Ronia sits by the fire as the robbers chatter, as they do every night. And as always, Birk sits next to her, the two leaning into each other with obvious fraternal affection.
But tonight, something happens that has never happened in the four years since Matt's and Borka's robbers came together. As Birk and Ronia turn to face each other, Birk leans toward Ronia and gently kisses her. At first, she is surprised, but she quickly comes back to herself and returns the kiss. The two smile at each other, then turn to face the fire again, this time placing their arms around one another's shoulders and resting their heads against one another.
Most of the robbers are too busy talking and drinking to notice, but Lovis and Undis see from where they stand nearby, watching their children.
"You were right, Undis," Lovis murmurs. "They are becoming more than how they started."
That night, Lovis asks Ronia the question. "Do you love Birk?"
Ronia is taken aback by the simplicity of the question. "Of course," she replies. "He is my brother."
Lovis nods. "Is he more than that, Ronia?" she prods gently.
"He is my best friend," Ronia begins. "He is my favorite person," she adds, unaware of how that statement could hurt Lovis and Matt.
"That is good to know," Lovis murmurs. To herself, she thinks: It won't be long, will it? What Ronia has said could be taken at face value, but somehow, Lovis knows how things will turn out.
And having come through all the years of fighting, and seeing how much better and easier her life is with the two bands united, she is glad of it.
