Mass Effect 3 – Farewell
The ride had been taken at leisure - the first of many. There was no effort to it. Peaceful. Jenna slowed to a halt saying nothing to Kaidan, attention caught by a calling. A few strides on he stopped, eyeing her intently.
The sound of the leaves in the forest behind them rose with the wind in waves. Her eyes followed the gust through the grass, down into the valley. The ground was even and the land rolling. Her heart began to race, giving Kaidan's touch a run for its money. A smile formed shakily on her lips. One of the last things she remembered doing as a child…
Unbuttoning her shirt, standing slightly as she pulled it free from her waistband, she faced the stallion in the direction the wind was blowing.
"Jenna?" Kaidan asked unsure of what was happening. She looked over to him, dearly.
"Forgive me," she said, grinning. Holding tight to her saddle horn, she spurred the animal on, letting out an emphatic shout.
"Yah!" The stallion surged forward, galloping down the slope with the summer wind. Kaidan smiled, laughing as he brought his horse around to follow. No forgiveness necessary. No matter where it blows, every breath of wind needs a place and a land to call home. Kaidan gave chase, following her into that wide, open space.
v
Finding an even gait, Jenna let go the reins with one hand. She rose in the saddle, arm outstretched, shirt snapping about in the wind. Her face was alight, her whole being aglow. Only the freedom of genuine flight would be more exhilarating. Before long she looked over as Kaidan rode up, keeping pace beside her.
Their looks and laughter – sheer joy.
They came to a stop on the crest of a hill overlooking a river and its' tributaries. Kaidan sidled up beside her, reaching out a hand. She held on tight, eyes holding to his and smiling with tears in her eyes.
"I'm home." A tear found its way down.
Happiness. Perfect. Pure. Free from need or desire. Two minds. One heart.
Always.
Every story is a journey. Every journey ends.
Fare thee well.
- R.A. Crandall