Bittersweet

He walks through the forest at night. His face covered by the hood of his cloak. From a distance, he could hear the sounds of revelry and merrymaking.
 
“So many happy voices.” He thought.
 
Stepping out into the clearing, he was greeted by the sights and sounds of an ongoing celebration. A celebration of four hundred years of the place that he once called home. Looking back, he could remember the time he spent there: of learning magic, of learning about life… and finding love.
 
It’s been years since he’s parted ways with her, the sorceress, who’s magic was a stark contrast to this druid’s darkness. He could still remember her. The touch of her hand, the warmth of her embrace, the sweetness of her voice, the miracle that someone from the light can take into her bosom a man who grew up in the darkness.
 
He also remembered, when they left the precious grounds of their institution, how the world changed her. How things quickly became different. How different the world outside was. How he and she exchanged blows just to let the other know the pain that each one felt. And how badly he missed her in spite of all that happened. Of how he shortly transformed from a knight into the druid that he is now.
 
Brushing these thoughts aside, the druid removed his hood, and saw many of his friends, people who he grew up with. And then, he saw her. The sorceress, still a sight to behold as she had always been. The druid adjusted his monocle, not believing that sight that he just saw.
 
A quick hi and hello and they went on with the festivities. A few jokes exchanged here and there. It was all good but this druid wasn’t at peace. Not when she’s anywhere near him.
 
Fireworks then ensued to top off the revelry. As everyone bid each other goodbye, the druid took the sorceress off to a distant corner. Looking into her eyes, he began:
 
“I have to come clean. I know that we’re talking once again and that we’re friends again but there’s something I have to tell you…
 
I still have feelings for you… In spite of everything that happened. Much as I want us to get back together, I know very well that it’s a near impossibility considering that we’re two very different people now than who we were before. Even though I had another lady that took your place, you’re still the person in my mind… in my heart…and that’s why I ended it all with her… Its because I still see you in her…
 
You’ve pretty much moved on well into the world. I still have my own story, my own legend to make. I need to move out of your shadow. It may not matter much to you but for me…”
 
But before he could finish, the sorceress interrupted:
 
“I must admit that I only see you now as I friend. I try to be friends with who I shared cupid’s magic. In your case, since we were the best of friends before, I thought why not? But if keeping me out of your life will help you move on, then so be it.”

 The sorceress then extended her hand to the druid. With much sorrow, the druid summoned all of his might and shook the sorceress’ hand… and then let go…

 Turning his back on the sorceress, the druid began walking away to continue writing his own story… and never looked back. As he walked, he put on his hood… to hide the tears as they fell to the ground... In the place where it all started...