ILLECEBROUS

Chapter 9: You favor your daughter from that bastard

CHAPTER 9

ELVEN FOREST

Today is the day Katherine and Elliot are off to return back to Bonheur. They were still oblivious about the happenings in the capital, but a few days ago, they received a letter from Philip ordering them to return immediately.

Katherine is feeling downcast as she packs her last belongings; she stared at her room as tears started forming at the corner of her eyes.

She's been living here for 6 years now; so many memories etched at every nook and cranny of this room and now she will leave this haven of hers to face back reality.

Someone knocked on her door so she hastily wiped away her tears. "It's open" she said after closing her luggage.

Elliot opened the door carefully "Are you ready?" he then walked forward to grab her bag. "We would probably arrive at the capital after 5 days, have you finished packing all your things?"

Katherine nodded quietly.

Seeing her so passive, he already knew what was on her mind so he gently patted her head "I don't want to leave the Elven forest as well, but we don't have a choice"

"...I know"

Elliot then grabbed Katherine's hand to drag her out of the room "We should make sure to say our thanks to Eir properly, ok?"

They reached Eir's quarters and Katherine mustered up the courage to knock on her door but there was no response on the other side.

"Master? Are you in there?" Katherine knocked once more but only silence was heard.

After a long while, Elliot lightly opened the door just to see that the room was empty but a note was left at the bedside table.

************ (Letter's contents)

I didn't have the heart to see you two off, I might not

Be able to bear seeing you two go back, this 6 years has

Been such a blessing for me and I feel so proud upon

Witnessing you two grow up.

To my dearest Katherine, I want you to use my teachings

To protect the people you love. Always be strong and

Don't let other people's opinions sway your morale.

Take care of yourselves and I hope that we could still

See each other someday.

Be happy little ones.

                                                                       -Eir Steinfield

**************

Katherine held the letter tightly as tears started falling from her eyes. Just imagining Eir alone in this house made her heart ache. Eir wasn't just her master; she also became a mother figure for her and just the thought of Eir bearing the loneliness all by herself made Katherine's heart feel a throbbing pain.

Elliot just quietly caressed Katherine's back, allowing her to cry to her heart's content. 'Thank you for everything Eir' he thought to himself.

As soon as Katherine calmed down, the two immediately started their journey back to the capital. They only rode one horse and the two wore hoods that covered their countenance.