The journey back home was met with no troubles at all. By destroying the Giant of Mount Hadid, it was as though Mayabelle, Ember and Idril had chased all of the monsters away for good. 

Every friend they had made along the way was visited again. Dharnon and the rest of the underground tieflings drank merrily in honor of the three, Witch Whispers welcomed them warmly again and Heather and Jericho celebrated their return with a delicious lamb dinner. 

Their hometown, which by now was buzzing with the news of their quest, welcomed them grandly with a parade in their honor. All hard feelings between Ember and the people of her town was lost as her hands were shook and her back patted.

 Idril played tunes of celebration and victory on her flute while the townsfolk danced merrily. Her tip mug was filled five times over from the generous hearts and wallets of the people.

 Many people came up to Mayabelle, Ember and Idril with tears in their eyes, telling them that it was their mountain they saved. Illaman came to them as well, offering them great thanks. 

"Now, thanks to your bravery, my people can once more live!"

Then, the three friends were set up on a raised platform to tell the story of their quest. The audience gasped, laughed and stayed in shocked silence as they told of the hyena man, Mayabelle's possession, Witch Whispers, the lake monster, the deserted cottage, the start up thee great mountain, the sudden meeting with the tiefling band, the crumbling mountain, the great bird and, last of all, the giant that had finally tumbled to its demise. 

When the story ended, the people of the city again cheered loudly. These were the heroes of their town, their province and their nation. 

While Ember was in the crowd, she felt a little tap on her lower back. She turned to see a wonderful familiar face. Auntie Myrtle was standing there, her arms open for a hug, a smile on her wrinkled face. Ember fell to her knees, happy tears welling in here eyes. She hugged her Auntie so tightly, she thought she would never let go. 

"I was so worried for you," Auntie said, finally pulling her away to look at her. 

"I missed you so much," Ember said, grasping her Auntie's hands.

"Look at you, you're a mess! I'm thankful those good girls were along with you," said the halfling, appraising Ember's scared and bruised arms and face, broken tail and battered clothes. "Once this whole carrying on gets over, you invite your friends home, and we'll see you get cleaned up and a good hot meal." 

"Thank you so much!" Ember exclaimed.

Idril danced as much as she could on a bruised ankle, playing her flute to the tune of high spirits. When the last notes of another victory tune rang out, she heard a very official, smooth voice issuing behind her. 

"Pardon me, Princess Luthin," spouted a young, blonde haired elf with a pale face, blue eyes and official silver uniform. 

Idril turned slowly, regarding the young elf. 

"No one has called me by that name in a very long time," she explained slowly. 

"Yes, I would think so," the elf pondered. "I have come to give you summons to your parent's castle. They have heard of your victory and had sent me ahead to wait for you. You have three days to prepare yourself, then I am to accompany you. They have also given invitations to Ember Zealous and Mayabelle Honeycomb to meet with them."

Mayabelle was in her element, chatting with shop owners and families, children and the elderly, humans, halflings and elves. Suddenly, someone in particular caught her eye. A gnome who she had never seen before, his dark brown hair and coppery skin glowed from the lights in windows and from the setting sun. His gaze was upon her, and he strode up to greet her. 

"Mayabelle, your bravery and skill has been well told to me. My name is Loryn Singlespark, and I was curious if a certain someone would care to join me for a drink sometime?" 

The city's festivities slowly came to an end. The threat was gone from their midst. That night, the three adventurers slept better than they had in days, comfortable and contented, victory songs still playing in their minds.