If you love something, let it go

He was not left waiting as his prized apprentice made her way into his presence. She looked weary, but guarded, as she appraised him, and he settled himself onto his hunches with a sigh. “There has been news” he said, trying to hide his grimace. Compassion wasn’t his strong point, and he was struck with a sudden lack of desire to hurt his pupil with these words, but he had made his decision. “Your mother has passed, and her bird has come to guide you home. In light of this news, I have decided to grant you a weeks leave early, so you might be with your family.” he made it clear he considered it temporary. Still, he wondered if she would return.

“Bird?” he said, calling the raven forth, and Winter, still disgruntled at being swatted like a fly and almost eaten, came wobbling into view and towards Poem. “Alpha-Daughter” Winter said, distressed, as she came closer, and hopped onto the womans back. “Bad news, very bad.”