Chapter 58: Callie's Choice.

Late afternoon sunlight broke through the lingering clouds, casting a warm, golden glow over Green Arbor. On top of the North gate, Callie sat, her coat and rig spread out beside her to dry after a rain-drenched patrol. She leaned back, letting the sun soak into her damp hair, feeling the comforting warmth after the chill of the rain.

Ava climbed up to the gate and approached her, raising an eyebrow as she took in the scene. “You haven’t been out on patrol in this, have you?” she asked, eyeing Callie’s soaked gear.

Callie gave a playful grin. “Yeah, I have. Why? Where’ve you been? You’re all dry,” she teased, running a hand through her own wet hair.

Ava chuckled, brushing her fingers through her dry, tousled hair. “Oh, I was in the post, driving Miko mad with Talon. We were keeping each other entertained while avoiding the rain.”

Callie laughed, her eyes bright. “Miko was grumbling about that over breakfast this morning. He said he’d lock the door next time. And then Jess told him to stop being so miserable.”

They shared a laugh, the warm, comfortable kind that comes easily between people who have grown close. Ava took a seat next to Callie, and they both gazed out over Green Arbor, watching the village life below. People moved about the market, packing up their stalls for the day as the sunlight began to wane.

After a moment, Ava glanced over, noticing the hint of lingering excitement on Callie’s face. “You seem to be in a good mood. Got something to share?”

Callie hesitated, then her cheeks flushed as she looked away shyly. “Well… the other night with Matt was… really nice. We talked, shared a few things, and he…” She paused, her smile widening. “He kissed me under the stars.”

Ava’s eyes softened, and a warm smile crept onto her face. She placed a comforting hand on Callie’s shoulder. “That’s wonderful, Callie. I’m so happy for you.” She gave her a gentle hug. “I remember the first time you sat next to me in that jeep. You were quiet, hesitant. Now look at you—a confident cadet with friends and a place here.”

Callie beamed, her gratitude clear. “You pushed me, Ava. You, Talon, everyone… you all saw something in me.”

Ava nodded and reached into her pocket, pulling out a folded letter. “This came today.” She held it out to Callie. “Read it. Take your time, and know that whatever you decide, you’ll have our full support.”

Callie’s smile faded into one of curiosity mixed with uncertainty. She carefully unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the words. It didn’t take long for her to understand the weight of what it contained. She looked up at Ava, her voice barely a whisper. “I can stay here? With you all?”

“Yes, you can. If you choose to, you’ll stay here under my training as a Ronin cadet,” Ava explained, her tone gentle but serious. “But I won’t lie to you, Callie—Ronin training isn’t easy. It’s long patrols, facing dangers you haven’t even imagined yet, and it’ll be hard. It’ll take you away from here, sometimes for weeks.”

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Callie took a deep breath, absorbing Ava’s words, and looked out over the village, her face a mixture of hope and determination. “But… I’d still get to come back here, right?”

Ava nodded, her eyes kind. “Yes, you’d still come back to Green Arbor. But there are roles at the base you’d be amazing at too. There are plenty of paths you could take, roles with more structure, fewer risks. You could be a Sentinel guard, a messenger. This—” Ava gestured to the village below, “—isn’t your only option. But staying with me means a different kind of life. It’s your choice.”

Callie’s gaze grew thoughtful as she looked over Green Arbor. Her heart felt torn between the comfort and safety of structured roles and the calling she felt here, with her new family and in the place that had become her home.

“I love it here, Ava. You all have made me feel like family.” She looked up, meeting Ava’s gaze. “I want to stay.”

Ava’s gaze softened as she looked at Callie, but there was a seriousness in her expression. “Just so you know, Callie… there will be times during this training where you’ll hate me,” she began, her tone steady. Callie opened her mouth to protest, but Ava raised a hand, stopping her gently. “You will hate me, Callie. I’m going to push you harder than you think you can go. And just when you reach that limit, I’ll push you even harder.”

Callie’s face held a mix of nervousness and determination, the weight of Ava’s words settling over her.

Ava continued, her voice resolute. “I’ll train you until you’re exhausted, both in mind and body. You’ll face drills, long hours, survival exercises—tasks that might seem impossible. But there’s a reason for all of it. This isn’t just about skill; it’s about resilience, endurance. I need you to be ready for anything that comes at you out there.”

Callie swallowed hard, nodding as she absorbed Ava’s words. She understood the gravity of the commitment she was considering. “I won’t let you down, Ava,” she said, her voice steady with resolve.

Ava nodded, her own pride shining through. “I know you won’t, Callie. And I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.

Ava’s smile held a note of pride and understanding, but she gently placed a hand on Callie’s shoulder. “I want you to take a day or two to think on it. This is a life-changing choice, and I want you to be certain. There’s no rush, and I’ll support you, whatever you decide.”

Callie nodded, her emotions a mix of excitement and trepidation. “Thank you, Ava. I’ll take the time.”

Ava pulled Callie into a firm embrace, feeling the younger girl’s quiet tremble as the weight of the choice settled on her. “Whatever you choose, know that we’re proud of you. You’ve grown so much.”

They sat in silence, the gentle breeze ruffling their hair as they watched the sun sink lower over the village, the golden light casting long shadows. Ava eventually rose, giving Callie’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before descending the gate.

As Callie remained atop the North gate, she looked down over Green Arbor, seeing the market place, the familiar faces of the villagers, and the friends she’d grown to love. This was her home, a place that had given her more than just training—it had given her a family, a sense of purpose, and the hope of a future she wanted to protect.

But the life of a Ronin meant sacrifice, resilience, and a strength she wasn’t certain she had yet. She watched the last of the vendors packing up their stalls, hearing the quiet hum of village life below her.

Taking a deep breath, she felt the cool evening air fill her lungs, grounding her. She thought of Matt, the promise she’d made herself, and the future she dreamed of. For now, she’d take the time to savor this moment, the warmth of Ava’s words and the strength of Green Arbor surrounding her like a quiet embrace.