Doctor Strange - This One Summer

Epilogue : The Fall

Autumn

October 3rd

My dearest Giin,

I know you said I could write, but it feels so strange reaching out to you after over a month. My time at Kamar-Taj feels like a dream and an age all on its own. I'm sorry again, for all that happened....

I hope this letter finds you well, if it finds you at all. I addressed it to 'the master of Kamar-Taj,' simply because I wasn't sure if you wanted everyone in the postal industry to know your location. Perhaps it caused some confusion among the masters there. Give them my best regards, of course.

Things have improved. The sickness made its way through the herd, but thankfully, we're okay again. Anyway, classes have started again. I'm taking an anthropology class, and that's interesting. They talk about supernatural influences around the world. It's funny to listen to sometimes. 

I sent a letter for Reiko too. If she doesn't get it, give her my love. I hope you're all doing well. How are things there?

Yours,

Hazel Grace

.

November 6th

Hazel,

You're forgiven. It'll take time for the both of us, but I don't want it to be dwelt on any further. Anyway, I was delighted to hear from you. I'm glad your horses are well again and I'm sorry for those you lost. I remember taking a few classes like that; you're right, it's always funny hearing how they talk about mystical development over history. But it's for the best that they're misguided.

Reiko got your letter; you should be receiving one from her soon. As for the rest of the sanctuary, we're all busy in a thousand small ways with a thousand little things. Kaecilius still hasn't shown, but I feel more mystical disturbances by the day. He'll be resurfacing very soon, I'm sure.

But enough about that. I always love to hear from you. Write me some more and please ACCEPT MY FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST.

With love,

TAO

.

November 26th

The next time Hazel showed up at the sanctuary, it was the middle of the day, and Hazel was bleeding. She'd stumbled into the courtyard through a sling ring portal, one arm around her waist and the other hand cupped under her bleeding nose. The novices couldn't recognize her in her mundane attire, but luckily, a few acolytes brought her to the healer's ward promptly. The Ancient One was informed at once of a woman that just showed up injured and was now asking for her. Of course, that was enough for the Ancient One to know exactly who it was, but as she lingered in the doorway of the healer's ward, she couldn't help her shock.

Hazel was sitting on the edge of one of the cots, and Stephen sat on a stool in front of her with cotton and bandages in his shaking hands. For a moment, neither woman moved or spoke. They were waiting each other out. They didn't know what to do with each other; they had no system like they'd always had when Hazel was at Kamar-taj.

"Hi," the Ancient One finally said. Her voice sounded a bit flustered, but she never made Hazel feel unwelcome. They both relaxed, and the Ancient One debated approaching or leaning on the door frame. Hazel's face was bloody and her wrist bruised. "Are you alright?"

Hazel nodded. For now, she seemed to be shaken from whatever encounter drove her here in the first place. The Ancient One moved to the desk in the room and began making some tea for the three of them.