Dawn Of Jaide

An Unexpected Guest (Part 3)

As classes let out, a flurry of activity enveloped the building. Students poured out, their voices melding into a lively cacophony of plans for the evening, weekend games, and the inevitable stress of looming exams. Ezra and Quentin found themselves isolated in their concerns. They walked along the path leading away from the school, their strides matching, the weight of a shared worry evident in their furrowed brows.

"You think she'd really go it alone, Q?" Ezra asked, his tone betraying a hint of fear. Quentin shot him a side glance, his deep green eyes filled with uncertainty. "You know Jaide as well as I do. She'd walk through fire if she thought it would keep us safe."

Ezra ran a hand through his wavy brown hair, frustration evident. "That's what gets me. She's the bravest person I know, but sometimes... I wish she'd realize we're here for her too." Quentin chuckled softly, "Well, when you put it that way, it kinda makes sense. Her leading some mystical land. I mean, look at how she takes charge here."

Ezra smirked, the previous tension melting away for a moment. "You're right. I can totally see her on a throne, ruling with grace." But the levity was fleeting. Quentin's face sobered as he added, "We can't let her face thar alone. Whatever this problem is holds, we need to be there with her."

Ezra nodded, determination setting in his gaze. "Deal. We'll keep an eye on her, make sure she's safe." Quentin extended his hand, palm open, Ezra slapped his own hand against it, sealing their pact.

***

The crimson hues of sunset drenched Fairport's streets, casting long, golden-edged shadows. Every brick, every shrub seemed imbued with a sense of nostalgia, as if the world was taking a moment to say its own goodbye. As Jaide wandered this all-too-familiar avenue, her pace was leisurely, each footfall echoing her internal battle of acceptance and denial. The houses she'd passed a thousand times seemed different now, as if she was seeing them through a new lens.

Drawing nearer to her home, a pause in her stride revealed the weight of her thoughts. "What are you getting yourself into, Jai?" she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. However, her solitude was short-lived. From the settling dusk, a voice emerged, "You're embracing destiny." It was Gwen. While her words were meant to be reassuring, there was a gravity to them, a burden that Jaide could sense. She let out a soft chuckle, the irony hummorus to her. "Destiny... I've never hated a word so much."

Without a word, they entered the house. The familiarity of her living room felt alien now. But as if on instinct, she flicked on the TV, a desperate bid to cling to normalcy. Gwen, eyes scanning the room, spoke with urgency, "There's no time for this... whatever it is."

"I think there's a few minutes," Jaide retorted, her voice laced with an edge of defiance. Gwen sighed, realizing the insensitivity of her approach. Reaching into her satchel, she produced a small box, extending it towards Jaide. Curiosity piqued; Jaide opened the box. Nestled inside was a silver ring set with a blue stone that bore the engraving of a griffin. The significance was lost to her.

Gwen's voice, softer now, filled the room. "Your parents knew this wouldn't be easy for you. Perhaps one of the hardest days of your life so they saved this for you a long time ago. This ring was their royal seal. When you feel lost or overwhelmed or unknowing look at it and remember who you are."

The weight of her lineage, her destiny, it was all too much. Jaide's voice broke as she admitted, "I'm still grappling with all this." Gwen sat beside her, their stories intertwining. "I know what it's like to become someone else. To be forced into a role. But because of that now I can help our people and you can too."

Gazing at the ring, Jaide felt its weight not as a burden but a responsibility. "There's a part of me that knows what I have to do and there's another that wishes this was all just a dream. But if leaving is what I have to do, then I'll do it."

In that silent living room, two souls connected, bound by fate and choices beyond their control, preparing to face a destiny only one had trained for.