The air in the small village felt heavy with the impending departure as Ruby stood outside her temporary workstation, her heart racing. The sun was setting, casting a frosted hue across the horizon, making the bittersweet emotions swirl inside her. She had sensed it for days now—Selene was planning to leave.
As the last rays of sunlight bathed the village, Ruby took a deep breath and headed toward the clearing where Selene often meditated. The peaceful atmosphere was comforting, yet Ruby couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. She had to talk to Selene before she left.
When Ruby arrived, she found Selene sitting cross-legged on the ground, her eyes closed in deep concentration. Her silver eyes glimmered softly in the fading light, and her long hair flowed like silk in the gentle breeze. Ruby approached cautiously, not wanting to disturb her.
"Selene?" Ruby called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Selene opened her eyes, a serene smile spreading across her face as she looked up at Ruby. "Hey, Ruby. I was hoping to see you before I leave."
Ruby's heart sank at those words, the reality of Selene's departure hitting her all at once. "You're really going, aren't you?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Yes," Selene replied, her tone gentle but firm. "I have to. There are things I need to take care of, and my time here has come to an end for now."
Ruby felt a lump form in her throat. "But… I don't want you to go. You've helped me so much. I still have so much to learn!"
Selene's expression softened, and she reached out to take Ruby's hands in hers. "You're stronger than you realize, Ruby. You've come so far already. Remember, I'll always be with you in spirit. You can call upon me if you need guidance."
"I don't want just your spirit! I want you here, with me!" Ruby insisted, frustration and sadness mingling in her voice. "What if I need you? What if something happens?"
Selene's gaze grew serious, and she squeezed Ruby's hands reassuringly. "You're a capable warrior, Ruby. You've trained hard, and you've learned so much about your magic. Trust in yourself. You have Guwa to guide you as well. You're not alone."
Ruby looked down, feeling the weight of Selene's words. She knew they were true, but the thought of facing the challenges ahead without Selene felt overwhelming. "But I'm still just a kid. I don't feel ready."
"Everyone feels that way at some point," Selene said softly. "It's okay to feel scared. But that fear can be a powerful motivator. Let it drive you to grow stronger, to learn more. I believe in you."
Ruby took a shaky breath, trying to hold back her tears. "I just… I don't want to lose you. Not after everything we've been through together."
Selene's heart ached at Ruby's words. She cupped Ruby's face gently, her thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. "You won't lose me. I'll be watching over you, and I'll come back when I can. Just promise me you'll keep training and never give up, no matter how tough things get."
"I promise," Ruby replied, her voice trembling but resolute. "I'll keep fighting. I'll make you proud."
"Just be yourself," Selene said, her smile returning. "That's all you need to do. You have the heart of a true warrior."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first stars began to twinkle in the sky, a reminder of the vastness of the world beyond the village. Ruby felt a mix of hope and sadness as she absorbed the moment, knowing that this wasn't truly the end.
"Will you come back?" Ruby asked quietly, her heart aching at the thought of Selene leaving.
"Of course," Selene replied with confidence. "But for now, focus on your journey. You'll encounter many challenges, and I have faith that you'll face them with strength and courage. Just remember, you're never alone."
Ruby nodded, feeling a flicker of determination ignite within her. "I won't forget. I'll be waiting for your return."
Selene pulled Ruby into a warm embrace, holding her tightly. "Take care of yourself, Ruby. I'll be thinking of you every day."
As they finally parted, Ruby looked up into Selene's silver eyes, memorizing every detail—the warmth, the kindness, the wisdom. "Goodbye, Selene. I'll see you again."
"Goodbye, Ruby," Selene said softly, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Until we meet again."
With one last lingering look, Selene turned and walked away, her figure slowly fading into the shadows of the snowy forest. Ruby stood rooted to the spot, watching until she could no longer see her.
As the darkness enveloped the village, Ruby felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. But deep within her, she knew that this was not the end. It was a new beginning, and she would face whatever came next with determination and strength. With a final deep breath, Ruby turned and headed back inside, ready to prepare for her next challenge, carrying Selene's words in her heart.