Dark & Light – Chapter 16: A Farewell and a New Path

Morning at Toban's Home

The faint glow of dawn crept through the wooden shutters, casting soft streaks of light across the guest room. Rai stirred first, blinking as he stretched, still half-draped in blankets.

For a moment, he forgot where he was.

Then he remembered—Toban's house. Mira. The farm. The horses. The best day he had in a long time.

He turned over, glancing at Vael, who was already sitting up at the edge of the bed, pulling on his boots.

"You're up early." Rai mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Vael smirked. "You're just late."

Rai groaned, dragging himself upright. "Right. 'Cause getting up at dawn is normal."

Vael stood, stretching his arms. "It is for a traveler."

Rai rolled his eyes but smiled.

Today, they were leaving.

Breakfast & Goodbyes

The scent of cooked eggs, bread, and smoked meat filled the house as they stepped downstairs.

Elena was already at the stove, flipping eggs in a pan, while Toban sat at the dining table, sipping his morning tea. Mira sat with her feet kicked up on a chair, still groggy.

"Ah, finally! The last two wake up." Toban chuckled. "Come, sit, eat."

Rai and Vael took their seats as Elena set plates in front of them.

Mira yawned. "I still don't get how you guys wake up so early."

Vael smirked. "Discipline."

Mira shot Rai a look. "You don't seem very disciplined."

Rai huffed. "Hey, I've been through worse."

Mira grinned. "Still, bet I could beat you in a race on horseback."

Rai raised an eyebrow. "You think?"

Toban cut in. "Alright, alright, no challenging the guests on their last morning."

Mira pouted but smirked. "Fine. Maybe next time, then."

Rai grinned. "You're on."

Getting Ready to Leave

After breakfast, Vael and Rai went outside where Toban had the horses ready.

Two strong, well-groomed horses stood saddled and prepared, their coats shining under the morning sun.

Toban patted one of them. "This one's for you, Vael. Sturdy, fast, won't let you down."

Then he turned to Rai. "And this one—well, you might need a bit more practice, but I think you'll do fine."

Rai ran a hand over the horse's neck, feeling its warmth beneath his fingers.

Mira stood beside him, arms crossed. "Try not to fall off."

Rai smirked. "No promises."

Vael adjusted his bag, securing it to his saddle before turning to Toban. "Thanks for everything."

Toban clapped him on the shoulder. "You know you don't have to thank me. Just don't disappear for another decade before visiting again."

Vael smirked. "No guarantees."

Toban sighed dramatically. "Figures."

Mira stepped forward, looking at Rai. "So, this is it, huh?"

Rai nodded. "Guess so."

For a second, Mira hesitated before holding out her fist. "Well… Don't get yourself killed."

Rai bumped her fist with his own, grinning. "You either."

On the Road Again

The sun had fully risen by the time Vael and Rai rode off, the farm and town growing smaller behind them.

For a while, they rode in silence, the sound of hooves clapping against dirt the only noise.

Then Rai glanced at Vael. "Where to next?"

Vael didn't look over, eyes on the road. "We'll head toward the northern trade route. There's a town up ahead where we can resupply."

Rai nodded. "Think we'll run into more people like Toban?"

Vael exhaled. "Maybe. But not everyone is that welcoming."

Rai grinned. "That's fine. I think I can handle it."

Vael smirked. "We'll see."

And with that, they rode toward their next destination—the journey far from over.