Fern returns from the printworks with handbills advertising Thistleburr's grand reopening, featuring Zelia Greatstrider. Viv struggles with the sandwich board until Satchel takes over and produces beautifully ornate chalk lettering. Satchel laments that he cannot meet Zelia, fearing the risk to her if Varine learned of their contact, hardening Viv's resolve against the necromancer.

Viv and Fern post handbills throughout Murk. Viv passes Iridia, who watches but does not interfere, and saves the last flyer for Brand at The Perch, where they gossip about Zelia and Berk. On Freyday, Viv sets up the sandwich board, picks up scones from Maylee, and joins Fern at the shop, where Satchel tucks himself into his box for safety before Zelia and Berk arrive.

Fern is briefly starstruck and flustered, but Zelia takes charge, settling in with tea and books to sign. Luca, the dwarven Gatewarden, becomes the first customer, nervously asking for an autograph and chatting about her work. The shop fills steadily; even Highlark stops in. Every Greatstrider book sells out, along with many others.

From the back hall, Viv and Berk observe contentedly. Berk hints at the bittersweet nature of his relationship with the long-lived Zelia, remarking that sometimes it will never be the right time, and sometimes people aren't the right people yet. Viv thinks of Maylee and Fern.

After closing, Maylee arrives to celebrate. Viv releases Satchel, who reflects poignantly on knowing experiences without being able to feel them. Viv decides it's time to take Satchel along on Gallina's spineback hunt the next day. Maylee declines to come along. Fern falls asleep in her chair with Potroast curled in her lap.