Chai

Chai is sweet and devoted to her family. A little more serious than some of the other tundra of the Ascent, she is a helping hand whenever any one needs one. Hermes is extremely proud of his daughter.
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There was an accident.

My beloved went back to our home in Wind. Just to check on things, to make repairs if needed. It should have been quick, easy work. Should have been, but these are dangerous times and he was attacked. He returned mortally injured. In truth, I don't even know how he returned to me at all. He was able to tell me that he loved me and then the Lightweaver took him.

I do not remember much of the days after. Consumed by my grief I hid myself away. I allowed only my father and my daughter to see me. It was from them that I heard that Matilda had issued a decree that no one would return home without a group of seasoned warriors with them. I wish that my Hyacinth had heeded the danger. I cannot blame him though, I don't think any of us had really understood the danger until it was too late.

I thought of following him, giving myself into service of the Lightweaver. A dragon that enters service in death cannot return to visit. It would be my only chance to see him again. My father told me that he wished I would stay, but that he would not ask me to. He knows the grief of loss. When I looked into his sad eyes, I knew that I couldn't leave him. I just didn't know how my heart would let me stay.

In the end it was the Windsinger, who sent me hope. He allowed my mother to return from his service. She is changed in body, a little. She tells me that the magics that she handled in his service warped the color of her fur. There are things that she cannot tell me. Mysteries that only those who serve are allowed to know. She was permitted to bring me only one short message.

"Hyacinth wants you to live."

One sentence, so packed with emotion. I could imagine then, exactly what he would have said to me. There is plenty of time. I will not waste it. I will enjoy my family and my clan. I will see him again when it is the right time.

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A package and a letter were delivered to me. I set them aside, unwilling to deal with anymore anything right now. I am doing my best to let my heart heal, but I sometimes find myself anxious when facing everyday tasks. I avoid things that would have never given me pause in the past.

I shouldn't have waited. The parcel and letter were from my son, Atum. Seeing his familiar writing made me smile and when I read his words and looked at the parcel he sent, I wept. I wept good healing tears, for the first time.

"Mother,
I'm very sorry to have learned of Father's accident. I think this is what it must be like to help Windsinger...I hope you are well and coping.
With all my love, your son,
Atum"

The oil cloth wrapped package contained a painting, done by own wonderful boy. The canvas was filled with swirls of green and blue. There were images of kites and dashes of color, and amidst it all, was Hyacinth, flying proud.

My wonderful son. I don't know if I have ever told him how proud I am of him. I will do so now, with joy.