K'shalt Chronicles - Iceflame (B1)

Saying goodbye, maybe for good.

Scarlett

I felt bad for Pyro, he felt like he needed to prove himself to his parents!  And worse, his little sister was afraid of him. 

      His entire world was falling apart.

And I already knew I didn't want him leaving with me.  He wasn't fit to fight yet with all these things happening to him, much less think things through.  I knew it might be the final straw, that I might be the only stable thing in his life left at the moment; but I had to.  He needed time alone, a goal, and a friend- I would be all of them.

      I'll ask him to stay here with me another day, my place so he doesn't need to be around his parents.  I'll say I'm going hunting in the morning, alone, and then leave in the night.  That should be enough of a head start for me, and him.

With that thought in mind, I continued through the sad-looking streets to my house.  I worried little about my parents because somebody would have found me.... found me if something was wrong... if something had happened.  And Grem had said it was only Hetro and Kara. 

     As I stepped on to the threshold, my mother threw herself at me in a tight embrace.  I returned her hug,  "Mom!"  I cried happily, then was smothered by questions and chastisement as she inspected me for damage which I insisted wasn't as bad as it looked. 

"Scarlett.  Where have you been?  Your father and I have been worried sick.  You're hurt!  Who did this?  They had better be running.  Have you been filled in on what's happened?  It's preposterous!   All those men did was ransack the place and leave!  Have you eaten?  Where's Pyro? Blessed-soul is he hurt?  Where is your instructor?  Does she know-"

"Mom!"  I couldn't take it.  I know it was just because she didn't want to lose me as abruptly as grandpa, but she could let me speak at least.  "I'm fine, its just some cuts from running here through the trees.  Pyro is fine, we were fishing today, remember?  We need someone to pick up the fish.  Py and I are leaving to get back the elder from the bandits and if you see Pyro tell him I'm hunting." 

     She seemed a little hurt at my anger, but I was tired.  And my cuts were smarting as my adrenaline faded.  "Look mum...  I'm sorry but it's been pretty rough getting in here.  I came for some stuff and to say goodbye.  I don't know how long we'll be, but we'll have each other.  I promise we'll be fine."   Her eyes watered slightly,

"Does it have to be you?  Can't it be another pair!"

     I stepped forward and hugged her.  "Mum?  Can Pyro stay the night too?  He had a fight with his parents, he wanted to leave today.  I'm giving him some time alone by going out first, That's why I'd like you to say I'm hunting... thanks."  I felt her nod against my shoulder.  I didn't know if I'd see her again, but I didn't want anyone here living without an elder, and I sure didn't want to live on without knowing what Pyro and I had.  "I love you mum..."  I murmured in to her hair.  I felt a drop on my shoulder blade; she was crying and I hated to make her so sad, but she knew I might not come back too.

     She sniffed and stepped back, "Love you too, baby.  I know I can't stop you...  so let's get you a bag." 

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