Most guides concern themselves with departure.
Far fewer discuss return.
This is unfortunate.
Because return is where many journeys finally make sense.
The traveler who returns is never the same traveler who left.
The roads see to that.
The mountains see to that.
The dragons see to that.
The people encountered along the way see to that.
Experience changes people.
That is its purpose.
One day you will walk through a familiar gate.
Past familiar walls.
Along familiar streets.
You will hear familiar voices.
Smell familiar meals.
See familiar faces.
And suddenly realize something unexpected.
Home changed.
And so did you.
The remarkable thing is that both can be true.
The city remains.
The traveler grows.
The road connects them.
Always.
Perhaps you discovered answers.
Perhaps you discovered better questions.
Perhaps you found treasure.
Perhaps you found purpose.
Perhaps you found friendship.
Perhaps you found yourself.
Most likely, you found a little of everything.
That is how good journeys work.
MAGDA'S NOTE
And hopefully you found better socks.
One day another traveler will sit where you once sat.
Packing a bag.
Studying a map.
Feeling uncertain.
Wondering whether they are ready.
You may be the one giving advice.
If so, be kind.
Every traveler begins somewhere.
The Chronicle remains open.
The roads remain waiting.
The dragons remain watching.
The realm remains alive.
And your story remains unfinished.
That is not a flaw.
That is a gift.
Pell's Final Words
May your roads be interesting.
May your companions be loyal.
May your questions remain larger than your fears.
And may you always find your way home.
Magda's Final Words
Bring extra socks.
I wasn't joking.
THE END
Or more accurately: