Hiraeth

Chapter Twenty Nine

The village glowed with the remnants of celebration, lanterns flickering in the night air like stars fallen to earth. As Sage stood beneath a sprawling oak, her heart fluttered with the possibilities that lay ahead. Just moments ago, she had felt a connection with Beckett that seemed to spark the very air around them. But even as she savored the sweetness of that moment, a shadow loomed in the back of her mind, casting doubt on their fragile bond.

The gathering had dwindled, the laughter fading into quiet conversations and soft farewells. Sage glanced around the square, taking in the smiles of her friends, the camaraderie that surrounded her. Yet despite the warmth of the celebration, a restlessness brewed within her.

"Lady Sage!" a familiar voice called, breaking through her reverie. Kade approached, his face flushed with excitement from the festivities. "There you are. I've been looking for you."

Sage turned, forcing a smile as she brushed away the lingering thoughts of Beckett. "What's up, Kade?"

"I wanted to see if you'd join us for a drink. Fleck, Emilie, and I are over by the tavern. We're planning to celebrate the victory," he said, his enthusiasm infectious.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering back to where Beckett stood, deep in conversation with some knights. Their earlier moment felt fragile, and she wasn't sure she was ready to confront the feelings swirling within her.

"Yeah, sure. That sounds good," Sage finally agreed, willing to push aside her uncertainties for a moment.

As they walked toward the tavern, Kade chatted animatedly about the day's battle, recounting tales of bravery and heroism. Sage smiled and laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with him that had been rekindled amidst the chaos of the past few weeks.

The tavern was warm and filled with the smell of roasting meat and hearty ale. Fleck and Emilie were already seated at a corner table, their expressions lit with the remnants of laughter and joy.

"Lady Sage!" Fleck raised his mug in greeting, his wild curls bouncing as he gestured for her to join them. "We saved you a seat!"

Sage slid into the space beside him, her heart lightening at the sight of her friends. "Thanks for keeping my seat warm!"

Emilie took a seat across from her, leaning forward with eager anticipation. "You should have seen Fleck on the outskirts, protecting the villagers the other night. He was a whirlwind! Took down three of them single-handedly."

"Oh, come on," Fleck laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "You make it sound like I was some sort of hero. I just didn't want to get my sword dirty."

Emilie continued, her eyes sparkling. "Either way, you were amazing! We all did our part, and we have our home back because of it."

Sage felt a surge of warmth wash over her. They had faced down the Brotherhood together, and though it hadn't been easy, their bonds had only grown stronger.

As the night wore on, they shared stories and laughter, the atmosphere charged with relief and triumph. Sage felt the weight of her earlier doubts begin to lift, the warmth of friendship filling the spaces that had felt so heavy just moments before.

After several rounds of drinks and animated conversation, Sage excused herself to get some fresh air. She stepped outside into the cool night, the stars twinkling overhead like diamonds scattered across a velvet sky.

Leaning against the tavern's wooden wall, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The laughter and cheer from inside faded into the background as she contemplated everything that had transpired. But as she did, she felt a presence beside her.