The fifth morning arrived with everyone expecting it to be their last day in the Vale. Sara was already up making breakfast when William emerged from his tent, and the smell of cooking food mixed with the forest air created a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere.
"It's the last day," Sara said cheerfully while tending the fire. "When we get back it's back to classes and training schedules tomorrow."
Marcus was organizing their packed supplies near the clearing's edge, double-checking that everything was accounted for and ready for transport. Lyanna sat nearby reviewing her documentation notes one final time while Seraphina performed her morning sword practice routine with the same focused intensity she had maintained throughout the trip.
Claire was the last to emerge from her tent, looking completely unbothered by the early hour despite everyone else being active for at least thirty minutes.
