Honestly, this could rank in the top ten of the stupidest things she had ever done, maybe even top three if she got caught.

But it wasn't her fault her Master kept refusing to teach her his Unique Magic! It wasn't her fault he keeps saying that she 'Isn't worthy yet', or 'You're not ready', or 'You would probably implode if you learn this too early'.

…Okay so the last one doesn't count. She's perfectly adept! Probably! Most likely!

She hefted the giant tome onto her personal desk with a grunt. The book was almost as large as her body (which admittedly wasn't that hard since she still looked like a fourteen-year-old even when she was in her early twenties.) and made the table shake when it landed with a loud 'thunk'.

She had just successfully stolen her Master's Grimoire, the place where he recorded his personal Unique Magic along with other Magic he had learned over the years. Just like any other Grimoire, this book could very well be her Master's greatest and most valuable possession.

She felt a tad bit guilty for her actions at the thought, but her curiosity won over it before it could take root.

She opened the heavy leather covers of the book and read.

And read.

And read…

And… she never found any mention of Unique Magic.

Halfway through the book, her eyes heavy with boredom and sleep, she turned the page only to spot a stack of folded papers.

Curiosity took her once again and she unraveled all the papers -letters- with growing astonishment and glee.

To, My Dearest, The Owner Of My Heart,

When the meadow outside my windows fills with flowers blooming, I think of you.

When the leaves turn red and gold and brown, I think of you.

When I hear the rivers flowing and gurgling, I think of you.

I think of your love for the world, I think of your auburn hair, I think of your sonorous laughter.

Everyday I look out into the world, I think of you, my dear.

From,

Yours, Always and Forever.

She recognized her Master's handwriting almost instantly! And what's this? Her Master is pining for this unknown woman!? At his old and senile age? How scandalous! How romantic!

Her nose sought out the gossip like a shark to blood, and she quickly went through all the letters.

My Dearest, The Love of My Life,

I still remember how you would love the view from the mountains, of the forest sprawling endlessly.

It is a view I wish to give to you everytime I see it.

My Dearest, My Shining Star,

You were like fire, you shone brightly and without fear, your embers deterred all those who may dare to try and snuff the flames..

I was never scared of being burnt. The flames were why I loved you so.

She had to keep herself from laughing at the cheesy and corny way the letters were written.

Whoever this woman was, her Master was completely smitten.

She idly wondered if she could give her Master a heart-attack and just deliver the letters to the woman as she opened the last and most recent letter.

The amusement and mischief vanished from her being entirely.

My Dearest, Elysia,

Elysia, how did she not realize this was about Elysia.

She should have realized from the mentions of auburn hair, the love for nature.

She should have realized that no other woman could have enraptured her Master so.

My Dearest, Elysia,

It has been fifty years since you passed.

The war is over, and the world is being rebuilt, slowly but surely.

I have an apprentice now, can you believe it? I can almost picture you laughing at me.

I have not written your name once in these fifty years, nor have I made any attempt to write directly to you. Please forgive me for my cowardice, My Dearest. I just could never bear to think of the fact that I am now living without you.

The party is doing well. They have mostly gone off and done their own things, but we keep frequent contact.

Fiona runs a tavern on the outskirts of a major trading hub that sprung up a decade or so back. Worthwhile is running around, solving mysteries just like he wanted to, and has an adventuring party of his own now. Little Horace isn't so little anymore, and has just recently been promoted to Captain of the Imperial Guards.

Life is moving on, Elysia. The world is healing. I know it is what you would have wanted.

So forgive me for clinging to you still.

From,

Yours, Always and Forever,

Baltimore.

She set down the letter with a heavy sigh.

Her Master never spoke of his days during the war. She knew he had lost a lot, but it was news to her that the great Lady Elysia was her Master's lover.

She should have expected it, considering the few stories she was able to get out of him.

He had always spoken of her so fondly, and with such care, even more so than he did for his party members. She had never seen such vulnerability in the grim and bitter old man than in that moment.

It was why, even with her irresponsible and frankly discourteous behavior, that she still respected the man. It was almost endearing, his unbreakable will.

She shook the musing thoughts out of her head and stood up, slamming her hands on the desk with determination.

She had some letters to return to their rightful owner.

“NAILEEN YOU BRAT! COME HERE RIGHT NOW OR I SWEAR I'LL-!”

Or maybe she should just jump out the window instead.

The cover image was created in Canva!