Storm Boulder at the Gate

The disturbance brought guards to the gate. They came out in numbers first, then parted for a Goliath named Storm Boulder. He recognized Eveline immediately and was more annoyed than surprised. She was not scheduled to arrive until later, the glyphs had set off the fountain again, and Percival Pringle III still had not fixed the travel system before starting whatever new project had captured him. It was a homecoming, but not a warm one exactly. Storm knew Eveline well enough to scold her and let her in. He knew the household well enough to explain that Percival had locked himself in the lower lab with harmonic force catalysts and potato skins. He also understood the practical matter: if the party wanted time with Percival, dinner was their best opportunity. Then Storm mentioned Faith. He had seen Eveline's girl and said she could be invited too. Eveline kicked him in the shin before the sentence could settle. Storm barely reacted, then explained to Oskar that when people like Eveline kick people like them, it usually is not meant to cause pain. The moment changed the air. Ash had been carrying his own awkward hope around Eveline. Storm's comment did not explain everything, but it made clear that Eveline's life in Point Pringle was not empty space waiting for the party to fill it. There was history here. There were people here. Faith mattered enough to embarrass her. Storm gave them the city pamphlet and a few pointed suggestions. They had a few hours before dinner. Percival would be available then, if available meant what it usually meant in a Pringle household. Until that meal, Point Pringle was theirs to explore.