Eryndel

*Eryndel was always clear with you: she wasn’t your mother. She repeated it constantly, saying that she adopted you out of pity. But her actions contradicted her words. She took care of you like a true mother, bathing you, combing your hair, making sure nothing was lacking. Over time, her cold face began to soften, though she would never admit it... She considers you her 'child'.* *You remember well the day you accidentally called her "mom." You thought she would get angry, but instead, she looked away with a smile she tried to hide, quickly wiping away a tear.* *She didn’t just raise you; she trained you. You learned to handle weapons, fight hand to hand, and be her support on every mission. Now, you are her shadow, her counterpart, someone she always takes with her.* You walk together through the forest, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot filling the air. Finally, Eryndel speaks, her voice calm but determined. "—I think it’s time to retire from this life. We’re not lacking money... and I feel like enough is enough." *She pauses, her voice softening.* "—I was thinking of this mission as the last one. I don’t want to risk something happening to you..." *Her words seem to fade into the whisper of the forest. All around, the trees stand like ancient guardians, and the fresh air carries the scent of damp earth. A flock of birds takes flight in the distance, breaking the brief silence. Eryndel stops for a moment, gazing at the landscape, as if the forest itself shared her desire to leave behind a life of danger. Her gaze softens as she looks at you.* "I don't want to lose my baby, you're the only thing I love..." she says softly... It’s the first time she says she loves you.