The heavy, oak door open quietly as Roric pushed it. The air inside was filled with the heat radiating from the fireplace and the light.The room was illuminated only by the dancing flames of the fireplace and a few flickering lamps on the desk.
At the center of the room, War Chieftain Varkas Silverfang sat in a sturdy armchair. He was bent over a large map showing the mountainous borders of Everfrost.
His long, silver hair fell unbraided over his shoulders, his face hidden in shadows. As the lamplight struck him, charcoal black, simple yet distinct, tattoo like markings could be seen on his pale skin, especially on his hands resting on the armrests and extending towards his neck.
These markings were proof that the War Chieftain had not been idle in the last seven years.
Roric stepped inside. He stopped a few steps from the desk and gave his usual salute. "War Chieftain."
Varkas continued to trace a thin line on the map with his claw for a moment. Without lifting his eyes, he spoke with his slightly raspy voice. "Is there a problem with the new patrol routes, Captain?"
"No, War Chieftain," Roric replied, his voice as clear and sharp as ever. "This time, the matter is different. My report... is about the elf child in the orphanage."
Varkas's finger stopped on the map. He slowly raised his head. There was no obvious expression on his face, but a sense of anticipation was palpable.
"Aurelion... You haven't reported to me about that child for a long time." He leaned back slightly. "He's turned seven, hasn't he? What happened? Did he cause trouble?" His tone seemed indifferent, but the attention in his eyes had sharpened.
"Trouble, and more, War Chieftain," Roric answered. "The child is intelligent, his observational skills terrifyingly advanced for his age. He adapted to his surroundings quickly, speaks and writes our language flawlessly. However..." He paused, searching for the right words. "...he's a bit... problematic. Especially in his behavior towards others. About three weeks ago, during training, he got into a fight with an orc child bigger than himself. He roughed the child up badly. But what was truly noteworthy was his attitude during the fight. He was ruthless. Almost... savage. Harkan and Linnea told me the child clearly enjoyed the fight."
Varkas's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "A High Elf child... seven years old... beats an Orc bigger than him in a fistfight? And enjoys it?" He raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Perhaps a vein we don't know of flows beneath that skin of theirs." He smiled faintly, but his eyes were serious.
"Another incident occurred today," Roric continued. "This time, he apparently stepped in to protect a young Wood Elf girl from a Orc who attacks her. But the result was similar. He defeated his opponent ruthlessly again, perhaps less savage this time, but still using disproportionate force. The Orc is currently in the infirmary, his nose broken."
Varkas continued to listen with that faint, expression on his face. "So it wasn't a coincidence. The child really has a... predisposition. Perhaps Linnea and Harkan need to pay closer attention?"
"War Chieftain," Roric said. "That's not why I disturbed you. Or at least, not just for that." He took a deep breath. "The child... has managed to use his energy. Harkan noticed, and Linnea confirmed it. During training, when he exceeded his physical limits, he drew energy from his Core, albeit unconsciously."
Varkas's body visibly tensed. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. His black eyes were now entirely focused on Roric. "Are you sure, Captain? Seven years old? On his own?"
"I am War Chieftain," Roric said clearly. "In fact, at our request, for us to see, he tried to manifest the energy again. He succeeded... But the price was heavy. Even a momentary display exhausted him."
Varkas remained silent for a moment. He slowly shook his head. "Seven years old... An instinctive awakening… Raw and uncontrolled. Its dangerous." He looked at Roric again. "So, Captain... how did this child learn to do this? Who gave him this kind of training? Wasn't he under Linnea's supervision?"
"No War Chieftain, the child is exceedingly intelligent and observant," Roric replied. "No one gave him direct training. According to his own admission, vague conversations he overheard from us about "energy", "flows," "the center within us," a "river" similarity an orphaned Wood Elf girl's mother told her… He pieced together all these fragments of information and tried things on his own. Last night, he caught a faint sensation for the first time, and today, when Harkan pushed him to his physical limits, he instinctively followed that sensation and used it. It appears to be an entirely raw, entirely coincidental discovery."
Roric took another step closer. "And this situation also shows why the current system is insufficient for him. Mistress Linnea is a well intentioned and intelligent administrator, but she is too protective, overshadowing the child's potential, trying to keep him within excessively theoretical and "safe" limits. Harkan, on the other hand... is an excellent trainer of soldiers, but his methods are too harsh, too breaking. He could worsen the imbalance within this child, turn him into a purely war focused monster. Moreover, the child's personality is also challenging."
He took a deep breath. "That is why, War Chieftain... I have decided to take him under my wing."
Varkas's eyebrows rose noticeably at this direct and unexpected decision. He straightened up slightly in his chair. "You? You'll take him under your wing?"
His eyes examine Roric. "Strange... This isn't much like you, Captain. Or have you started to feel a special... affinity for this child you've been observing from afar for years?"
It was unusual for a someone like Roric, who rarely showed his emotions and was focused on duty, to take on such personal responsibility.
Roric's expression didn't change. "Not affinity, War Chieftain. Responsibility and potential," he said clearly. "I have been observing him regularly since he was a baby, upon your orders. This potential... it could be even greater than Linnea realizes, than Harkan predicts. But it is equally dangerous. This potential should not be wasted. It must be guided correctly for the future of Ulfgard. And," he paused, "I understand this kind of power. I know its nature, its danger. I know how to manage it safely... or at least I will try better than anyone else. I only want to best utilize his potential for Ulfgard."
Varkas saw the unwavering determination in his Captain's eyes yet, that doubt within him hadn't entirely vanished. This could be more than a simple training assignment.
After a while, Varkas nodded gravely. "Very well, Captain... If you are so certain. I grant you permission to take him under your protection. But remember, this is no ordinary apprentice. You are going to train a wild wolf, perhaps a young dragon. Sage Ulfar and I realized this years ago. There are things about the child that even I don't fully understand. Report to me if you encounter any problems."
"Understood, War Chieftain," Roric said, without the slightest hesitation in his voice.
"Good," Varkas said, turning back to the map in front of him. He picked up his goblet. "Now go and attend to your new apprentice. I trust you know what you're doing."
Roric repeated his salute and silently left the room.
As the door closed behind him, Varkas ran his claw like nails over a point on the map. A thoughtful expression, unseen by anyone, was on his face. "A Core awakening at seven, even for a High Elf... And a... The child is more interesting than I thought, and he hasn't even discovered everything yet."
As the evening twilight began to descend upon Ulfgard, the common room of the orphanage was experiencing its last burst of activity for the day.
However, the quieter corner by the window, usually preferred by Aurelion, was filled with a different energy. Aurelion glanced one last time at the small, modest leather satchel beside him. Inside, there was nothing but a few pieces of clean clothing and a few basic personal items.
Linnea had stood by him while he checked his belongings and was now looking at the three figures waiting for him.
Lyra stood with her arms crossed. Kael was calm as usual. Elara had her hands clasped in front of her.
"Yes," Linnea said, handing the tightened satchel to Aurelion. "Everything seems to be in order. You don't seem to be missing anything."
"Hah!" Lyra couldn't help herself. She smirked at Aurelion. "Wow, pointy ear. Frankly, I never thought anyone would come and take you out of the orphanage, adopt you."
Aurelion rolled his eyes at Lyra's words. He calmly took the bag. "I wasn't adopted, Lyra," he said clearly. "Let's just say a more... suitable method was found for my training. Captain Roric wanted to train me more closely."
"Perhaps it's because, unlike some of you, my potential has been recognized." Just as Lyra was about to respond, Elara turned to Linnea guiltily. "Mistress Linnea," she whispered. "If this is because of what happened this morning… I mean, if he's leaving because of me… I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have provoked Grok…"
Linnea gently touched Elara's shoulder and stroked her flushed cheeks. "No, Elara," she said softly. "This isn't your fault. This decision is based on different reasons. And don't worry, this isn't a punishment. Actually…" Linnea's gaze flickered to Aurelion for a moment. "...this will be better for Aurelion."
"Still," Kael's calm voice interjected. "This was a bit… sudden."
Aurelion turned to his group. "Don't forget what I taught you while I'm gone. Basic stances, blocks, discipline… Continue your morning training. Correct each other's mistakes. No slacking."
"I will allow you to continue your morning training sessions," Linnea interjected immediately "But! I don't want a repeat of what happened today, understood?" Her gaze then turned to the three children.
Aurelion rolled his eyes, but feeling Linnea's gaze on him, he added reluctantly, "Yes, yes, Mistress Linnea is right. Don't get yourselves into trouble." However, he then lowered his voice slightly, so only the group could hear. "But still… don't forget what I said."
Lyra and Kael understood the implication immediately and smirked faintly. Elara looked a little hesitant. Linnea coughed lightly towards Aurelion and gave him a stern look. Aurelion just shrugged. "I didn't say anything bad," he muttered innocently.
Just then, Elara's sad, somewhat lost gaze met Aurelion's. Aurelion was instantly unsettled by this expression. Emotionality… It was annoying. But still, he restrained himself.
"There's the College next year. If you continue to work as I said, I don't think you'll have any problems in the Talent Tests. Strive to win. I'll be there too in two years. Maybe you can catch up to me by then."
This last sentence, though strange, had a different effect on all three of them. The defiance returned to Lyra's face, Kael nodded silently, and the anxiety in Elara's eyes gave way to a faint hope. Aurelion had given them a sort of vote of confidence, albeit indirectly, and drawn a common future goal.
This moment of farewell between them was interrupted by the heavy, familiar sound of boots coming from the entrance of the hall. They turned their heads. Captain Roric stood in the doorway.
"It is time."
Linnea took a deep breath. "Alright," she said, her voice a bit choked. "Let's go then."
Together, they walked through the stone corridors of the orphanage towards the main exit door.
They stopped just inside the door, where the wind seeped in slightly.
Linnea stood before Aurelion. A sad expression. She placed her hand on the child's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Aurelion," she said softly. "Captain Roric is a strong and experienced warrior. He can teach you many things. But remember... how you use what you learn is up to you. Your willpower is admirable, your intelligence sharp... But true strength is being able to control not just others, but yourself first. Don't let your ambition consume you."
Lyra grumbled. "So you're leaving, huh? Leaving us in this boring place..." There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Don't worry, by the time you return, we'll already be the stars of the College!"
Kael just nodded. "May your path be clear. Don't push yourself too hard." This was a rare display of concern from him.
Elara, her eyes filled with tears, silently looked at Aurelion. Her lips trembled, but she seemed unable to find the words to speak.
Roric waited patiently by the door. "Come on, time is passing," he said.
Just as Elara seemed to take a step, perhaps to say goodbye, Aurelion suddenly said, "One moment." His eyes turned to Linnea. "Mistress Linnea, I want to speak with you privately for a moment."
Linnea was surprised. So were the others. Aurelion drew her towards a dimmer corner, a little away from the door. Linnea followed him.
When they were alone, Linnea looked at him with curiosity. "What is it, Aurelion? Is something wrong?"
Aurelion took a deep breath. There was a strange discomfort on his face. "I..." he began, then stopped. "I don't really like these kinds of farewell speeches."
Linnea smiled affectionately. "This isn't exactly a farewell, Aurelion. I'll check on your situation from time to time. I won't leave you completely alone. Don't worry."
"I'm not worried," Aurelion said immediately, his voice clear, but then it softened. "But… there are a few things I wanted to tell you." He lifted his head, his golden eyes looking directly into Linnea's blue ones. "I don't like being indebted to others. And you… you've taken care of me so far. Yes, maybe it was your job. But I admit, you focused on me more than the other children." He paused.
"You constantly gave me annoying warnings, preached lessons… You satisfied my curiosity, albeit to a limited extent. You… worried about me." He looked down again. "I really don't like these kinds of conversations at all."
Linnea smiled with surprise and genuine warmth at the child's unexpected, sincere, yet equally clumsy confession. For this prickly, distant child she had dealt with for years to open up like this for the first time...
"What I mean is," Aurelion continued, his voice struggling with the words, practically forcing them out, "...I think you were like a… like a mother to me." He had whispered this last word, as if he himself couldn't believe he had said it.
Linnea's eyes widened in astonishment, her heart pounded. This... she hadn't expected this. Not at all.
Aurelion quickly continued, changing the subject immediately, his face still a bit tense. "So... So I guess I'm worried about you too." His voice returned to that serious, analytical tone. "You are an intelligent woman, Mistress Linnea. You truly are. You constantly thought about my potential, the future of the other children. But I... I want you to think about your own potential." His gaze sharpened. "This orphanage... it's not as complicated as it used to be. There's the College, the system is in place. Especially after a troublemaker like me is gone, it will be a much calmer place. I'm sure this place will manage just fine without you, with someone else to take your place."
He looked at Linnea seriously. "Don't waste your potential here, within these walls, Mistress Linnea. Do something better for yourself. Something more… worthy of you."
A warm smile appeared on her face. "I will think about it, Aurelion. I really will." With an impulse from within, she leaned down and placed a light, kiss on the child's forehead.
Though Aurelion flinched at this sudden contact, he didn't pull away. Perhaps for the first time in this life, he simply stood there, not knowing how to respond to such pure affection.
When Linnea pulled back, she murmured, "Thank you"
Then Aurelion quickly turned his back, as if wanting to escape that emotional moment. He went directly to Roric.
Before leaving, he turned back one last time and looked at the waiting trio. "Don't forget!" he called out clearly.
Just as he was about to leave through the door with Roric, Elara suddenly darted forward. She ran and hugged Aurelion tightly from behind.
Aurelion froze. "What are you doing?!" he said, both surprised and uncomfortable by this unexpected physical contact.
Elara had rested her head on his back. "You were the one who said I needed to get rid of my cowardice! Well... I'm not afraid!"
Aurelion didn't know what to do for a moment. Then slowly, almost gently, he unfastened Elara's arms and moved her away from him. "Alright," he said.
"Well done. You've proven it. Now cut it out."
Elara stepped back, tears in her eyes, but she was smiling. "See you in two years, Aurelion! I'll catch up to you!"
Aurelion couldn't help himself and the corners of his lips curled upwards in a rare smile.
He nodded slightly. Then he quickly turned his back and, without another word, stepped out with Captain Roric.
The heavy door of the orphanage closed behind them with a dull thud. The silence of the outside world and the biting frost, after the emotional moments inside, felt strangely both relieving and more ominous.
Roric, pulling his thick cloak tighter against the wind, began to walk ahead. He glanced briefly at the small, figure beside him.
Aurelion seemed to be barely standing due to the day's exhaustion and the ache of his wounds, but he maintained his stubborn posture.
Roric reached out and, without a word, took the modest leather bag from the child's shoulder. "We have no time to lose."
Aurelion was slightly surprised but didn't object. He had to admit, his body was truly exhausted.
He continued to walk behind Roric, his mind still occupied with those left behind at the orphanage. A new era was beginning, and much faster than he had expected.
For a while, only the sound of their boots and his small steps on the snow could be heard. As Aurelion was lost in his own thoughts, Roric's deep voice broke the silence. He spoke without turning his head.
"So you don't like goodbyes much?"
Aurelion quickly lifted his head and looked at Roric's broad back. His brows furrowed. "Were you listening to us, Captain?"
Roric shrugged. "As you grow stronger, your senses sharpen, You hear some things… whether you want to or not." He paused.
"Linnea is a good woman. She may seem stern and rule bound from a distance, but as you said, there's a compassionate person inside. You seem to have understood that."
Roric nodded slightly. "The War Chieftain specifically appointed her to bring order to this chaos after the war. And she succeeded. The orphanage and the College are now on track. Perhaps your advice to think about her own potential came at a more opportune time than you think."
Aurelion said nothing in response to this unexpected comment. He just continued to look down the road. It was strange for Roric to speak so openly about Linnea.
Roric noticed the child's expressionlessness out of the corner of his eye. "Strange," he murmured. "It's odd for you to be this quiet. Normally, you would have bombarded me with questions by now. I gave you a few interesting clues just now."
A faint smile appeared on Aurelion's lips. "I wouldn't want to scare you, Captain," he said. "Besides, what's our hurry? Since you've decided to take me with you," he paused, "we'll have plenty of time for me to ask you all the questions on my mind. Don't worry, I won't forget any of them."
Roric stopped and slowly turned around. His black eyes were locked on Aurelion. A rare, smirk appeared on his face. It was more like the smirk of a wolf invited to a dangerous game. "If I were you... I wouldn't be so pleased."
And with this veiled threat, he turned back again and continued walking. Aurelion was left behind, the Captain's last look and words echoing in his mind. Yes, they would have plenty of time. But how that time would pass was an entirely different matter.