The Reaper has docked in Candletown and Althea is ready to head back to Bingtown with a ship's ticket to claim Vivacia as her own. However, the revelation of Althea's gender forces her off the ship without it and with a deeping sense of hopelessness. In the meantime, Brashen is looking forward to continuing his relationship with Althea and waits for her to show up at his inn.