Saying Goodbye
The quick pad of feet on the ground was almost silent as Kitsunetsukï walked along the dirt path in the early morning fog. Beside her trotted her loyal companion. Once a tiny cub small enough to fit in her knapsack, he now kept her pace easily, even in the darkness. As usual, her mother had taken the lead. Kit halted, sitting down to re-adjust her pack for the third time that morning. The elder of the two stopped as well, leaning up against a tree to wait patiently for Kit to finish stalling. The translucent cat at her mother's side appeared far less understanding than its mistress. The large cat narrowed its eyes, flicking its ears back in displeasure. Kit was sure that had the spirit beast been able to speak, she would have been in for a long winded lecture.
She watched her mother lean down and speak softly to the disgruntled feline at her side. All my life I have had her to look to, what am I going to do without her guidance? Kit worried silently. As she re-tied her bow Kit smiled, remembering how proud she had been when her mother had given it to her saying that she would teach Kit to use it as well as how to observe and learn from the creatures inhabiting the land. It was only a matter of years before the summons had arrived, requesting her mother's presence in Northrend. Kit was told that she would have to stay behind and continue her formal training with the Farstriders instead. It wasn't till now that the reality of her current predicament truly sunk in; Silvermoon City. The mere thought of the place made her anxious.
A soft nudge from Kiba interrupted her thoughts. "I know" she said to the saber, scratching behind his ears. "I suppose we had better keep moving. Dawn will be here soon."
It's not as though I don't have good reason to be a bit apprehensive. Kit thought with a frown. Just yesterday, they had passed a small group; it was the first they had encountered on the journey here. Kit had not missed the disgusted looks she had received, nor had she failed to hear their laughter as they hissed amongst themselves "...Mayana, stop staring at the riff raf..." "But did you see..." "...wouldn't be caught dead in that!" Her eyes were drawn to the patched and worn leather that covered her, slowly taking in the dust that blanketed the boots she had so painstakingly made. What's so wrong with what I'm wearing? she thought.
Still musing over the past, she hardly noticed when her mother stopped short after rounding a bend in the path. It was only her mother's cheerful call of "Hail Winaestra!" That saved her from plowing face first into her mentor. Kit's embarrassment however was quickly overshadowed by outright shock. She watched as her ordinarily stoic mother went bounding over the grass covered hill to embrace the tiny blond woman she had called to.
Stunned, Kit slowly made her way over to the pair, who had begun talking excitedly. Like little squirrels that got into the ale, the thought made her smile. Winaestra grinned at Kit as she joined them. "So is this..." her mother nodded. "Win, I would like you to meet my daughter Kitsunetsukï ". Kit fought back a wave of panic as without warning, the woman suddenly embraced her. "Sinu... Sinu a'manore" Kit managed to stammer as she took a step backward. Wonderful, that is just wonderful, she mused inwardly. You finally meet someone who doesn't treat you like scum and all you can think to say is well met? She frowned, so much for astounding them with my razor sharp wit.
Sighing, her mother turned and hugged her close"Do you see the city walls?" she asked. Kit briefly contemplated closing her eyes and saying no before nodding slowly. "It's time to say goodbye" her mother said gently. Taking a deep breath, Kit tried to still the sorrow and fear that were quickly tying knots in her stomach. Kit tightened the embrace for a moment, silently telling her mother "Don't you dare die in Northrend minn'da." before stepping back. Gazing past her mother's shoulder she could just see the walls of Silvermoon peeking through the early morning mist.
"Shorel'aran minn'da" Kit whispered to the strong and proud huntress she called mother. Smiling, the older woman fussed over one of Kit's stray hairs and then wheeled her around to face the city. "Walk swiftly now little one, we can not have you arrive late on your first day". "Tana would skin me alive." her mother said wryly.
Then, with a small push, Kit was on her way.