The morning air was lighter here.
Not warm, not cold. Just enough to remind you that the seasons were beginning to shift.
You stood in the town square, small and peaceful, with sunlight pouring between the old brick houses and children running past with sticks for swords. The trees wore fresh green, and flowers grew in the cracks between cobblestones. Everything here seemed… unbothered. Like time itself walked a little slower.
Noel had gone ahead to drop off a letter at his brother's home earlier that day. You'd followed slowly after, still not used to walking without a shadow of dread following behind.
Now, you waited near the old well at the edge of the town's open path—backpack light, shoes worn, and thoughts quietly swirling.
Gepard had already arrived.
He leaned against a wooden post, arms crossed. The town's local guard captain, tall with stern eyes that softened ever so slightly when he looked your way. He had offered to travel with you to Lioria City, since your destination was the same—and… Noel insisted.
''Are you sure you're used to long roads? '' Gepard asked, glancing at your shoes. He sounded calm, even if a little stiff. ''We'll be walking through some rougher parts of the countryside.''
You nodded once, holding your satchel tighter.
''I've walked worse. I'll manage.''
There was a quiet hum of agreement. He didn't question further.
Footsteps padded softly from behind.
Noel finally appeared—his hair tied back in a low knot, clothes simple again, just like when you first met him. He carried no bags. No signs of travel.
Only his smile.
''You'll be in good hands,'' he said, looking at you, then at Gepard. ''He's not as cold as he looks. Just stubborn.''
Gepard scoffed quietly but said nothing.
You watched Noel's face for any cracks. Any sadness or hesitation. But he just walked forward, then pulled you gently into a hug—arms warm, steady.
''I'm staying,'' he said, as if it had already been decided.
''My brother needs help at the forge, and I've been wandering too long anyway.''
You opened your mouth, but words didn't come. It wasn't sadness that filled your chest… just that strange tightness when you realize something kind has quietly ended.
He stepped back and patted your shoulder.
''You've still got stories to find, don't you? ''Noel said. His voice was so soft it almost cracked.
''Go on, Wanderer.''
You blinked at him, surprised by the name. The same one he'd heard others call you. The name you chose. The name he now understood.
He turned to Gepard and gave him a silent nod—a quiet command between family. Something like taking care of them. Gepard nodded once in return.
And then, with a hand raised, Noel stepped away.
You didn't cry.
But something about the way he stood there, watching you go, hands in his pockets, the wind nudging his coat like it was trying to pull him along—something about that stayed with you.
You and Gepard passed the wooden gates of the town.
A new road ahead.
One path closed.
Another, waiting.
And far behind, in a quiet corner of the world, Noel stood where you left him. Still watching. Still smiling.