Noctisardor Bypass the last few drops from the holy grail

Not for the first time was Anselm presented with hardship’s crossroads — too many difficult paths, no easy way out. 

But he knew one thing and that was Etienne was his bulwark. He would not leave without him. It was them against the world - two very different souls tied together with a simple red string of fate. 

Heda’s daughter arrived next, assessed the situation in the worst possible manner, and turned to him with a blazing tongue before he could make his decision. 

He wanted to say he trusted Heda, in a strange way — but it was not so easy. He was on the cusp of relenting guardianship to Heda when Dinah razed the scene, fracturing any moment of brief vulnerability that might have occurred. Anselm stepped back surprised by Dinah’s vitriol, a helpless glance given to her mother that was cut short by Etienne stirring. 

Etienne! Anselm steadied him as he cursed, trying to stay away from Dinah’s toothsome side as he did so. The rustling of branches nearby told him that Glaukos must be returning — but it was a swaying Druid that emerged. Anselm’s ears cupped back as he looked her over. Heda — vhat is wrong vith her?