“It’s time,” came the voice of Arenna, My-re’s foster mother said through the bedroom door.
My-re stretched in her old bed and turned over on her goose feather, filled pillow. She had almost forgotten how soft and comfortable it was. It was like a fluffy cushion encompassing her body in a hug. However, as a youth she did not miss pushing the geese through the orchard to fertilize it. So much poop and they bite.
The morning sun was trying to peek through the darkened curtains. Rising, she felt awake and rested. Something she hadn’t felt in years. It was like she was a child again and the stress of the world was unknown to her. Her royal blue, silky pajamas lightly touched her skin and hung from her body. It was like the comfort of not wearing anything and kept her cozy. It was a far cry from the rough cotton garments she wore on the Isle of the Eye. She shivered remembering their itchy texture.
Opening her door, she looked down the hall and the sauna room’s door was slightly opened. The scent of heated herbs and warmed cedar waffled over her. Approaching, she cracked the door and saw Arenna setting out her clothes. They were folded neatly, clean, and the heat would warm them when she dressed. The small, cedar lined room had two benches and could seat two comfortable. A waist high, round stove at the end heated fist-sized, scorched stones resting on top. A cold water bucket, a towel, and ladle was present to wash away perspiration and throw water on the hot stones to produce steam and increase the temperature.
“Two weeks goes by too fast,” Arenna lamented. “Have the Alastarians made final preparations?”
“Yes, mother. Our plan is set along with contingencies. You don’t need to fear. We won’t draw any attention to the ranch.”
“Will I see you again before you leave back to Alastari?”
Sighing in remorse, My-re drew in a breath.
“No. Don’t answer. I already know.”
“Mother.”
Shaking her head. Arenna said, “The sauna’s losing heat. Poppy won’t think you for that.”
My-re smiled and shook her head in amusement. “I haven’t heard the name Poppy in years. You still believe that gnome takes care of the sauna don’t you?”
“Until my very last breath. I know it was him that woke me up all those years ago. If it wasn’t for Poppy, the whole house would have burned down when I forgot to put out the sauna stove,” Arenna answered.
My-re began to disrobe. The warmth felt good. She remembered in her youth sitting in the sauna during winter times. The sweat cleaning her pores and then bathing in cool water closed them back up again. It was a cleanliness sensation she never felt any way else.
Leaving the room, Arenna said, “There’s one last thing.” She then sat down a small, golden container with a jewel on top with images of warriors along the side. “Come down when you’re prepared. I have breakfast ready.” She then left My-re alone.
Lifting the container’s top, inside were pink, rose scented salts. She returned the lid and sat. She knew the vessel’s meaning well. The salt would be rubbed into the skin for extra cleaning effects and the rose aroma would last for days. It was an expensive luxury. It was also a tradition for Rirorni warriors to use on eve of war. It was the last act a family could bestow on them prior to going into battle. A battle where they were not expected to return. Without words, it was their way of saying a final goodbye. A remorseful tear then streaked down My-re’s face.
An hour later after using the sauna and salts, My-re dried herself and dressed in the silk undergarments Arenna laid out. They were like a warm blanket. Returning to her room, Arenna had laid out her ring mail armor and battle axe; shinning and recently oiled.
Donning her armor and axe secured to her back, My-re heard commotion downstairs as she exited her bedroom for the last time. Descending the stairs to the living room, she saw a number of the Shagornan elf crew leaving with food in hand, while another group entered a short time later. They all wore smiles on their faces. Vomarian Fae and Havelock were pursuing over a map at a small table, while Malla and Naloona were weaving in and out retrieving empty plates and bringing in more drinks and food of fruit, bread, cheeses, and smoked meats.
Helping herself to a meal, My-re saw eight year old Belalith off to the side petting the goat, Joey, which My-re had rescued from the Storm Crags.
“Do you like him?” My-re asked?
“He’s so cute!” Belalith squealed hugging him.
“He’s yours.”
“Yeah! Thank you sissy!”
Naloona passed commenting, “Excellent, it’s been awhile since we had goat curry for dinner.”
“No!” bellowed My-re and Belalith in unison.
Holding her hands out, Naloona said, “Kidding.”
Snorting at Naloona, My-re turned back to Belalith. My-re then pulled out a small, leather pouch. “Here, give this to mother, but give it to her after we leave.”
“What is it?” Belalith asked as she loosened the strings, opened it, and shifted through several stones inside. “Those are very pretty rocks.”
“Remember, only after we leave,” My-re said and rose heading towards the table with Havelock and Vomarian Fae.
The Shagornan elf looked up at her approach. Rolling up the map he said, “The last crew rotation is here. After they finish eating, we’ll begin the journey to Rithakar. Will you thank your mother for the hospitality? We are indeed indebted for feeding the crew the past two weeks. They are extremely grateful. I know the Rirorni are a proud people, so would you give her this?” He held out three astrums, the star-shaped gold coins of the Delarquan Federation. “Your village must have gone through hard times during the war.”
“In the Empire, it’s all hard times. Mother won’t take any payment and those sparklers would be useless here. However, I appreciate the gesture and I’ve already made arrangements,” My-re said and gently pushed back the coins.
“It’s time,” Havelock said and patted My-re on the shoulder.
Breathing out a sigh, she looked around the room full of Shagornan elves eating, drinking, and gathering to leave and then spotted her mother standing in the entrance of the kitchen watching. She knew.
My-re took in her childhood home and ensured it seared into her mind. The faces and her memories.
Belalith came running up with Joey in her hands, as they turned to leave. “Sissy, when will I see you again?”
My-re bent down and hugged her sister. “Belalith, listen and one day you will understand. I have some important and unsafe things I need to do. My presence here brings grave risk and danger to the family. I’m leaving this place and don't plan to return. I’m so sorry, but I won’t be seeing you again.”
“What!?” I don’t understand!” Belalith leapt and latched onto My-re’s leg. “No, you can’t leave!”
Arenna swiftly approached and removed Belalith. “Go now.”
My-re retreated and slight tripped over her feet at hearing the lamentation of her sister and struggling in her mother’s arms.
“I love you both and I’m so sorry.”
“Sissy, don’t leave!”
The Shagornan elves, along with Vomarian Fae and Havelock didn’t turn back as they trekked out in into the cold and snow. My-re also turned around as she left.
“Sissy!” Belalith cried at her back and then shouted, “My-re, listen to me!”
At her name, she turned back towards her sister.
“Please, please, please, come back to me! Please, please don’t go! I love you so much! I love you more than anything in the world!”
Havelock saw her hesitation and put his arm around My-re’s shoulder and said softly, “Come on.”
My-re knew she couldn’t stay. Even if she abandoned the mission and remained, it would be only a matter of time before she was found and in defiance of her banishment from the Empire. She would be placing them in too much danger. She knew what she was doing was right.
Silence accompanied the group as they walked towards the hidden location of the flying ship, the Unsinkable III. Snow crunched under their feet and their breath carried on the wind, as Havelock maintained his arm around her for comfort.
A light snow then began to fall. He breathed in the air and commented, “You smell nice.”