Crow nodded as Penelope said she was ready to go. Holding her hand in his, he took the lead as they began the walk back to their camp. While he wished they’d had more time, he was glad she had been willing to join him on one more late-night adventure before going back to her camp. It reminded him of old times and made him excited for the future to come. He hoped the war ended soon so they would be able to be with each other without all the complications of their current lives. He couldn’t wait to take her to more of the places in the outer villages that he loved.

Thinking about it again, he felt a wave of happiness that they had a second chance to be together. For so long, he had thought the door was closed, yet here they were two years later, walking hand in hand through the forest by Farhill. As long as nothing else pulled them apart, the future they had wanted was still within reach. His heart fluttered eagerly at the fantasy of settling down with her in the outer villages. It was a life he never thought he would want, yet now he couldn’t imagine turning any other way when the war was over.

He glanced down at Penelope, smiling softly as she leaned into his side. At her question, he took a moment to think before answering. She was right that they would have to wait a while before seeing each other after everything that had happened between their two groups. He knew that he and the other thieves would be busy trying to find a new place to set up camp. They would also have to buy new supplies in a market, since they weren’t going to go back to their old hideout after the knights had found it. He supposed they could steal some of the things they needed, but it was safer to lay low for a while and just use to money they had saved up for emergencies like this.

“As much as I hate to say it, we should probably meet again in a week,” Crow said with a frown. “That will give you enough time for things to blow over in your camp, and hopefully by then, my companions and I will have a new place to live.” He paused, thinking something over before going on. “I’m not sure where I’ll be by then, but we can meet in Myrefall again. If we end up needing to find a new meeting location because that village is too far for me, we can decide on it then. Sound good?”