"Someone's cheerful," Raeli comments quietly, smiling over at him, keeping an eye on the street - she's had glass in her feet before, she has no desire for it to happen again.

Blaise follows behind them, quiet as ever, trying to stay in Karl's shadow.

“I can’t imagine where you got that idea,” Karl says with a grin. He makes sure to keep close to Blaise, just in case, even with his cloud of near delirious happiness. 

"Honey, you're practically floating."

Karl laughs. “I just...I can’t believe it. He’s free. I’m free. Nothing has to come between us ever again. It feels like some sort of dream.”

"I can imagine. I can't imagine being separated from the one I love for so long."

“Thank your lucky stars that Defiance lives in your head,” Karl laughs. 

"Believe me, we do," Defiance assures him.

“I am looking forward to studying how your bond works. You might be the key to curing abominations.” Karl at his heart is a scholar, and unlocking the secrets of magic has always been his passion. 

Raeli laughs. "I'd be offended if I didn't know you still valued me and Def for ourselves, not just what we can tell you about magic."

“I will forever be grateful for what you did for me. And not just getting me out, but being my friends. My family. And that includes you too, Blaise.”

Blaise startles a little. "I- I just- I was- you would've been out sooner. If you hadn't- if not for me."

“No, Blaise, don’t think like that. Your life is just as important and I wasn’t going to leave you behind.”

"None of us were," Raeli adds.

Blaise shrugs awkwardly. "I- um. As you say?"

“And I think you’re fascinating too. I want to know how you’ve formed such a solid body.”

He shrugs a little. "I- don't. Remember."

“We’ll find out. Together. And then maybe I’ll write a book,” Karl grins. 

That gets a tiny smile out of Blaise.

"I'd read that for sure."

Karl smiles, and hugs the elf. 

They come to the Darktown steps, and start heading in, every step making Karl’s heart thud in his chest. It was all he could do to stop himself from running there, to throw himself into Anders’ arms, to murmur sweet nothings into his ear about all the time they had now.

Ilska is sat cross-legged outside the clinic, sharpening a sword.

“Ilska!” Karl calls when they get close enough. He waves, grinning broadly. 

She looks up, gives half a wave back, pushes herself to her feet. "Cia," she calls softly.

Cia appears in the doorway and smiles slightly when ey sees Karl, Raeli and Blaise, although it is a little strained.