“Lead on then, Talia.”

And she does. The basement isn't that far away at all.

"This is close by. And the stairs lead up to your house?"

"Yes," Talia confirms. "There's a library. You're welcome to use it."

"More defensible than the clinic too," Raeli noted approvingly.

"And we have an escape route out to Hightown, if we need it."

"Not really seeing any downsides to the move. More space, better security, better escape routes..."

"It does seem perfect. I think we'll be able to give a glowing report to Anders."

"I'm glad," Talia says with a smile.

"We really appreciate this. It's going to give us a lot of peace, knowing our family is in a safe place."

"I know that feeling. This has been a blessing for us as well."

"We'd better get back, we'll have to plan out with Lirene to get some proper beds."

"...Remember what I said about more rooms than I know what to do with? Like...half of them were bedrooms. There's...five of us? Who need beds."

"We'll try Lirene first, thanks."

"You've done more than enough." 

In more ways than one.

She hums, and heads for the stairs up to the house itself. "I'll bid you good day then."

Karl turns to Rae. "Come on, let's head back."

She glances around the basement again and then nods. "Yeah, lead on."

He does, and once they're back in the clinic, he greets the others with a happy smile. "It's perfect. Room enough for everyone."

"Are you sure it's right to take it?"

"Yes," Raeli says firmly. "I'm not entirely sure what's going on with her, but she seems genuine in this at least."

"And having room for everyone to stretch is a good investment, love. You worked hard for this, keeping them alive."

He can't argue that, logically.

"Well, then. Looks like we have a home!"

"We already had that," Cia says firmly, leaning into Anders side. "We had each other."

(Ilska groans.)

"Oh, Cia. You're getting sap everywhere," he says, kissing the top of eir head.