It is Upender who defeats the Shadow of Nestor.

It's how Anatola and Upender have always worked together. Anatola, smaller and quick, launches herself forward as soon as enemies make themselves visible. She gets in her jabs and swipes, toppling the monsters until they're prone. That is glory for her.

Then once Pebble has cast a scout command to power everyone up and Oceania has made a clear path with a ranged attack, Upender, large and bulky, with paws to match, makes her way over.

Oceania almost wants to be mad. But she's here as a hired teammate; the glory of victory is theirs to claim. As the once-leering opponent, a larger-than-life shadow of what had rescued them, turns to black, shimmering wisps under Upender's claws, Oceania tucks away her bow and refills her bolts, preparing for the next enemy.

"There we go!" Pebble remarks. "Another successful adventure. Good job, everyone." He points a white-tipped paw Oceania's way. "You had some really good finishing bolts."

Oceania purrs with gratitude, though privately she's pretty sure Pebble goes over-the-top with his compliments after quests because he doesn't actually do much during the adventure itself. His "call to action" spell is an essential one, there's no way around that fact. But he isn't exactly a heavy hitter on his own.

"He's right," Upender adds. Her cheerful demeanor is off-putting to Oceania, after watching the tortoiseshell rend enemy after enemy to shreds. "I know we're paying you, but we appreciate you joining us. The ranged support is invaluable."

"I try my best," Oceania replies. Which is true.

The four cats sit down to assess their spoils. Mostly, it's building supplies, a trinket here or there. Pebble's pretty knowledgeable in valuing materials, so he does so, dividing the total number equally, and then passing the items that, in terms of raw materials, are no use to them. It's common knowledge among the party that Oceania sells her rewards for notes, so the actual supplies are best kept to the other three cats.

"I'll see you all next week, then?" Oceania says once her share has been bundled up for her to easily take to the city. It's a bit of a formality; these cats leave her mind the second she reaches Gardenhome, until it's time for the next job. But instead of politely nodding and wishing her safe travels, the three cats in front of her pause and exchange glances.

Oceania doesn't prompt them, though her tail flicks. Whether it's with impatience or curiosity is hard to tell.

"We've been talking," Anatola begins. She's always spoken for the group, but especially for her and Upender. It seems that it's the arrangement the two mates prefer. Given that Pebble is Anatola's brother, Oceania always supposed it was something you got used to when you were close with her.

"We're trying to make something of the Flowerbed." Anatola looks at Oceania meaningfully. "It's a big endeavor, and we'd love some extra help. Recruiting cats isn't easy -- I hear that Nestor has been trying to help individual cats when they get here from Earth by setting them up with established villages, but that can only go so far, and adventuring hasn't been profitable."

"I'm sure there's cats in Gardenhome that could do with hiring one of you," Oceania replies drily.

"Oceania, you've been an asset to our party," Anatola presses. "Your ranger skills are unmatched, and you have amazing judgement."

At this, Upender shifts in her spot and glowers at something in the forest. This makes Oceania's chest tingle with petty satisfaction. Once, during an adventure, Upender had been caught off-guard by a monster's attack. Oceania had not hesitated to pick up where the leader had left off, directing Pebble and Anatola to victory, and the group as a whole to safety, with ease.

Clearly this had stung Upender's pride.

"I do have a life in Gardenhome, you know," Oceania points out. Technically true. She has a pile of furs in the corner of a suite that make up her bed, and very forgiving

"Of course," Anatola relents. "But we'd love for you to think about it. Building a village between just the three of us..." She shakes her head. "Well, that's not your responsibility. But we've come to think of you as a friend."

This is the part where she's supposed to reciprocate the sentiment, but Oceania isn't sure she has the brain space to plan what would come after that.

"You're good cats," she lands on. "But I have to get going -- my roommate's expecting me back by sundown. And I am not sure when that is with these branches, but it's probably soon."

There's a beat of silence, and then Pebble pipes up, "That's alright."

"Yeah, we'll be fine," Anatola adds with forced sincerity. "We'll see you next week!"

Oceania nods curtly. "See you next week."


The walk back from Gardenhome is a long one. The distance hasn't changed, but it's rationing a smaller amount of energy across an equal length. Oceania reaches her fur pile and flops right into it. The clatter of her equipment scattering beside her lulls her to sleep instantly.