Gideon awoke upon the sight of a clear and sunny summer morning through his window. A vast, tempestuous viridian sea spread before him, waves beyond counting, frozen in motion. The hills stretched on and on towards the horizon until they blurred into a haze of blue and green.

He sat up from his bedroll, rubbing sleep from his face. His dreams had been vivid, but they were of the type to instantly slip out of memory upon awakening, leaving him with only a vague feeling of anxiety.

His stomach grumbled loudly and he got to his feet, remembering that Surelin had invited him to breakfast. Thinking back to the outfit she’d worn, he decided to wear the fine white doublet she’d donated to him back in Loso.

The first breakfast after coming back is probably gonna be a big deal, he thought while getting dressed. Wonder where the dining room is.

When he was ready, he stepped outside into the hallway. Light seeped into it from around the hallway’s corner far off to his left, presumably from a window which had been opened to allow in the morning sunlight. A vast still life painting of a beautiful field of lilacs adorned the hallway’s walls and ceiling, practically ruined by the random damage that was present. Doors dotted the walls of the hallway, all of which were shut tight.

This is weird. It’s like I’m getting a glimpse at something I shouldn’t be.

Shrugging, Gideon walked to his right and quickly reached the stairwell Surelin had led him up last night. After descending, he entered the council chambers and was greeted with a surprising sight.

The entire council, minus Kara, was already seated at the table, in the process of eating breakfast. They were all in formal attire, using Edea’s fine tableware to dine upon what looked to be an assortment of fruits, nuts, and simple pastries. Surelin was seated at the head of the table, wearing the same gorgeous purple gown she’d first worn in Loso. Edea sat on her right, wearing a black gown with silver frills at the neckline and cuffs. Edwin was on Surelin’s left, dressed in the same formal military attire Len and Celaena were currently wearing. Corrina was also there in formal attire, wearing violet robes with a golden sash tied about her waist.

Their eyes briefly lifted to Gideon when he entered the room. Surelin nodded to him.

“Good morning, sleepyhead! The dining room is still a mess, so we’re having breakfast here. Take a seat, if you’d like.”

Sheepishly, he walked over to sit beside Len.

Very glad I wore this thing.

As he sat down, Surelin addressed the room.

“Gideon told me last night that he intends to leave us. In fact, he’ll be leaving this very morning, right after breakfast. Isn’t that right, Gideon?”

Looks of surprise crossed every face as they turned once again to look at him. He stared openly at Surelin, shocked.

…Wow. Okay. So I guess she changed her mind. I suppose it’s easier for her if it happens this way, but….

Her expression did not betray a single hint of sadness or anger. He could have sworn she seemed excited, if anything.

He broke eye contact with her, gauging the room. Everyone appeared to be nearly as taken off guard as he was, which could only mean she had yet to speak about it to anyone else.

Well, I’m not gonna sit here and let myself get humiliated. If she wants me to go, I’m gonna go.

“Yeah,” he said, trying to sound casual. “I’m uh…I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Where are you going, son?” Len asked, stunned.

“East of Loso. I’m gonna go see the Eastern Kingdoms.”

Edea had been just as surprised as everyone else, but her expression quickly began to betray suspicion.

“I see. This is very surprising news, indeed. I had fully expected you to remain here and participate in the rebuilding process.”

Gideon shrugged, regaining some of his normal calm.

Her eyes narrowed, and she turned to look at Surelin, who pointedly ignored her.

“It is unfortunate that you cannot stay,” Corrina said conversationally. “But Kali will be with you no matter where you are.”

A scowl threatened to erupt from him, and to cover it he began to scoop berries from one of the crockeries onto his plate.

The room was silent for a little while, the only sound being the quiet clinking of silverware. Eventually, Corrina broke the silence by bringing up plans for restoring Kali’s temple. From there, conversation around the table slowly regained a semblance of normality.

Gideon ate in silence, shooting frequent questing glances at Surelin. She seemed to be ignoring him as well, choosing instead to engage in the discussion.

What changed since last night? I really didn’t think she was like this. Was I just wrong about her?

His mind began to race, wondering if he’d done or said anything to elicit such an abrupt decision from her. And before he knew it, breakfast had concluded.

Surelin stood up first. “Why don’t we all say goodbye to Gideon? Marshal Len, would you like to begin?”

Len seemed taken off guard at first, but then turned to Gideon and offered his hand.

“Well! It seems the charm of our ruined city could not contain your wandering spirit.”

Gideon took his hand, and they shook. “Seems that way.”

“Farewell, my boy. I hope you someday find whatever it is you are looking for. You did a great deal for us, and I won't forget it.”

“Thanks.”

The rest of the council began to crowd around him, ready to say their goodbyes. Edwin was the next person to extend his hand to Gideon.

“Uh…I never did thank you for your part in rescuing me.”

They shook briefly. “Don’t mention it.”

“I’m sorry for what happened in Loso,” Edwin suddenly blurted out. “I didn’t—I wasn’t—what I did was very rash, and I regret forcing you to get involved. I’m very sorry. Sincerely.”

Gideon was taken aback. “...It’s alright, kid. Water under the bridge.”

Edwin looked quite embarrassed as he backed away. Corrina was next to extend her hand.

“It seems your role with us has reached its conclusion,” she said, smiling. “Farewell, Gideon.”

Something about the way she’d said role dredged up an awful, anxious feeling within him. He took her hand, and they shook quickly.

“...Farewell.”

Edea and Celaena were clearly next up to offer goodbyes, and they traded a knowing look with one another.

Celaena offered her hand first. Her grip was firm, and Gideon responded with equal firmness.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I half expected you to do something like this,” she said wryly as they shook. “Mercenaries aren’t well known for settling down.”

“Hmm. Guess that’s true.”

They released each other, and her next words took him by surprise with how genuine they sounded.

“Thank you for bringing the princess back to us.”

“...Sure. Thanks for protecting her.”

“It’s my duty,” she said simply.

Edea then stepped up to him with a guarded expression, offering her hand.

“We often came to blows with one another during your time with us,” she said. “But I choose to remember the things we accomplished together.”

Gideon took her hand silently, and they shook.

“It occurs to me that the task laid before us could not have been completed without your assistance,” she continued.

He blinked. “Yeah…maybe.”

She retreated from him a few steps to stand next to Len.

There was only one person left who had yet to say goodbye.

“Well!” Len suddenly said, raising his voice. “I think we should continue our discussion in the next room. So long, Gideon! Come along.”

The council members began to flow out of the room, herded by Len. Gideon and Surelin stood where they were, watching them leave. Before stepping out of the room, Edwin turned to shoot a curious backwards glance at them, only to receive a swift pinch on the arm from Len.

The door closed heavily after them, leaving Gideon and Surelin alone in the room, standing before each other in silence. They stared at one another for a moment before she took a few steps towards him.

“Uh…”

“We’ll see each other again,” she said.

She then wrapped her arms around him. His arms remained at his sides.

“Will we?” he asked dubiously.

She released him, nodding. “Yes. We will.”

His eyes searched her face, looking for signs of anger, frustration, anything. But she seemed calm, nonchalant even. For a moment it looked as though she was about to say something, but then her eyes darted to the door everyone had just left from.

And then she left herself, without saying another word, leaving him alone to realize the magnitude of what he’d just lost.

----------------------------------------

He decided to leave the armor she’d given him behind, mostly because he simply didn’t want to carry it. A smaller part of him, one he could barely admit was true, wanted to leave it because it would be a constant reminder of Surelin.

I’ve still got my old leather, he thought while packing. Not that it matters much. I don’t have a sword. And I’ve got no intention of owning one again.

Many of the items he packed into his ruck were the same things he’d acquired from his dead comrades a year ago. Pots, pans, a few glass jars, several knives, some bits of clothing. He had no money whatsoever, but it didn’t seem like it would be much of a problem, at least for the near future.

Maybe I’ll stay in Levidia for a while. Just long enough to work towards buying a horse.

His rucksack was packed and ready within thirty minutes. When he himself was ready to leave, he shouldered the ruck and walked over to the door.

I don’t blame her for it, he thought, trying to convince himself. She has a home here. And a family. I probably would’ve made the same decision.

He carelessly tossed the key to his room onto the floor before opening the door, deciding it would be the only act of frustration he would allow himself before departing.

Moving quickly, he descended the stairwell and headed for the palace’s front door. He drew a few curious looks from people as he passed by, but decided to ignore them. The last thing he wanted in the world at that moment was to be drawn into a conversation that might lead to him being spotted by Surelin.

The sun was warm and welcoming when he stepped outside into the garden. He stopped for just a moment to breathe in the fresh morning air before heading for the palace’s front gate.

Many of the houses he passed along the street were crawling with activity. People walked about carrying wooden beams and various tools. Some of the houses already had wooden frames set in place, ready for further construction. He was glad, in a way, to see the people already hard at work rebuilding their lives.

I don’t like this city, but that doesn’t mean this is the worst place I’ve ever visited. Not by a long shot. I won’t begrudge them for feeling happy here.

His mind wandered as he walked down the street towards the city’s main gate, jumping between the people, the goodbyes he’d given and received, and Surelin. Before he knew it, the gate stood before him.

He looked up at it, his eyes tracing the burn marks which adorned the arch’s underside.

I’m probably never going to see this place again. Or Surelin.

With that, he forced himself to take the first steps under the gate’s arch, and soon he was once again out in the Forelian countryside, heading east along the road.

When he reached the long hill he stopped to take one last look back at the city, just as he had the day before. A range of emotions washed over him; bitterness, sadness, but also joy.

It’s hard to say goodbye. But I’m back where I belong. Surviving out here is something I’m good at. Fuck it, maybe I won’t go east after all. Maybe I'll just go pick a mountain to live on.

The last thought caused a chuckle to escape from him. He was just about to turn away when he spotted activity down by the gate.

He went still, staring hard. A horsewoman had just left it with a riderless horse in tow, just like the day before.

Stop it, he told himself. It’s not her. It can’t be. Oh fuck, I really, really hope it’s her.

He stood in place, watching her gallop towards him. At her current range he could see she was dark skinned, with long curly hair trailing behind her in the wind. Her armor was a familiar combination of chainmail and leather.

She brought her horse to a much more gentle stop before him than she had the day before. Both horses were loaded down with heavy looking saddlebags and various other goods tied to their saddles.

“Gideon? My goodness, I never would’ve expected to run into you out here!”

Gideon watched with stunned disbelief as Surelin dismounted, not trusting himself enough to speak.

She took a deep breath as if to say something, then suddenly turned around to fiddle with the saddlebags.

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night,” she said. “I kept thinking about what you said. About what I’ve sacrificed. And um…I just realized that losing you would be too much to bear. So, since I couldn’t sleep anyway, I went about the palace gathering a few things for us.”

She turned about, her smile now gone.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you. But you woke up late, and I didn’t want to say anything where they might be able to hear. I sort of just…left. Without saying anything to anyone about it.”

“It’s okay,” he said with a slight tremor in his voice. “I’m glad, but...are you sure? This life won’t be easy.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” she said instantly. “To be perfectly honest, I never particularly wanted to be queen. The days we spent together on the road to Loso were some of the best of my life. And it wasn’t just because I was free again. I was doing what I’d always dreamed of doing. Going off on an adventure.”

A smile cracked his expression, one he couldn’t seem to gain any control over.

“You made a good queen.”

She reached up for an errant lock of curly hair, twisting it absently between her fingers, smiling.

“Well…I tried my best. But it’s like you said. I don’t have to do everything myself. Edwin will make a better king. He’s smarter than I am, and he has grandmother and everyone else to help him. He’ll be okay. They all will, I know it.”

He suddenly dashed towards her, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around in a gigantic hug, laughing. Surelin also let out some surprised laughter, then began to rain kisses upon his face, wherever she could reach. They remained locked in an embrace even after he’d set her down.

“Did you say you just took off without saying anything?” he asked. “That might be bad, honestly.”

She shook her head. “I left a letter for grandmother in my room. It explains a little bit about what we’re going to do, but I also asked her not to send anyone after us. She’ll respect my decision.” She paused for a moment. “I did tell her I would come back someday, but that it probably wouldn’t be for many years. I hope that won’t cause any problems…?”

“No, of course not.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. This is your home. I think coming back here someday would be good for you.”

“I think so too,” she said, relieved.

“Plus I have no real destination in mind, so it wouldn’t make much sense for me to refuse.”

“I had a thought about that,” she said, releasing him. “If you don’t mind, I’d really like to go see the lands where Kali was born.”

“Yeah, sure. Where is it?”

“Very far to the east. On the coast of the Windtide Ocean.”

“Well why the fuck not? Let’s go!”

An amused giggle suddenly left her. “Are you sure? I really meant it when I said it’s far.”

“I’ll be happy going anywhere so long as I’m with you.”

He watched as her smile suddenly gained a great deal of warmth.

“We can still get married,” he said abruptly. “If you want.”

“Okay! I do want that. Oh, I got you something.

She turned around, retrieving something from the saddlebags, then turned back to him holding a sheathed broadsword in her hand.

“I know how you feel about this,” she said cautiously. “But we both know I can’t fight right now. Take it, please.”

After a moment of hesitation, he reluctantly reached out for it. She watched quietly as he tied it to his belt.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you once I’m accustomed to fighting with my right hand.”

“Sounds good to me.” He paused. “You know, if we keep heading in this direction we’re bound to run into Kara.”

An excited gasp left her. “You’re right! Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to see her again!” She laughed gaily. “I wonder what she’ll say when she sees us. She’s going to think I’ve lost my mind!”

Gideon watched, aghast, as she suddenly turned back around and swiftly mounted her horse.

“Come on! I bet we can catch up with her if we hurry!”

“She’s at least—oh for.…”

Surelin sped off without waiting for a reply, releasing the reins of his horse. He ran over and grabbed them, then swung himself up into the saddle.

“I’ve never seen her this excited,” he said aloud while spurring his horse into a gallop.

He charged after her, but she was clearly the superior equestrian and had a massive head start, to boot. She looked backwards, turning a triumphant grin on him as they raced ahead.

Gideon smiled back at her, and spurred his horse on for greater speed. The sun felt pleasantly warm on his back, and the breeze whipping past felt cool upon his face.