Swear Not By The Wings
19 Goodbye

What did he just say?

"Malachi, the Ijiraq is a merciless monster! Of course, he was trying to eat me!" I exclaim.

"I don't think he was hungry," declines the purple-headed fae.

"Are we really arguing before Arrietty has to go?" Arden sighs.

"Yes!" Malachi shouts. Savvy punches the boy in the arm. The fire fae looks at the girl and pulls her into his side. The music fairy blushes upon the action.

"Will you two get a room?" Chance complains.

It was just yesterday when I defeated Siren at the dragon fight. Dart did so well! I've never been more proud of the dragon.

Now, here I am waiting for Ellowyn to open up the portal, the portal that will take me home. I watch as the fairy works her magic in wonder. I try to take up as much of my surroundings as possible. I'm really going to miss this place.

"Arrietty?"

"Theoden!" I embrace the boy in surprise.

"You're really leaving," the boy whispers in awe. I know he is happy for me but I can't miss the sadness laced into his voice.

"I'm going to miss you, Theo," I declare. The fairy pulls me into another tight hug. I feel a nudge at my leg and look down. It's Bartholomew.

"Hey Bartholomew," the creature weeps at my shoes. My heart sinks and I am quick to comfort the dragon.

"It's okay buddy, it's okay. I'll never forget you," I promise while shedding a tear of my own.

"You're going to make me cry," Freya whines. I laugh at the animal fairy and pull her into an embrace as well. When Freya releases me from her grip, I step back.

I look to the group with tearful eyes.

"I love you guys," I announce truthfully. The fairies watch me emotionally before displaying shocked faces. What are they looking at?

"What about me?" I spin around quickly and discover Elio. I slowly walk towards the winter fae who meets me halfway. Once I reach him, I peck his cheek. The fairy's eyes show surprise at my action. I then wrap my arms around his neck before whispering into his ear,

"And I love you, Elio." The fairy looks stunned at my confession and smiles at me halfheartedly. He wraps his arms around my waist before twirling me around, playfully. I don't ever want to leave his hold.

"Arrietty, the portal is activated," Ellowyn announces gently. I look to the swirling puddle floating in the air in awe. I reluctantly depart from the winter fairy.

"Group hug!" Malachi announces. Suddenly, I'm engulfed in several pairs of arms and wings. The fairies pull apart from me and watch as I carefully walk towards the cloud of magic. I look back to my friends who urge me to dive through the portal.

"Go on," Elio tells me. I nod to the boy before disappearing into the magical doorway. I hear Dart let out a heartbreaking roar at my departure.

"Stay magical, Dart!" I remind my pet. I hear dozens of "byes" and "don't forget me" on my way out of the beautiful world. How could I ever forget this place? Tears run down my face as I'm brought to beaming light.

Goodbye magical woodland, it's been a fun ride.