The battle with Harlere rages on as he continues to attempt to manipulate Río into giving him the name. Tosh and Diego are left to fend for themselves in a pocket dimension. Río surprises herself with an attunement she didn't previously think possible. Athena checks in with Hesto and the group needs to rest before attending the evening's celebration. Río doesn't feel like partying, but she does check in on Pan. Athena retrieves a letter from her owl before having a heart-to-heart with Ríona. Río is coming to terms with every part of herself.

Diego and Tosh bicker about taking action. Ever the strategist, Diego speaks to the general about the military might of the Tenebris. Athena activates the gem of brightness to summon the rest of the D’artagnans to back her up against the threat of Harlere. The D’artagnans work together to try and stop Harlere, but the dragon makes a compelling case to Río, which gives her pause.

The D'artagnans are faced with a moral dilemma and try to come to the best conclusion. They parlay with the previous general of the Tenebris and discuss their options at length. While the rest of the group reaches an accord, Athena hesitates. She communes with Archimedes for guidance. Río and Athena have very different points of view. Athena goes back to Hesto alone.

The D'artagnans are escorted into the heart of the Elven city by Hesto. Diego makes an unfortunate discovery. The group hopes to parlay with Harlere once again but find themselves unable to do so.

Tosh recounts where he received his tattoo and his connection to Litu and Cruentus. Athena connects Río to Galatine as the two discuss the implications of Río giving up the name of the Dragon of Eruption. The D'artagnans wander farther into the Tenebris where they meet a familiar face and an unsettling statement-of-fact.

The D'artagnans work together to combat a group of trolls in the Tenebris forest. (no combat music)

Combat ensues when the D'artagnans encounter a group of forest trolls.

Athena converses with, well, everyone! Archimedes reveals a potential boon for Athena, if she chooses to utilize it. Diego is thirsty and Athena isn't happy. Río and Athena begin to mend fences between them. Athena checks in with Tosh, who learns some unfortunate news about Ara from Dasco. The group descends into the Tenebris forest.

The D’Artagnans, Dasco, and Benedict choose flight over being taken into custody of the crown, leaving on the airship rather than facing bogus charges. Tensions run high as the group debates their next move. With no clear destination and fraying trust, the D’Artagnans struggle to find their footing. A heart-to-heart helps.

The D'artagnans sneak into the palace prison to have a (forbidden) conversation with Felix. Athena and Tosh get answers to their questions. Río introduces Diego to his mother. A royal messenger bears some unwelcome news.