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“Only you, Philtan. Only you,” Zand said.

The three chatted the entire trip back to Dorbound. “It’s good to see a change in everyone,” Zand said. “I’ve noticed that place tends to bring out the best in everyone. Must be the water there. Or something in the air.”

“It was a fantastic place to relax. No one pressured anyone to participate in activities,” Maklr said. “I got some work done. Went ziplining. Had fun.”

“Maklr? You let loose?”

“I did.”

“Somehow, I don’t believe it,” Zand said.

“He did,” Nell said. “He accompanied me because I was scared.”

“Wow. You’re good for him,” Zand said. “In case you’re curious, Maklr, I went to the center yesterday. Things are coming along nicely. It needs a coat of paint or two, and I’m notsure what some of the carpenters and blacksmiths are building, but it looks interesting. It looks like an obstacle course, but not.”

“That was all Nell’s idea.”

“What is it?” Zand asked.

“It’s a playground for children,” Nell said.

“Tell me about the purpose of a playground. Does it teach human children to fight?” Zand asked. “Does it train them for war?”

“No.” Nell nudged Maklr. “I might need your help,” she said. She described the different apparatus, and Maklr tried to explain their purpose.

Zand’s face scrunched in confusion. “I’m still not understanding.”

“I have a general idea what she’s talking about, but since I haven’t seen the playground in person, I can’t visualize it,” Maklr said.

“Well, whatever it is, I’ll be too big for it,” Philtan boasted.

“Very true. Human children are much smaller than me,” Nell said.

“And you’re tiny,” Phil said.

“Anyone’s tiny compared to you.”

Unlike the journey to Ashuk, the trip back to Eoris and Dorbound felt like it had passed in the blink of an eye. Zand landed in the outcropping behind the rehabilitation center.

Charlie waited on the ground, waving her arms in a wide arc. “Nell,” she cried, rushing toward her friend, embracing her tightly.

Nell returned the hug. “Thank you for sending me,” she said. “I had a wonderful time.”

Charlie held her hand. “You look fantastic. Lighter than I’ve ever seen you. Wait until Ivy sees you.”

Nell smiled. “Where are we going first?” she asked.

“Would you like to see the progress at the center?”

“Naturally,” Maklr said, slinging his and Nell’s bag on his back. He glanced at Nell, who was holding her hands folded in front of her body. “I’m sure you want to see your designs, right?”

“Please,” Nell said.

“I brought a land conveyance,” Charlotte said. “We can take that, since you’ve got the bags.”

“I’d like to stretch,” Nell said.

“Philtan, you can take the conveyance,” Charlotte called.