The Realm of Austur Episode 2: New Consequences

Your... son?!

"You're terrified... of hurting the ones you love, and terrified of losing them?" she asked as tears formed in her eyes.

Elia smiled at his optimism. She gave a contented sigh and then held his hand and leaned her head on his shoulder. "We'll find a way, you and I. We'll figure out a way so that we don't have to fear anything like that. We've already defied the odds before, so I have faith we can do it again."

"Not just yet. I have to wait so I can heal the injuries Irving sustained while fighfing off the cultists to defend us. I already said I would, and it's only right considering the circumstances."

Plus, Vincent has already done something extra to acknowledge his appreciation for Irving's help, even when things turned out to be nothing like the job he was paid to do yet he did it anyway. I have to do something as a gesture of my thankfulness and the trust I have in him.

The moments that followed Irving waking up were mostly uneventful. Rosetta, now with a recovered mana pool, healed Irving's wounds to good-as-new condition. It wasn't long before they all had their bags packed up and the three of them were ready to venture out of the valley, Irving certain that they would part ways once the road split.

"Thanks, Rosetta", he said to her, after the healing. "It wasn't what I was expecting, but I hope you feel a lot better now that we took down those who destroyed your village. The region won't be missing them.

Vincent gave her a slightly surprised look, but there was no hesitation in his gaze. Only pride and adoration. It was quite clear he trusted Irving as well, even if he barely knew him, and earning Vincent's trust so quickly was no small feat.

"I am... In your debt. I have already given you my sacred oath, and I will leave it at that. However... If you would like official training as a Type 2, I would be glad to train you. I can teach you to control your powers, perhaps better than anyone else in Austur."

Vincent pondered Irving's dilemma for a few moments, deciding how best to answer. "There is a small village at the southern base of the mountains," he answers finally. "Speak to the mayor, and ask for the Lord of the Mountains. You may contact me that way, should you wish to train in the future. As for now, however, and your other request... I can suppress your magic for a limited amount of time, but even I cannot change who you are. A mage's 'type' does not simply reflect their specialization in magic. It reflects the very core of their being; your soul, if you will. Let me ask you this, Irving. Where do you think you would be right now, at this moment in time, if you did not have magic? True control is based on a foundation of acceptance; if you cannot accept yourself for who you are, you have little hope of mastering your powers. I, above all others, understand what it's like to lose control. But if you could not go 'crazed', as you put it, then both Elia and I would have lost our lives last night. There is no such thing as a 'evil' or 'bad' power, Irving. Your power is only a tool; it is up to you to decide how you use it. Before we part ways, let me offer you this final piece of advice: Even the greatest warrior is little more than a beast without his humanity. That is the key, Irving. Recognize you are still human, understand what it means to be human, and learn to accept yourself for who you are. The rest will fall into place naturally, even without my training."

Vincent smiles and extends his hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Irving Jailus."

"Oda," Vincent answers. "Vincent Oda."

Baron upon hearing Serlen was hungry lead him to a nearby village. They shared a good meal and decided to catch up. "So Serlen the last time we met that sword of yours was something special," Baron said to Serlen. "Tell me learn any techniques with that amazing sword of yours," Baron asked curiously.

After parting ways with Irving, Vincent and Elia began the trek back to Gorgath. It was a short, mostly uneventful journey, with the only notable thing that happened being them seeing a rare White Stag. Despite all that had happened, or rather, thanks to it, the pair were even closer than they had been before, and Vincent found himself truly thankful he decided to check up on her that one fateful night. He no longer had to hide anything from her, or fear the possibility of her finding out and hating him for his past, and it relieved him to no end. A mountain of weight was lifted from his shoulders, and he began to smile more often; something that had been as rare as a White Stag before.

While they did talk on the journey back, it was mostly Vincent telling her about Shiryu, and the many sights he's seen in his travels across Austur. Neither of them was in a rush. They had time; Elia was young and Vincent was undying. And with that knowledge, their relationship slowly began to blossom into a pure one, something that seemed ripped right from the pages of a fairytale.

As the hidden entrance of Gorgath came into view, Vincent stopped abruptly and turned to Elia, giving a warm, knowing smile. "Would you like to unpack first before we head down to the village, Yekiri?"