After returning to Seaquen and updating Headmaster Simeon, the Protectors of the Pass took a much-needed rest.
The next week found the Protectors recuperating and taking care of various business. Jack, Bryn, and Winry met Crystin in the refugee town, and held a solemn funeral for their friend Laurabec. Rayland and Myetharia blew off some steam at a local dive bar, and Rayland got a sweet magical tattoo.
Myetharia spent some time checking in with the various members of the Protectors, and encouraged the magistrate Lorb Vortbert to reconsider his stance on the refugees.
Winry joined Rayland in clearing out his room in Aemon Ming's house, and also helped him look into his brother Rivensten's room. Within, they found downy feathers and a hidden note that simply said "Sorry".
Bryn helped the Protectors complete some of their activities, and also took time to commune with the stars that had been so long hidden by Lee's conjured storm.
Jack spent his time playing the Lyre of Fabrication, repairing the storm's damage to the town.
After the week had passed, the Protectors were summoned to Simeon's office. There, they met the portly half-elf Balan Bastom, noble of Ostalin serving as a dignitary of Seaquen. He confirmed the whispers that the party had been hearing - King Steppengard of Dassen had survived an assassination attempt, and also accepted a non-aggression pact with Ragesia, allowing them to travel through Dassen unmolested. The only thing stopping Leska's armies from marching to Seaquen was an unexpectedly long and brutal winter. Not interested in wasting this opportunity, Balan has suggested a potentially dangerous mission - he wishes for the Protectors to escort him to Bresk, capital of Dassen, and offer Seaquen's aid to King Steppengard.
Considering their next steps, the Protectors of the Pass prepared to continue their mission to save Gate Pass, and stop the war.