The sun rises lazily over the Green Vale, casting golden light across a village still basking in the afterglow of salvation. The streets are full again, not with despair but with celebration as villagers gather in front of the inn, crowding around Pip and the rest of the team, their cheers deafening.
"Thank you, Golden One!"
"Don't forget us, Ka'Lula!"
Pip stands proudly, beeping politely as women hug him, kiss his faceplate, and press farewell gifts into his hands. He returns each gesture with warm pulses of gratitude that ripple through the crowd like sunshine.
Ka'Lula, human-shaped and wrapped in a new travelling gown stitched together by the town's grandmothers, finds herself surrounded by teary-eyed villagers. A young girl tugs on her hand and holds up a carved wooden dragon.
"Promise you'll come back?"
Ka'Lula blinks, then scoops her into a hug. "I promise. And next time, I'll bring more treasure. And something shiny just for you."
