for the higher up staff… Still a bit too early to plan on it, but if she was reading the reports well enough, she was making decent progress towards that goal.

“By the way, the plant and herb supplier has arrived,” Caprina noted, smiling ever so slightly as Forest made a little jump fumbling with.

“Is she outside?” Forest asked.

“She was actually let in to the green house.” Caprina smiled. “You know she likes to watch the specimens.”

“Yeah… Though if she was already in, I would’ve preferred to know from the get-go,” Forest said with a small sigh, going back to close her laptop and stashing it away under her desk.

Forest, followed by Caprina, left the offices within the southern section of the complex, the administrative section of the clinic where nurses and staff shared from the Firlandis clinic aided her in the process of running the hospital. Most of them were deft at their job that they only needed Forest for supervision, but she was still made the figurehead of the place. Much to her dismay.

Next up was the section where patients were admitted and treated. She wasn’t taking the shortest path but allowed her to check on the status of the healer students and the recovery of the patients. Some of the rooms were occupied, giving a comfortable rest to those that were under monitoring or dealing with the aftermath of an operation.

Passing by the window by the stairs, she caught a good look at some of the patients undergoing through physical therapy. One of them a centaur guardian that had lost his left foreleg during a bandit raid and was getting used to the trot with a makeshift prosthesis, while another was a harpy, on the wait for her third magical surgery, with her eyes bandaged assisted by two nurses so that she wouldn’t trip. The place was terraformed by Forest over the span of two months and it granted her some joy to see the people just standing and traversing the space.

The ER at the ground floor was moderately busy by the time Forest reached it, though not to the same degree than one from the other side of the portal as the distance of the clinic made it quite unlikely that someone injured. With one of the roads cleared so as to allow the carriages to stop by there was a regular schedule for rush hour. Most cases were not particular urgent, such as a trader dropping by to see for his stomach ache or noblemen and women coming over for what would apparently be the first of many annual checkups.

The unscheduled cases they often saw were either incredibly urgent, be it hunter that found themselves in the bad side of a wild stag, a man suffering from a stab wound to the stomach or a werewolf to the broken arm.

Though the biggest pull of the clinic was its pharmacy near the eastern entrance. Where Forest and many of the students would peddle herbal medicines to travelers and visitors. Pills ahead of time for any seasonal illness and health supplements for those present.

After living in this place, almost a year ago, she felt a warmth in her heart as she saw it now bustling with life. Empty corridors now transformed. The darkness that had laid claim to them, the dust and muck that caked the surfaces and the broken pieces of furniture and wall were now gone. Now, everything felt new or properly taken care of. The best students from Firlandis medical school opted to do their first practices here, hoping to learn from their favorite teachers, experts on the matter and Forest as well.

For some reason, she always thought

“Director/Doctor,” The nurses and medical students greeted at her as she passed by. It was something that bothered at a skin level. It’s not that it wasn’t true. There was a director of medicine who held a direct contact with Grace Sloane, Mrs. Moryn’s old secretary, now director of Firlandis medical. They highly valued the fact that Forest had worked in a hospital in the alternate, and whilst she was intended to be the botanist in the greenhouse, the moment she began to make some suggestions and presenting proposals, such as the incorporation of a generator (an idea that felt very expensive for them), they awarded her the administrative title, despite not having the same experience as many magic users had.

Grace also awarded Forest with the rare title of doctor, which in this world meant a non-magical healer, once she managed to prove her knowledge of medicine, result of her studying of Mrs. Vanet’s library.

Back in her life, her goal was to move out from being a regular male nurse and become a doctor. But studying and raising a daughter slowed his progress until… until Roland got in the way. Now she had it. Everything she’d wanted and still could barely think herself worthy or even feel it real.

So she answered with a small smile and a nod as she passed by the healers of the ER and moved now past the clinics grand lounge and reception, stepping into the private quarters, where the inhouse nurses and caretakers stayed. A place that was all the more familiar to her, being the only inhabitable space during the dark times of this place.

The all too familiar corridor led her to the now rebuilt greenhouse. Standing larger, its capacity seeped slightly into the field, making it easier for the light of the afternoon sun to slip through the repaired windows. Nurturing rows and rows of plants the collection now boasted. The great majority were common ingredients of medical use, destined to be made into pills and teas to be used around, but there were also nice flowers destined for grieving families and for patients that had made their successful recoveries.

And at the center of the greenhouse was a table with five rows of plants of the same species. From beautiful roses to wolfsbane for the local werewolves. And behind them was Brina, an elf of auburn hair Forest met during one of her trips to the city of Kentos. Faded markings adorned her face that denoted her as a refugee from the emerald empire, though that did little to detract from her natural beauty. And Forest himself found herself almost admiring her for a bit too long.

“Afternoon,” Forest said.

“Hello Brina, it’s good to see you,” Caprina said from behind.

“Likewise.” The elf replied with a soft smile. “What do you think?” Brina asked gesturing down at the plants. “Better quality than those you hasten to grow?”

In truth, Forest could grow anything she wanted and all of those three present knew it. But for the sake of keeping appearances in the clinic and so as to not rely much on her, she’d kept the use of her powers to the minimum. Although some exceptions were as producing the right herb needed within moment’s notice or tending to some of the potted plants.

“Adhatoda, Aloe, Ocimum… Roses,” Forest listed as she inspected each of the plants. “All of them look in great condition.”

“Thank you.” Brina gave a polite nod furtively stealing a glance from Forest. “You know… I always tend to them better every time you drop by. You should probably visit them in New Kent ever so often. I’m somewhat due to sending another shipment of blue sleeper powder.”

“I’d be more than happy,” Forest said.

“Go on a break. I’m sure the clinic won’t burn down while you’re away,” Caprina chimed in.

“I’ll think of it,” Forest answered in a kneejerk reaction, which she lamented as she saw the twinge of disappointment cross on Brina’s face. Though immediately recovered, forcing Forest to carry on, producing a bag of coins from the belt and reaching over for the small flask on the shelf to place them on the table, medicinal extracts that would be sold in the elf’s store.

“If you change your mind, just send me a raven to my room in Firlandis and I’ll answer in a heartbeat,” Brina said as she excused herself with a nod before walking over to the exit.

“Very well…” Forest said only to feel a nudge down her sides. Brina urging her to speak up.

“Hey,” she said. “You know… maybe if you’d like, I could take you off for another trip to Firlandis. Show you more of the city,” Forest ventured herself to ask. This would be their second outing together just the two of them. While social cues in this world were different to the ones she grew in, she quite imagined that the concept of dating was mostly universal. And for that, she got plenty of advice from friends. Caprina, in particular, reassured her that Brina was into her.

She braced herself for an answer, feeling a tickling nerve run up her spine.

Brina looked at her with a bit of consideration, her face blank for a couple of anguishing seconds for Forest before breaking out a sincere yet teasing smile. “I would love to. You know where I’m staying.”

And with that invitation, she turned around and moved over to the entrance. There was no denying how red the tips of her ears were as she slipped out to the stables for her mare. Forest felt her own cheeks blush and her heart beating faster.

While she’d somehow managed to reconnected with Trish, Diane was still oblivious of Forest’s presence. Introducing herself before her ex-wife as a dryad named ‘Flora’ might’ve been the toughest thing she’d done, finding herself close to slipping out of her role several times. She knew that Diane had moved on and was seeing someone, but she couldn’t. Felt it as a betrayal. It took a lot of encouragement from those around her to get her to pursue this.

She pressed her hand against her chest with a small sigh of relief as the words had finally left her mouth and she received a promise.

“Smooth,” Caprina said playful sarcasm.

“I’ve been so out of the game that I hadn’t thought about it,” Forest said dismissively.

“That’s true… I suppose it could’ve been worse.” Caprina affirmed.

“It could’ve, I know it.” Forest shook her head

“She said yes, didn’t she?” Darla asked peeking in through the open door to the greenhouse. Her face bearing a teasing smile not that different from Caprina.

“It’s none of your business.” Forest sighed as the squirrel girl slipped over to wrap her arms around her.

“But it is, Mom,” She said sweetly. Her voice bore a soft purr, barely able to believe it was a reality. After a month of pleading her case to the Deins and the wererats of Darla’s clan, she’d finally been given the permission about half a month after the clinic, and in particular, the home area within it had been completed. The girl reveled in repeating the word ‘Mom’ followed by heavy affection.

Caprina barely chuckled as she began to work around the place, carefully picking up Brina’s plant and moving them on to their respective shelves. “Are you taking the afternoon off to spend it with Darla?”

“I think I might,” Forest said with a small smile. She was the administrator of the hospital, but for that she could rely on the school personnel. She was already the inhouse caretaker of the plants and was exceptionally good at grown and processing them. And she’d already donated a good chunk of her earnings from the Roland bounty to the building. If she wanted to take the day or even the week off and stay at the residence, no one would object to it.

“Doctor Whitmore?” One of the students called out from the end of the hallway, and upon coming into view and spotting her, he reaffirmed his words. “Doctor Whitmore? The Caravan of the afternoon has arrived.”

Darla backed away from Forest, giving the nurse a small pout as Forest marched over to meet up with him. “Good, have them sent out for their tour around the facility and show them their barracks for the weekend.”

“Already done that… but they’re looking for you.”

“For me?” Forest wondered as she followed.

Turning around the maze like corridors, she made it back to the administrative reception, where upon she was taken aback. Camilla, Jensen and Trish stood at the threshold admiring the rework of the place they’d only heard stories of the derelict state off. Seeing her walk out from the corridor wearing a white lab coat around her form, it had them give out a slight smile at the realization she’d made it quite far.

“Dad,” Trish called out as she left her luggage bag and moved forth to wrap her arms around her. “I missed you.” Her voice as melodious as she remembered, restored by the expert at the medical school.

Trish’s operation took a good couple of weeks after the events in the Ashlands. The cost had been no problem. They had to bring in her mom, Diane, up to speed on the events and try to compensate her while coordinating with the higher ups of the police of Roville to cook up a story that would satisfy the media and avoid others from asking further questions. From there, Forest had to step back from Trish’ side now that her ex-wife took care of Trish, unknowing of her identity.

Afterward, their conversations had only been via letters that took about a week or two to reach them given the number of times it changed hands. Though she got the impression that Diane didn’t want Trish to have much to do with the Alternate.

“Surprise!” Trish greeted.

“Hey, Trish.” She answered, feeling Darla jumping in to hug her adopted sister through Forest’s legs. Calling out for a ‘hug pile’.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” Trish said as she backed away, searching her pocket and producing a chocolate bar she offered to Darla, getting her to let Forest go just so she could nibble at the sweet.

“Not at all. I was actually wondering when you’d be dropping by.” Forest said as she gave Camilla and Jensen a quiet greeting, accepting the wheeled luggage and then weighing it. “I’m so happy to see you’ll be staying over. Two weeks?”

“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it. Mom didn’t want me to travel here… not after everything that’s happened. I thought she wasn’t going to let me to even talk about it.”

“I suppose we should give her an explanation, or a reason for some point,” Forest said, trying to avoid the simpler option which would come clean and admit she’s basically the reincarnation of the man she married.

“But the night before yesterday, she tapped on my door and said that I could if I was careful.”

“She called me,” Camilla interjected. “Asking if I could chaperon her. I took her to my apartment in New Kent afterward where we spent the night in.”

“Camilla is so fun. She does transformation magic. I was a dog, and a cat and a pony. Even a boy.”

Forest gave Camilla small glare to which the elf just smiled, after all she trusted her prowess in that sort of magic.

“It was so sudden, I didn’t get to send the letter. It’s not a problem, right?” Trish continued.

“No, it’s not,” Forest said as she lifted Trish into the air and spun her around before setting her down despite her apparent feminine frame, which roused a bit of the attention from the receptionist who’d been joyfully watching the scene.

“Do you have a room for her?” Jensen ventured to ask.

“Of course, she can stay at my wing of the clinic, my in-house residence.” Forest noted. “I’ll be so happy to have you.”

“I want see everything,” Trish said with a smile, finding herself gawking as the centaur patient with the prosthetic leg stepped into the reception, guided by an elven student that was asking routine questions about his health. “This is like living in a fantasy book.”

“Yeah, it is,” Forest said, holding her tongue about the dangers around.

“What are we going to do? Where can we go sightseeing? Firlandis? Kent? The Dein clan?” Trish wondered.

“Actually, I had planned to make a leisure trip to the west. Have someplace I wish to see.”

“I’m going,” Darla chimed in.

“An adventure?” Trish said, with some trepidation but rather forward in the adventure, her eyes spelled out how she saw her dad as a superhero, or rather, a superheroine. “Can I go?”

“Sure. It’ll be like a road trip.” Forest found herself agreeing.

“Let’s get you to your room, have you settled in and then, if you want, I can take for a small tour around.”

“Is this your hospital?” Trish asked. “It’s huge and beautiful.”

“It is,” Darla answered earning a slight pat on the head from Forest.

“I suppose it technically is.” Forest noted before looking up at the couple. “Thank you for bringing her over. Do you want to stay in for supper?” She invited, taking note that it was close to six in the afternoon, according to the clock on the wall.

“We’d love to,” Camilla smiled though Jensen shook his head.

“Unfortunately, my mother invited us first for the evening. To celebrate my return.”

“Ah, lady Dein is very persuasive… and a good host,” Forest nodded. “If you ever need anything, feel free to ask.”

“Likewise,” Jensen agreed as he offered his hand for Forest to shake. “And if you ever need help, know that the werewolves are a call away.”

“Yeah, they’re my security,” Forest noted with a small smile.

“Oh, we might be running late,” Camilla pointed the time. “Should we go on wolfback to the clan?”

Jensen also looked and gave a slight frown. “If we must. Forest, is there a place here where I can shift into feral form?”

“Please, you can take Maximus and Minus for the trip.” Forest said as she watched Darla excitedly lead Trish around the reception and into the corridors.

“Very well. Thank you,” Jensen agreed. “Take care, Forest.”

“You too,” Forest conceded as Camilla wrapped her arms around her for a friendly hug. She was still not this used to the feminine intimacy, but it was undeniably nice. “Thanks,” was all she could say as the elf slipped back. “I’m sorry, I’ve been procrastinating the promise I made.”

“You mean about that transformation spell?” Forest answered. The elf had promised to be able to find a way to restore Forest to her original form, even if it was a longshot. Or to, at least, turn her back into a male via long lasting spell, both of which required a lot of her time and attention.

“I can drop what I’m working and start some preparations for a spell that will last you two weeks, if you wish. I would just need to make some simulations and tests to see how well your body takes on that sort of magic.” Camilla offered.

Forest looked back at Trish and Darla, both of them hearing the conversation as clear with interest, with the latter appearing somewhat saddened by the idea. Certainly, it would be fine to be a man again, even if it was for a short while, and feel how she used to back then. But with how well things had been going, she found herself less desperate for it.

“Take your time, Camilla.”

The elf was taken somewhat aback by the answer, briefly, but then showed back a smile as she held Forest’s hands in reassurance. “Very well. Have a good time.”

“You too,” Forest smiled as both Camilla and Jensen moved out the reception’s front door, giving a wave to the dryad.

“I’m just glad I can hug you,” Trish simply said.

“Me too,” Forest smiled tussling her hair. “Now, let me show you around,” she said, holding her daughter’s hand and joyfully leading the way.

———

The woods in the alternate were peaceful and quiet at this time in the year. With the sun rising up in the distance and combing through the tall imposing trees. It was strange to see the impressive tree line start just north of the Ashlands, but it was still a welcomed sight.

“This place is beautiful. Mom, can we stop and climb them?” Darla said excitedly, riding on Minus’ back and holding the reins. She leaned back to see the height of the trees, her hands and feet itching to try out climbing up to their branches. While behind her Trish quieted down, feeling a phantom ache on her wrist and ankle as she gazed around the familiar landscape. When she noticed some of the fallen trees, she knew they were where she thought.

“Dad? Why are we here?” she asked.

“Sorry, little sun, It’ll be a short visit. I just need to say hi to Mrs. Vanet.” Forest answered. Now all caught up in Forests story, Trish nodded understandingly. “Afterward, I can show you around some good places I found on the road.

“Alright,” Trish accepted the compromised, letting her eyes stray to wander the beauty of the summer woods as the leaves were now at a full green color and the birds were now singing as they approached.

“Always be careful, alright?” Forest reminded as they drew closer.

“I am,” Darla replied, despite riding the horse and having her eyes up above, the squirrel ears that rested atop of her head twitched and paid close attention to the surroundings. If anything were to happen, she would know to lead Trish away.

Truth be told, it hadn’t dawned upon her at the when she extended Trish of the dangers within the alternate. It wasn’t that well into her first weeks of freedom when Mrs. Vanet, Darla and herself got jumped by bandits. She wanted to think that she was above that, but now that she had two daughters, concern was at her throat as they traveled the road and she caught a glimpse of someone else on the road or move in the corner of her eyes.

Eventually, they reached the spot. A large clearing that had been witness to Forest’s settling of the score with Roland and still had the damage to show. Thick branches that were scattered across the ground, tree trunks that bore the nasty cuts and burns from Banshee’s attacks and stirred ground where Forest tried to keep it from reaching Trish.

She could still replay those moments in her head vividly.

“We’ll leave the horses here,” Forest said as she dismounted, offering the horse a carrot cube as a treat while Darla helped Trish off the horse.

“Again, this won’t take long,” she repeated, reaching into the saddle bag to produce something tightly wrapped in leather.

A large tree felled by Forest’s will laid on the path. It’s stump having yet to have the time to regrow whilst the laid trunk had allowed the moss to overtake it. The three of them circled around the base just to find what they were looking for. The tree that spawned from the seed.

Forest stared at the tree and felt a sinking feeling within her. According to Mrs. Vanet’s readings and notes, the tree should’ve already bloomed by this time. Instead, the bulb that grew atop of the tree was still closed up in its way to maturity.

Approaching it, she took notice of the glowing markings that rested on the ground, almost covered by the grass. Would’ve gone unnoticed hadn’t she been looking for them. The detection runes from the mage corps, inscribed there by Camilla and Omar, surrounded the perimeter so as to make sure no animal nor human would accidentally try to harvest the place without noticing.

They didn’t respond to neither Forest, nor Trish, nor Darla as they crossed the perimeter.

She had a fear that, without those extra enchantments and treatments Mrs. Vanet gave to the seed, all it did was tear through Banshee’s body from the inside out. Still an unknown for her, Forest at least hoped that her soul had just been released into the air, otherwise it would be trapped within its trunk… then she’d come in a later day to release it.

Of course, that was assuming that the bud wouldn’t grow. Perhaps it would need more time… Forest thought, trying to salvage a bit of optimism. A month or two should give her the answer.

“I know I say this a lot…” Forest said. “But thank you for letting me out. I had hoped we would be seeing you again, and I don’t know if that will be the case or not. Whether you hear me or not. I don’t even know if you’re still there. So, I’ll ask for a farewell for now.”

Her mind flashed to all the times since she met the woman that saved her live, all those months as her body crawled on the dirt walking back towards its master. And then, the adventures Mrs. Vanet led her… and a path she set her on. Now looking at where she stood, it’d been a painful path, but one that still made her grateful.

“Until then…” Forest whispered as she moved over to a snow bank a nearby tree. Resting her hand against it, she forced the trunk to start the growth of branches around a certain height of the base, knowing they would grow outward, weaving themselves into a makeshift shelter.

She laid the package on the ground and began to dig out the dirt with her hands, making a small hole resting at the side of the roots.

“What’s that?” Trish asked leaning in and without prompting, she began to help Forest dig up the leaves and dirt.

“It’s just something I wished I’d had back when I started,” Forest replied as Darla joined in the dig.

It barely took a minute before the three of them had made a ditch wide enough to fit the package before carefully setting it down. Wrapped around in a cloth was nothing big nor ostentatious, just a map, a simple tunic, traveling breeches, a cloak, some dried figs, a knife, some coins, and a few seeds.

Hoping that this will be put to good use, either by Mrs. Vanet or by a traveler in need.

Giving a small wish, she threw back the dirt and leaves on, hiding the spot. Then, with a knife, she made the marking on the bark. A simple cross should suffice. Marking the bark of the tree just like a treasure.

Over her shoulder, she could see Trish and Darla standing by the tree. Just like with Ogre’s body, the grass was starting to grow tall trying to obscure the remains of the monster, but Banshee was so large, it would still take quite some time before the long blade of a claw would fall out and its visage was concealed. There was a slight hesitation as they approached the corpse and the remains but had their focus up on the tree.

They each uttered a ‘thank’ you to Mrs. Vanet before moving back to Forest. Without saying anything, they wrapped their arms around her for an embrace.

Forest’s eye itched as she felt close to crying but instead brought herself to a smile. Running the back of her finger to wipe the tears, she patted the backs of the two girls. “Should we carry on?” She said pulling back and starting their walk back around the other side of the tree.

Darla nodded eagerly. Trish smiled wiping her own tears off.

“Where to?” she asked, following after.

“Hm… About a day’s worth ride, there’s this western town called Sa’ al noon sai, though the locals call it Saal. A nice little town.”

“A day away?” Trish said rubbing her legs. “This world is tiring.”

“It is… but it’s an adventure, as you said.” Forest mused as they walked back to the horses and setting off with renewed spirits.

The End

Description
Epilogue

Months since Roland’s arrest and the fall of Mirko’s criminal ring.

The city of Firlandis took the news of the necromancer’s fall as a cause for celebration. Being one of the few settlements to have received recurrent visits, as well as the last and biggest ones from the man, they relished in knowing that they won’t be finding the undead marching for the town or monsters visiting again. The physical scars that were left in the city were about to finish their healing as the last building destroyed then was starting its rebuilding process. But within the hearts of those who lost someone during the struggle, they would remain just a little bit longer.

This Friday, as the summer was starting to bloom, the portal plaza received its usual sudden influx of travelers going back and forth from one side to the other. With both manned Portsec checkpoints and the corresponding merchants awaiting to greet the travelers.

Jensen stepped out from the other end of the portal, taking in the bright seaside sun warming up the fabric of his clothes. The air was indeed a sweet mixture of the summer’s breath and the natural fresh scents of the city were a good contrast to the familiar yet overpowering scents within the Undercity and, to a lesser extent, New Kent.

“Psst! Jensen!” his friend, Artie Tanor called out from the side of the plaza’s perimeter, holding an open door so as to let him bypass the usual checkpoints established for this influx. A perk of both being a high guardian and knowing someone within Portsec.

“Artie,” Jensen greeted, approaching and exchanging a salute with his friend. “No need to be conspicuous.”

“Just worried that my supervisor will think that I’m cashing favors,” Artie said with a small chuckle. “But in all seriousness, it would look less bad if you were wearing your uniform.”

“It would… but I’m taking my vacations.”

“Again?” Artie said.

“I took a break of a month from the guardians… But the captains are more than willing to let me take another one.” Jensen said with a small shrug. “And even if it weren’t, I would be able to absent myself for personal reasons.”

“Right, crusader and all that.”

“Yeah, one of the perks where you make it to that status.” Jensen noted.

Artie nodded, though there was no envy in his expression. “They say that things in the Arwae nu, at least in the Undercity, have been quite hectic, at least in terms of public relationships.”

“Citizens didn’t appreciate the lockdown, but they abided to it. The fortune was that the general conditions of the city are improving. I couldn’t believe it until I came back from my rest recovering from the beatdown I got up against Mirko. He made quite a number in the local crime. Barely find ourselves with organized crime and it’s mostly peace keeping now. It’s taken such a load off the guardians that it has allowed them to bounce back, recruiting and training new members of the force, now properly vetted.”

“They’re even making some sort of campaign or training, aren’t they?” Art said. “I’ve seen guardians a lot, cross back and forth more often.”

“There’s a new initiative for allowing members to take community college classes. Criminology, psychology, engineering and so on.” Jensen noted. “You wouldn’t believe the number of things Mirko blocked Edward and Talia from doing. Usually, they would outvote him, but he would find a way to get in the way.”

“It’s just the two of them, then, to make it easy?”

Jensen nodded. “Both Edward and Talia are taking good care of the New Kent conclave. Though with Edward planning to take the next couple of months to spend with his family, after such a long time keeping them apart and working to fix it. Nash has been prepped to fill in the role.”

“Nash, huh? I’ve been seeing him around here more recently, meeting up in Fort Firlandis and so on. So, he’s been fast tracked towards leadership?”

“Yes and no.” Jensen explained. “Traditionally, rankings tended to be awarded by combat prowess or military feat. But recently you had cases, such as the late sub-commander Olivar where ascents were given to those capable of proper management or demonstrated special skills in other aspects that didn’t revolve on the militaristic.”

“Doesn’t sound that popular,” Artie noted before adding. “Of course, the conclaves that take place in the other side of the portal aren’t popular either.”

“Before passing, the sub-commander did send a report where he praised the captain’s methods and systems, my sacrifice and the potential Nash had within him.”

“Probably saw his reflection on him,” Artie said respectfully.

“Most likely. Either way, ever since the high command provided an answer to which only the captains have been privy to, Nash has been given more responsibilities and tests by the captains. He already did a good job after Mirko’s revolt, now he, with Joanna taking sabbatical to make her trip to Avalon, there is a lot of job to be done. If he can prove himself as capable, he might be capable of ascending the rank just as easily,” Jensen noted, with a bit of envy and pity towards the once shy guardian who might find himself with more responsibility than he ever imagined he would get.

“Since we’re catching up.” Jensen asked looking northward, in the direction of the Firlandis fort. “How’s Lieutenant Talos?”

“All is safe, fortunately,” Artie noted. “He’s keeping a good hand on the leash, guiding the guardians into protecting the roads and keeping the crime low. He did ask me to let him know when you’re back.”

“What for?” Jensen asked.

“I believe he was planning a meeting with the captains, you and Forest, to pay a visit Mirko.” As part of Edward’s arrangement with the authorities, this time talking it out with the guardians beforehand rather than going around their back, each of the criminals captured would be placed in different prisons. Mirko was placed within the southern prison, a good distance away, almost fringing on Captain Porko’s lands where the brutish orcs and trolls would not buy onto Mirko’s superiority complex as easily when they had their own.

Whereas Roland was moved over to the capital of Magnus, where the prison with the highest magical security could be found.

The rest of the men were thrown in the box within the Undercity, the prison Mirko had revolt in an attempt to kill both Forest and Edward. Now with revamped security, they were secured to remain trapped, along with many of their former comrades. The only exception being Paul, who got spared by Trish Whitmore’s testimony, confirming that he indeed tried to help her, and now is stuck with a lesser sentence diluted with hours of community service.

“I guess it’ll be fun. I guess it must’ve been Edward’s request.” The captain despite his calm demeanor did hold a grudge against Mirko and his company and would, often times use chance to see if the time in prisoned had made the disgraced captain, more likely to sell his accomplices. It wasn’t likely, but this was his subtle way of twisting the knife.

“So, for how long you’ll be staying on this side of the portal then. The full two months?”

“Just the first one. From there Camilla wanted to make a trip to the capital. We’d spent a couple of days at an inn while she inquires some things with the college of mages.”

“Work?”

“Personal project.” Jensen said. “We can just say that she’s thinking of working into learning more about the lycanthropic side.”

“Why? Is she preparing or trying to cure it…” At Jensen’s silence, he picked up in the increase of tension to the suggestion. “I was joking… Can she?” he said with sudden apprehension.

“She’s not being that ambitious,” Jensen defended, immediately to pacify Artie’s concern. “Her goal is to understand it better. Hoping to understand it better… It’s a long story but she has a working theory on how to use an old spell to, I guess, placate the wild side of a werewolf.”

“Sounds too good to be true. Basically, wouldn’t it turn first generation werewolves into second generation. Where would you get a spell like that?”

“It’s a Dein family secret.” Jensen nodded.

“Ah I see.” Artie nodded, quite aware of the pedigree the Dein family carried. “Sounds impossible to me… but then again, all I know is that I can turn into a rat at will and under the full moon. Anything beyond that falls into the magical category. Just promise to be careful.”

“I trust Camilla well enough.”

“It’s good to know you two are moving at your own pace… Speaking of, where are the ladies?” Artie noted when one of his superiors whistled him a warning. “I shouldn’t be keeping the door open any longer.” Effectively, some of the regular travelers were looking their way, thinking it was an open path to anyone interested.

“They should be around… There they are.” Jensen noted turning towards the portal. Seeing as two figures emerged just outside of the portal. Camilla Tel Fanas and Trish Whitmore, crossing together, the latter just stumbling upon taking her first step off the blue shimmer. Not the first time she’d made the travel, but the first one in a while.

The girl’s wonderment of this world was apparent as she found herself still discreetly marveled by the travelers moving back and the buildings that had, recently, been completely rebuilt. Despite Camilla’s warning, many of the wizened street vendors who set up shop just outside the fenced perimeter picked up on the girl’s curiosity and were already lining themselves up and practicing their sales pitch.

Though they were disappointed when Camilla grabbed the girls hand and lead her over to the side entrance where Jensen and Artie were waiting. Her luggage back loudly rattling against the polished bricks on the floor.

“I was starting to worry.” Jensen noted as he reached over to help Trish lift up her luggage bag.

“I’m sorry about that…” Camilla explained as she leaned in to plant her lips on Jensen’s lips only for him to answer in ind. Artie gave them a small roll of the eyes, though did bear a sincere smile about him. “After I finished suiting her with tunic, Trish got stopped by at the checkpoint. The officers at the portal found Trish’s lack of knowledge of the alternate suspicious, even after we explained she was here on an unveiled visa.”

“I’m sorry… I just had so many questions.”

“It’s not your fault, Trish,” Camilla noted. “They heard her make an observation of how it looks like an airplane terminal and that kinda set off some alarms. The men assumed she was a first level unveiled.” That referred to lowest levels of unveiled, like the civilians who rented the buildings near the guardian HQ in New Kent.

“That’s right.” Artie nodded in a friendly tone. “I’ll have my superiors have a word with them. In the meantime, you three get moving. I can’t keep this door opened for this long.”

“Alright,” Camilla nodded, holding Trish’s hand and guiding her through as Jensen followed after handing over the luggage bag. The small plastic ceramic wheels bumping up against the stone ground and the polyester nylon of the pack would’ve made Trish a clear target as someone from the other side of the world, but in Jensen and Camilla’s company, both of which wore an item from their jobs to oust them as threats. In the former, it was the piece of plate on his shoulder and the standard issue guardian shortsword strapped to his hip whilst the latter had a large grimoire hanging from the side of her belt, visible under her cloak, as well as a travel version bouncing up against her hip.

“This is so cool! It’s going to be the best vacation ever! “Trish said excitedly, her gaze seemingly drawn over to the nearest thing in their path.

“Yes, I know you’re going to have a great time,” Camilla smiled as they lead the way, guiding her uphill, closer towards the western exit and the guardian’s fort. A soft cloud loomed over them, mitigating the heat of the sun. It only made the city feel all the sunnier to the visiting girl. “Just remember what we told you.”

“Right…” Trish noted as she produced her cellphone, scrolling over her notes. “Dress with appropriate clothes, don’t mention that I’m from the other side of the portal nor my money. Don’t mention technological items. Try not to stare at people for too long and always ask ‘dad’ about what I should do. Is it really necessary?”

“Some people don’t tend to like those that come from the more modern world, others might just think you’re rich or worth a lot, specially to the government-”

“I can’t believe I still have connection here… even if it’s just two bars,” Trish said looking at her phone.

“Yeah, some researchers have been installing routers and signal boosters. Still, this is as good as it gets for now. And as soon as we get away from the city, you’ll notice how strained it’ll get.” Jensen noted before running ahead towards the stables and the carriage services to make the reservation.

“That includes the phone too, Trish.” Camilla noted with a small frown. Somehow getting the feeling that the girl would get into unimaginable troubles.

“Sorry,” Trish said with a soft smile as she slipped the phone within her pocket.

“Forest will be waiting for you, right?”

“I think he-she will.” Trish corrected herself. Whilst she might’ve already heard the full extent of Forest’s story, it still too a good deal of getting used to.

Camilla nodded. In truth, with all the studying and work that’d been put on her desk by Archmage Miranda (somewhat spiteful of going through with Edward’s entire operation without her explicit approval), the elf hadn’t even thought about helping Forest with a gender change spell for the occasion, or to prepare for something that would restore her old male form for a more certain degree. Not that she’d asked Camilla for it either.

“You think?” Camilla noted. “She knows you’re coming, right?”

“I told her I would be visiting by my summer vacation… I just wasn’t sure on the day.” Trish said sheepishly, with deep excitement at the surprise she would carry.”

“Well, I’m sure she’d be happy nonetheless.” Camilla smiled. “Remember that Jensen and I are just a trip up north.”

“The werewolf village?” Trish said a bit fearful.

“They’re actually a nice bunch. You might like them,” Camilla said before whispering. “And don’t worry, you won’t get cursed as long as I’m around.”

“Okay…” Trish said with a small reassuring smile. The excitement almost bubbled off her that she almost jumped when Jensen called.

“I found a carriage that is going down the western road. Will take us to the Vanet clinic,” Jensen called out, reserving a seat in a caravan cart next to some folks dressed in the medical center’s uniform.

Both Trish and Camilla nodded and picked up the pace, getting her luggage to bounce against the irregular cobbled stones as they found their spot for the leisurely trip.

——

“Director?” A woman’s voice asked, tapping on the door asking for an invitation.

“Come on in,” Forest recognized the voice and letting out a slight sigh of relief.

The door to the office smoothly opened and a figure peeked in, seeing Forest and what she was up to, slipped in and closed the door. “Sorry to interrupt. Were you doing your spread-sheeting?” she asked.

“I was,” Forest said gesturing at the laptop before her, inviting Caprina to step up and help revise the numbers. Had it been someone else’s voice behind the door, she would’ve had to quickly close it down and stashed it away just because one of the conditions for her newest acquisitions was that they had to be kept as secret from lower staff, and specially the patients.

Aside from the laptop, other improvements the clinic could rely on were generators and water heaters to name a few. Still rudimentary by other world standards but an incredible luxury on this side. It delayed the rat clan’s reconstruction for a good couple of months to implement perfectly, requiring to bring in a couple of specialists from the other side of the portal, but more importantly, it’d been incredibly expensive by this worlds standards. Fortunately, Forest had just stumbled upon a great sum of money that would take care of it, had gotten within the good graces of the higher ups in the guardians and the Firlandis medical center to buy into her proposal and could rely on Captains Sominos and Morstan to help her get the things for cheaper.

And it was all the ideal investment for the clinic.

Compared to the archaic ways of record keeping, Forest’s laptop, after some brushing up in the programs, made it easy to keep track of patients, power usage and, more importantly, money spending and hospital’s budget. The water heater made general hygiene much easier whilst the electricity was used for subtle things, such as keeping some of the kitchen appliances working and invest on electric light within the nurses and clinic staff quarters. Not to mention keeping Forest’s laptop charged.

“Are we doing good?” Caprina asked, keeping her notepad close to her chest as she leaned in for a better view. “We’re just in our second month of opening… do we really have that much of a surplus of funds?”

“I can hardly believe it myself… which is why I’m redoing the math.”

“I heard there’s worms that can slip into your computer and change numbers, any chance that’s inflating the numbers?”

“Those are viruses… and it doesn't work like that,” Forest noted as she closed the computer, deciding that she’d been staring at it far more than she was supposed to. “Do you have something for me?”

“Oh right,” Caprina said handing over her clipboard.

Forest skimmed through the contents. A patient list featuring those that’d been recently admitted, the observations and treatments provided, including the list of the materials and the issuing healer. After it were reports from the night guards informing how all was quiet and serene, then there was the cafeteria’s menu, some notes addressed to the administration and finally, a report on the electric power usage, meant to be kept secret from the cycling staff.

Fortunately, everything appeared in order, with the only biggest problem she faced was the understanding of the handwritten notes. She hoped that, at some point she could get some more laptops and a printer for the higher up staff… Still a bit too early to plan on it, but if she was reading the reports well enough, she was making decent progress towards that goal.

“By the way, the plant and herb supplier has arrived,” Caprina noted, smiling ever so slightly as Forest made a little jump fumbling with.

“Is she outside?” Forest asked.

“She was actually let in to the green house.” Caprina smiled. “You know she likes to watch the specimens.”

“Yeah… Though if she was already in, I would’ve preferred to know from the get-go,” Forest said with a small sigh, going back to close her laptop and stashing it away under her desk.

Forest, followed by Caprina, left the offices within the southern section of the complex, the administrative section of the clinic where nurses and staff shared from the Firlandis clinic aided her in the process of running the hospital. Most of them were deft at their job that they only needed Forest for supervision, but she was still made the figurehead of the place. Much to her dismay.

Next up was the section where patients were admitted and treated. She wasn’t taking the shortest path but allowed her to check on the status of the healer students and the recovery of the patients. Some of the rooms were occupied, giving a comfortable rest to those that were under monitoring or dealing with the aftermath of an operation.

Passing by the window by the stairs, she caught a good look at some of the patients undergoing through physical therapy. One of them a centaur guardian that had lost his left foreleg during a bandit raid and was getting used to the trot with a makeshift prosthesis, while another was a harpy, on the wait for her third magical surgery, with her eyes bandaged assisted by two nurses so that she wouldn’t trip. The place was terraformed by Forest over the span of two months and it granted her some joy to see the people just standing and traversing the space.

The ER at the ground floor was moderately busy by the time Forest reached it, though not to the same degree than one from the other side of the portal as the distance of the clinic made it quite unlikely that someone injured. With one of the roads cleared so as to allow the carriages to stop by there was a regular schedule for rush hour. Most cases were not particular urgent, such as a trader dropping by to see for his stomach ache or noblemen and women coming over for what would apparently be the first of many annual checkups.

The unscheduled cases they often saw were either incredibly urgent, be it hunter that found themselves in the bad side of a wild stag, a man suffering from a stab wound to the stomach or a werewolf to the broken arm.

Though the biggest pull of the clinic was its pharmacy near the eastern entrance. Where Forest and many of the students would peddle herbal medicines to travelers and visitors. Pills ahead of time for any seasonal illness and health supplements for those present.

After living in this place, almost a year ago, she felt a warmth in her heart as she saw it now bustling with life. Empty corridors now transformed. The darkness that had laid claim to them, the dust and muck that caked the surfaces and the broken pieces of furniture and wall were now gone. Now, everything felt new or properly taken care of. The best students from Firlandis medical school opted to do their first practices here, hoping to learn from their favorite teachers, experts on the matter and Forest as well.

For some reason, she always thought

“Director/Doctor,” The nurses and medical students greeted at her as she passed by. It was something that bothered at a skin level. It’s not that it wasn’t true. There was a director of medicine who held a direct contact with Grace Sloane, Mrs. Moryn’s old secretary, now director of Firlandis medical. They highly valued the fact that Forest had worked in a hospital in the alternate, and whilst she was intended to be the botanist in the greenhouse, the moment she began to make some suggestions and presenting proposals, such as the incorporation of a generator (an idea that felt very expensive for them), they awarded her the administrative title, despite not having the same experience as many magic users had.

Grace also awarded Forest with the rare title of doctor, which in this world meant a non-magical healer, once she managed to prove her knowledge of medicine, result of her studying of Mrs. Vanet’s library.

Back in her life, her goal was to move out from being a regular male nurse and become a doctor. But studying and raising a daughter slowed his progress until… until Roland got in the way. Now she had it. Everything she’d wanted and still could barely think herself worthy or even feel it real.

So she answered with a small smile and a nod as she passed by the healers of the ER and moved now past the clinics grand lounge and reception, stepping into the private quarters, where the inhouse nurses and caretakers stayed. A place that was all the more familiar to her, being the only inhabitable space during the dark times of this place.

The all too familiar corridor led her to the now rebuilt greenhouse. Standing larger, its capacity seeped slightly into the field, making it easier for the light of the afternoon sun to slip through the repaired windows. Nurturing rows and rows of plants the collection now boasted. The great majority were common ingredients of medical use, destined to be made into pills and teas to be used around, but there were also nice flowers destined for grieving families and for patients that had made their successful recoveries.

And at the center of the greenhouse was a table with five rows of plants of the same species. From beautiful roses to wolfsbane for the local werewolves. And behind them was Brina, an elf of auburn hair Forest met during one of her trips to the city of Kentos. Faded markings adorned her face that denoted her as a refugee from the emerald empire, though that did little to detract from her natural beauty. And Forest himself found herself almost admiring her for a bit too long.

“Afternoon,” Forest said.

“Hello Brina, it’s good to see you,” Caprina said from behind.

“Likewise.” The elf replied with a soft smile. “What do you think?” Brina asked gesturing down at the plants. “Better quality than those you hasten to grow?”

In truth, Forest could grow anything she wanted and all of those three present knew it. But for the sake of keeping appearances in the clinic and so as to not rely much on her, she’d kept the use of her powers to the minimum. Although some exceptions were as producing the right herb needed within moment’s notice or tending to some of the potted plants.

“Adhatoda, Aloe, Ocimum… Roses,” Forest listed as she inspected each of the plants. “All of them look in great condition.”

“Thank you.” Brina gave a polite nod furtively stealing a glance from Forest. “You know… I always tend to them better every time you drop by. You should probably visit them in New Kent ever so often. I’m somewhat due to sending another shipment of blue sleeper powder.”

“I’d be more than happy,” Forest said.

“Go on a break. I’m sure the clinic won’t burn down while you’re away,” Caprina chimed in.

“I’ll think of it,” Forest answered in a kneejerk reaction, which she lamented as she saw the twinge of disappointment cross on Brina’s face. Though immediately recovered, forcing Forest to carry on, producing a bag of coins from the belt and reaching over for the small flask on the shelf to place them on the table, medicinal extracts that would be sold in the elf’s store.

“If you change your mind, just send me a raven to my room in Firlandis and I’ll answer in a heartbeat,” Brina said as she excused herself with a nod before walking over to the exit.

“Very well…” Forest said only to feel a nudge down her sides. Brina urging her to speak up.

“Hey,” she said. “You know… maybe if you’d like, I could take you off for another trip to Firlandis. Show you more of the city,” Forest ventured herself to ask. This would be their second outing together just the two of them. While social cues in this world were different to the ones she grew in, she quite imagined that the concept of dating was mostly universal. And for that, she got plenty of advice from friends. Caprina, in particular, reassured her that Brina was into her.

She braced herself for an answer, feeling a tickling nerve run up her spine.

Brina looked at her with a bit of consideration, her face blank for a couple of anguishing seconds for Forest before breaking out a sincere yet teasing smile. “I would love to. You know where I’m staying.”

And with that invitation, she turned around and moved over to the entrance. There was no denying how red the tips of her ears were as she slipped out to the stables for her mare. Forest felt her own cheeks blush and her heart beating faster.

While she’d somehow managed to reconnected with Trish, Diane was still oblivious of Forest’s presence. Introducing herself before her ex-wife as a dryad named ‘Flora’ might’ve been the toughest thing she’d done, finding herself close to slipping out of her role several times. She knew that Diane had moved on and was seeing someone, but she couldn’t. Felt it as a betrayal. It took a lot of encouragement from those around her to get her to pursue this.

She pressed her hand against her chest with a small sigh of relief as the words had finally left her mouth and she received a promise.

“Smooth,” Caprina said playful sarcasm.

“I’ve been so out of the game that I hadn’t thought about it,” Forest said dismissively.

“That’s true… I suppose it could’ve been worse.” Caprina affirmed.

“It could’ve, I know it.” Forest shook her head

“She said yes, didn’t she?” Darla asked peeking in through the open door to the greenhouse. Her face bearing a teasing smile not that different from Caprina.

“It’s none of your business.” Forest sighed as the squirrel girl slipped over to wrap her arms around her.

“But it is, Mom,” She said sweetly. Her voice bore a soft purr, barely able to believe it was a reality. After a month of pleading her case to the Deins and the wererats of Darla’s clan, she’d finally been given the permission about half a month after the clinic, and in particular, the home area within it had been completed. The girl reveled in repeating the word ‘Mom’ followed by heavy affection.

Caprina barely chuckled as she began to work around the place, carefully picking up Brina’s plant and moving them on to their respective shelves. “Are you taking the afternoon off to spend it with Darla?”

“I think I might,” Forest said with a small smile. She was the administrator of the hospital, but for that she could rely on the school personnel. She was already the inhouse caretaker of the plants and was exceptionally good at grown and processing them. And she’d already donated a good chunk of her earnings from the Roland bounty to the building. If she wanted to take the day or even the week off and stay at the residence, no one would object to it.

“Doctor Whitmore?” One of the students called out from the end of the hallway, and upon coming into view and spotting her, he reaffirmed his words. “Doctor Whitmore? The Caravan of the afternoon has arrived.”

Darla backed away from Forest, giving the nurse a small pout as Forest marched over to meet up with him. “Good, have them sent out for their tour around the facility and show them their barracks for the weekend.”

“Already done that… but they’re looking for you.”

“For me?” Forest wondered as she followed.

Turning around the maze like corridors, she made it back to the administrative reception, where upon she was taken aback. Camilla, Jensen and Trish stood at the threshold admiring the rework of the place they’d only heard stories of the derelict state off. Seeing her walk out from the corridor wearing a white lab coat around her form, it had them give out a slight smile at the realization she’d made it quite far.

“Dad,” Trish called out as she left her luggage bag and moved forth to wrap her arms around her. “I missed you.” Her voice as melodious as she remembered, restored by the expert at the medical school.

Trish’s operation took a good couple of weeks after the events in the Ashlands. The cost had been no problem. They had to bring in her mom, Diane, up to speed on the events and try to compensate her while coordinating with the higher ups of the police of Roville to cook up a story that would satisfy the media and avoid others from asking further questions. From there, Forest had to step back from Trish’ side now that her ex-wife took care of Trish, unknowing of her identity.

Afterward, their conversations had only been via letters that took about a week or two to reach them given the number of times it changed hands. Though she got the impression that Diane didn’t want Trish to have much to do with the Alternate.

“Surprise!” Trish greeted.

“Hey, Trish.” She answered, feeling Darla jumping in to hug her adopted sister through Forest’s legs. Calling out for a ‘hug pile’.

“Hope I’m not interrupting,” Trish said as she backed away, searching her pocket and producing a chocolate bar she offered to Darla, getting her to let Forest go just so she could nibble at the sweet.

“Not at all. I was actually wondering when you’d be dropping by.” Forest said as she gave Camilla and Jensen a quiet greeting, accepting the wheeled luggage and then weighing it. “I’m so happy to see you’ll be staying over. Two weeks?”

“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it. Mom didn’t want me to travel here… not after everything that’s happened. I thought she wasn’t going to let me to even talk about it.”

“I suppose we should give her an explanation, or a reason for some point,” Forest said, trying to avoid the simpler option which would come clean and admit she’s basically the reincarnation of the man she married.

“But the night before yesterday, she tapped on my door and said that I could if I was careful.”

“She called me,” Camilla interjected. “Asking if I could chaperon her. I took her to my apartment in New Kent afterward where we spent the night in.”

“Camilla is so fun. She does transformation magic. I was a dog, and a cat and a pony. Even a boy.”

Forest gave Camilla small glare to which the elf just smiled, after all she trusted her prowess in that sort of magic.

“It was so sudden, I didn’t get to send the letter. It’s not a problem, right?” Trish continued.

“No, it’s not,” Forest said as she lifted Trish into the air and spun her around before setting her down despite her apparent feminine frame, which roused a bit of the attention from the receptionist who’d been joyfully watching the scene.

“Do you have a room for her?” Jensen ventured to ask.

“Of course, she can stay at my wing of the clinic, my in-house residence.” Forest noted. “I’ll be so happy to have you.”

“I want see everything,” Trish said with a smile, finding herself gawking as the centaur patient with the prosthetic leg stepped into the reception, guided by an elven student that was asking routine questions about his health. “This is like living in a fantasy book.”

“Yeah, it is,” Forest said, holding her tongue about the dangers around.

“What are we going to do? Where can we go sightseeing? Firlandis? Kent? The Dein clan?” Trish wondered.

“Actually, I had planned to make a leisure trip to the west. Have someplace I wish to see.”

“I’m going,” Darla chimed in.

“An adventure?” Trish said, with some trepidation but rather forward in the adventure, her eyes spelled out how she saw her dad as a superhero, or rather, a superheroine. “Can I go?”

“Sure. It’ll be like a road trip.” Forest found herself agreeing.

“Let’s get you to your room, have you settled in and then, if you want, I can take for a small tour around.”

“Is this your hospital?” Trish asked. “It’s huge and beautiful.”

“It is,” Darla answered earning a slight pat on the head from Forest.

“I suppose it technically is.” Forest noted before looking up at the couple. “Thank you for bringing her over. Do you want to stay in for supper?” She invited, taking note that it was close to six in the afternoon, according to the clock on the wall.

“We’d love to,” Camilla smiled though Jensen shook his head.

“Unfortunately, my mother invited us first for the evening. To celebrate my return.”

“Ah, lady Dein is very persuasive… and a good host,” Forest nodded. “If you ever need anything, feel free to ask.”

“Likewise,” Jensen agreed as he offered his hand for Forest to shake. “And if you ever need help, know that the werewolves are a call away.”

“Yeah, they’re my security,” Forest noted with a small smile.

“Oh, we might be running late,” Camilla pointed the time. “Should we go on wolfback to the clan?”

Jensen also looked and gave a slight frown. “If we must. Forest, is there a place here where I can shift into feral form?”

“Please, you can take Maximus and Minus for the trip.” Forest said as she watched Darla excitedly lead Trish around the reception and into the corridors.

“Very well. Thank you,” Jensen agreed. “Take care, Forest.”

“You too,” Forest conceded as Camilla wrapped her arms around her for a friendly hug. She was still not this used to the feminine intimacy, but it was undeniably nice. “Thanks,” was all she could say as the elf slipped back. “I’m sorry, I’ve been procrastinating the promise I made.”

“You mean about that transformation spell?” Forest answered. The elf had promised to be able to find a way to restore Forest to her original form, even if it was a longshot. Or to, at least, turn her back into a male via long lasting spell, both of which required a lot of her time and attention.

“I can drop what I’m working and start some preparations for a spell that will last you two weeks, if you wish. I would just need to make some simulations and tests to see how well your body takes on that sort of magic.” Camilla offered.

Forest looked back at Trish and Darla, both of them hearing the conversation as clear with interest, with the latter appearing somewhat saddened by the idea. Certainly, it would be fine to be a man again, even if it was for a short while, and feel how she used to back then. But with how well things had been going, she found herself less desperate for it.

“Take your time, Camilla.”

The elf was taken somewhat aback by the answer, briefly, but then showed back a smile as she held Forest’s hands in reassurance. “Very well. Have a good time.”

“You too,” Forest smiled as both Camilla and Jensen moved out the reception’s front door, giving a wave to the dryad.

“I’m just glad I can hug you,” Trish simply said.

“Me too,” Forest smiled tussling her hair. “Now, let me show you around,” she said, holding her daughter’s hand and joyfully leading the way.

———

The woods in the alternate were peaceful and quiet at this time in the year. With the sun rising up in the distance and combing through the tall imposing trees. It was strange to see the impressive tree line start just north of the Ashlands, but it was still a welcomed sight.

“This place is beautiful. Mom, can we stop and climb them?” Darla said excitedly, riding on Minus’ back and holding the reins. She leaned back to see the height of the trees, her hands and feet itching to try out climbing up to their branches. While behind her Trish quieted down, feeling a phantom ache on her wrist and ankle as she gazed around the familiar landscape. When she noticed some of the fallen trees, she knew they were where she thought.

“Dad? Why are we here?” she asked.

“Sorry, little sun, It’ll be a short visit. I just need to say hi to Mrs. Vanet.” Forest answered. Now all caught up in Forests story, Trish nodded understandingly. “Afterward, I can show you around some good places I found on the road.

“Alright,” Trish accepted the compromised, letting her eyes stray to wander the beauty of the summer woods as the leaves were now at a full green color and the birds were now singing as they approached.

“Always be careful, alright?” Forest reminded as they drew closer.

“I am,” Darla replied, despite riding the horse and having her eyes up above, the squirrel ears that rested atop of her head twitched and paid close attention to the surroundings. If anything were to happen, she would know to lead Trish away.

Truth be told, it hadn’t dawned upon her at the when she extended Trish of the dangers within the alternate. It wasn’t that well into her first weeks of freedom when Mrs. Vanet, Darla and herself got jumped by bandits. She wanted to think that she was above that, but now that she had two daughters, concern was at her throat as they traveled the road and she caught a glimpse of someone else on the road or move in the corner of her eyes.

Eventually, they reached the spot. A large clearing that had been witness to Forest’s settling of the score with Roland and still had the damage to show. Thick branches that were scattered across the ground, tree trunks that bore the nasty cuts and burns from Banshee’s attacks and stirred ground where Forest tried to keep it from reaching Trish.

She could still replay those moments in her head vividly.

“We’ll leave the horses here,” Forest said as she dismounted, offering the horse a carrot cube as a treat while Darla helped Trish off the horse.

“Again, this won’t take long,” she repeated, reaching into the saddle bag to produce something tightly wrapped in leather.

A large tree felled by Forest’s will laid on the path. It’s stump having yet to have the time to regrow whilst the laid trunk had allowed the moss to overtake it. The three of them circled around the base just to find what they were looking for. The tree that spawned from the seed.

Forest stared at the tree and felt a sinking feeling within her. According to Mrs. Vanet’s readings and notes, the tree should’ve already bloomed by this time. Instead, the bulb that grew atop of the tree was still closed up in its way to maturity.

Approaching it, she took notice of the glowing markings that rested on the ground, almost covered by the grass. Would’ve gone unnoticed hadn’t she been looking for them. The detection runes from the mage corps, inscribed there by Camilla and Omar, surrounded the perimeter so as to make sure no animal nor human would accidentally try to harvest the place without noticing.

They didn’t respond to neither Forest, nor Trish, nor Darla as they crossed the perimeter.

She had a fear that, without those extra enchantments and treatments Mrs. Vanet gave to the seed, all it did was tear through Banshee’s body from the inside out. Still an unknown for her, Forest at least hoped that her soul had just been released into the air, otherwise it would be trapped within its trunk… then she’d come in a later day to release it.

Of course, that was assuming that the bud wouldn’t grow. Perhaps it would need more time… Forest thought, trying to salvage a bit of optimism. A month or two should give her the answer.

“I know I say this a lot…” Forest said. “But thank you for letting me out. I had hoped we would be seeing you again, and I don’t know if that will be the case or not. Whether you hear me or not. I don’t even know if you’re still there. So, I’ll ask for a farewell for now.”

Her mind flashed to all the times since she met the woman that saved her live, all those months as her body crawled on the dirt walking back towards its master. And then, the adventures Mrs. Vanet led her… and a path she set her on. Now looking at where she stood, it’d been a painful path, but one that still made her grateful.

“Until then…” Forest whispered as she moved over to a snow bank a nearby tree. Resting her hand against it, she forced the trunk to start the growth of branches around a certain height of the base, knowing they would grow outward, weaving themselves into a makeshift shelter.

She laid the package on the ground and began to dig out the dirt with her hands, making a small hole resting at the side of the roots.

“What’s that?” Trish asked leaning in and without prompting, she began to help Forest dig up the leaves and dirt.

“It’s just something I wished I’d had back when I started,” Forest replied as Darla joined in the dig.

It barely took a minute before the three of them had made a ditch wide enough to fit the package before carefully setting it down. Wrapped around in a cloth was nothing big nor ostentatious, just a map, a simple tunic, traveling breeches, a cloak, some dried figs, a knife, some coins, and a few seeds.

Hoping that this will be put to good use, either by Mrs. Vanet or by a traveler in need.

Giving a small wish, she threw back the dirt and leaves on, hiding the spot. Then, with a knife, she made the marking on the bark. A simple cross should suffice. Marking the bark of the tree just like a treasure.

Over her shoulder, she could see Trish and Darla standing by the tree. Just like with Ogre’s body, the grass was starting to grow tall trying to obscure the remains of the monster, but Banshee was so large, it would still take quite some time before the long blade of a claw would fall out and its visage was concealed. There was a slight hesitation as they approached the corpse and the remains but had their focus up on the tree.

They each uttered a ‘thank’ you to Mrs. Vanet before moving back to Forest. Without saying anything, they wrapped their arms around her for an embrace.

Forest’s eye itched as she felt close to crying but instead brought herself to a smile. Running the back of her finger to wipe the tears, she patted the backs of the two girls. “Should we carry on?” She said pulling back and starting their walk back around the other side of the tree.

Darla nodded eagerly. Trish smiled wiping her own tears off.

“Where to?” she asked, following after.

“Hm… About a day’s worth ride, there’s this western town called Sa’ al noon sai, though the locals call it Saal. A nice little town.”

“A day away?” Trish said rubbing her legs. “This world is tiring.”

“It is… but it’s an adventure, as you said.” Forest mused as they walked back to the horses and setting off with renewed spirits.

The End