Thadeus wakes on Sally’s couch to the soft gray light of morning. His eyes find Elizabeth beside him, her warm smile steady and relieved.
Elizabeth Bathory
You’re at Sally’s house. We’re safe, and everyone made it out.
Thadeus tries to sit up. Pain flashes across his chest, forcing him back against the cushions as Elizabeth immediately steadies his shoulder without alarm.
Elizabeth Bathory
Easy. Don’t force yourself. The castle is gone, and you have time to recover.
Sally emerges from the kitchen carrying a steaming kettle. She sets five intricate cups across the low table and pours tea for Thadeus, Elizabeth, Elias, and Marcus.
Sally Burton
Tea first, questions later. You all look like you’ve been dragged through history and left there.
Elias and Marcus settle into nearby chairs, accepting their cups as Sally joins them. For the first time since entering the castle, all five survivors share a quiet room. Elizabeth looks toward Thadeus, waiting gently for his response.
“Thadeus looks around the room, locking eyes with each of his comrades, all of them smiling. He locks eyes last with Marcus. Thadeus sees his face looks slightly different, but somehow familiar. Thadeus thinks to himself, "He looks more like William than I realized." Elizabeth looks at Thadeus, "Hey, are you alright?" Thadeus smiles back, replying, "Yeah, all good here." Thadeus drops his head back to the couch, and falls back asleep. Elias, Marcus and Sally talk with one another, sharing each person's side of events in the castle, while Elizabeth focuses on Thadeus, relieved that the man who has rescued her time and time again, is here with her.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Health, rolled +2)
Thadeus surveys the cottage from the couch, meeting Elias, Sally, and Elizabeth in turn. Each offers him a tired smile, and the room’s quiet warmth settles around him.
Thadeus Jovanović
He looks more like William than I realized.
His attention stops on Marcus. The reporter’s features seem subtly altered, familiar in a way that makes the resemblance to William newly unmistakable.
Elizabeth Bathory
Hey, are you alright?
Thadeus Jovanović
Yeah, all good here.
Thadeus smiles at Elizabeth, lets his head sink into the couch, and falls asleep again. His breathing soon steadies, and the tension leaves her posture.
At the table, Elias, Marcus, and Sally quietly compare what each witnessed inside the castle, tracing their separate routes through its shifting halls while Elizabeth keeps watch beside Thadeus.
“The next few weeks becomes a blur for Thadeus. After recovering from his injuries, Thadeus, Elizabeth and Elias leave to return to the states. Marcus decides to spend more time in England with Sally. Before they leave, Marcus tells the group that he's communicating to his employer that he's working on an international story that local readers won't be able to put down. Thadeus, Elizabeth and Elias return to Michigan about a week later. Elias returns to running his shop, bringing on Marla as an intern to help run the business. Meanwhile, Thadeus and Elizabeth take a much deserved vacation, just the two of them. They pack their things and stop by Elias's store before they head north. Thadeus and Elizabeth are dressed in comfortable summer clothes. Elias apologizes to them that he can't speak long, business is hectic right now. He asks them where are they going to relax. Thadeus grins, saying, "We're keeping that a secret."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
The next few weeks blur into recovery, travel, and quiet goodbyes. Once Thadeus is strong enough, he, Elizabeth, and Elias leave England for Michigan, arriving about a week later.
Marcus Thorne
I’m staying in England with Sally for a while. I’ve told City Pulse I’m working on an international story our local readers won’t be able to put down.
Back in Detroit, Elias reopens Electric Avenue and brings Marla on as an intern. The shop quickly fills with ringing phones, repair tickets, and the ordinary pressure of business.
Thadeus and Elizabeth pack comfortable summer clothes for a private vacation, then stop at the shop before heading north. Their bags wait by the door while Elias hurries between customers.
Elias
I’m sorry I can’t talk long. Business is hectic. Where are you two going to relax?
Thadeus Jovanović
We’re keeping that a secret.
Thadeus grins, and Elizabeth’s amused glance confirms the secret will hold. Elias raises both hands in surrender before another customer calls from the front of the store.