Chapter 1- An Expected Day Arrived
Katsa liked the room very much, she would miss it. Large glass doors opened up to small balconies that towered over the sea. Sighing, she stood, flung open a set of doors, and walked out into the crisp early autumn air. From her precarious perch on the edge of the balcony, she saw a tree sitting on the edge by the garden. Its long branches, and silver and gold leaves were strong, well cared for. Po. By now, she thought, he would be in the small neighboring town. No doubt he was sitting with the merchant he had planned to meet, discussing restocking his large house on the not so distant rise.
Katsa breathed deeply, trying unsuccessfully to stop her tears. She would not think of Po anymore, he couldn't help her in her current situation. Wiping away her tears, she turned back into the shadow filled bedroom. She grabbed a note off the writing desk, and carefully placed it on his pillow. Attempting to pull herself together, she scooped up her leather saddlebag and scurried down the central stair case. Katsa slipped out of the house moments after sunset, not trusting herself to look back.
Hours later Po rode up to his home, a smile on his face, and rushed up the stairs. Shouting a greeting, he pushed open his bedroom door. At this hour Katsa was usually there, bathing, or writing a letter to Bitterblue or her cousin Raffin. Now however, he was not greeted with a sarcastic comment or question, but an unseasonably cold wind, drifting in from an open door. He closed the door, and glanced into their small functional bathroom. Puzzled, he stepped back into the main room. It was then he saw the note etched with her dearly familiar handwriting. Dread rippled through his body. He knew what the letter would say. She told him it would happen eventually, though he never thought this soon. Dazed, he picked up the card. A tear dripped of his straight nose as he read.
My Dearest Po,
I'm sorry to leave without warning, and without saying goodbye. This is all however I apologize for. We both knew I would leave one day. Perhaps in our dreams we both hoped this day would never come. I have shouldered a burden now that is only mine to bear. I must deal with it in my own way. Please know that I still, and will always love you. Until perhaps another day.
Your Love,
Katsa