Chapter 54

Even though Alexander and Heather's departure from Mystes seemed to feel like it had happened just yesterday, a lot has transpired since then, and at the same time long time has passed. While originally he is from Warsavor, the town Mystes will always hold a special place in his heart.
Even though his love for this town is connected to a certain person, this paradise would have touched his heart even then.
Mystes, a place no less than heaven, gave him Heather. The source of his adoration. His entire life.
He never imagined he could love anyone more than his brother, but Heather was introduced to him in this town, and he now loves her just as much, if not more. There was something in its air that helped you to cleanse your head and lessen all the unpleasant thoughts you were having. It is a fresh breather in this chaotic world. It gives you an opportunity to witness all the goodness in the people and accept their flaws. It compels you to be the best version of yourself.
A most significant thing which his town lacks. Their family and Warsavor people can definitely learn a lot from a single visit to Mystes.
Alexander was just lucky enough to not have the opportunity to stumble upon this place the first time but also got an opportunity to be its local resident and a chance to come here twice.
He only wished that it was not under the present circumstances.
However, as soon as he entered the boundaries of this beautiful town, he felt a barrier being lifted that helped him accept the beauty and sent him in the proper direction. It had a mystical quality to it.
It also made him feel guilty for bringing Heather with him to Warsavor, a town that hardly possesses half the beauty Mystes does. Even with the bit of rest he received, it took him a day and a half to get there after leaving Warsavor. Although he left Warsavor early in the morning, covering his journey on a horse wasn't an easy task. It was an exhausting but nonetheless fast medium to cover his journey.
It was not only him who needed frequent rests in between their voyage but also his friend. He could not deny his animal pal the luxury of a break for his own selfish reasons.
Champion, his amiable horse, made an excellent companion. The person who momentarily filled Heather and his brother Juan's hole. Currently, Alexander was feeling restless. The time was testing his patience, and the absence of his lady love was only making it worst. Heather is the only person his mind and soul are focused on.
It has almost been two days since he has seen his lady. This is the most they have spent apart since they have known each other, and he could no longer wait to bridge the gap between them physically and emotionally.
The disappointment he felt in Heather was long gone during his voyage, as it gave him plenty of time to reflect on the situation and their actions. Further, being in her hometown also aided with the process. Mystes is her home; it is undeniable that this is the only place where she would feel more secure. Hence, he could not hold her responsible for returning back to her home. She did, after all, belong here.
As he rode his horse towards Heather’s home, he spotted Senior Oscar and Clifford Hortus chatting animatedly with each other.
Even after all the passing months, he remembers the route vividly. It is engraved in his mind.
He also recalls as clear as day how he met Oscar and Hortus's family. They are one of the most wonderful people he had the honor of meeting. The Hortus family has established a modest heaven of nurseries in this town, while the Oscars family is well known for their history of owning a medical emporium similar to Hans' in Warsavor.
He jumped off of his horse as soon as he sighted them and waved to the two men.
“Alexander!” Oscar exclaimed, "Seeing you here is a present surprise."
In response, Clifford nodded, saying, "Indeed it is. For a very long period, we did not anticipate your return. Nonetheless, we are glad to have you here."
Alexander gave them a strained smile. Even though it was splendid to have an unintentional encounter with them, he was conscious of his worry about Heather.
"It's delightful to see you again. To be honest, I did not anticipate visiting this place so soon. Still, I am happy to be here. It certainly feels like coming home after a hard week of work,"
"It surely looks like months of work for you. You seemed to appear stressed. However, we are glad that Mystes have this effect on you. It is the main reason the majority of us stay put. Why when it feels like a vacation here every day?" The other two men laughed when Oscars began to speak.
“I cannot dispute to this fact. With the amount of work I was burdened with, I did not have the time to consciously think about this place. Now that I am here, I cannot help but admit that I miss Mystes. More than I ever thought I would. Seeing how much truth his comments contained, Alexander said, "I have never even missed my homeland so much."
He was aware of the significance of Mystes in Heather's life, and he felt deeply connected to it. Because of his intense emphasis on making Heather adore Warsavor, he found himself alienated by his hometown, which felt like a foreign country.
“So what brings you here? How is Heather doing? We can't even begin to describe how much we have missed her and how eagerly we want her to rejoin us.” Clifford asked. The locals of Mystes have surely missed Heather. She never left the mind of every single person who was associated with her.
Alexander, however, was stunned by Clifford's words. It was not the words he was wishing to her.
“Heather is not here?”