In Essembra, Mr. Jingles spoke with Pony's handler, Chesduk, who said that Mr. Jingles could finally take ownership of Pony on the condition that he travel with Pony for 5 months and return with a proper name for himself and the animal. Mr. Jingles agreed and departed, later encountering Mal and Keerian, Emmit's wife and son. Mal asked Mr. Jingles to escort her south to an abbey of clerics so she could train to one day revive Emmit, which he did before continuing on to Ordulin to rejoin his friends.

At Catavir, the newly created bardic college in Ordulin, Aeraelle bid farewell to her roommate, Aliz, while Galadrathrill and Saltair met with the dean, Igwa. The group journeyed on to Highmoon while Galadrathrill lamented the upcoming reunion with his family. Along the East Way road, the party met a tiefling named Arthur who had recently returned from the Nine Hells of Baator with a Soul Coin, which he traded away for some cookies. They also met a tabaxi named Kowazi in search of their Grandpa Jack.

Arriving in Highmoon, Zera split from the party to take some time to clear her mind. The group was then greeted ceremoniously by Galadrathrill's mother, Myriathira, who invited them all to dinner. Over the course of the meal, Myriathira admonished Galadrathrill regarding a series of past lapses in judgement while also revealing that his father, Ulianeth, had heard the calling of Arvandor and would be passing on soon. Pleading for help, Galadrathrill requested aid in reaching the Feywild. Myriathira eventually acquiesced, offering to supply their quest if Galadrahtrill would once again complete the Trials of Ascension to reaffirm his connection to the elven way of life.