"Thanks for sheltering me and giving me a safe place to grow and learn more about myself," I whispered into the empty, hollow room. I gripped the handle of my luggage, ensuring Arielle was securely on my shoulder before leaving the room, closing the door for the last time.
I headed down the hall, walking into the living room and taking an appreciative look around the welcoming home where I grew up. Again, I thanked the walls, knowing that the vines wrapped around the exterior walls would heed my words of gratitude.
I walked out the house, making my way to the entrance where Magnor was waiting. Arielle flew off my shoulder; Magnor outstretched his arm and allowed Arielle to perch on it. She chirped away as if Magnor could understand phoenix. It appeared he did, seeing as he nodded his head, petting her lightly on the head. She looked satisfied, flying off his arm and landing on top of the mailbox, staring at us quietly.
I walked over to where he stood, pulling my luggage behind me. I took a deep breath to keep my composure and looked into his silver eyes filled with kindness.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here. You took me in as your own, taught me knowing you'd receive nothing in return, and helped me get to this moment. I will always be grateful to you." I took a step back to bowdeeply.
I felt his hand land on my shoulder, making me rise up to meet his gaze.
"You've grown into a magnificent woman, Celestia. Not only did you work hard to meet my standards and expectations, but your willingness to learn and enhance your skills never withered. You're the best student I've had the privilege of training." He pulled me into a hug; I laughed as tears pooled in my eyes, returning his embrace.
"Better than my father?"
"Your father was too stubborn. He was a pain to train for years. You're tolerable," Magnor admitted. We shared a laugh, staying in our warm embrace.
"I'll miss you, Magnor," I confessed.
"As will I...and you will always be like a daughter to me," he replied.
I pulled back to stare up at him, a tear escaping my watery eyes.
"I'll still call and come down to visit whenever I can. You won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
He chuckled, blinking his silver eyes that looked glossy.
"I would hope not. That would be too easy. At least I'll have some peace and quiet to make a new set of training plans for your return."
I groaned, but had a small grin on my face. "Go ahead and plan your torturous training sessions. The next time you see me, I'll be stronger and finally able to avoid your one hundred death traps."
"I don't have one hundred," he mumbled.
I gave him a look, tilting my head.
"Bru-ree?" Arielle added.
"One hundred and twenty-nine," he grumbled.
"At least I know you'll be well protected without me," I joked.
He grinned, releasing me. "I'm not a legend for nothing," he replied.
"That's your ego talking. You never know. Maybe one day I'll beat you." I winked.
He chuckled. "I'll let you buy whatever you want with my credit card if that happens," he replied.
I gave him a mischievous look.Challenge accepted.
I took hold of my luggage, glancing over my shoulder to stare at my home one more time. I ignored the lump in my throat, trying hard not to cry again.Goodbye. Thank you for protecting me and giving some of the best memories I could have ever asked for.
Magnor placed his hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to face him.
"You know how to get to the school grounds, correct?" he asked.
"Yup. Got my letter and map. Once I arrive at the gatekeeper and present my invite, it should be smooth sailing," I assured him.
He nodded, glancing at Arielle who flew from the mailbox and back to my free shoulder. He gave her a final pat on the head and then gave me one. I gave him a grateful look.