Page 67 of Whisker me Away
The celebration continued around them, with music and dancing and enough food to feed twice Hollow Oak's current population. Children who'd been evacuated just days ago ran through the square with shrieks of delight, their parents watching with the kind of relaxed happiness that came from knowing their world was safe again.
But the moment that meant the most came when Rowan appeared at the edge of the crowd, carrying a bouquet of flowers from his restored farm and wearing an expression of genuine warmth despite the complicated history between them.
"Congratulations," he said simply when he reached them, his brown eyes holding nothing but sincere admiration. "You did something amazing, Freya. Something no one else could have accomplished."
"Thank you." She accepted the flowers with hands that shook slightly, noting how carefully he avoided looking at the way Kieran's arm encircled her waist. "That means a lot, coming from you."
"I hope we can still be friends," Rowan continued, his voice steady despite what this conversation must cost him. "I know things are different now, but you've been part of my life for too long to just disappear completely."
"Of course we can be friends." Relief flooded through her at his gracious acceptance of how things had changed. "I'd like that very much."
"Good." Rowan's smile was genuine, if tinged with sadness. "And Kieran, take care of her."
Kieran replied simply. “I will."
After Rowan melted back into the crowd, Freya found herself fighting tears.
"He's a good man," she said finally.
"Yes, he is." Kieran's voice held no jealousy, only respect for someone who'd handled defeat with grace. "This community is full of good people. That's what made it worth saving."
As evening fell and the celebration continued around them, Freya looked out over the town square filled with friends and neighbors who'd trusted her with everything they loved. The magnitude of what they'd accomplished still felt surreal, but seeing the joy and relief on familiar faces made it real in ways that magical theory never could.
They'd saved Hollow Oak. Not just from the Thornweaver, but from the fear and suspicion that had threatened to tear the community apart. And standing in the center of it all, crowned with flowers and surrounded by people who no longer looked at her like a burden to bear, Freya finally understood what her grandmother had tried to teach her about the true responsibility of the guardian bloodline.
It wasn't about carrying impossible burdens alone. It was about building connections strong enough to share any load, and trusting that love would always be more powerful than fear.
The harvest festival continued late into the night, but for Freya, the real celebration was the simple knowledge that they'd all come home.
37
KIERAN
The ancient oaks in the Council Glade seemed less imposing, their shadows more welcoming than threatening, and the circle of standing stones hummed with peaceful energy instead of the oppressive weight of crisis. Even the autumn light filtering through the canopy looked softer, more golden, as if the grove itself was celebrating Hollow Oak's salvation.
Today, Varric’s silver braids were decorated with small autumn flowers and his eyes held warmth instead of their usual careful neutrality. The other council members flanked him in ceremonial robes that Kieran had never seen before, their faces solemn but pleased as they prepared for what was clearly a formal recognition ceremony.
"Kieran Holt," Elder Varric began. "You stand before the Hollow Oak Council not as a temporary consultant or crisis responder, but as someone who has proven himself worthy of permanent recognition."
"Sir?" Kieran kept his voice respectful despite the confusion flooding through him. He'd expected a brief thank-you and dismissal, not whatever formal proceeding this was turning into.
"Your actions during the Thornweaver crisis demonstrated courage, loyalty, and sacrifice that go far beyond professional obligation," Elder Varric continued. "You risked your life not once but repeatedly to protect this community and its people. You stood with our guardian when others wavered, supported her when doubt threatened to overwhelm her, and proved that true strength comes from partnership rather than individual power."
Kieran felt heat rise in his cheeks as the formal praise continued, his tiger shifting restlessly beneath his skin. This kind of public recognition made him uncomfortable, but he could see Freya watching with pride, and that made the embarrassment bearable.
"Therefore," Elder Varric said, "the Hollow Oak Council formally recognizes you as a full member of our community, with all the rights, responsibilities, and honors that entails. You are no longer a visitor in our town, Kieran Holt. You are home."
Home. Not just a place he was allowed to stay, not just a community that tolerated his presence, but somewhere he truly belonged.
"I don't know what to say," he managed, his voice rough.
"Say you'll accept the position we'd like to offer you," Elder Varric replied with something that might have been a smile. "Hollow Oak needs a liaison with regional supernatural authorities, someone who can navigate bureaucratic challenges and represent our interests when dealing with government officials. Your security background and crisis management experience make you uniquely qualified for the role."
"You want me to be your political troubleshooter?" Kieran asked, intrigued despite himself.
"We want you to use your skills to protect this community in ways that go beyond physical threats," Miriam Caldwell said from her position in the circle. "You've already provenyou understand how to handle difficult people and impossible situations. Now we're asking you to do it officially."
The offer opened possibilities Kieran had never considered. A role that would let him use his experience to help the entire community, not just react to crises but prevent them from happening in the first place. It was purpose on a scale he'd never imagined, responsibility that went far beyond his usual temporary assignments.
