He returned the hug, his arms steady around her. "How is it here?"
"There were light attacks, but nothing we couldn't handle." She pulled back slightly, smiling faintly though her eyes still held concern. "Thank you for worrying about me… and for sending your soldiers."
"The empire is in chaos," Lumberling said, his tone firm but tired. "We'll need every bit of strength. But for now…" He turned, motioning toward the thousand weary civilians standing behind him. "Can you take care of them?"
Liraeth straightened, her confidence returning in full. "Mm. Don't worry, I can handle them."
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Meanwhile, not far off, the captains and vice-captains had already gathered around the sub-captains, voices rising with rough laughter and hearty greetings.
"We're finally fighting together again," Trask said, his twin axe slung over his back.
Vakk grinned, slapping Skarn's arm. "Feels like old times."
