As word had gotten to Ashe about her mother's passing the woman, against her mother's wishes, began to cry. "I'm not ready yet, remember?" Ashe sniffled to herself, as if she were still talking to her mother, "And besides, you're not that old." She said the phrase, one that had been repeated over and over to her mother- as if trying to reverse time itself. The truth was she had known this was coming. She had watched her mother grow more tired and knew eventually she would need need to rest- but Ashe didn't think she would ever really be ready. She had said goodbye to her mother many times in her life. Before going off to play as a child, before all of her adventures when she got older. Only this time, this was permanent. It had always been her and her mother for all of her life, and now it was just...her.
She remembered her last conversation with her mother. "That is all I ask, don't forget about me," the words of her mother rang through her ears, still fresh in her mind, "Just remember, I have always loved you and I always will, keep your eyes on the horizon and never look back."
Ashe finally read the note that was left for her then, taking it out of her pocket with shaky hands. She realized then, after reading it over, that she wasn't truly alone- and she never would be. When Ashe came into this life it was only her and her mother- but since then her small family had grown. Jorden had made it grow. She knew then in the absence of her mother, she would be okay. Her mother had made sure of that and although it would be hard, she knew that eventually she would find peace within her family.
With a sigh, she ceased her crying and looked down at her growing stomach. She knew she had a job to do. Without hesitation Ashe would begin to talk to her unborn child, telling the child all the amazing stories about the remarkable woman that was Jorden Brashton. Her mother had finally gotten the rest she so much deserved, and Ashe took solace in knowing that this would not be the last time her mother's story was told.
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Somewhere in the woods of Elvenesse a red-haired 'ame woman falls silent, mourning the death of her long time friend, who had come so far and had led a truly wonderful life.