12-22-2019, 08:37 PM
“Adrian, I know there are many answers you seek. And, I believe you are old enough to understand why I am unable to tell you certain things.
In truth, the magics I wield are dangerous and life-altering, and the knowledge you seek is a heavy burden. Once you start on the path I walk, there is no turning back. Hence my reluctance to share such things now, when there are so many other paths and opportunities in front of you.
However, if the years pass and you feel in your heart that this is what you wish to do... If you can also be patient, I would be willing to take you on as my apprentice.
If this is what you wish, on the day following your 18th birthday, meet me on the pinnacle of Haventree Palace. Know that I will not be able to tell you everything immediately, but I will at least be able to start. And I will have just as many questions for you as you do for me.”
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Alstroemeria had left Adrian with these words on his fifteenth birthday, knowing full well he would remember them and this would be the path he would eventually choose. Perhaps it was in their shared blood… or more likely their lore… to make such decisions. Meeting in private locations for the dispersal of secret knowledge was an irresistible offer for the curious soul.
Perhaps I could have done better to make it seem less enticing.
Alstroe sighed and stared out at the night sky, it’s stars only slightly dimmed by the distant glittering New Arcanon. She had started waiting at midnight, accounting for the fact the boy might arrive as early as he could. But for now, she was alone with the stars and her own thoughts.
There was an inkling of fear in her heart. Fear that, despite her intentions, this knowledge could destroy Adrian. Or he could eventually use this knowledge to destroy her. It was always a possibility. She had grown far too accustomed to the look on someone’s face when they finally saw her for what she truly was.
And yet, it was foolish to let such fears hinder her. Keeping this knowledge from him indefinitely had the exact same risks and far more uncertainty in outcomes.
Thus, she waited for her nephew.
In truth, the magics I wield are dangerous and life-altering, and the knowledge you seek is a heavy burden. Once you start on the path I walk, there is no turning back. Hence my reluctance to share such things now, when there are so many other paths and opportunities in front of you.
However, if the years pass and you feel in your heart that this is what you wish to do... If you can also be patient, I would be willing to take you on as my apprentice.
If this is what you wish, on the day following your 18th birthday, meet me on the pinnacle of Haventree Palace. Know that I will not be able to tell you everything immediately, but I will at least be able to start. And I will have just as many questions for you as you do for me.”
----
Alstroemeria had left Adrian with these words on his fifteenth birthday, knowing full well he would remember them and this would be the path he would eventually choose. Perhaps it was in their shared blood… or more likely their lore… to make such decisions. Meeting in private locations for the dispersal of secret knowledge was an irresistible offer for the curious soul.
Perhaps I could have done better to make it seem less enticing.
Alstroe sighed and stared out at the night sky, it’s stars only slightly dimmed by the distant glittering New Arcanon. She had started waiting at midnight, accounting for the fact the boy might arrive as early as he could. But for now, she was alone with the stars and her own thoughts.
There was an inkling of fear in her heart. Fear that, despite her intentions, this knowledge could destroy Adrian. Or he could eventually use this knowledge to destroy her. It was always a possibility. She had grown far too accustomed to the look on someone’s face when they finally saw her for what she truly was.
And yet, it was foolish to let such fears hinder her. Keeping this knowledge from him indefinitely had the exact same risks and far more uncertainty in outcomes.
Thus, she waited for her nephew.