The battles are over, the crisis averted. Your party defeated the forces of evil, crushed the demon lord, and secured peace and prosperity for the world. Thinking back, you remember how you gathered your erstwhile colleagues, finding mortals of power throughout the land and gathering them into an adventuring party capable of defending the world from Ragnarok. It has been two years since you set out on this quest together, and now everyone involved in these adventures must return to their lives once more— most of the party has already parted ways.
"Aiden, were you listening?"
You are jaunted from your reverie by the voice of your sole remaining party member, Vanessa. A witch specializing in black magic, her powers were essential for defeating the many minions of the demon lord. With the party going their separate ways, you are escorting the witch back to her home town. The sun shines down upon you as it sets behind towering trees lining the roadside. "Yeah, sorry, my mind wandered." You chuckle at yourself. "Sorry, what did you ask?"
She smiles sweetly at you, but there is something like sadness hidden in those sapphire eyes. For a moment they spark with some sort of light or energy before fading again to be replaced by their usual appearance. "I asked if you had any plans after we get to where I'm headed," she states matter-of-factly.
You shake your head lightly. "Not much use for a paladin wielding a holy blade now that all the demons are dead... I don't really know what I'll do."
"Oh?" There's interest in her tone.
"Well, not too sure yet," you admit with another laugh, rubbing the back of your head sheepishly. "What about you? Have you found anything to do next?"
The young witch nods slowly, looking away shyly as she does so. "Oh yes, plenty!" she says quickly, then trails off, leaving you uncertain if she actually does have anything planned.
You look up again, thinking that perhaps you should stay with her and find new adventures like you originally intended, instead of returning to normal life. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to settle down somewhere quiet, far removed from cities and adventurers and other such people. That sounds nice, doesn't it? But despite your musings, you feel compelled to continue along your path.
"So, you're fine living in the forest forever?" you say teasingly.
She puffs out her chest proudly, standing tall as she speaks in an imperious tone, "Of course! I am quite accustomed to doing whatever pleases me without anyone else interfering!" She declares confidently.
You smirk wryly at her declaration, shaking your head slightly as you try to keep straight face. Despite everything that happened during this mission, Vanessa was still one of the bravest members of your group—and that includes half-orc barbarian who slew entire hordes of goblins single-handedly.
The sun continues to disappear below the horizon as the two of you continue down the road, still days from Vanessa's final destination.