In the weeks that followed, Evelyn and Alyse spent almost all their spare time sparring, enjoying picnics by the river, and visiting their favorite destinations like Avalon. After that, Evelyn informed Cara of her condition, and made sure to spend quality time with her as well.
Once Evelyn's strength started to leave her, and her condition couldn't be hidden much longer, she finally notified the Prima and her extended family of the situation. As she'd expected, while they were primarily sympathetic, she was also inundated with all kinds of concerns and requests related to Cara taking over as matriarch. Seeing this, Alyse had been thankful for the time her mother had arranged to spend with her.
As the months marched on, and Evelyn's condition worsened, Alyse only cherished their dwindling time together more. While they could no longer spar effectively or do other excessively strenuous tasks, the mother and daughter greatly enjoyed other activities. This included things like baking together, or savoring a cup of tea on the porch as they reminisced and watched the sunset.
Eventually, Reynard made it back to the family house, and Evelyn was once again united with all her living children. With the family whole once again, Cara was officially instated as family matriarch, and preparations were made for Evelyn's Closing. A Closing is a sort of last birthday and preemptive funeral, customary for high elves that have experienced the Shift.
Evelyn's Closing ended up being a grand event, with all her children, extended family, other Prima, and even most nobles attending. Everyone, even Alyse and the Prima, put aside their differences for the sake of a peaceful farewell party for Evelyn. The group ate and drank, laughed, and celebrated Evelyn's full life well into the morning.
Several months after the Closing, when any extended family, Prima, and other nobles had departed, Evelyn called for a meeting with all her children. Her health had steadily declined to the point of being bedridden, and she felt she would probably breathe her last breath sometime in the coming weeks. She wanted a chance to say goodbye to her children with dignity and a sound mind.
Evelyn shared her regrets, her cherished memories, her hopes for the future she wouldn't see, and she did her best to prepare her children for life without her. The affair was an emotional one, even for the normally stoic Cara, and there were tears shed on both sides. After Evelyn had said all she needed to her children as a whole, and they'd done so in return, she asked to speak to Alyse alone.
Surprised, but recognizing that the two had always had a special relationship, Reynard and Cara left Alyse to speak with her mother in private. Once they were alone, Alyse merely gazed at her mother in loving silence as she collected her thoughts. It was several minutes before Evelyn, now weathered and aged, spoke softly.
"Alyse…sweetheart…I have a favor to ask of you. One for after I'm gone." (Evelyn)
Though the words 'after I'm gone' tore fresh wounds in Alyse's heart, she didn't hesitate as she grabbed her mother's hand softly, nodded, and met Evelyn's warm gaze with a smile.
"Anything…I'd do anything for you, Mother." (Alyse)
Her mother smiled gratefully, and the sight threatened to bring a fresh round of tears forth from Alyse.
"You've always been such a good daughter to me...I hope I've told you that enough. I know you felt like you were a burden on me for a time, but I want you to know that I never...I never felt that way. Please, believe me when I tell you that you shouldn't have any regrets over our time together." (Evelyn)
Despite her best efforts, Alyse could feel her cheeks beginning to wet.
"I…thank you, Mother. I believe you, so you can rest easy now. I promise that I'll never look back on a single moment I spent as your daughter with regret. You were…you are…the best mother I could have asked for. Please, ask me whatever favor you want." (Alyse)
Alyse couldn't stop the tears from streaming off her face, but she maintained her genuine smile and held her mother's gaze. Evelyn sighed and squeezed her daughter's hand affectionately.
"Tch…Alyse. I watched how hard you worked yourself all those years, and I didn't realize soon enough what was driving you. You've always tried to do your best for me, and you still are, even now. But, that's exactly what I'm worried about, sweetheart. I can't help but feel like, when I'm gone, you'll give up on being happy. I'm glad you love me so much, truly, but I don't want to be the only thing you live for." (Evelyn)
Alyse felt a pang of despair at the truth of her mother's words...she'd worried about the loneliness looming on the horizon, waiting for her to meet it. Still, she felt it would be unfair to burden her mother with that knowledge here at the end of her life. It wasn't her mother's fault she found herself in this position.
"I won't deny that I'm past appreciating the others in our family, but I'll still have Reynard and Cara to keep me company. Besides, I want to settle down with a nice girl someday, so I haven't given up on being happy. You don't have to worry, I'll be okay." (Alyse)
A disapproving frown stretched across her mother's face.
"Don't start telling lies for my sake, Alyse. Cara may be your sister, and I can tell you care for each other, but you've never been that close. As for Reynard, while you two treasure one another's company, we both know that he won't stay here very long after my death. That boy has a terrible wanderlust. You've also had a fling involving most of the local families at one point or another. So, I don't see you finding a wife soon either." (Evelyn)
Alyse stared at her mother in shock following the blunt assessment.
"I…don't know what point you're trying to make, Mother. You've given me more than enough love and support, and I don't want you to worry about me. So, what is it that you're wanting me to do for you? You still haven't told me." (Alyse)
Evelyn sighed deeply and nodded.
"When I'm dead, and Reynard's gone, there will be nothing more for you here in Wellick. Stay for a while if you need to convince yourself that Cara doesn't need you. But after that, promise me that you'll go on your own adventure. That you'll find your own happiness. I don't want you lingering around here, unhappy, out of some loyalty to me. Everyone else is finding their own purpose in life, and I want that for you, too." (Evelyn)
Alyse had been stunned speechless by her mother's request. Leave Wellick…she couldn't imagine what she'd do with herself. What would her purpose even be, she wondered? When her silence dragged on too long, Evelyn took it as a sign of rejection, and Alyse felt her mother's grip tighten on her hand.
"Alyse, I'm serious. I don't want my ghost keeping you here...you've done enough. So, promise me…promise me that you'll move on. I can't rest peacefully until you do." (Evelyn)
After a moment steeped in internal conflict, Alyse nodded to her mother reluctantly.
"I...promise. When it's just Cara and me, and once I'm sure that she doesn't need me, I'll go. I can't promise that I'll know what I want to do when that time comes, but I promise that I'll at least leave Wellick in search of my own happiness. You have my word." (Alyse)
All the tension seemed to drain from her mother in an instant, and a smile spread across her face. Evelyn relaxed into her pillow and closed her eyes with a deep sigh.
"Thank you, dear, that puts my mind at ease." (Evelyn)
And so, Evelyn's final request was heard and granted by her eldest and most beloved daughter, and the two parted ways for the night with tranquil hearts.
Several days later, Evelyn passed away peacefully in bed one morning, surrounded by her children. She left the world with no regrets, and a smile on her face. Later that same day, a private funeral was held with all her children in attendance, and they laid her body to rest for good.
The Egris children spent the rest of the evening sitting on the porch of their family house, sharing anecdotes about their mother. Of the three, Alyse shared the most stories throughout the evening. When the day came to a close, and Alyse found herself back in her room after dark, she collapsed into her bed and cried herself to sleep.
Now it was only a matter of time before she was alone, she had thought.