A New Path Unfolds

Kaelin walked through the village, her heart still reeling from the events of the previous night. She had known that Riven's journey was far from over, but hearing him say it out loud had been harder than she had anticipated. As she approached her family's home, she felt a sense of determination rising within her. She had a decision to make, and she knew what she wanted to do. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, calling out to her mother. "Mother, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice clear and firm. Her mother, Aria, appeared from the kitchen, a look of concern on her face. "Kaelin, what's wrong? You look troubled." Kaelin took a deep breath, her mind racing with the words she wanted to say. "Mother, Riven and I... we care for each other. And I've decided that I want to journey with him, to use my healer's knowledge to help him on his path." Aria's expression changed from concern to surprise, and then to understanding. "Kaelin, I want you to be happy," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "And if journeying with Riven is what makes you happy, then I give you my blessing." Kaelin felt a surge of joy and relief, and she threw her arms around her mother. "Thank you, Mother," she said, her voice muffled against Aria's shoulder. As they hugged, Kaelin felt a sense of clarity wash over her. She knew that she had made the right decision, and that she was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The next morning, Kaelin made her way to the village gate, her heart racing with excitement and a touch of nervousness. She had agreed to meet Riven there, and she wondered what he would say when he saw her. As she approached the gate, she saw Riven standing there, his pack slung over his shoulder and a look of determination on his face. He saw her and smiled, and Kaelin's heart skipped a beat. "Kaelin," he said, his voice low and husky. "I didn't expect to see you here. I thought... I thought this was goodbye." Kaelin smiled, her eyes locked on his. "It's not goodbye," she said, her voice firm. "It's hello. I'm coming with you, Riven. I want to use my healer's knowledge to help you on your journey." Riven's eyes widened in surprise, and then a look of joy broke out on his face. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement. Kaelin nodded, and Riven dropped his pack to the ground. He pulled her into a tight hug, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm so glad," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Kaelin knew that she had made the right decision. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as she was with Riven. And as they pulled away from each other, Riven's eyes shining with happiness, Kaelin knew that their journey was just beginning.