The morning sun cast a warm glow over Drelmire, marking the beginning of another peaceful day. the villagers had already started their daily tasks. But for Samuel and his party, today was different. It was time to move on.
Samuel stood outside the house they had been staying in, looking toward the village square. The past few weeks had been peaceful, but they couldn't stay here forever.
Elaine and Marianne were already awake, packing supplies for the journey ahead. Jason, as usual, was still half-asleep, while Sylvia quietly helped organize their things.
Lyra sat near the window, gazing outside. She had been quieter than usual the past few days.
Samuel took a deep breath. It was time to tell the village chief.
Speaking with Chief Orwin,
Samuel and the group made their way to the village chief's home, where Orwin was already waiting.
He smiled as they entered. "Good morning, young ones. You've done a lot for this village. What brings you here so early?"
Samuel hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Chief Orwin, we've enjoyed our time here, but we can't stay any longer. We need to return to Zoria."
The chief's expression softened. He had expected this moment to come. "I see… It is only natural. You have your own journey to follow."
Elaine stepped forward. "The people of Zoria will need to hear about what happened here. And we still have our own mission to continue."
The chief nodded. "I understand. But know this—Drelmire will always welcome you. You are heroes to these people."
Samuel wasn't sure how to respond. He had never thought of himself as a hero.
Jason crossed his arms. "We were just doing what needed to be done."
Orwin chuckled. "Perhaps. But for these villagers, your actions meant everything."
Saying Goodbyes,
As word spread that Samuel's party was leaving, the villagers gathered to bid them farewell.
Children ran up to Samuel, thanking him for saving them.
Men and women expressed their gratitude, offering small gifts.
Elderly villagers gave their blessings, wishing them a safe journey.
Elaine smiled as she hugged one of the younger girls. "Be good, alright?"
Sylvia patted a boy on the head. "Stay out of trouble."
Marianne received a small bag of dried fruits from an old woman. "For your journey," she said kindly.
Jason, despite acting indifferent, was surrounded by a group of village girls, all thanking him for his help. "Ah—uh, yeah, you're welcome," he muttered, scratching his head.
Samuel, meanwhile, was approached by Orwin once more.
"You have a long road ahead of you," Orwin said. "May the spirits watch over you."
Samuel nodded. "Thank you, Chief. And… take care of everyone here."
The chief gave him a firm nod.
Finally, Lyra stood slightly apart from the others, watching in silence.
As they prepared to leave, she glanced at Samuel. "Let's go."
The Journey Begins Again,
With their supplies packed and their farewells given, Samuel and his party left Drelmire, stepping onto the road leading back to Zoria.
The village disappeared behind them, but the memories remained.
As they walked, Jason stretched. "So, how long do you think it'll take to reach Zoria?"
Elaine thought for a moment. "At least a few weeks, depending on the conditions."
Marianne sighed. "Hopefully, no more surprises on the way."
Samuel remained quiet, his mind drifting back to the people they had saved, the battle they had fought, and what awaited them in Zoria.
The peace of the village was over. It was time to return to the real world.