Chapter 2 - Decisions Cause Heartbreak

Days later, Molly was idly playing her harpsichord, her fingers dancing over the keys with expert skill. In the time since her encounter with Sherlock she hadn't let her self venture far from home in case she would allow her feet to take her to Elysian.

She surely had felt the urge to go return to the beautiful land but she didn't know if it was because visiting it had become habitual or because of the chance Sherlock was right in his presumptions, so she used her music lessons as a means to escape reality.

"Molly! I have wonderful news!" The door flew open as her father rushed in evident excitement.

Molly's father was oft gone for periods of time selling his wares in the market at a larger neighboring town. He recently made a trip there to sell his most recent batch of remedies.

"Good afternoon to you as well, Father." Molly got up, grateful to have her mind taken away from... other things. "What has you worked up so?"

"Oh darling daughter, I was milling about the market after selling my wares when I heard a man from Baker Castle explaining how his lord was in need of another medicine man at his castle. I approached him, we conversed for some time and then asked me to return to the castle as it's new apothecary!"

Molly stood in awe. Baker Castle was the ruling fortress over this area of Englanda. Rumors claimed it's master was a rich and kind man.

"...I explained to the man, Stamford I believe, that I was willing but had to return home long enough to retrieve my daughter and possessions and will return post haste..."

Though she was glad for her father, Molly realized she would be moving farther west. Not to terribly but far enough from her forest and more importantly, her beloved Elysian Meadow.

"... So make haste daughter! We must arrive at the castle by the end of the week!"

Her father touched her shoulder, giving her a cheshire grin. In the one instant Molly knew she would succumb to her father's desire. He mightn't not be one to seek fortune but he was a man bent on taking care of his daughter.

They were already past midweek and it would take a few days to gather their belongings. Today, this moment, would most likely be the last day to wander about. She lowered her head in despair, praying that her father would mistake it as a gesture of submission.

"Of course father, but... might I take one last walk?" Try as she might, tears pooled in her eyes, "It'll be hard knowing I won't be here too much longer."

All Molly had called home since birth was their quaint cottage sitting just outside a small village. The woods were her refuge when times got hard. It was here her mother was laid to rest and where she thought she would grow old. The more she dwelled on the subject, the harder the thought of leaving became. Could she really leave?

"Molly...," Her father gently touched her cheek, wiping a tear away in the process. "Walk until your hearts content. There is nothing I wouldn't give you that is within my power."

"Thank you Father." Another tear escaped, glistening as it slide down Molly's delicate cheek.

She quickly readied herself and soon was walking into the woods.

A fresh batch of tears came as she took in all of the familiar sights, the years of memories echoing in her every footstep. This was her home, her true home, out in the woods.

Molly wandered aimlessly, the world lost as she replayed memories. So accustomed to the woods, her path never strayed. She walked onwards, time passing by slowly.

Like break line break

Time for a spotlight shout out!

Thank you MizJoely for commenting! I have read tons of your stories and when I saw you reviewed MY story, I freaked! I couldn't believe such a well known author in the Sherlock fanficdom would take the time to read my pitiful story. Thank you!

To all of my other readers, thank YOU as well. You reading and reviewing are my main reasons to write. When someone takes the time to tell me what they do or don't like, or anything else along that line, it really makes me feel appreciated.

I am sorry for the short chapter after such a long time span but have been busy with work and writers block hit. I know where and what I want to do and go but I need this chapter to end here.

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~NK~

P.s. loving the app! Makes updating so much easier!