Monster Fifteen - Reply

Monster Fifteen - Reply

Monster Fifteen - Reply

I was studying in the library, looking over an older book with some Dark magic spells in it. It was tricky learning a spell from a book. I loved reading, of course, and I didnt have a hard time understanding what was written, but there was more to actually casting a spell than just understanding the explanation some old cultivator had written down.

It didnt help that they often spoke about weird esoteric stuff that didnt have anything to do with actual magic.

I was lucky though. If I tried and failed enough times, Mom would lose patience and come and help me, then wed get to spend mom-and-daughter time learning how to cast spells meant to tear muscles apart or summon big shields that could stop fireballs.

Mom was a great teacher when she felt like teaching.

Valeria.

I looked up and found Mom walking over. She came close to my desk and stood tall next to me, arms crossed and... was that a letter? Whats up? I asked.

You received this, she said while waving the letter around. She flicked it up and caught it by the middle, finger tapping just over the name written on the frontmy name.

Oh, a letter! I said. Ive never received one of those.

Yes, which raises the question, how did you receive a letter without ever, to my knowledge, leaving the castle?

Ah, I said. I may have made a small but understandable mistake at some point. Maybe its a reply?

From whom?

I squinted. Id only really sent two letters. Either from the Three Goddesses, or Semper.

Mom closed her eyes for a moment. Why, exactly, are you writing to the Three Goddesses? Or Semper, for that matter?

Well... ah, I wrote to the Three because I had a question, I said, my expert evasion skills at work. And I wrote to Semper to thank her for being your friend.

Mom stared at me, then she carefully placed the letter on the table next to me so she had a hand free to pinch the bridge of her nose. What did I do to deserve such a troublesome child, she muttered.

I grinned. It mightve been a bit sheepish though.

Mom tugged out one of the seats next to the desk I was at and sat herself. Its your letter. You should read it, she said.

I grabbed the letter and weighed it. Now?

Yes.

I huffed. Mom, you cant spy on peoples letters. Thats mean.

I havent spied on the contents of the letter. Though I will note theres no spellwork on the letter.

But youre sitting real close to me while I read it? I asked.

That was positive!

We understand coming from a family that includes someone like Luciana might make it hard for you to comprehend something as simple as love and tenderness. Its wonderful to see that despite your no doubt precarious upbringing, you still manage to want these kinds of things. I lowered the letter. Mom, you know youre a great mom, right?

Are you trying to reassure me? Mom asked.

Of course, I said. This letter is very rude. They dont know how good of a mom you are.

Yes, Im certain theyre unawarethats likely why you wrote to them in the first place?

Mom! I said. She was jumping to the wrong conclusion. Mom, youre the best mom I could ask for. You gave me a home when I needed one, and you taught me things, and gave me food, and you kept me safe. I... I was just worried that maybe you didnt know about some mom stuff and maybe they could help you.

Yes, well, Ill admit it hasnt been an entirely one-sided affair, nor was I expecting some of the complications that having a... daughter would entail.

I scooted around so I was sitting sideways to her, then I wrapped her in the best hug I could manage. It wasnt not an optimal hug, but it did the trick. I know. And Im sorry Im not the best daughter. But well figure things out together, okay?

I could tell Mom was hesitant, but her arms came around me, and she hugged me back.

I started to giggle. It was the best. Sure, she was still awkward about it, but she was trying.

And... I apologize if I havent been the... mother that you deserve.

Youre being silly, I said, my words muffled by her clothes a little.

Mom shook, and I realized that it was a laugh, one of her little silent laughs. I squeezed her even tighter.

We dont need the rest of the letter, I said while flicking the letter away. The Three Goddesses had obviously written the letter to taunt Mom. I hadn't seen any advice there, just thinly veiled insults and condescension. Mom didnt need that. She needed to be told she was loved and she was doing a good job. The rest would come as we worked it out.

Thank you.

I leaned back and met Moms eyes. She was smiling. Not a big smile, but a little twitch of the lips at the corners, and her eyes were pinched up. That was a rare show of emotion from her, even more so than the hug.

I can honestly say that youve made this last year a very interesting one. But I think youve done more than just stave off the boredom. I... thank you.

I leaned in. I love you lots too, I said.

It was, I decided, the best day ever.

[Congratulations!]

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Daughter of the Dark Goddess

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