### Chapter 33: Peacetime
The camp was filled with laughter and celebration, and the soldiers rejoiced in their hard-won victory. The Shadow Group had been seriously weakened, and for the first time in a long while, the tension in everyone's minds eased.
Allen stood at the edge of the camp, gazing at the ground before him, a mixture of happiness and fatigue evident on his face. They had come a long way, but he knew the war was far from over. Nonetheless, for now, they should relish the peacetime.
"Alan," a soft voice called out, pulling him from his reverie.
Turning, he saw Leora approaching, her face illuminated by the campfire. She smiled at him with a knowing look in her eyes. "Looks like you could use a break."
Allen chuckled and shook his head. "I think we all deserve one."
Leora gestured for him to follow, and they left the bustling area, heading towards the serene riverside. The water shimmered in the moonlight, its gentle murmur a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
"I want to express my gratitude," Leora said, settling onto a large rock and running her hand over its surface. "For everything. You're an exceptional leader."
Seating himself beside her, Allen felt the weight of her words. "I couldn't have done it without you and the others. It's been a collective effort."
Leora leaned closer, their shoulders touching. "Yet, you're the one who brought us all together. Your strength and determination inspire us all."
"Have you ever pondered what might have been?" Leora asked softly. "What if circumstances were different? What if we didn't have to fight for our lives?"
Allen sighed, memories of a past life resurfacing. "Occasionally. But I've come to accept this as our path. We must press on."
Leora nodded, her gaze fixed on the water. "I understand. Yet, in moments like these, it's comforting to imagine an alternate life. A place where we could be ordinary."
Eren turned to her, observing how the moonlight bathed her face. "What would you pursue in this alternate life?"
Leora smiled. "I believe I'd become a healer, tending to the needs of people in a tranquil village. Perhaps I'd tend to a garden filled with diverse plants and flowers."
"I'd likely delve into the realm of science," contemplated Allen. "Sharing my knowledge and experiences to enlighten others. It sounds... intriguing."
They shared a collective smile, momentarily escaping the strains of reality.
"Thank you, Alan," she whispered softly. "For being here. For fighting alongside us."
He reached out, clasping her hand. "And thank you for believing in me, Leora."
Sitting in silence, hand in hand, they felt a sense of solace in each other's company, their unspoken connection transcending words.
As night enveloped the camp in tranquility, and the residents began to retire, Alan and Leora remained by the riverside, finding solace in the brief respite from their duties.
With the first rays of dawn, Alan knew it was time to return to the demands of reality. But the bond they had forged in those fleeting hours would endure, serving as a source of strength and hope in the battles that lay ahead.
"Let's head back," Leora said, giving his hand one final squeeze before releasing it. "There's much left to be done."
Allen nodded, rising to his feet. "Together."
With the shared understanding they had found, they made their way back to camp, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited them.
The path ahead might be uncertain, but Allen felt renewed determination knowing he had allies like Leora by his side, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.