(Happy new year, everyone!!!)
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"I'm sure you'll find something even better. Where will you go now?" asked Arlon.
"I think I'll head back to Istarra after stopping by my hometown," Shirl said after a moment. Her voice grew softer as she added, almost wistfully, "It was fun spending time with old Charon."
The players exchanged awkward glances. No one dared voice their thoughts, but it was unanimous: Charon was anything but fun.
They chatted briefly, offering their good wishes.
Arlon, ever cautious, had discreetly brought his copy from outside, ensuring he could talk to Shirl freely without breaking his cover as Arlon the player.
Despite their light conversation, the weight of Shirl's circumstances hung in the air.
Losing her position as an administrator wasn't her only punishment, but it was clearly the one that hurt her the most.
