The next morning, the village was alive with preparations for a seasonal celebration—the Festival of Blooming Spirits, when the veil between the mortal and spirit realms thinned and blossoms bloomed from pure mana.
Sam and Benjen helped where they could. Sam assisted with arranging spirit-lanterns, gently using his budding Spirit Arts to ignite them with calming energy. Children gathered around him, giggling and asking questions. For once, Sam felt admired… not for what he had read, but for who he was.
Meanwhile, Benjen was training with the foxkin warriors, his fluid beastkin movements earning nods of approval. He had become something of a protector for the outer paths and even helped ward off a wild corrupted beast that strayed too close.
Later, they reunited beneath the lantern-lit Spirit Tree, watching as Asha danced in the clearing, her movements light despite her recent childbirth. Jon stood nearby, cradling his daughters, with SatSuki by his side. The moment was warm, whole.
Benjen leaned over to Sam.
Benjen:
"Look at him. Jon… He's found peace here."
Sam:
"And maybe we can too."
Benjen nodded slowly.
Benjen:
"This place… it gives us a second chance."
As the petals rained down and spirits flitted among the trees, both men stood side by side, not as exiles or lost souls—but as brothers reborn, finding purpose in a world that welcomed even those who had been forgotten by fate.