❆ ❆ ❆ Chapter Thirty Four ❆ ❆ ❆

Returning home

[Snow]

Snow, Aela and Laura were in the special chamber underneath the black knight castle. Aela was fidgeting with a control panel that was hidden behind the stained windows at Laura’s command. A portal was flickering on and off in the centre of the chamber. Upon satisfaction, or acceptance of the settings, Aela moved to the centre of the chamber and casted a runic spell at the portal itself. The portal grew larger and larger until it stabilised. The image of the portal was blurry.

“So these are just, ‘portals’?”

“Yeah, I'm assuming this one connects to your castle. When you jumped through the last one, you ended up in the southern forests. Hopefully I got the settings right or you'll be treading through the insect swamplands.”

Snow was standing in front of Laura and Aela, with her back to the portal.

“When I leave, you'll lose connection to Laura.”

“It's alright, I've made my peace with her. Having to deal with her commands during that night was more than enough to settle my grievances. Ever had a mentor repeatedly yell at you for not knowing exactly what they spouting? That's Laura. Besides, she's got to go turn into a tree or whatever it is elves do…”

“Hey, it's not my fault you didn't study my book! Like, at all, really it's baffling! Speaking of, make sure you give my notes to your mother, okay? It's very important.”

“Will do… So, this is it.” Snow thought she would be happy, but now. She found herself the opposite.

“It would seem so…” Aela looked away.

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“Can't you come with me, Aela?”

“I wish Snow. But, you know what I always say… But no one ever listens.”

“The seals must be maintained.”

“Exactly. But my life is much easier now. I can actually sleep. Plus, Mina would keep me company. I am a lot closer to her gorge with the new shack, as you know.”

“And good weather!” Laura added.

Aela stepped up and put one hand on Snow’s shoulder.

“It's been quite the adventure. I won't lie, I will miss you. But, you don't belong here Snowflake.”

Snow couldn't stop the tears from rolling and latched onto Aela.

“I’m going to miss you too, Aela!” Snow sniffled into Aela’s body.

“Ah, come on. You're going to make me tear up.” Aela grabbed hold of Snow’s shoulders, holding her back before speaking from her heart.

“We may not be related by blood, ehh, non frostblood blood, but. I feel like you are my own. Thank you for getting me through my darkest time. Now, get on out of here before I throw you in.”

Icebreaker made a low humming noise.

“I’ll miss you too, Icebreaker. Make sure Snow doesn't die before I retire, alright.”

Wings extended out above Icebreaker’s handle. Apparently, that was its signature now.

Laura and Aela waved Snow off. Snow faced the portal. After all this time. She felt like a different person. The tales to tell and the warnings to deliver. Being here made her infinitely more appreciative of all the small things she had in life along with her privileges. Snow took one final look at Aela and Laura and they both gave her a warm smile.

“Snow, one last thing.” Aela said.

“Yeah, Aela?”

“Tell your mom to send me boxes of cooking ingredients. I got to show you up when I come back.”

“You got it. Don't burn the house down in the meantime.”

“I'll try my best!” Aela cheesed.

Snow jumped into the portal, her perception bended, twisted, and flashed. Then, she spawned into reality, crashing onto the ground.

The ground was soft, muddy and wet. She was in a swamp.

The insect marshlands.

“Damnit Aela!”

End

“You don't need a goddess to enact good in the world. Virtue and morality are both conceived and enacted by humanity. The authoritative hand of a god or goddess serves no purpose but to give us comfort.” - Aela Rikheart