Dawn broke on the day of their farewell.
Sylutia stood before the city gate, saying goodbye to Scholar Heide and the others behind her. Lady Falan, Viscount Xuefeng's wife, Ray, Winnie, Talia, and the rest were there as well.
"Tia, now that you're leaving, I'm afraid this may be the last time we see each other." Scholar Heide spoke his parting words with a peaceful smile.
He was advanced in years, with little life left to him. He was exceptionally accepting of it now, and perhaps he had no regrets.
"Teacher Heide..." Sylutia looked at the old man, unsure what to say to comfort him.
"Heh heh heh, don't worry about me. I made my peace with it long ago." His tone was easy, free of any lingering burdens.
"The appointed hour has come. No one can stop it."
"My life, too, will come to an end one day."
"Childhood, the past, and so many other things will slowly turn to clouds and mist and fade away, leaving only an empty sky."
"Tia, you'll understand in time." He gazed at the sky, his robes and white hair stirring gently in the wind.
"But your lives have only just begun. You'll face many things in the future. Some may bring terrible pain, or deal you a devastating blow."
"Whatever happens, stay strong. Never belittle yourself, and never bow to your enemies. Even running away is better than giving up in despair."
"Life is like a winding road. There will always be surprises and changes along the way."
"Go, Tia. Go find your life and your future. Like a flying bird, climb that mountain." After those final words, he let go of everything and waved to the student he had taught in his later years, as though bidding farewell to all the