Adella continues pushing her strawberries around her plate, feeling slightly self-conscious as other Guild members whisper to each other, glancing in her direction. She smiles in relief when Mara enters The Tavern, crossing over to BK and speaking to him softly before coming over to Adella's table. Mara sits down with a small smile and a nod, pulling out a tattered notebook and a pen. She flips the book open to a blank page, scribbles a message, and slides it towards Adella when she's done.

How are you today?

Adella writes back in the book; each stroke of her pen is like a work of art.

I am well, but the aura in The Tavern today seems off.

Mara chuckles.

You've been busy with your adventuring lately. I'm not surprised that you forgot.

Adella cocks her head, confused as to the meaning of Mara's written words. At that moment, Skye, Farah, and Kira enter The Tavern. Skye is making a large ruckus, telling everyone that "it's time". BK ducks behind the bar, only to reappear a few seconds later with a giant cake, adorned with pink frosting, Adella's favorite color. Mara had been correct. Adella had forgotten today was her own birthday.

The Tavern erupts into song, as BK places the cake in front of Adella and commands she make a wish. She's overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude, her huge grin and flushing cheeks will surely make her a target for light-hearted teasing later in the evening. Everyone watches her expectantly as she closes her eyes, makes her wish, and blows out the candles. Skye already has her utensils out, eagerly awaiting a slice of BK's newest confectionery masterpiece.

The afternoon turns to evening, and the evening turns to night. The party only grows in size and festivity. The Guild has members from all walks of life under one roof. Some are inseparable, some can't stand each other--but in a job where tomorrow is an uncertainty, everyone puts aside their differences to celebrate today.

Adella opens a small box from Kira; a small silver locket is within, containing a picture of all five of them. She rubs the tears of joy from her eyes as she puts the locket around her neck. She remembers the day they took that photo. Skye brought Kira to The Guild, and The Council assigned them to delve the newly discovered Forest of Shadows. At the time, Kira and Mara had been prickly about standing in the picture, insisting it was unnecessary. But, as time passed, the five became closer, protecting each other from all the dangers The Dungeon has to offer. Lilia chirps twice, Adella's signal for a sincere "thank you". Even Kira can't fight off a smile, equally touched by Adella's joyous expression.

The memory ends.

You look at The Key of Dreams, now glowing brightly in your hand. You place it on the ground near the rift, watching as dark energy is drawn out of it and expelled from the world. The key loses its golden luster, slowly turns to ash and dissipates completely. Exhausted, you head back to The Guild, hoping that you've helped make Mynerva a little safer, for now. Your pockets jingle with loot. There's a big meal waiting for you back at The Tavern.