The forest seemed to grow thinner as we continued our journey back, the once dense shadows giving way to wider, more open spaces, and the sound of birdsong replaced the earlier eerie silence.
The heroes were in a particularly great mood, laughing and bantering as they made their way through the woods.
I walked quietly, the decision I'd made still settling into my mind. I had agreed to join them to be part of their group. It felt right, but at the same time, it was surreal.
Elaris, her energy boundless, had skipped ahead, her long braids bouncing behind her. She spun around to face me with a grin.
"You've made a good choice, Alyndra. We're going to have a lot of fun together, trust me!" Her bright eyes sparkled as she added, "Plus, you've already proven yourself! You patched Garren up like it was nothing."
I smiled awkwardly. "Well, I just did what I could. Healing magic is my strength, after all."