For the Journey

Richard sighed as he paced down the forest path, his meagre belongings slung over his shoulder. Two years, that's how long he had. Two years to wander the land before he could return. Sure, it was not so great an interval; what was two years compared to a whole lifetime? Yet...it was still two years too long.
A hurried pitter-patter could be heard some ways away. Richard paused, his whiskers twitching...who could that be? Turning around, he saw Matthias scampering towards him anxiously. "Wait, Rick!" he called out, raising a paw in a gesture to emphasize his request. "Please, wait!" He skid to a halt, panting a little, but soon composed himself. Standing up straight, he looked at Rick with his gentle eyes and smiled. "I heard about you having to go away...so I brought you this." Matthias reached into his jacket pocket and produced a shiny round object with a strap for the neck, holding it out to Rick.
Richard gaped at the strange device, peering at it. "What's that?"
"It's a medal of St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers. He was so tall that he used to ferry river across a river by walking across it with his passenger on his shoulders. Maybe...maybe he'll carry you, too, while you travel."
Richard blinked and rubbed his chin, a little discomfited. "Thanks, but...I don't really believe in any of that stuff."
Matthias remained smiling. "That's okay, you don't have to...just consider this a token of friendship, and a symbol of my best wishes." He knelt down, preparing to adorn the medal around Rick's neck. "You don't have to take it if you don't want to, but...I think it'll be good if you did :)"
Richard gazed at the object again, his paw reaching up to touch in unconsciously. It was a simple design, yet so intricate and complex. There was a certain quality to it that seemed beyond what the physical senses could detect, and it perplexed him, and filled him with wonder. "...Okay, Matt, I guess I'll take it."
Matthias was subtly ecstatic. "Really? Thank you...I put so much work into this just for you." He gently brings the strap around Rick's neck, patting down the medal on the mouse's vest. "I know that you have to be gone for a long while, and I'm really gonna miss you...but I know that, just because we can't see each other, doesn't mean we're not there for each other. Even when we're far away, the bonds of friendship remain strong." He placed his paws on Rick's shoulders. "You're my friend, Richard, and I know that, as long as we always think about each other, we'll never be apart." He stood up, that common tranquility still bright in his heart. "Goodbye, Rick, and blessings to you. I hope my parting gift keeps you in high spirits." Smiling he turn around and, giving a final wave to his friend, vanished into the woods.
Richard stood still for several moments, dazed, yet full of wonder. This little gift he had been given, so full of meaning...it was heavy, yet somehow, it lifted him up. He handled the medal in one paw, shifting it between his fingers, struck by the warmth he felt when he looked at it. Gazing up at the forest path from whence he came, he knew, right there, that he had been given a great gift for the journey.
Dedicated to Patrick Stannard, whose inspiring presence and creative prowess will always be a blessing, no matter where he is.