Chapter 42: Peace on the porch.

Ava sat on the porch, watching the world drift by in the warm glow of late afternoon. Her injuries were healing well—her eye was finally free of swelling, and most of her cuts and bruises had faded to faint marks. She cradled a cup of herbal tea, thoughtfully brewed by Eli’s mother, Martha, who had fussed over Ava with genuine warmth and care. For the first time in ages, Ava felt a sense of calm settle over her, as if she was safe, away from the struggles and the call of duty that always seemed to beckon her back.

In the garden, Eli’s younger siblings, Tommy and Emily, chased each other, their laughter filling the air. Watching them, Ava felt a faint smile touch her lips, a simple joy that seemed so distant from her usual reality. This life, so rooted and steady, was something she’d rarely allowed herself to imagine.

Martha joined her on the porch, carrying a fresh pot of tea. She set it down, casting a fond glance at the children. “No roughhousing, you two!” she called out with a playful warning, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. Turning back to Ava, she poured another cup, her gaze curious as she studied the younger woman.

“So,” Martha began, settling in beside Ava. “Eli tells me you’re not just any Sentinel; he says you’re a Ronin Sentinel. Now, I must admit, I don’t know much about what that means.”

Ava looked over at Martha, appreciating her genuine interest. "Being a Ronin Sentinel means I follow a specific tradition within the Sentinels. I carry a sword along with my rifle, and I live by a different code—more than just the usual commands and protocols. Ronin Sentinels were named after the Ronin of old; they were wandering warriors, protectors who traveled without roots.”

Martha tilted her head thoughtfully. “So, in a way, you’re something of a traveler—a guardian who goes wherever they’re needed?”

Ava nodded. “I guess you could say that. I spent years on the road, staying in camps or outposts, always moving. But Green Arbor was different. After we defended it that first time… and after I met Eli,” her voice softened, a faint smile touching her lips, “it felt like I’d found a place to call home.”

Martha’s gaze softened. “And we’ve all felt that, you know. The Sentinels have done a lot to keep us safe, and Eli… well, he’s always been one for adventure, but I think he found a purpose too, joining the ADF.”

Ava chuckled. “He’s stubborn, your son. But that’s what I love about him. I don’t think I’d fight as hard if it weren’t for him and people like him.”

Martha nodded, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “When Eli first told us he’d joined the ADF, I thought it was just him being his usual self, trying to impress a girl.”

Ava opened her mouth to interject, but Martha continued with a laugh, “But soon we realized he wasn’t just doing it for you. I could tell he really believed in what you all were doing—protecting the people here, building something worth fighting for.”

Ava felt a warmth spread through her, a deep sense of gratitude for Martha’s acceptance. “He’s one of the reasons I keep going. Coming back to him, having something good to come back to—it makes all the difference.”

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Martha reached over, patting her hand gently. “And you, my dear, are part of that good for him. But,” she paused, giving Ava a thoughtful look, “maybe think about your own future sometimes. Jess mentioned you two are close. She seems to worry about you the same way.”

Ava laughed softly. “Jess is like a sister to me. She’s always reminding me to take a moment for myself. It’s just… hard to pull back when there’s always something else calling.”

Martha nodded, her expression gentle and understanding. “It’s not easy, I know. But remember, it’s those little moments, like this one, that make life richer.”

Ava’s face softened, the weight of her constant duties and battles loosening its grip, if only for a moment. “Thank you, Martha. That means more to me than you know.”

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of Tommy and Emily playing filling the air, punctuated by the chirping of crickets as the evening began to settle.

Suddenly, the low hum of a motor broke the stillness. Ava looked up, spotting a man in ADF gear riding up the dusty path. His appearance seemed almost out of place amid the peaceful setting of the farm.

“I didn’t know you got messengers here,” Ava murmured, a hint of unease creeping into her voice.

Martha glanced at the rider, her own brow furrowing. “We don’t,” she replied, watching the man dismount and walk toward them with a letter in hand.

“Sentinel Ava?” the man called, scanning the porch until he spotted her.

“That’s me,” Ava replied, standing slowly as she took the letter from him.

The messenger gave her a courteous nod. “This is for you, ma’am.”

“Thank you,” Ava said, unfolding the letter as he departed. Her eyes moved over the message, her expression tightening as she absorbed the contents.

“Is everything alright, dear?” Martha asked, noticing Ava’s sudden shift in demeanor.

Ava folded the letter, a thoughtful frown forming on her face. “It’s from Green Arbor. Sentinel command is coming for a visit. They want me back to help prepare.”

Martha reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Does that mean trouble?”

Ava exhaled slowly, trying to steady her thoughts. “I honestly don’t know. This has never happened before.”

Martha’s hand squeezed hers gently. “Whatever it is, you’ll handle it. You’ve got strength, Ava, and people who believe in you.”

Ava managed a small smile. “Thank you, Martha. I just… I didn’t expect this.”

After a moment, Martha chuckled softly. “Well, looks like you’ll be cutting your visit a little short. Not that we won’t miss you, but it sounds like Green Arbor needs you back.”

Ava nodded, the weight of her responsibilities settling back onto her shoulders. “I’ll have to pack up soon.”

As she sat back, taking a moment to watch Tommy and Emily still running about, a sense of bittersweet peace washed over her. This was a world she could only glimpse for now, a life she could only touch before duty called her back.

From inside, Eli stepped out, wiping his hands on a rag, looking between Ava and his mother. “Did I miss something?”

Ava held up the letter with a sigh. “Seems I’m being summoned back to Green Arbor. Command is coming for a visit.”

Eli’s eyebrows shot up. “Command? That’s… unexpected.”

Lucas’s words echoed in her mind as she looked over at Eli and Martha. *All hands on deck,* she thought.

Ava gave him a rueful smile, holding up the letter. “Seems I’m being summoned back to help with preparations. They must want all hands on deck.”

Eli looked at her thoughtfully, his expression torn between duty and concern. “Alright then, let’s get packed up tonight and plan to leave in the morning,” he said, reaching out to touch her shoulder gently.

Before Ava could respond, Martha placed a warm hand on Eli’s shoulder, her gaze shifting to Ava. “Good idea, but let’s not rush her out of here,” she said softly, her eyes full of motherly care. “We still have to mind those stitches,” she added, with a look that was both understanding and firm.

Ava hesitated, a part of her relieved at the thought of one more evening in this quiet place. She nodded, offering Martha a grateful smile. “You’re right, Martha. Maybe one more night wouldn’t hurt.”

As the sun dipped lower over the fields, casting the garden in hues of soft gold, Ava felt a warmth inside that soothed the usual urgency of her responsibilities. Just one more evening, she thought, allowing herself to settle into the peace around her.