THEN THE ACTUAL DEPARTURE
Our formation looked like this:
Me & Coffi inside the carriage
(aka mobile bed, food storage, and emotional support container)
Henry & Joff driving
(complaining loudly about wanting more coffee)
Sir Alex & Sir Jin on their horses
(looking majestic, miserable, and over-caffeinated)
Ten bow-and-arrow elven warriors
(silent, elegant, probably judging my posture)
As the carriage rolled forward, the village erupted into cheers:
"Safe travels, Lady Seraphine!"
"Come back anytime!"
"Bless us again with the Coffee of Rebirth!"
"Please return with more stories about the tragic lovers who died for no reason!"
"That's Romeo and Juliet!" I yelled back.
One child waved a wooden mug. "Miss Seraphine! When we grow up can we make coffee too?"
"Yes, baby, YES. Spread the caffeine gospel!"
And off we went.
Through the newly revived forest. Under the soft morning sun. With birds singing and leaves rustling.
