We start this episode discussing Brashen's guilt for his harsh advice to Althea as well as misguided thoughts. Althea meanwhile was up early, preparing to live on her own and gathering essentials. She finds herself in front of Amber's shop and finally has a face-to-face discussion with the enigmatic woodcarver that is familiarly opaque with references to fate. 

Our favorite insane Liveship, Paragon, is surprised to find Althea approach him. After some discussion with him, Althea finds a place to hunker down on board for the night and wait for Brashen, who comes back to sleep on board, as well. Meanwhile, Kennit and Sorcor have failed to catch a liveship, but have caught wind of their first slaver to attack. 

We follow Althea as she walks to the docks to speak with Vivacia. Reassuring her that Wintrow will be a good companion eventually, Althea also tells Vivacia that she has a plan to get the ship back. In the midst of all the talks, Althea becomes wary of Vivacia's burgeoning personality and possible vengeful attitude. Althea hurries away to think on her future, her ship, and her next steps, but before she can leave the docks, she's confronted by the mysterious Amber. 

Part 2 of this chapter is possibly even more frustrating than the first half. Ronica and Kyle discuss Althea, Wintrow, and the future of the family's finances. Ronica can't believe the plan is slipping this far away from her original vision and sees Kyle grasping more and more control for himself. She has to reassess the dynamics and direct Kyle's thoughts towards his next trip away. However, that trading trip includes Kyle dealing in slaves which both Ronica and Keffria try to unsuccessfully convince him otherwise. 

Althea overhears Kyle, Ronica, and Keffria's argument over Wintrow and goes to eavesdrop on it. After Kyle insults her, she storms in and the family starts to air out their grievances. Kyle flexes his status and bullies Wintrow in to getting his way. Ronica tries to keep the peace, but Althea ends up leaving her childhood home for good. 

This chapter kicks off the many intertwining plot threads. We see Brashen and Paragon's friendship, as well as a glimpse into how the liveship keeps madness at bay. Kennit and Sorcor have a discussion about the future and Kennit is able to convince Sorcor to pursue a liveship in exchange for chasing slavers. Finally, we discuss Wintrow's future and more of Kyle's manipulation and abuse of his family. 

We return to the Vestrit home and discuss Kyle and Keffria's relationship, Keffria's role, and the decisions Kyle is making. Meanwhile, Brashen walks Althea home away from prying eyes and they happen to walk past Amber, our favorite bead seller. Althea manages to compliment and insult her in one breath and then they head back home. Brashen drops her off but not before Kyle angrily confronts both, ending with no one happy. 

Wintrow is left feeling adrift watching his family bury Ephron and introduce Vivacia to the rest of the traders. He is unfamiliar with the traditions and is ready to head back to the monastery. However, like calls to like and Wintrow volunteers to spend the night on Vivacia, starting to create a bond with the liveship. Meanwhile, Brashen has been remotely babysitting Althea, who needs to sleep off the liquor. 

Ephron Vestrit is quickly brought aboard his ship, Vivacia on a litter. Standing by, Brashen is hit with the reality of his impending death. All of the family gathers to witness the final transference of essence to awaken The Vivacia. Ronica's plan and Kyle's gambit come to fruition to bypass Althea, to her despair and rage. Join us in discussing Brashen, Althea, and other viewpoints of this pivotal moment! 

The Vivacia heads back home to Bingtown, but not before Althea starts drowning in the ship's memories. We get insight into Wintrow's thoughts about his old home and Brashen's about his fears for the future and concerns for Althea. The homecoming isn't what Althea is expecting, however. Her father, Ephron, and patriarch of the Vestrit family, is soon to die.