Chapter 138: Farewell

Anaria and her mates had decided to return to Wolfrine the following morning. Her leg had healed, the corruption had died down, and the settlement was no longer in immediate danger. Before leaving, she wanted to tell the villagers herself.

By midmorning, the villagers had gathered in the open space near the central shelter. Some left their work to join the others, while parents brought their children along. Rylan, Kenai, and Kai stood nearby. They had all agreed to the departure, and Anaria wanted the villagers to understand that it was a decision they had made together.

She looked around at the familiar faces.

"My mates and I have decided that we will return to Wolfrine tomorrow morning."

A murmur passed through the crowd. Several villagers exchanged surprised looks. A woman near the front glanced towards Anaria’s healed leg.

"Tomorrow? Are you certain you are ready to travel?"

"I am. My leg has healed, and I can walk properly again."

"But you were still recovering not long ago," another woman reminded her. "You should not rush yourself. A long journey can be tiring."

Anaria looked down at her legs, then lifted one foot slightly before raising the other. She moved them to show that she could stand without difficulty.

"Look at them. Both legs are working well. I can walk without a splint, and I no longer need someone beside me every time I move."

A few villagers smiled, but the older woman remained unconvinced.

"Being able to walk does not mean you should forget to rest."

Anaria lowered her foot. "If I keep resting until everyone agrees that I am fully recovered, I may still be here when the rains have passed."

Laughter spread through the gathering. Even the woman who had been warning her smiled, though she shook her head.

"You can laugh, but you must still be careful."

"I will," Anaria promised. "My mates will be travelling with me, and we have already prepared for the journey. We would not have decided to leave if we thought it was unsafe."

The villagers quieted again, and Anaria continued.

"I have enjoyed my stay here. When I first arrived, I did not know what to expect. You welcomed me and my family, gave us a place to stay, and helped us when we needed it. I am grateful for the kindness you have shown us."

Many of the villagers had worked alongside her and helped her while her leg was injured.

"When I came here, I could not move around as freely as I wanted. I am thankful that I was able to recover among people who treated me with such kindness."

Her gaze moved towards the shelters around the clearing.

"The corruption that threatened this land has also died down. We cannot know for certain whether it will ever return, but the danger has eased, and I hope it stays that way. Please remain careful and continue looking after one another."

"We have also worked together to improve parts of the settlement," Anaria continued. "The shelters, the clean water area, the place where the children play, and the shelter where the women can sew and make things for their families. These things should serve you for years if you take care of them."

She gestured towards the children’s play area.

"Repair anything that becomes damaged. Keep the water area clean, and do not allow the shelters to fall into disrepair. You already have people who know how to build and mend things. Continue sharing what you know and helping one another. The work will last if you all care for it."

"We will remember your advice," one of the elders said. "This settlement belongs to all of us. We will continue the work."

"That is what I hope," Anaria replied. "I want the things we have worked on to remain useful long after we leave."

"As much as I have come to care about this place, Wolfrine is my home. My mates and I have people and responsibilities waiting for us there. We cannot stay here forever, and it is time for us to return."

Her voice softened.

"I will remember the kindness you have shown us. I will remember the time we spent together and the people who helped us. Leaving does not mean I will forget you. You have become dear to me, and I will carry these memories with me when I return home."

An older villager stepped forward. "We are grateful that you came here, Anaria. You helped us even while you were recovering, and you treated our people with kindness. You and your family will always be welcome if you return."

"Thank you," Anaria replied. "I would like to visit again if I have the opportunity."

Before the gathering could break up, a little girl came forward, holding the edge of her mother’s garment.

"Are you really leaving tomorrow?"

Anaria looked down at her. "Yes, dear."

"But you cannot go yet. We still want you here."

The girl’s words brought the other children forward. One asked when Anaria would return, another wanted her to stay for a few more days, and a boy reminded her that they had only recently finished the play area.

"There are still places we wanted to show you," he said.

Anaria listened patiently. "I know you want me to stay, and I would like to spend more time with you too. But Wolfrine is my home, and I have to return there with my family."

"Will you come back?" a girl asked.

"I hope I will have the chance."

The girl lowered her eyes. "What if you forget us?"

Anaria crouched in front of her and gently touched her shoulder.

"How could I forget you? You have given me many good memories. I will remember all of you."

The girl managed a small smile. Anaria assured the children that Ana could come with her if they visited again, then encouraged them to keep playing together and take care of the place they had helped create.

By midday, the first gifts began arriving.

An older woman brought a basket filled with dried meat and fruit for the journey. Another villager offered a woven bag, while a man brought a warm covering for the cooler nights along the route. Others came with herbs and small bundles of food, giving what they could spare.

"You have already given us so much," Anaria told the woman who brought the basket. "You should keep some of these things for your own family."

"We have enough," the woman replied. "Take it. You will need food on the journey."

Anaria accepted the basket and thanked her.

The children brought gifts too. One girl presented a little wooden animal she had made with help from an older relative. Another offered several smooth stones she had collected near the water. A boy brought a woven cord and explained that he had made it himself. Anaria thanked them and placed the gifts carefully with the other supplies.

Then a younger child approached, holding a small wooden toy for Ana. Its shape was uneven, but the child had clearly spent time making it.

"This is for your daughter," the child said shyly.

Anaria accepted it with a warm smile. "Thank you. I will keep it for her."

The child beamed and hurried back to the others.

By late afternoon, the family had received more gifts than Anaria expected. Rylan arranged the supplies, Kai secured the bundles, and Kenai stayed with Ana as she watched the growing pile of belongings.

When Anaria came over, Ana reached for her. Anaria lifted her into her arms, and the child immediately grabbed at a woven cord hanging from a nearby basket.

"That is not a toy," Anaria murmured, moving it out of reach.

Ana reached for it again, but Kenai placed the cord with the supplies. Anaria kissed her daughter’s cheek. "You cannot take everything with us, little one."

As evening approached, villagers came to wish Anaria a safe journey. Some thanked her again, while others simply sat with the family for a short while. The children lingered longest, reluctant to leave even when their parents called them home. She reminded them to look after one another and take care of the play area. Eventually, their parents led them away, and a few children turned back to wave. Anaria waved until they disappeared among the shelters.

She was ready to return to Wolfrine, but grateful for her time here. The villagers had welcomed her when she needed somewhere to recover, and their shared work would continue to help them after she left.

Rylan approached after checking the final bundles. "Everything is ready."

Anaria nodded and glanced at the gifts arranged beside their belongings.

"Then we should rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."

The family settled in for their final night in the settlement. Anaria hoped the villagers would remain safe and that the corruption would not return. The following morning, they would return to Wolfrine.