Seraphine stood outside the town's small trading square, where the afternoon sun cast a golden hue across the cobbled streets. Her armor lightly clinked with each step as she approached Ronan, who was busy helping his crew pack up crates onto their caravan. The buzz of town life surrounded them, yet her presence drew his attention instantly.
"Hey," Seraphine greeted, her voice composed yet carrying the weight of uncertainty.
Ronan turned, surprised but pleased. "Hey, Seraphine. So… you made up your mind yet about going to the village?"
She paused, then nodded slowly. "Yes, I'll be going," she said, her eyes briefly drifting to the ground. "I just hope it won't be a bother to you."
Ronan chuckled and waved off the concern with a smile. "Not at all. In fact, my crew would be glad to have someone as skilled as you coming along. Safer journey for all of us."
Seraphine allowed herself a small smile. "So when will you guys be leaving?"
"We're nearly done packing," Ronan answered while gesturing toward the half-loaded wagon. "At most, two or three days. Don't worry, I'll come to pick you up when it's time—if that's alright with you."
She nodded again, a little lighter this time. "Alright. I'll be waiting then."
With a quick goodbye, Seraphine turned and headed off to resume her guard duties, her steps steady but her heart still braced for what was to come.
That evening, under a calm night sky, Han appeared before Ronan near the merchant camp. Ronan, clearly in high spirits, grinned wide.
"I don't know how you did it, but thank you," he said, placing a hand on Han's shoulder. "I didn't think she'd ever agree to return. You really are the real deal, huh?"
Han smirked, proud of himself. "Well, who do you think I am?"
Then, his expression grew serious. "But enough praise. Let's talk about the next step. We've got a big problem."
Ronan's cheerful expression shifted to concern. "Problem?"
"She leaves for war in a month or two," Han said gravely. "If you want to confess your feelings, you don't have much time."
Ronan's face flushed. "W-what should I do then?"
"Just be there for her," Han replied. "She's got a lot of pain bottled up. Try to ease it. Make her remember the good memories of her past—the people she cared about, the happiness she once had. That's all we can do right now."
Then, Han gives him a nod of encouragement and says, "Don't get disheartened. I know very well that you can do it ."
He gave Ronan a thumbs up and a reassuring nod. "Good luck."
As Han faded into the night, Ronan stood under the starlit sky, heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
Two days passed in a blur.
The caravan was packed. The horses were ready. The crew was gathered. And so, with determination in their hearts and shadows of the past trailing close behind, Seraphine and the merchants set out—toward the village which Seraphine once called home.