Session 4 Part 2 - Homecoming

The orphanage was a small, old building made of dark wood, aged by time and the dusty streets. Coada sighed in relief at the sight as they rounded the corner. Some of the children were outside, playing in the fine layer of snow that had begun to coat the town. Inside, she could see Ovar setting the table for their evening meal. A warm fire flickered in the other window. She paused for a moment, contemplating whether or not to approach when Ram caught her eye.

“Coada!” he called out. Nose and Vitrene turned, their eyes lighting up.
“You’re back!” Vitrene called as Coada approached. The three children ran to embrace her, and she scooped them all up.

“I am,” Coada whispered. “Just like I promised.”

As the children began to flood her with questions, the door cracked open. Ovar leaned against the doorframe, his apron stained with flour and his hair ruffled from the day's work. He smiled gently. “Back so soon?”

He tilted his head past her, observing Coada's new allies. “And with friends, I see.”

Coada nodded, placing the children back down. “Come on, time to clean up for dinner,” she said, opening the door for the children to run past. “I have to set a few extra seats. Come in.”

He smiled playfully at Sumayya and Sethie as he turned back into the building, leaving the door slightly ajar. Coada followed, turning toward Sethie and Sumayya with a smile.

The pair entered. It was a small but warm building, the smell of meat pies wafting from the kitchen as the sounds of children running and playing echoed from upstairs. Coada turned left into the dining area, where Ovar was setting extra plates. Sumayya and Sethie took a seat as Coada began to gather silverware to help.

“So,” Ovar began, as he began serving the meals, “What brought you back so soon? Surely it wasn’t because you missed me so much.” He laughed.

Coada flushed. “No! It was...,” she hesitated, “I mean, technically, I think I got fired?”

Ovar paused and looked at her. “You’re joking.”

“Dead serious,” Coada continued. “They weren’t too fond of a serpent cleric of war in their small town, I guess.”

His gaze darkened for a moment before softening again. “I didn’t know that was something they could do to us.”

“Me neither,” Coada snorted as she took a seat beside her companions.

“I didn’t get your names, by the way,” Ovar said, leaning over to shake Sumayya and Sethie’s hands, throwing a playful glare at Coada.

Sethie smiled and shook his hand. “Sethie!”

Sumayya took his hand. “Sarah.”

Coada and Sethie’s eyes shot to Sumayya, who widened her eyes and shook her head slightly.

Ovar paused. “O-kay... Well, the kids will be down shortly, so settle in, and we can talk more after. I’m sure they have lots of questions.”

Before Ovar could take his seat, the children rushed in, with Setil taking a seat on Coada’s lap while the others took their seats. “I think we’re missing someone, don’t you?” Ovar asked inquisitively.

Coada counted the children carefully. “No?” she responded cautiously.

“Setil, will you go get Olan and take your seat?” Ovar commanded gently.

Setil nodded and hopped off Coada’s lap. “Olan?” Coada questioned.

Moments later, Setil returned carrying a small half-orc, not yet two years old. Setil looked to Ovar, who nodded toward Coada. She gingerly took the baby from Setil and began rocking him gently. Sethie leaned in, lovingly humming a sleepy tune in time with Coada’s movements.

“When?” Coada whispered.

“A few days after you left. Lost his parents in a shipyard accident.” Ovar hesitated. “Coada, there is so much that has happened since you left. I don’t even know where to begin.”

“This was a good start,” Coada said, smiling toward the sleeping Olan. “Perhaps Wora could join us for dinner tomorrow?”

“That might be a bit—” Ovar caught himself. “I’ll see if she can. She’s been very busy. Perhaps check back tomorrow, and I’ll have a solid date.”

Coada looked up with concern. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, yes,” Ovar assured. “Like I said, a lot has happened, and this is something she should tell you herself. I’ll arrange dinner, but for now, let’s enjoy the evening.”

Coada nodded, turning her attention back to the children.

As dinner came to a close, Ovar ushered the children to bed before returning to say his goodbyes to the trio.

“Thank you for the meal. It was lovely,” Sumayya smiled gently as she shook his hand.

“Yes, thank you,” Sethie added.

“I’m happy to provide. Say hello to your mom for me!” Ovar winked as Sethie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Didn’t think I’d recognize a kid from my part of town?”

She laughed. Coada smiled and pulled Ovar in for a long hug. “We’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

“That’s the plan!” he said, giving her a tight squeeze before heading back into the orphanage. He gave them a warm nod before closing the door.

“Now to your home, yes?” Sumayya asked as they continued back into the streets.

“Yep!” Sethie chirped. “So... Sarah, huh?”

Sumayya looked down, rubbing her neck. “I may have forgotten to mention that while we’re in town, I’d rather go by that name.”

“Okay then,” Sethie responded jokingly, leading the group forward. “Sarah it is!”

Coada’s eyes narrowed as she met Sumayya’s gaze. “It’s a—” Sumayya hesitated. “Work thing.”

Coada’s gaze remained fixed. “Okay then. Whatever you wish.”

“Thank you,” Sumayya said firmly, turning to follow Sethie. Coada followed quietly.

The shop was not too far from the orphanage—just a few winding blocks farther into the North Corner. From the streetfront, the store appeared dark and empty, with only the second-floor window illuminated by faint candlelight. Sethie let out a long sigh as they approached. She hesitated, fumbling for her keys. It’s fine, she thought to herself, taking a deep breath before quietly unlocking the door.

“Mom?” she called out into the dark shop, leading the party through to the back room.

“I’m home!” she called again, turning up the stairs to see her mother standing at the top, arms crossed. Her stomach tightened.

“You made good time,” Orianna said sternly.

“I was already on the way,” Sethie responded. Coada and Sumayya waited quietly in the shadows, not wanting to become part of the tense exchange.

“Decided it was worth the risk to come back before I said so?” Orianna replied.

“I—” Sethie hesitated. “I wanted to come home,” she said softly, wincing in anticipation of further scolding.

Before she could open her eyes, her mother had descended the stairs and scooped her into a tight hug.

“I’m glad you’re home,” Orianna hummed before abruptly releasing Sethie and gathering her robes over her nightgown. “And you brought guests, it seems.”

Orianna muttered under her breath, “Perhaps you could have warned me?”

Sethie smirked. “So sorry. This is Coada and Su—Sarah.”

Orianna smiled warmly, reaching out to shake Coada’s hand. “It’s nice to put a name to the face, Coada. You do good work in these parts.”

“And you as well,” Coada responded, bowing her head slightly. “You’re something of a legend yourself.”

Orianna waved off the compliment with a smile before turning to Sumayya. “And Sarah, correct?”

Sumayya took her hand. “Yes, we met in Riversidetown and traveled up together. Your daughter has been great company.”

Orianna’s eyes narrowed for a moment before softening. “I’m sure she has. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I do need to get some rest. I have to pick up this one’s sister tomorrow.”

Sumayya and Coada nodded.

“Would it be okay if they stayed here tonight?” Sethie asked as Orianna began to scale the stairs.

Orianna paused, looking at the pair. “That should be fine,” she finally said.

“Your father has arranged Zhera’s release tomorrow morning. I think you should join me,” Orianna added.

“Wait,” Sethie froze. “Why would he be involved?”

Orianna tensed. “It’s not that important,” she mumbled, continuing into her room. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

Sethie looked toward Coada and Sumayya before continuing up the stairs. The pair followed cautiously into a small room with two beds.

“I’ll take Zhera’s bed for now. Sarah, you can take mine, and Coada—”

“I think I’ll be fine on the floor,” Coada cut in, looking at the small space they were about to share.

“Sorry,” Sethie whispered under her breath.

“It’s fine,” Coada mouthed back, nestling in between the two beds.

The three sat in silence for a moment before Sethie jumped to her feet. “No,” she mumbled to herself, darting toward the door.

In seconds she stood in her mothers shadowed room. Orianna looked up from her book expectantly.

“Father?” Sethie began.

Orianna groaned, rolling her eyes as she set her book down. “Do you really want to do this now?”

Sethie nodded.

“Look, you just got back. I’m sure you’re tired. Let’s talk in the morning,” Orianna continued.

“Nope, we’re doing this now,” Sethie commanded.

“Your father arranged for her release, and both of your records have been expunged.”

Sethie’s brow furrowed. “Why? After all these years, why does he suddenly care about us?”

Orianna let out a long sigh. “Elections are coming up, and he doesn’t want your records to affect his campaign.”

“Of course,” Sethie snorted.

“Look, what’s done is done, and now you both have a fresh start. I expect you not to mess it up this time.” Orianna slammed her book shut. “Now, off to bed. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Sethie turned with a huff and stormed back into the room where Coada and Sumayya were awkwardly trying to avoid getting involved. She glanced at them for a long moment before throwing herself onto the bed and blowing out her candle.

The next morning, the party was greeted by the rich smell of bacon and eggs wafting into their room. Sethie opened her eyes lazily, adjusting to her surroundings. For a brief moment, she thought she saw Zhera, but then realized it was Sumayya sitting in her bed. Coada stretched her arms before rising from the floor.

“Good morning!” Orianna sang from the doorway. “How about some breakfast to start the day?”

“That would be great!” Sethie said cheerfully, hopping out of bed. “I’ll set the table.”

As the group gathered around the small table and Orianna served their plates, she looked curiously at each of them. “So… what’s your plan for the day?” she asked.

“Well, pick up Zhera,” Sethie replied.

“Aside from that, I mean,” Orianna said with a restrained smile.

“I’d like to stop by a butcher shop, if possible,” Sumayya added, carefully cutting through the tension.

“There’s one right around the corner,” Orianna said, looking at Sethie. “Perhaps you could take her before we head out for the day?”

Sethie nodded, turning her attention back to her meal. After the group finished eating, Coada joined Orianna in cleaning up the dishes while Sethie and Sumayya left for the butcher shop.

“So…” Orianna glanced at Coada. “How exactly did my daughter end up partnering with an official cleric of the church?”

“Well,” Coada began, “We met when I was stationed in Riversidetown. She’s been a great ally and very helpful in my journey. So, what happened to her and her sister?”

Orianna shook her head. “Petty thievery. That girl has so much potential, and she uses it to steal from Old Towners.”

“I can see that,” Coada laughed.

Orianna shook her head. “Hopefully, time with you will set her straight.”

Coada paused and looked at Orianna for a long moment. “I understand how you feel… The kids at the orphanage like to find trouble. It can be—”

“Exhausting,” Orianna cut in.

Coada nodded knowingly as the two of them quietly finished cleaning up breakfast.

“So,” Sethie began as they stepped out of the butcher shop. “What’s with the blood?”

Sumayya looked away. “It’s for my… recipes.”

“Mm-hmm,” Sethie mumbled suspiciously as the two of them stepped into the morning air.

As they returned to Orianna’s, Coada and Orianna had descended the stairs. “Ah! Perfect timing,” Orianna called from the storefront. “Sethie, let’s head out. Sarah, Coada, you’re welcome to stay while we’re gone.”

Sumayya nodded toward Sethie and continued into the back of the shop as Orianna passed by. “We’ll be back soon,” Orianna smiled.

Sethie gave Sumayya and Coada an excited smile as she turned to follow her mother out onto the street.

“So,” Coada asked mischievously, “Want to take a look through Sethie’s childhood room?”

Sumayya smirked. “Sure,” she said, continuing up the stairs.

“What did you get from the butcher shop, by the way?” Coada asked.

Sumayya hesitated. “Just some items for a recipe,” she said, gently setting her bag down.

Coada’s eyes narrowed. “Oh yeah? What recipe?”

“Oh, you know…” Sumayya laughed nervously, “Blood pudding and stuff like that.”

“Riiiight.”

Sumayya continued into Sethie’s room, avoiding eye contact with Coada. “So, were you raised at the orphanage?” she asked.

Coada’s eyes widened. “Yes, I was. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you clearly have a fondness for it,” Sumayya noted.

“And how about you?” Coada asked.

“I…” Sumayya hesitated. “I told you I lost someone to the Wasting. It was my mother.”

Coada lowered her gaze.

Sumayya shook her head. “It was a long time ago.”

“And your father?” Coada asked.

“I never knew him.” Sumayya paused for a moment, her shoulders dropping slightly as she contemplated her next words. “That’s really why I’m here. My work brought me here, but my personal purpose is to find him. I know he lives here, but that’s about it.”

“Ah, absent fathers. We all seem to have that in common in this group,” Coada chuckled.

Sumayya laughed softly. “Yeah, I guess we do.”