The beautiful night ended, and despite the journey ahead, Maeve still felt and almost overwhelming sense of peace washed over her. Perhaps that single night of normalcy was enough to calm her. Perhaps one best friend was all she needed to keep her grounded.

“You ready?” Jolly asked. “Not quite,” she replied. She took one last deep breath out towards the city and the sea, not knowing when - if ever - she would see them again.

“Okay, now I’m ready.”

Finn helped her load her things onto her back, which were lighter than any of the other burdens she currently carried. Mirka smiled at her and gave her a wordless hug and a kiss on the cheek. So many things she wanted to say, but she saved them for later, in hopes that there would indeed be a later if she had words in waiting for it.

Finn then gave her a strong, warm hug and nodded. She turned toward the wood, and with a deep breath, began walking out to the path that led through the forest. The path that led to adventure, to danger, to war. But ultimately, the path that would hopefully lead to peace.

In just a few moments, Maeve and Jolly were out of sight. “I’m gonna miss her, that girl,” sighed Finn. “I’m not,” replied Mirka.

“You’re not? But she’s your best friend!”

“I know,” she answered with a smirk, “What? You think I’d ever let her leave off alone like that? No sir. I’m going with her. She doesn’t need to know it, but I’ll be there. I’ll always be there for her. Now, are you in or not?”