It was raining outside, a cold winter rain, where if the temperature drops any it will turn to snow. The fire had almost burned out and the small safe house was getting colder. The chill in the air might have been what finally made Masin wake up. His hand instantly went to the back of his head where he has been knocked out. There was a large lump there, but that seemed to be the only real injury he had, that anyone could see. He slowly lifted his heavy body from the old bed and swung his legs over the edge. Once on his feet he stabilized his balance and rubbed his eyes as he took a few steps towards the fireplace. He picked up some small logs from the wooden log holder and worked on building the fire back up.
All the while his mind was racing to recall what happen. He could recall leaving his lands with the group, and reaching the soon to be battle ground. He remembered splitting off from the group with Xandilif to take on the Blood Witch. But they were like flashes in his mind. A flash of Addie giving him the nod that it was alright to leave her. Another flash of Ahmo and her group also moving off to complete their mission, then nothing.
No one was at the farm house but he could tell they had been there recently. He lifted an iron pot filled with water and placed it on the fire to boil. Masin felt heavy in his heart, like something was pushing on it trying to stop it from beating. The bed was only a few steps away but before he sat back down he saw a note on the table. Next to the letter there was a small wrapped bundle. He opened the buddle and his lips raised in a small smile. In his hands was a small wood carving of the mixed lands house from his sketches. It looked like a combination of the homes of Rohan and the homes of Bree. It was the home he had hoped to build here. There was one small addition, a wreath on the door made of what looked to be maple leaves with a small fox and rabbit nestled in it.
The feeling crushing his heart was lifted, for the moment, as he ran his fingers over the details of the roof, the smooth siding, and the intricately carved border of Rohirric knots. His smile grew as he thought of sitting under the tree by the water, sharing his ideas with her. He set the small carving of the home down and picked up the note. The handwriting was impeccable and in beautiful calligraphy, it read as follows:
Masin,
I wished that I could speak of this to you face to face, but circumstances have not allowed for it unfortunately. My mother has followed my uncle to Bree and I can no longer avoid her. My hope is that I can talk her into giving me more time here to see to everyone's recovery, but that may be a dim hope at best. I know that the others view this as a betrayal on my part and if you do as well, I am truly sorry. I go to walk my path of destiny now, but I do hope that I will be able to see you and the others again. If not, my wish is that you all find the peace and happiness you deserve.
- Addie
PS- Pierson's Farm
Masin stood up and tucked the note in this pocket. He held the small carving in one hand as he walked to the fire place. With the other hand he removed the pot from the fire then used the water to extinguish the flames. He immediately grabbed his pack and tucked the caving inside next to a small wooden box. He found his shield and sword and headed out the door to find out if she was still here.
To be continued....
