Chapter 41: The Last Farewell

**Gabriella:**

The decision to leave weighed heavily on Gabriella's heart, but the pull to find her parents was stronger than any fear or doubt she harbored. She knew that time was of the essence—every day that passed without knowing their fate felt like a lifetime. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that this was something she had to do. The whispers of unrest, the looming threats, and the uncertainty of what the future held only reinforced her resolve.

One morning, after gathering her thoughts, Gabriella decided to head to the stalls where the community kept their horses. The horses had been a blessing, their strength and endurance invaluable in their work and travels. Gabriella knew that if she were to undertake this journey, she would need one of them to make the trip faster.

**At the Stalls:**

The air was crisp with the scent of hay and leather as Gabriella approached the stalls. The horses, sensing her presence, nickered softly as they shifted in their pens. The stable master, a grizzled man named Elias, was tending to one of the horses when Gabriella arrived. He looked up, his expression softening as he recognized her.

“Morning, Gabriella,” Elias greeted, wiping his hands on a cloth. “What brings you here so early?”

Gabriella approached him, her steps measured but determined. “Elias, I need to borrow a horse. I’m planning a journey, and it’s one I can’t delay any longer.”

Elias raised an eyebrow, curious. “What kind of journey? You know the roads aren’t as safe as they used to be.”

“I know,” Gabriella replied, her voice steady. “But I have to find my parents. It’s been too long, and with everything going on, I need to know if they’re safe. My childhood home is about two days’ ride from here, but if I walk, it could take me two weeks—time I don’t have.”

Elias frowned, the concern evident in his eyes. “It’s a dangerous time to be traveling, especially alone. Are you sure about this?”

Gabriella nodded, her resolve unwavering. “I am. And I’ll be careful. I just need a good horse to help me get there faster and return safely.”

Elias sighed, understanding the depth of her determination. He knew better than to try and dissuade her—Gabriella had always been strong-willed. He glanced at the horses, considering her request.

“Well, if you’re going to do this, you’ll need the best we have,” he said, motioning towards a sturdy chestnut mare with a white blaze down her face. “This is Brigid. She’s fast, strong, and smart. She’ll take care of you on the road.”

Gabriella approached Brigid, gently stroking her muzzle. The horse leaned into her touch, and Gabriella felt a connection form between them. “She’s perfect, Elias. Thank you.”

Elias gave her a small smile. “Just promise me you’ll come back in one piece, and bring Brigid back safely too.”

“I promise,” Gabriella said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

**Gathering the Community:**

With Brigid secured, Gabriella knew the next step would be the hardest—telling the community about her decision to leave. They had become her family, and the thought of saying goodbye, even temporarily, was painful. But she owed them the truth.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the settlement, Gabriella called for a gathering in the central square. The news of the meeting spread quickly, and soon, everyone had assembled, their faces curious and concerned.

Gabriella stood before them, her heart pounding as she prepared to speak. She saw Andrew in the crowd, his eyes locked on hers, offering silent support. Taking a deep breath, she began.

“I’ve called you all here because I have something important to share,” she said, her voice carrying over the hushed crowd. “As many of you know, I’ve been here with you for years now. This community has become my home, and you’ve all become my family. But there’s something I’ve kept in my heart for a long time—something I can’t ignore any longer.”

She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. “My parents. I haven’t seen them since everything fell apart. I don’t know if they’re alive or safe, and it’s something I’ve struggled with every day. Now, with the uncertainty we’re facing and the threats on the horizon, I feel like I have to find them. I can’t wait any longer.”

The crowd was silent, their expressions a mix of understanding and concern. Gabriella could see the emotions playing out on their faces—worry for her safety, empathy for her plight, and sadness at the thought of her leaving.

“I know this is a dangerous time,” she continued, “but I’m not going to be reckless. I’ve secured a horse, and I’ll be gone for as short a time as possible. My childhood home is only two days’ ride from here, and I’ll do everything I can to return quickly and safely. But I wanted to tell you all, to ask for your support, and to say goodbye before I leave.”

Gabriella’s words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. For a moment, there was silence, and then Andrew stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern.

“You’ve always been one of the strongest among us, Gabriella,” Andrew said, his voice steady. “We can’t imagine this place without you, even for a short time. But we understand why you have to go. Just know that we’ll be waiting for you to come back.”

Gabriella smiled, a lump forming in her throat. “Thank you, Andrew. Thank you all. I won’t be gone long—I promise.”

**A Party in Her Honor:**

After the meeting, the community lingered in the square, reluctant to let the moment pass. Andrew, sensing the need for something to lift their spirits, quickly organized a small party in Gabriella’s honor. He rallied a few musicians to play, and soon, the square was filled with the sound of music and laughter, a bittersweet celebration of camaraderie and hope.

Gabriella found herself surrounded by friends, each of them offering words of encouragement and promises to look after things while she was gone. They shared stories, reminiscing about the time they had spent together, the challenges they had overcome, and the bonds they had forged.

As the night wore on, Gabriella felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people around her. This community had become her sanctuary, a place of healing and growth. Leaving them, even temporarily, was one of the hardest decisions she had ever made, but their support gave her the strength she needed.

Later, as the party wound down and the crowd began to disperse, Andrew found Gabriella standing at the edge of the square, looking out at the darkened landscape.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked quietly, coming to stand beside her.

Gabriella nodded, her gaze steady. “I am. I don’t know what I’ll find out there, but I have to try.”

Andrew placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression somber. “Just be careful, Gabriella. You’re important to all of us—to me. We’ll be counting the days until you’re back.”

Gabriella turned to him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’ll be careful, Andrew. And I’ll come back. I promise.”

They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of the impending departure hanging between them. Then, without another word, Andrew pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as if to imprint the memory of her warmth and presence before she left.

The next morning, as dawn broke over the horizon, Gabriella prepared to leave. She packed her supplies, strapped them to Brigid, and took one last look at the settlement she had come to call home. The square was empty now, the echoes of last night’s celebration lingering in the stillness.

With a deep breath, Gabriella mounted Brigid, the horse shifting beneath her, ready for the journey ahead. She cast one final glance at the settlement, her heart heavy but resolute.

Then, with a nudge of her heels, she urged Brigid forward, leaving the safety and comfort of her home behind as she set out on a journey to find the answers she had been seeking for so long.