The bridge was finished before sunset.
The final wooden beam slid into place with a satisfying thud, followed by the sound of hammers driving the last pegs into position.
For a brief moment, everyone simply stood there.
Then—
"It's done!"
Cheers erupted from both sides of the river.
Children were the first to test it, racing across the bridge while their parents called after them to slow down. Their laughter echoed over the flowing water, filling the valley with life.
John watched from the riverbank, a small smile forming on his face.
The bridge wasn't grand.
It wasn't built from enchanted stone or reinforced with powerful magic.
It was made of timber, rope, and countless hours of honest work.
Yet to the people of Greenhollow...
It meant everything.
"It suits them."
Aerion stepped beside him.
"They don't need monuments."
"They need something dependable."
John nodded.
"...Like this bridge."
"Exactly."
---
