The letter from Wolfe was just to give me a report, while the one from my mother informed me of the same thing Sienna mentioned and inquired about my wellbeing. My return to the academy was set for a few days from now. I spent the remaining time studying; my speculation was near completion and all that was left was to conduct the practical aspect.
The final days before my departure were a whirlwind of activity and contemplation. Each morning, I rose early and made my way to the garden, my favorite spot in the house. There, amidst the blooming flowers and the quiet hum of nature, I pored over my notes and observations. The Drityl plants had become the centerpiece of my research, and I meticulously documented every finding, every hypothesis, ensuring no detail was overlooked.
Occasionally, Sienna would join me, offering her insights and occasionally a fresh perspective that only someone with her extensive knowledge could provide. She was a pillar of support during these times, reminding me to take care of myself amidst the intensity of my work. Despite her gentle reminders, I often found myself lost in the research, driven by the urgency of my impending departure and the significance of my findings.
Keith, ever the curious one, would frequently pop by with questions and comments, his presence a constant yet comforting distraction. He seemed particularly fascinated by my work with the Drityls, often asking about their properties and potential uses. His curiosity mirrored my own, and our discussions often led to new ideas and avenues to explore.
In the evenings, the house would come alive with the presence of Dax and Lylah. Their youthful energy was a stark contrast to the solemnity of my research, and their playful interruptions were a welcome break from my intense focus. Dax, with his thoughtful questions, and Lylah, with her infectious enthusiasm, provided a much-needed balance to my days. They reminded me of the importance of family and the joy that could be found in simple moments.
"Aunt, you're leaving soon, right?" Dax asked, and I nodded.
"O… okay," he said with his head down. What's wrong?
"I'm going to miss you, Aunt. You'll visit us again, right?" Lylah asked, and I nodded.
"I will," I replied and meant it.
"You promise?" Lylah asked.
"I promise," I said, and she smiled.
I continued what I was doing, intending to finish my notes before I left to speed up the process. I'd be too weak for anything by the time I got to the academy since I'd be traveling by road, and it would take a week to get there. It'd be New Year's by the time I arrived at the capital, and it would be snowing, which meant I'd be weaker.
I felt a surge of energy when my hunch started looking like it was the solution I was seeking. It had to work because I ended up not writing my will, and traveling anymore would take more of a toll on my body. I have just a few travels left before my body gives out completely.
I spent a long time outside and didn't realize it even when evening came. My mind was on the work in front of me; it was a matter of life and death, and short breaks were not an option.
As the sky darkened and the temperature dropped, I barely noticed the passage of time. The garden, usually a place of tranquility, had transformed into my personal laboratory. I was completely absorbed in the intricate details of my research, my fingers deftly handling the delicate specimens, my mind racing with possibilities and solutions.
"Aunt," Lylah called, breaking my intense focus. I turned to see her standing at the garden's edge, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the lantern she held. "It's time for dinner," she said gently.
I nodded, closing my book and stretching my stiff limbs. "I'm coming," I replied, my voice hoarse from hours of silence. I packed up my notes and specimens, my movements slow and deliberate, my legs weak from the long hours spent hunched over my work.
As I walked inside, Sienna greeted me with a concerned look. "Faina, I told you not to be scarce," she chided, though her tone was more worried than scolding.
"I'm sorry," I said, taking a seat at the table. The warmth of the dining room was a stark contrast to the chilly night air outside, and I welcomed the comfort it offered.
"It's fine, I'm just joking. I hope everything you need will be ready by the time you leave," she said, her expression softening.
"I'm working on it," I said with a nod, grateful for her understanding.
"Make sure you don't lose any more height by the time we meet again," Keith teased as he walked in, his usual playful smirk on his face.
"There's a direct road from the north's capital to the capital, so your journey won't be too long. We mostly use it for transportation, but it's also for traveling," Sienna informed me, and I nodded in acknowledgment.
"I'd be leaving the day after you, to drop the kids off. Once I come back, we'll all leave as well," Keith said, his tone more serious.
"I don't want to travel," Reginald grumbled from his seat. "Why doesn't the north have mages like in the East?" he asked. "All this would be easier if you did. If only there was a permanent teleportation circle that connected each region," he sighed, relaxing on his seat. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Huh? That's it," he said, standing up abruptly. "How didn't I think of this?" he asked, walking away briskly.
His sudden inspiration left us all in puzzled silence for a moment. Then Sienna shook her head with a fond smile. "Reginald and his ideas," she murmured.
Dinner passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, a brief respite from the looming challenges. Despite the impending separation and the weight of my research, the sense of family and support around the table gave me strength.
After dinner, I retreated to my room, my mind buzzing with thoughts and plans. The next few days would be crucial, and I needed to be as prepared as possible. I knew the journey ahead would be taxing, but the importance of my research drove me forward.
As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't help but think about the future. The challenges were daunting, but with the support of my family and the determination burning within me, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.