48 South

Tunuva and Canthe ride south from the Valley of the Joyful Few, through the Erian Pass toward Carmentum, following Ninuru’s confirmation that Lalhar had passed this way. At a desert cavern spring watched by faceless statues, they water Ninuru. Because the Carmenti eschew weapons, Tunuva leaves her sword, concealing the starlit spear Mulsub, and instructs Ninuru to wait and hunt ghost adders.

On foot, they cross groves toward the city and discuss Carmentum’s founding by Yikalese and Gulthagan survivors and its republican ideals. At the gate and bustling streets, they observe daily life and spot Decreer Numun on her district tour with consort Ebanth Lievelyn; Canthe notes the scandal of Mezdat Taumāgam’s republican turn. Tunuva chooses not to contact the sister to avoid interference.

They take a carriage around the Lonely Hill to an inn carved into rock. After bathing, they eat and plan: at sunrise they will search the harbor, where Siyu might find spearfishing work. Tunuva reveals she keeps a mysterious floral key as tomb keeper, its purpose unknown; Canthe displays a Morgish joint ring from a long-past marriage.

In a quiet exchange, Canthe confides the loss of her newborn daughter and her fear of coldness; Tunuva, remembering her own child and love for Siyu, offers compassion. Their shared grief deepens trust and resolve. As night falls over Carmentum and the sea, they settle to rest, ready to resume the search at dawn.