Wayfinding | Aaravos x Reader |

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 36: THE HIGH MAGE

All good things must come to an end.

That's what the humans say, right?

You didn't know why you thought you'd be an anomaly, but surprisingly, the turn of events did not leave you dismayed.

After spending a few more suns with your mother, you were more grounded with your identity. Though certain details were still ambiguous, it was apparent that being the Ivory Paladin was inevitable. It was destiny. It was in your veins. And it gave you what you cherished most: life.

But as Helixia put it, the decisions you made there-on-out were all yours. Because you were separated from Xadians as a babe, you were liberated from the responsibilities that came with your creation. And as the first exception of your pedigree, the Ivory Paladins that come after you would be given the privilege of choice too. So, your mother suggested you explore the miracles of the world in the way she could not. And she told you to become whatever you wanted and love whomever you wish without your title hampering on your will.

Six moons later, the woman bid you farewell. Even though Avizandum had no significant use for her, she said he must have been distressed to lose one of Xadia's greatest weapons and, more relevantly, to lose someone that felt like family. The paladin invited you and your brother to join her, but your commitment to Katolis outweighed the temptations. You had so much to tell Harrow and - for dragon's sake, though you'd never confess it - missing him felt like waiting for a stomach full of poison to run its course. Aside from your nonsense, Uzner was starting to worry about his father.

Thus, Helixia headed in one direction, while you and your brother went the other. Guilty of many crimes against her familiar, the paladin entrusted Pavo to you. Although you were exalted by the news, you knew that - somehow - the people around you always got hauled into drama. You wished different for the Starquill. Fortunately, after careful contemplation, you figured out who'd be the best master for the shapeshifter.

Anywho, saying goodbye to Akira was the hardest part of your departure. Despite knowing she was not blood, you could not see her as anything less of a sister. Indeed, as Uzner conspired, there may have been hidden agendas in her aid. But she was an imperative force to reuniting your family - and for that you were grateful.

With pleasant weather and ample supplies, your return to Katolis was reduced to three days. Unlike your journey to Sal Dorei and Orlion, there was not a wink of bitterness in your heart. Instead - hopes, dreams, and visions surged over you - promising a future you once thought was unattainable. To add a bit of humor to the mix, you spent most of your jaunt recounting stories of the Three Musketeers to Pavo. You weren't sure if the creature understood. But ecstatic with the idea of rallying his friends again, unruly grins rightfully occupied Uzner's face.

The heavens sported both the sun and moon, by the time you arrived to Katolis. It draped the kingdom in tinges of marigold and wine. Usually, during that time, villagers would be scuttling home after tedious hours at work. The thoroughfares would foster a faint drone. Lamplights and lanterns would gradually rouse with capering flames. And above the heads of people, slumber would loom. But as your wagon tottered past the outskirts, you realized the great domain was nothing like that.

The liveliness of the realm surpassed anything you could have ever imagined. Houses were laved and painted in vivid - and almost questionable - hues. Every single window and standing post was festooned with banners. People were hooting and caroling down the streets, dressed in gaudy evening wear. And the kingdom bloomed with delightful aromas from baked goods, drinks, and flowers as enormous masses of villagers headed towards the palace.