Chapter 32: Revelations and Respite.

The newly rebuilt tavern hummed with the warm energy of a community knitting itself back together. Laughter echoed off the wooden walls, mingling with the soft strum of a guitar played by one of the regulars in the corner. Ava, freshly returned from her latest journey, navigated the room with Jess, her eyes sparkling with the joy of being home. It had been too long since she'd seen everyone, and the familiar warmth was something she had missed more than she'd ever admit.

As they weaved through the crowd, Ava’s eyes landed on the boisterous group of her closest friends, Miko and Talon at the center, sharing a drink and a laugh. But it was Eli’s unmistakable voice that drew Ava's attention. He was recounting a story, probably one of his grand tales, and the sound of his laughter made Ava's heart lighten.

With a grin, Ava crept up behind Eli, her steps as silent as a cat’s. In one swift motion, she covered his eyes with her hands, leaning close and speaking in a playful whisper. "Guess who?"

Eli’s momentary surprise melted into a smile, and without turning, he said, "If it isn’t my favorite Ronin coming back to ruin my story." He turned in his seat, pulling Ava into a tight hug. "Ava! I didn’t think you’d be back so soon."

"I couldn’t leave you to bore everyone with your terrible stories," she teased, her voice warm as they shared a quick laugh.

The group welcomed her with open arms, and soon they found themselves sitting around a large rustic table, cold drinks in hand. Ava began recounting her travels, each story more adventurous and absurd than the last. "And I swear," she said, laughing as she recounted her latest mishap, "I spent half my time fixing that blasted lock at Sam’s outpost. Every time I’d try to take a bath, it’d just fall apart! I think it’s haunted."

The table erupted with laughter, even Talon wiping away tears of amusement as he imagined his sister wrestling with the stubborn lock. Eli leaned back, shaking his head. "A Ronin, undefeated in battle, brought down by a broken lock. That’s a story I’d pay to hear again."

But as the laughter faded, the mood shifted when Talon’s expression grew more serious. He exchanged a look with Lucas, who had been sitting quietly, a folder resting on the table in front of him. The weight of something unsaid hung between them.

Clearing his throat, Talon finally spoke. "Ava, there’s something else," he said, his voice hesitant but steady. "Lucas and I found some information about your village."

The lightness in the room was instantly replaced with a heavy silence. Ava’s playful demeanor faded as she stared at her brother, her eyes narrowing slightly in surprise. The mention of her village was like a distant echo of a life she had tried to bury. She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.

"About my village?" Ava’s voice was quiet, but there was no missing the tension in it.

Jess, ever the calming presence, reached out and placed a hand on Ava’s arm, sensing the unease. "We didn’t want to blindside you with this," Jess said gently. "We just thought it might be something you’d want to know."

Ava nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to the folder on the table. Her fingers twitched as though she wanted to reach for it but couldn’t quite bring herself to move. She let out a soft breath, the weight of the room pressing down on her. "I appreciate it, I do," Ava said, her voice tight. "But... it’s a lot."

Sensing her need for space, Talon placed his hand over hers for a brief moment. "We understand," he said softly. "You take your time."

Ava stood abruptly, pushing her chair back a little too forcefully. "I just need a minute. Some air," she muttered, her voice strained but controlled. Without waiting for a response, she stepped outside the tavern, the cool night air greeting her like an old friend.

Inside, the group exchanged worried glances. Eli, who had been quiet through the conversation, looked around the table, a frown creasing his brow. "I feel like I’m still getting to know her," he admitted quietly, his eyes following the path Ava had taken outside. "This past of hers... I don’t know if I’ve ever really understood it."

Talon sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "I’m not sure if I’ve done the right thing, bringing this up now."

Jess, ever the grounding force, placed a reassuring hand on Talon’s shoulder. "You did the right thing, Talon," she said softly. "Ava will know it came from the heart. She’s strong, but even the strong need to face their past."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Lucas nodded in agreement, though his face showed concern. "She’s carried a lot for a long time. Sometimes facing it is the only way forward, but it’s hard when you’ve buried it so deep."

Miko leaned forward, his tone thoughtful. "She’ll get through this. Ava’s tough, but she’s also got us. That’s what will make the difference."

Talon looked towards the door, where Ava had stepped out just moments before. He took a deep breath, letting Jess's words settle in. "I hope you’re right. She’s lost so much already."

Jess offered a small smile, her hand squeezing Talon’s gently. "She knows she doesn’t have to go through this alone. And that makes all the difference."

Outside, Ava stood just beyond the entrance to the tavern, leaning against the wall and staring out at the quiet streets of Green Arbor. The laughter and warmth inside the tavern contrasted sharply with the cold weight of the folder waiting for her. Her past, the one she had fought so hard to leave behind, now sat just a few steps away, waiting to be uncovered.

But for now, she just needed a little more time.

The evening air was crisp outside the tavern, the kind of night that sharpened the senses and made the warmth inside all the more inviting. Yet Ava stood rooted, her breath forming misty clouds as she tried to settle the storm within. The distant murmur of laughter from the tavern felt like it came from another world. In contrast, her thoughts churned in turmoil. She barely noticed Talon approaching cautiously until he stood beside her, his own breath visible in the cool air.

"Ava," he began, his voice soft but steady. He hesitated, gauging her mood before continuing. "I haven’t told them anything specific—just the name of the village. Lucas has the details, but it's all sealed until you decide otherwise."

Ava's eyes softened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of Talon’s discretion. "What are they saying inside?" she asked, nodding toward the glowing tavern windows, the light spilling out into the cold night.

"Concern, mostly," Talon admitted, his voice low and filled with a familiar weariness. "They care about you. Miko’s worried you’ll head off alone again. Eli... he’s just trying to figure out how to support you. He doesn’t want to push too hard."

Ava’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I’m not used to people worrying about me," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's strange, having so many people care."

Inside the tavern, the group sat in a semi-circle, their usual laughter dimmed into thoughtful whispers. Eli fidgeted with his drink, glancing at the door every few moments, the uncertainty gnawing at him. "Should I go talk to her?" he asked, his voice low, more to himself than anyone else.

Jess laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but steady. "Give them a moment, Eli," she advised, her eyes understanding. "Ava’s not one to easily open up about her past. Don’t take it personally if she hasn’t shared much with you yet. Even with me, it took a long time. She’s protective of the parts of herself that hurt the most."

Eli’s brow furrowed as he processed Jess’s words. "It’s just... I want to help, but sometimes I feel like I’m walking blind around her."

Lucas, leaning back against the bar, offered a knowing nod. "Don’t feel bad, mate," he said, his tone both kind and a little rueful. "I’ve known Ava for nearly eight years, and we only just learned the name of her village a few months ago. She opens up when she’s ready. Until then, you’ve just got to be patient."

Eli gave a small nod, though the frustration in his eyes didn’t entirely fade. "I just want to be there for her."

"You are," Jess reassured him. "In your own way, you already are."

Outside, Ava looked toward the tavern, the weight of her decision heavy on her heart. "Maybe it’s time," she murmured, almost to herself. "To confront one of my oldest ghosts."

Talon glanced at her, a mixture of pride and protectiveness in his eyes. "You don’t have to face this alone, Ava. We’ve got your back, whatever you decide."

With a deep breath, Ava straightened her posture and walked back toward the tavern, Talon falling in step beside her. The room quieted as they entered, the air heavy with anticipation. All eyes turned toward Ava as she scanned the room, her gaze landing on Lucas at the bar.

"Lucas," she called out firmly, her voice cutting through the silence. The conversations stopped, the atmosphere shifting as everyone focused on her. "It might be time for me to put away some old ghosts. Can you show me what you’ve found?"

Lucas met her gaze with a look of understanding. He reached into his folder, pulling out a small, sealed envelope, and held it out to her. "Everything’s here, Ava," he said gently. "Whenever you’re ready."

Ava took the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the worn paper. The weight of what was inside seemed to press down on her like a physical burden. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice a mix of gratitude, resolve, and the quiet fear of what she might uncover.

Eli watched from his seat, his heart tight in his chest. He leaned toward Jess and whispered, "She’s stronger than all of us."

Jess nodded, her eyes never leaving Ava. "She is. But even the strongest need someone to lean on."

Ava turned and walked back to her seat, the envelope still clutched in her hand. The room was silent, a shared understanding passing between them all—whatever was in that envelope, whatever memories or pain it might stir, they would face it together. No one would let Ava carry this burden alone.

As she sat down, she looked around at the faces of her friends—her family. They gave her a quiet nod, a promise of support without needing to speak a word.

In the silence, Eli shifted in his seat, feeling the weight of his own emotions. He still felt like he was learning how to be a part of Ava’s world, but watching her now—steady, resolved, and surrounded by people who loved her—he realized he didn’t have to have all the answers. Just being there, ready to support her when she needed it, was enough for now.

Ava’s hand tightened around the envelope, but she didn’t open it—not yet. For now, just knowing it was there, waiting, was enough. She would confront it when she was ready.

And when that time came, she knew she wouldn’t be alone.