Later that night I told Renai and Adeem about my decision. I expected Adeem to protest, but it seemed that he had changed his mind about Lorien.

"Well, he saved you from that Feveral scoundrel, and then he was injured while defending Splethantown. Any elf that would do all that can't be of a bad sort, I suppose."

"You're sure about this, Claresa?" Renai asked, only a little worried.

"Yes."

"Just remember, you're always welcome here, no matter what happens."

Two days later Varen came to collect me and my small bag of belongings. It was surprising how fast the elves were packed up and ready to leave. 

I rode with Lorien on his black horse, careful not to hold on too tight because, despite what he said before, he was still sore from his injury. I only looked back at Splethantown once, and Lorien must have noticed my expression.

"You are going to miss it." It was a statement, not a question, but I answered anyway.

"Yes. It's all I know." I felt a little guilty for admitting it.

"It is understandable to be apprehensive."

"I'm not really apprehensive, just... I don't know how to explain. It's like I'm leaving a part of myself behind, but it's not really a bad thing either. It's just... normal. Completely normal. Which is strange because I feel like nothing that's happened since that day the soldiers came back from the war has been normal."

"No, nothing has been, as you say, 'normal'," he agreed. "But I think I know what you mean. Starting a new phase of life is always strange and daunting, yet wonderful at the same time. I felt it when I left Valenass for the first time, when I was of age to leave home and family." Then he twisted around so I could see him smile. "Now, it will be very different arriving back home with my Aliel. But it will be a good kind of different." His words comforted me, and we traveled on with the company of elves and the prisoners.

The week long journey passed without any incidents. The elves were very organized and kept round the clock watch on the fifty or so Feveral prisoners. At night they only put up enough tents to allow everyone room to sleep, and in the morning would pack up and move out quickly.

As we traveled, Lorien and I either conversed or sat in companionable silence. Occasionally we would dismount from Lorien's horse and walk together along the road. Holding his hand, our fingers interlaced, became a natural habit during these strolls. It was comforting to have him near day in and day out.

Of course Varen was never far from us. Sometimes she would walk abreast with us, sharing in friendly conversation. Other times she would walk or ride her horse just out of earshot. Her presence was also comforting. I'd become so accustomed to these beings in such a short amount of time.

Ultimately, I was glad that I had decided to come with the elves. It felt right. The other elves treated me with a respect and consideration I had never experienced before. I knew it was mostly due to the fact that I was their prince's Aliel. But they were also kind to the prisoners. One would think they wouldn't be, considering that Lorien had almost been killed during the attack. But they were fed and given water with as much grace as possible. The prisoners were all bound by rope in a long line. The elves kept a steady yet easy pace, ensuring that the Feveral soldiers were not driven to exhaustion from the journey.

I was both excited and apprehensive of reaching our destination. I had never been outside of Splethantown, so seeing a new city would be a brand new experience for me. But, I knew that as soon as we got there, Lorien would seek an audience with the king to ask for my hand. It was a nerve-wracking thought. I had no idea how that audience would go. Perhaps I was worrying for no reason at all.