a fond farewell [c]

Thalia's heart was heavy with grief for several reasons as she led Pineblossom through the marsh, much as she once had when they were still mentor and apprentice. So much had changed, and time had passed- it felt like only days ago, and at the same time it felt like entire lifetimes had passed.

(In a certain sense, they had.)

"It's been a while since we walked like this, hasn't it?" she spoke lightly, trying to swallow the sadness in her heart. It would come spilling out eventually, but moments like this were precious- there was no reason to rush, every reason to savor every second. "Too long, maybe."