Ethan hurried back out into the morning sunlight, still shocked by his kiss from Siv. He frantically looked around for her, but she had disappeared.

  “Fuck.” He muttered, rubbing his beard as he turned around and went back into his hut.

  What the hell was that about? His mind raced as he haphazardly shoved his few belongings into his pack. Should I hold off on leaving and find out? No, that would be stupid. Everyone is probably waiting for me already. Siv is amazing, but she’s still an NPC. A distraction from what I’m supposed to be doing.

  When Ethan finished packing, he walked slowly back towards Hertha’s longhouse, hoping to see Siv again on the well known path. But she was nowhere to be seen.

  It’s really for the best, he mused, chewing on his lip. Maybe I’ll come back eventually and see her.

  His mare, was still waiting for him by the column to the V?ttr of Fire.

  “Ready to go home, girl?” He asked, running his hand across her muzzle. His horse responded with her usual nudge of her head against him.

  “Alright, alright.” He smiled at the warm welcome from his mount. “Let’s go then.”

  He climbed into the saddle and they began down the road leaving Skaro. As usual, children played and adults worked. But this time, people stopped and waved at him. Recognition of who he had become was on their faces.

  If this was just a regular game, and I wasn’t trapped here. I could see myself here always. He realized sadly. But this isn’t my home. My parents aren’t here, my family isn’t here. And as much as I love Skaro, I miss my home.

  As he steeled himself in determination, he could sense Grenat’s presence and approval. Ethan knew he was making the right choice to return to Startesgarde.

  Seconds after passing through the gates of Skaro, golden light surrounded him in a torrent of air.

  Congratulations you have reached Level 16!

  Congratulations you have reached Level 17!

  Congratulations you have reached Level 18!

  Congratulations you have reached Level 19!

  You have 8 unspent skill points.

  Notifications began flooding his vision. The rush of so much experience at once caused him to get light headed. Luckily he didn’t fall off his horse.

  When he finally got over the rush of experience points, Ethan pulled up his character information for the first time in weeks.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Ethan unconsciously ran his fingers over one of the cold iron wolves adorning the bracers as he read their description. Even though they weren’t as high in quality as his swords, he valued them just as much. Siv’s gift, as well as her parting farewell, would be a cherished reminder of a memorable few weeks.

  As his horse created the hill where he’d first seen Skaro, Ethan drew her to a stop. Turning back in the saddle he looked down across the open area to where he knew the village to be. Against the shores of the massive lake, nestled in the forest of evergreen trees, he could just barely make out the location of the town.

  I don’t know when, but I feel like this isn’t the last time I’ll see Skaro.