Flower Falls and Crystal Calls

Homeward

Chapter 46

Elle recognized what it was right away, even if no one else did. Several of the warriors drew their weapons and moved protectively between the Seeress and the unknown thing. Yeul only looked at Elle. Her voice had dropped into a near whisper again. "You were not forcefully taken this time. You have a choice, though I do not believe it will stay open for long."

Elle's eyes finally drifted down to Yeul and understood for the first time why she looked so sad. It wasn't just because of Caius. She already knew what was going to happen, even though Elle had only just come to a decision.

She had backed away when she first saw the portal that would lead her back to what had once been her home. However, as soon as Yeul spoke, Elle knew what her choice was going to be. Thoughts of her brother filled her mind as she looked back over her shoulder. She was torn as she looked at Caius' statue, glowing in the dawn light. This place was so much more to her than her love of that man, but she still knew she could not stay. Her eyes were just as sad as Yeul's when she turned back.

She didn't even have to say anything before Yeul nodded. "You will need to change back into your things before you leave. I have had them kept safe for your return. I will have someone bring them to your room momentarily."

Elle stared at the girl for several moments as she tried to find the words to express herself. When nothing came, she threw decorum to the wind and pulled Yeul into a tight hug. Her voice was choked with things she couldn't find the words for, yet she tried. "Thank you. I won't ever forget you."

Yeul returned the embrace just as tightly. When they parted, the girl gave her a small smile. "I have considered your words often, and I see that you shared wisdom not even I could have seen. Do not fear that I will have no one."

Elle clenched her jaw when she understood what Yeul meant but somehow managed a smile. "I'm glad to hear it."

That was all she could handle before she turned to head to her room. She was stopped by the sight of all the warriors that were still gathered. By then, they had come to understand what was going on. The salutes that they had given her now turned into regretful goodbyes. Most of them only waved or patted her arm as she passed by, but a few took her hand and shook it. She was amazed to see how much she would be missed. Although she tried not to think about it. This was already hard enough as it was.

When she got past the line of men, she was greeted by the sight of a frowning Laer. Her heart lurched at the look he was giving her, but she did not have words to give him at that moment. Nothing would have been enough to explain how much he meant to her. Instead, she gave him a nod and turned to find her room. She hoped that by the time she was changed, she would have strength enough to give him a proper goodbye.

By the time she made it to her room, one of the women was already there with a bundle. She held it out and gave her a bow. The woman offered her a smile as she took it before she turned away to leave Elle to change in peace.

It did not take her long to swap out her clothing, though it felt strange to be putting her jeans and blouse back on. They felt weird against her skin after having spent the last year wearing linen and leather. She tried to ignore that reminder of this place as she started to replace the rest of her things, like her holster and badge.

She was moving slower than she usually would have. The whole process was like pushing through molasses. Despite her focus on not thinking about what she was leaving, she wasn't surprised when her door was flung open, and Laer filled the doorway.

She only held his gaze for a moment before she turned to finish taking the beads and feathers from her hair. Her voice was low when she spoke. "I'm sorry. I couldn't say goodbye out there. I'm going to miss you, and this is already hard."