I lead the way out of the main manor door, and the three of us turn to opt for the overgrown woodland path back to the village on the left of the valley. Simon and Maisie flank me on each side as we head into relative quiet and darkness. Only the moon shines this way, illuminating our path as it’s the shortest route back to my dorm, which will no longer be my home after this week, and a quick shortcut to the part of the village where Maisie stays.
The air is heavy with the smell of pine and fresh rain permeating everything, and the colder breeze signals winter is not far behind the falling of the leaves lately. It’s a peaceful night with relative quiet from the town, as most have gone to bed. Only the crickets echo in the night air, and an occasional owl hoots.
I'm stuffed and content, e
