The End of a Curse [PK]

[rose6614 245]

 

 

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Just before the breaking of dawn Ewin jolted awake, that perennial shadow which haunted Ewin since his accursed childhood; yet this time it felt nearer than ever. "What a horrible night to have a curse." he muttered to himself, throwing the blanket which covered him aside. 

 

As the sun broke through the darkness which covered the land, so did his daughter, Elise. This morning was special, a pig was slaughtered the night before and fresh bacon now joined the breakfast, along with the normal eggs, and last night's bread. "I shall be off for a great Northern Elk, dearest." Ewin explains to his daughter between bites, "I shall return before sundown, 

 

 

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Before leaving, he rode over to Garenbrig where he found his sister, Rúnagleth, and asked her to watch over Elise while he was gone. He trusted his sister to keep a close eye on the girl, knowing her tendency to wander when left to her own devices. She agreed without hesitation, assuring him she would take care of everything. Off Ewin rode to Solgaard, to refresh from the long ride and prepare for his journey into the Northern Highlands; yet fate did not permit this. 

 

Upon entry into Norland, he had felt that ever familiar darkness: the ever watching eye of fate was close and its agents closer. Suddenly a rope pulled taut and Ewin and his horse were separated. Disheveled and unaware, Ewin made an effort to regain his bearings. 

 

Before him an elderly man approached, 

 

 

As a darkened miasma festered from his hand.

 

"You may stay or run, your fate is sealed." Behind him, the shadow of a wretch was seen, face concealed by the bone of a great Northern Elk and their body wrapped in the tattered animal hide. 

 

A blade appeared at his throat before Ewin could turn, the darkness approached. The only light which mattered now shone brightest in Ewin's mind; his young daughter, joy wrapped over her face. As the old man laid his hands upon his cheek, Ewin made his last request. 

 

"My daughter, return this journal to her. That is all I ask."

 

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Drawing drawn by his daughter, Elise

( Credit: Art by Saun_399)

 

 

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My darling Elise, I am sorry I have to be taken from you so soon. I wished to be there for you but I cannot anymore. Know that I love you so much, never doubt that. Please stay the loving and kind girl that I know you are. I will always be with you, every step of the way on your journey in this life. I do not know where death will take me, but I have lived a good life and wouldn't change a thing. Find your Aunt Runa, stay with her. She will take good care of you, I know it.

 

 

 

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Runa, I'm sorry to leave you too. Please take in Elise, raise her as your own. I don't want her to go without a family for as long as I did. I know you will raise her well, you're a strong and kind woman and I am so happy to have called you my sister. Lead your life well, I know you'll do great things. You remind me so much of our dad, I know he's so proud of you.

 

 

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(Thank you @KidKrinklesfor formatting this entire thing!)