Arriving at Avgi, Ceph's heart ached seeing the carnage at the forest's edge. Most of it was still perfectly fine, but war has clearly made its way to his home. The near kilometer of scorched earth told that story clear enough.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" Ceph shouted into the air as he landed in the grove. Erik and Akarui hopping off, looking at the familiar sight with mixed feelings. They were happy to be back, but the tense atmosphere clarified that things were no longer the same.
"Oh, my!" a pure white Alicorn said, appearing from the trees in a rush. She turned into a beautiful woman and rushed to give Ceph a hug. Holding him for a good minute before letting go. Next, she hugged Akarui, who returned the hug with love.
"How have you been?" She asked. Already having asked Ceph the same with telepathy.
"Good! I've started healing people myself!" Akarui replied, puffing out her chest with pride.
