He smiled. Tears in wives' eyes. They extinguished torches and candles. The orchard glowed soft in moonlight, watchers pulsing faint beyond.
They released children to Grace and Sophie. Wives gathered blankets around the firepit and piled logs high. Heat rose. They ate flatcakes, drank tea, shared laughter and quiet words. No one mentioned watchers further; they had spoken, watchers listened.
Late night, Jude and Grace rose to lanterns by orchard. She touched the fig-glyph tree. "You think they'll come closer next time?"
He laid hand on glyphs and ribbons. "Only if we invite. They're cautious. They learned respect tonight."
She smiled. "We choose friendship."
He drew breath. "In morning, we walk with watchers. Into forest edge. We bring names and peace offerings."
She nodded, heart steady.
