Dearest Mum,

Though I think that you have already heard this news, I wanted to be certain. Fergus has returned to the castle. He arrived in the middle of the night during a rainstorm, dragging a bear carcass behind him. I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to have him back…well, most of him anyway. He's fine physically, but it's almost as if there is a piece of him that is missing. I know he's safe now, but I almost find myself worrying more. He's been home for over a week, but has yet to leave our chambers. He's not the man I married…I was growing very fond of that Fergus, but this one that has returned from the woods is so different, so solemn, so joyless. A part of me must have thought that he would slay his demons out in the forest and return back on a shining charger. But instead he still seems adrift. And I have no way of bringing him back to shore.

I apologize for being so sorrowful. That just seems to be the feeling over the whole castle these days. I hope life is more joyous for the Macintosh clan. Send my love to Ean and Father.

Love,

Elinor

My dear Ellie,

Your father and I were very pleased to hear about Lord DunBroch's return. And while he is back at home with you, I fear there may be more time before he fully returns. You have yet to lose your parents, and now Fergus has lost both. It's a hard journey to take. I hope he will care for you as you have for him when your time comes.

In brighter news, Ean is now betrothed. You remember your friend Aileen from the village? We just made it official last night. The wedding will not be for some time, but I will be sure to tell you early enough so that hopefully you and Fergus can attend.

The crops growing bountifully here and will soon be ready for harvest. Though I'm not ready to brave the snow quite yet. And there have been some raids along our coast, only a few injured and some valuables taken. Hopefully they have been satisfied with they have stolen and will not continue.

All of our love to both of you.

Mum

Elinor set down the letter from her mother and looked across the room to Fergus, who was asleep in their bed. It had been almost a month since he had returned to the castle, but he was not who he was before.

She picked up the candle and placed it on the bedside table before she crawled in next to him. She curled up next to him, a hand over his beating heart and wished again for his safe return.

The next morning Elinor found herself suddenly awake. She cracked an eye open but the window was still dark. Groaning she rolled over to get some more sleep, reaching a blind hand out for Fergus. But all she found were cold blankets.

She sat up quickly, panic rapidly rising. But then she saw a note from Fergus on the bedside table. She read it and dressed quickly before leaving the room.

Most of the castle was still asleep except for the kitchen maids and the last watch of the guard. No one noticed as she slipped quietly down the halls and out into the early morning chill.

She left the castle and passed through the open gate. Morning fog and dew covered the ground, but the sky was clear and dawn just beginning. Elinor pulled her wrap closer around her as she neared Betha's grave.

Fergus was standing at the foot, his hands clasped behind his back. When he heard footsteps, he turned to find Elinor. He held out his arm, which he wrapped around her. Elinor tried not to notice that he wasn't smiling, and how empty his eyes still seemed. They were silent for a while, both staring at the grave.

"Thank you for the note." She said quietly. Fergus nodded.

"Didn't want to you worry…more than you already have." He amended. They were quiet again, both looking at the grave and remembering the woman who meant so much to both of them.

Elinor eventually asked,

"How are you doing really?" she pulled back to study his face, but his eyes remained fixed on the grave.

"I hardly know myself." He said slowly, letting out a long breath. "I feel…like I failed her…both before and after she…after she died."

His jaw clenched and unclenched. Elinor wrapped her arms about his torso. "She was so proud of you, of the man you'd become, of the man you are."

He didn't respond, just closed his eyes and dipped his head. Elinor came around to face him and lifted his chin so he would look at her.

"And I know that you'll continue to make her and me proud. This time will pass, and we'll get through this together."

Tears welled up in both of their eyes and Elinor could swear she saw the tiniest spark return to his eyes. He pressed his forehead against hers, placing his hands about her waist.

"I love you, Elinor."

"And I love you, Fergus."