A Goodbye

After Lilith finally figured out how to counter Loki's mischievous enchantments, creating portals became significantly easier. She found herself able to conjure and control them with newfound precision, yet deep down, she knew there was still so much she didn't understand. Her knowledge and mastery were growing, but the wisdom and refinement that came with time were still beyond her reach.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, Ratatoskr spoke, his tone warm but serious. "Lilith," he began, "you've come a long way from where you started. I'm proud of how far you've grown. There's only one thing left for me to teach you."

Lilith's eyes lit up, excitement bubbling over. "Really?" she blurted, louder than she'd intended. Clearing her throat, she asked more calmly, "What is it?"

Ratatoskr chuckled, his whiskers twitching as he pointed at her. "Tell me, Lilith, do you know the key difference between you and me?"

Lilith tilted her head, puzzled. She crossed her arms, thinking for a moment, then smirked. "Well, for starters, you're a squirrel," she teased.

The squirrel burst into laughter, shaking his tail. "True, I am indeed a different species—and yes, a squirrel," he admitted. "But there's something much deeper I'm pointing to."

Lilith frowned thoughtfully. "Deeper?" she echoed, unsure of what he meant.

Ratatoskr's expression grew more contemplative as he continued. "The difference between us, Lilith, is time. I am ancient—far older than you can imagine. With that age comes patience, experience, and a deep understanding of magic and the threads that bind realms together. My point is this: the last lesson I can teach you is patience."

Lilith blinked in surprise. "Patience?" she repeated, not expecting such a simple answer.

Ratatoskr nodded. "Yes, patience. As young as you are, you still rush forward, driven by emotion and ambition. That's not a bad thing—it's what makes youth so full of potential. But it also clouds your judgment and can make your magic unstable. It's the same with your portals. While you've learned how to create and control them, you still cannot fully sense the realms around us or the subtle energies that connect them. That ability will come with time."

Lilith's expression softened as she absorbed his words. "So, you're saying… my magic will grow stronger as I get older?"

"Exactly," Ratatoskr replied, his voice steady with confidence. "Your abilities are already impressive for someone your age. But one day, as you mature and your understanding deepens, your magic will evolve into something far greater. With enough patience and dedication, I believe you'll surpass even your current limits. Who knows, Lilith—you may one day wield power as great as a god."

Lilith's eyes widened at the notion, her cheeks flushing with a mix of awe and determination. "You really think so?"

Ratatoskr chuckled again, the sound light but filled with conviction. "I don't just think so, Lilith—I know so. And that day might not be as far off as you think."

Lilith smiled, her heart swelling with renewed purpose. "Then I'll make sure to keep growing, Ratatoskr. Thank you—for everything."

The squirrel nodded, his sharp eyes gleaming. "Good. Now let's keep at it. You've come far, but the journey is far from over."

As the two turned back toward their training, Lilith felt a sense of peace and resolve. She wasn't just learning magic—she was shaping herself into the person she was meant to be.

Month passed as Ratatoskr continued to teach Lilith the virtues of patience, guiding her through exercises that emphasized controlled breathing and a relaxed mindset. He often stressed the importance of keeping calm under pressure, reminding her that magic flourishes best when its wielder is centered and focused.

Meanwhile, Zecond observed from a distance, her keen senses ever aware of Lilith's progress. She couldn't help but notice that the time for Lilith's departure was drawing near. A single tear slipped down her cheek as she watched the young demoness with pride and melancholy. Over the past year, Lilith had grown not only in skill but also in spirit, and to Zecond, she had become like a daughter.

"Oh, how you've grown, little one," she murmured softly, chuckling to herself. Wiping her tear away, she smiled with resolve. "I'll make a feast tonight, a feast so grand it'll last a day, if not longer. She deserves it."

As the sun dipped low and the evening's golden hues painted the sky, Ratatoskr and Lilith stood together at their training site for what felt like the last time. There was a sense of finality in the air.

"Now, Lilith," Ratatoskr began, his tone both proud and wistful, "we are finished. There is nothing more I can teach you here."

Lilith bowed deeply, her heart heavy with gratitude. "Thank you, teacher. I have learned so much, and I will carry your wisdom with me wherever I go."

For a moment, the two simply looked at each other, the weight of their journey shared in silence. Then, Ratatoskr let out a hearty laugh.

"Ha! Lilith, hearing you speak like this is so strange! You sound so serious!" he teased, his laughter contagious.

Lilith couldn't help but laugh too, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Ratatoskr."

"Come now," Ratatoskr said with a grin. "Let's head back to Zecond. I know she'll have prepared a feast for you."

"A feast?" Lilith asked, her brow furrowing in surprise.

"Yes, Lilith," Ratatoskr confirmed. "Even though you didn't see her while we trained, Zecond has been watching over you. She is a gifted magic user herself, and I'm sure she has sensed your progress. She knows, just as I do, that it's time for you to move on to the next part of your journey."

Lilith's expression softened as understanding dawned on her. She nodded quietly, feeling a mix of emotions—gratitude, sadness, and anticipation. Together, they made their way back to the cozy home where Zecond was waiting, the smell of roasted meats and freshly baked bread already wafting through the air.

As they approached, Lilith glanced back at Ratatoskr and smiled. "Thank you—for everything."

He nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You're welcome, Lilith. Now, let's go enjoy this feast. You've earned it."

As Lilith entered the house, a wave of rich, tantalizing aromas enveloped her, making her stomach rumble in anticipation. The air was filled with the warmth of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and spices, but there was something more—an unmistakable feeling of love and care woven into the atmosphere. It was as Ratatoskr had said: Zecond had indeed prepared a grand feast, a farewell celebration just for her.

Lilith paused, her heart swelling with emotion. A single tear escaped her eye, though she quickly wiped it away, hiding the sentiment. She made her way to the kitchen, where Zecond was bustling about, her hands moving deftly to arrange the final dishes. As Zecond turned around, her arms opened wide, a beaming smile lighting her face.

"Welcome home, little one!" Zecond said warmly.

Lilith couldn't contain herself. She ran straight into Zecond's arms, wrapping her tightly in a hug. "You didn't have to do all this," Lilith murmured, her voice thick with gratitude.

Zecond chuckled softly, her hands gently patting Lilith's back. "Of course I had to, little one," she said, her tone teasing yet full of affection. "I wouldn't send you off without a proper celebration. And besides," she added with a twinkle in her eye, "it's just like the first time we met, isn't it?"

Lilith pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed, and smiled up at Zecond. "It is," she whispered. The memory of their first meal together—a humble yet hearty dinner that felt like a warm embrace—flooded back to her.

"Now, go wash up and get ready," Zecond said, nudging her gently. "The feast is almost ready, and we can't let it get cold!"

With a laugh, Lilith nodded and hurried to prepare herself. Tonight wasn't just a meal; it was a celebration of growth, friendship, and the journey ahead.

The feast lasted for days, filled with laughter, stories, and memories that would linger in Lilith's heart. As the final moments arrived, Zecond stood by the door, her voice ringing out warmly. "Now, remember, Lilith—you're always welcome here!"

Ratatoskr had already conjured a shimmering portal to Eldoria. As its light flickered with a familiar hum of magic, he turned to Lilith, his tone both firm and kind. "Take a moment to remember the feel of this magic, Lilith. If you do, you'll always be able to create a portal back to our house."

Lilith nodded, committing the sensation to memory. Ratatoskr continued, his voice softening slightly. "I've set the portal to Eldoria, but I can't pinpoint where you left. However, I can sense the place where you were born. It feels like a demon's stronghold—perhaps a castle or a fort. Who knows," he muttered, trailing off.

Lilith smiled. "Thank you, teacher. I'll remember everything you've taught me." She turned to Zecond, who had been standing nearby with a wistful expression. Without a second thought, Lilith blinked to Zecond's side and embraced her tightly.

"And I'll never forget our cooking," Lilith said with a teasing grin, her voice filled with warmth.

Zecond nuzzled her hair affectionately and hugged her back gently. "Have a safe journey, little one," Zecond said, her voice trembling slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the sadness in her eyes.

"I will," Lilith replied, her smile radiant. "I have others waiting for me in Eldoria, and I have so many adventures to share with them. But don't worry—I'll come back to you. I know time flows differently between our worlds. A single day here is like a minute there—or something like that." She chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "I don't entirely understand how it works, but please be patient. I promise, I'll return."

With those words, Lilith teleported to Ratatoskr's side. She kneeled down and hugged him tightly, her gratitude unspoken but deeply felt.

Ratatoskr, for once, remained silent. He simply returned the hug, his small frame conveying more warmth and wisdom than words ever could.

As Lilith stood up, she looked at them both one final time. Her crimson eyes shimmered, a mix of determination and affection reflected within. Turning toward the portal, she took a deep breath.

With her heart full and her resolve steady, Lilith stepped forward, back into the world she had been born to—but now, she carried the wisdom, friendships, and memories from a realm that had forever shaped her.