They're inside a town hall. Aldric sits in a small lounge, watching the snow fall. His hair has grayed considerably and he has dark circles around his eyes. There's yelling on the other side of the door. A man who sounds like what you will come to know as Dark Cacao Cookie is speaking. If you enter the room, phasing through walls unnoticed like a ghost, you'll see the man speaking to the other adults- some are familiar, parents or friends. Elijah and Rillian are there- they seem older, too.

“Friends. I have spoken to Aldric… and it pains me to say, he is no longer in a trustworthy state. We have all seen his seemingly irrational actions, and what they imply.” He sighs, then squares his shoulders.

“And so, until a solution can be found to his addled state, he will be kept contained and I will be taking on his duties.” His tone offers no debate, no hesitation. Eyes narrowed and falling on each of them in turn, as if daring anyone to question it. “He has been informed already… and hopefully this will be a short-lived shift in routine. But until he can be sure of his safety and the safety of the Grove it is imperative the chain of command be passed smoothly and without any dissent.” This voice is even… but there is a vague underlying threat there regardless. As if arguing with him could be a danger to the entire Grove outright.

Aldric remains in the sitting room, head pressed against the cool glass. He's so tired.

There's a murmer of voices, but... no one speaks against this decision.

"Is it true, Domanic? That he nearly broke a Star spirit's neck?"

"I see him talking to himself constantly, or holding something that isn't there."

"Will he get better?"

More and more questions blend together, and Aldric sighs, face in hands as he tries to breathe. He's so tired.