The Story Of

A Wizard

Bailey clears his throat. "Let me tell you the story of a wizard named Hail. Hail was born to a prestigious family of career magic users. The young wizard grew up in the Marowith family mansion, located in the Haven Mountains. Like those in their family before them, Hail learned magic from all of the most skilled tutors, teachers, and masters. By the time they were ten years old, Hail could outcast wizards who were twice their age and at the top of their class in advanced magic academies. And Hail loved magic- took an especial liking to ice spells, in fact. Many times, they acknowledged how lucky they were to have received the opportunity to pursue it in the manner that they did. But as much as they loved it, they were burdened by the pressure that came with it.

You see, friend, Hail could never escape the expectations their family set for them. They were expected to be just as good at magic as their parents while still being a child that was talked down upon. And the Marowith family, being as skilled and well-known as they were, got taken in by the fancy scene of wealthy families. The Marowiths constantly hosted dinners where they had Hail show off for entertainment. And, well, simply put, Hail just wasn't like their family. The Marowiths failed to listen to them and never truly tried to understand them. So, at the age of fifteen, Hail left the mansion with nothing more than some clothes, their staff, and a few pouches of coins stolen from their parents' room.

The first few nights away from the mansion were the hardest. Thieves targeted the young wizard because of their expensive clothing. Though Hail was powerful beyond their years, it is a difficult task for a child to take on entire bands of thieves. Especially after many nights with little sleep. Eventually, one group of outlaws took pity on the child. They took Hail under their wing, giving them a place in their camp. And the young wizard felt something akin to happiness for the first time in a while. They had someplace people would listen to them- someplace people would treat them as more than a pretty doll to put on display.

But their parents couldn't leave them alone. They were pained at the loss of their child. Though if you ask me, and many others, I think Lord and Lady Marowith were more upset that they had lost their sole heir and their dinner party entertainment.

Anyway, the Marowiths called in a few favors and sent a party of very strong warriors and magic casters after Hail. They found them soon enough with the party of bandits. The thieves stayed behind to fight and sent the wizard ahead, hoping to buy enough time to let the child get away. They wouldn't let young Hail stay and fight with them. As far as anyone knows, the thieves died that day to save a friend."

Bailey takes a pause. Vague sorrow sits in your chest over the death of people you've never known and never will.

"Hail ran as far and as fast as they could. Just when they thought they couldn't go any farther, they saw a town. This town, in fact. Veridshire itself. They collapsed by the first building they reached, not noticing that two others were nearby. A fighter and a paladin.

Now, to give you some background, I'll have to-"

Bailey is cut off by a patron across the bar calling his name.

"Oh, apologies, adventurer. Let me take care of my other customers. I'll be back straight away to keep telling you the story. And I'll get you another drink while I'm at it."

You hadn't even noticed that your mug was empty. You'd been captured by the story, longing to know more about the young wizard. You mutter your gratitude as Bailey scoops up your cup with a smile and walks to the other end of the bar, already calling a loud, cheerful greeting to the familiar patron.