The village of Liria felt different in the final days before their departure.
The streets, once filled with simple routines and playful laughter, now echoed with quiet pride and hidden sorrow. Villagers offered gifts—handwoven cloaks, small charms, and food for the journey. Children watched from behind their mothers, eyes wide with admiration for the young heroes who were about to step into the wider world.
Eren, Kael, Lyra, and Reina trained less during these days and spent more time savoring the peace they had known here. They played games with the younger children, helped repair fences, and sat around evening fires with old men telling stories of their youth. These weren't just moments of rest—they were moments of farewell.
Each night felt more precious than the last.
The Night Before Departure
That final evening, the village gathered for a farewell feast in the central square. Lanterns hung from tree branches, casting warm golden light across faces brimming with emotion. Brann stood with a proud smile, raising a cup.
"To the young swords who once were just children chasing sheep and tossing snowballs," he said, voice thick with emotion. "You've grown into something far more. I've trained you with everything I had—but now, your paths must be your own. Travel, fight, learn… and when you tire, remember this village's door is always open."
The villagers raised their cups. Tears were not hidden, nor was the pride.
Later that night, Eren found himself under the moonlit tree where he and Arin had so often sat together. The sky above shimmered with stars, and snow gently fell like feathers around them.
Arin sat quietly beside him, her hands clutching a small handmade charm.
"You're really leaving," she whispered, voice soft.
Eren nodded, his breath misting in the cold. "Tomorrow morning."
"I knew this day would come." Arin's voice trembled. "But knowing and being ready… are different things."
Eren turned to her, eyes deep with emotion. "I'll come back, Arin. I promise. No matter how far I go… I'll return to this tree. To you."
She looked at him, eyes shining. "You better. If you forget, I'll come find you and drag you back."
They both laughed—quiet, broken laughter—but laughter nonetheless.
Eren reached into his pocket and handed her a smooth, icy-blue stone. "This is from the river near the sword training cliff. Keep it with you. When you look at it… think of me."
She nodded, slipping it into her coat. Then, unable to hold back, she leaned forward and hugged him tightly. Eren, stunned for a moment, returned the embrace.
"I'll wait," she whispered. "No matter how long it takes."
And beneath that silver moon, with snowflakes dancing through the air, two children promised a bond that would outlast time and distance.
Tomorrow, their journey would begin.
But tonight, they shared one last quiet goodbye beneath the stars.