Locks and Keys

Clouds of smoke and dust drifted over the courtyard like a fog. Its cobblestones shattered and charred but the force of their battle. The ring of trees was broken and bent, water dripped from thawed branches onto the earth.

"Everyone all right?" Markos called out as he panted. Sweat dripped down his face and neck as he leaned forward, trying to catch his breath. "Two trials down," he muttered. "I want to sleep for a month once this all over." 

Sintija ran up to Markos and wrapped her arms around him in a pouncing hug, she smelled of sweat, soot and tuberoses. "I take it you are okay then?" Markos grinned dumbly as he straightened up, tightly returning the hug as he lifted her up and spun around to look at the others. 

Caelyn sat with Iliana on an unbroken step leading up to the temple. He had her face in his hands as he checked her other. "We're good! Just need a breather."