After the war.
"Any news from Ironcrest?" Elric asked Elden.
"Things have gone quiet, for now." It was making Elden uneasy.
Mayar was snooping again. She couldn't help it. Not when everyone was determined to keep things from her. Her door ajar, she hovered, listening to the conversation taking place in that living room. Many conversations had taken place there over the years. Many conversations she shouldn't have heard, perhaps, and others that she had been a part of. The door clicked and she knew her father and Elric had stepped outside, perhaps sensing her presence.
She glanced over at her letter from Deana. She'd settled in well over the last couple of months. A nice cabin for her and Roe, room for the brood she so desperately desired. She was an adult now, no doubt. And Mayar… well she felt as know she were being left behind.
Her parents were older, she reminded herself, when they found one another. They'd waited far longer to settle down. And it was just as well, for they had found something rare and special, their mate.
When she was sure the house was empty, Mayar crept out, shutting the front door behind her. She knew her mother was with some of the other females, sewing in the cabin across from theirs, helping out one of the clothiers. Her father was likely off attending to business.
She smiled to herself in the dim light as she watched a mother chasing her children back into their home, for bed. The mother nodded to her in acknowledgement before closing the door.
A sprinkling of snow started to fall and Maya smiled to herself as she turned the corner, but paused when she saw Elric. In armour. With a bag and a cloak.
"Going somewhere?" She asked, pacing towards him.
He paused, looking over to her and shifting on his feet, "Always lurking in the shadows."
"I suppose in ways the darkness has become a friend," She folded her arms, "And in other ways, less of one."
Elric ran a hand through his hair, one side cut short, the other longer. He knew there was no need to lie. He knew she would see right through it. She always had. Too wise, even for a youngling. Too strong. "I'm leaving."
"Why?"
"It's no longer safe here." He fastened a dagger to his belt. "Ironcrest will come here. They know we're weak. They know we still follow the High Lord's rules."
"So why not stay and fight? Or are you too much of a coward for this?" She said as his eyes moved to the throwing knives always strapped to her thigh. He would not meet her eyes. Could not.
"Come with me," His voice was low, "Come with me and I can promise your safety."
She spat on the ground, "I am not a coward. Not like you." And she walked away from him.
She didn't even turn back at the sound of wings as he flew into the night. "Idiots." She muttered under her breath. Were the males all truly idiots?
She caught her mother in the window as she passed the clothier's cabin and they waved to each other. She knew her mother would probably be home late this evening.
Mayar headed home and sat at the dining room table. Now seemed like as good a time as ever to write a letter.
Deana,
I'm glad you've settled in well with Roe and that, above all things, you are happy. It's happiness that I hope I find someday soon for myself. I'm not sure I can wait as long as Mother and Father did. We know I'm far too impatient for that!
My sewing is… interesting… But you'll be pleased and less surprised to know that my footwork is a lot better. With females being trained in Windhaven, I'll be a warrior in no time I'm sure.
When things get easier, I'll visit. I promise.
Missing you,
Mayar
"I'll post it in the morning," Mayar promised herself before crawling into her warm bed.
She was awoken by the smell and taste of smoke.