The message

After Elyrielle slept for several hours. Finally, the same knock on her window woke her up. She opened her eyes, now fully rested and turned to look at her window. There it was, his son's eagle, looking at her with its golden glowing eyes.

Elyrielle smiled and opened her window carefully.

- Oh! Is so nice to see you, fluffy friend! Do you have a message for me? I'll be glad to listen to it!

The bird opened its peak, and the voice started coming out of it:

" Dear mother, I hope that you are doing well. Father is not. He has been, how to say it without being disrespectful... Hmmm. I know. He was being "moody" since you left.

He received a formal message from his boss at his workplace yesterday. He said that "there were too many reports for his behavior, which is saying much coming from you" or something along the lines of it. To say that he wasn't pleased to hear it would be an understatement.

He hasn't cooked since you left. I do that now. He is not pleased with that either. "A real warrior shouldn't be at the kitchen," he said. Well, your "real warrior" of a husband couldn't be bothered to at least get a nanny or something to cook and clean for him either.

Oh! you should have SEEN his face when, after days, he finally entered your room and found your wedding ring. Dear God, that was something else. He threw the table of the kitchen and kicked the chairs, especially the one that you used to sit on. "HOW COULD SHE?!" "WHAT AM I GOING TELL THE OTHERS NOW?!" "OH! I KNOW! THAT THE PRINCESS OF THE ELF KINGDOM LEFT ME TO FIND HERSELF?! THIS IS BULLSHIT!" He said and went to scream some more into his room. He didn’t even talk to me after that.

On more... positive news. I've been taking care of your garden. Luckily, I always liked it and watched when you took care of it. It's hard with this cold winter, but I'm doing the best that I can.

On to my adventures. I'm doing fine! I'm still with the same group that I began with a year ago. It's sad to see them age and die, I will admit that. This is my fourth group. The ones from the first already stopped going on adventures because they are too old for it. Actually, of the 4 grouos, only one member is still alive. I visit him every chance that I get.

In this new group, the knight is the one that I have a deeper bond with. His name is Gregory, I call him Greg. He is a tall, heavily muscular and outgoing man. His olive skin, hook shaped nose, big intriguing eyes, and short, wavy black hair make him someone interesting to look at.

He is really kind when nobody is around. He acts as a leader and as an impulsive jerk in front of others. But when we are alone, he is... himself.

Father dislikes him. What a shock, huh? He said that "He wishes that his son looked more like him" and that "You should be bringing a woman to eat at home, not a man" and many other nonsense. He straight up said that father was a jerk and that "I'm shocked that you are not like him" he said.

I've been practicing my magic these days more often. Now that dad is most out of the house, then he is in it. I am getting better with my attack spells now. I recently learned one of summoning a fire dragon. Is really amazing to look at. I learned how to make shields when Father wasn't home, too. Is easy. I don't know why he never tried to learn it

People are wondering where you left. Father says that he is "going to make you come back" if you keep this going for too long. For now, he says that he will say that you "went on a trip of vacations," but I do not think that people will believe that.

How... How are you doing, mom? really. I know that the elder's fog can be terrible. Did you try any medicine? Are you looking for a cure? If I can do anything at all for you... let me know. I am here for you.

Oh, I almost forgot. Today, another of your father's letters arrived. I will make my eagle bring it to you once you send him back. I will be expecting your answer.

Take care. I love you, mom. "

The eagle closed his peak, and his eyes stopped glowing.

- Thank you for the message, fluffy friend. I will go and get us food. Wait for me, will you? - Said Elyrielle as she petted the eagle's head. The bird happily flew into the room and landed into Elyrielle's bed.

-Get comfy if you wish, fluffy friend. - Said Elyrielle and left her room.

It was a sunny day, finally. The temperature was warmer but still cold. It barely snowed, Elyrielle thought that it was a good day to go out. "A whole day to myself?" she thought. She would buy food to begin the day. Well, it began something to say. It was close to 12 pm already.

She approached a little shop that seemed to have food for animals and human like creatures as herself.

- Good morning. Do you own red dragon leafs?

Yes, I do. Anything else? - Said an old lady who seemed really nice. Her voice was raspy but kind.

- Yes please. Do you have any chicken or rats?

The old lady looked at her in a weird manner. Then she opened her eyes and started laughing loudly. Elyrielle looked at her, confused.

- I thought this was for you. This is for your companion, right?

- Oh! I guess you could say that. It's my son's eagle.

- Son? Are you married then, lady?...

- Elyrielle. I didn't tell you my name. Please forgive my manners.

<< SHAME >>

- I... I used to be. - Said Elyrielle finally. It was the first time that she actually thought about that.

- Oh, it's complicated. I get it, Ms Elyrielle. That is totally fine. Is there any other ingredient that you need?

- Oh, yes. One chicken breast, one onion, one pepper, one garlic, and gray mushrooms, please.

The old lady smiled and went to get all of the ingredients. Elyrielle paid and went back to her room. The eagle happily flew and landed on Elyrielle's shoulder.

- Someone's hungry, it seems. - Said Elyrielle and petted the bird. The bird nodded as a response.

Elyrielle then spent half an hour making chicken and onion soup. It smelled and tasted nice as well. The smell traveled the whole hotel for a few seconds. The earthy smell from the fungi really added a touch to the already good soup. The smell was so good that someone came to knock on her door. She opened it as the eagle started eating the rats that she brought him as a gift. It was the hotel owner.

- Good afternoon, Ms. Elyrielle. I'm sorry to admit this, but... Whatever you are making smells SO good. May I have some of it?I can pay if you want.

Elyrielle blushed and started laughing. She guessed that her food was good, but not THAT good.

- Of course! Bring a plate, and I will happily give you some soup.

The owner's face lit up and went quickly for a plate. She hoped that her food was as good as he expected.

The eagle flew to the window and knocked at it a few times.

- You need to go back, right fluffy? Okay. First, record this message for me as well.

The bird's eyes started glowing, and it opened its peak.

" Dear son, It is so good to hear from you again. I hope that your father manages to digest my leaving news better. I am not coming back for the moment. I need to reach Ry'kloth, and that is really far away.

As your magic, keep practicing! Practice makes the trick always. As an Elf that is almost 500 years old, you are doing really well! You need to learn as much as you can before... before you turn 1000.

As your party. I'm happy that you made a friend like that! If I am not mistaken, this is your first true friend! I am happy to hear that. Keep thar friendship, take care of it, as you take care of my... our garden.

As for your father's problems. Talk to him if you can. Tell him that "I went to visiting my father at Ry'kloth for important royal business" that should be enough to shut up rumors for now. After all, that is not a lie. Tell him that he should find himself as well. I wish him well.

I had a mission yesterday. It was to find night shimmers. It was... interesting. My magic didn't respond at one point. I was genuinely scared. I used dark magic for the first time since... the great fire... Do not approach dark magic. the price may not be worth it.

One more thing. If I don't... come back. You will inherit the thrown. I mean, my father is still alive, but... be might die one day. I can count my days with my fingers. Probably, my end is really close. Please take my place. Do not let your father take your place. He is not ready for power like that. As my father used to say: "Put power in right hands and earn a place with the rich. Put power in the wrong hands and earn a place with the dead"

I will be waiting for the letter patiently.

Have a good day, my dear son. Your mother loves you, always will."

The bird nodded and flew away. Elyrielle looked at it until she couldn't see it anymore.

She heard knocks on her door as well. Ir was the owner.

- This is my finest plate. I really appreciate your kindness, Ms Elder. Here! I brought you a gift in return.

It was a beautiful venus fly trap.

- Is not much, but my daughter buys these. She did that women loves plants. I hope you like it.

- I do like it Mr, thank you so much! Please! enjoy your soup!

The man left with a huge smile on his face and licked his own lips. He seemed to be really hungry.

Elyrielle the got out a d bought a por for her new plant. She checked Spotty and took a little ride with him for a few hours to relax.

Once the sun was getting down, she went back to her room. The eagle was waiting for her at the window, and the letter was on his peak.

Elyrielle grabbed and just by looking at the sign on it... something was wrong... that wasn't his father's handwriting.