Jacob was shocked when Aiden told him how old he was. How can Aiden look so young and yet be over a thousand two hundred years old? Of course Aiden explained the life spans of the different races to Jacob. He also explained how he looked human even though he wasn't completely human. Aiden was mostly a flame sparrow. The only reason he was in human form now was because hands were more useful with doing things like leather working. Sewing with claws was just too difficult to mention.
" If I have magic when I am older, can I also learn to shapeshift like you do?"
" I honestly don't know Jacob. Magic is a funny thing. You could have it and yet only be able to practice one form of it. For example, you could be blessed only with light magic, which is used for healing, lighting the way in darkness, or damaging the undead." Aiden sighed.
" Basically, there are many different types of magic and there is no guarantee that you can have all of them. This is why mages usually only have one field that they specialize in. It's rare for mages to use more than one type of magic and this is after they have unlocked their abilities at whatever age their race does so."
Jacob's face fell in disappointment. He couldn't help but think about how amazing it would be to fly side by side with Aiden. He would just have to focus on his physical strength and endurance for the time being. There was no point focusing on something that may never happen. The two continued chatting and working together to become better than their current selves.
Jacob lost track of the days while underground. He still missed his family occasionally. Most of the time, he kept himself too busy with training in some way, shape, or form to think about home. It was the first time in his life where he felt in control of his own schedule. The feeling was terrifying and liberating. He could finally start to see how his actions affect those around him. For instantence, Aiden's younger brother clearly hated him just because Jacob refused to just sit around and would do what he could to help.
Jacob had never been hated with such intensity before. It unnerved him. Why is this boy, who is supposedly six hundred years of age, bothered by me trying to earn my keep? No matter how nice I am, he just glares at me more. Aiden told me not to worry about it, but I just can't shake the feeling that I am not doing all I can.
Aiden saw the complex emotion running across Jacob's face again and he shrugged. Sometimes his friend was an extremely sensitive person. So was his brother. The difference was that Jacob blamed himself for everything, while Aiden's brother blamed everyone else. Aiden honestly could not see how the two would get along. Mainly because his brother didn't want to even try. In Aiden's mind, Jacob should just forget about what others think and focus on himself only, however he knew Jacob had to reach that conclusion himself. All Aiden could do was try to point him away from blaming himself.
" There is no point in trying to get along with people who refuse to compromise even a little. It's better to protect yourself from their selfishness."
Jacob blinked and looked at Aiden.
" I just do not understand what I did to provoke him."
Aiden smiled gently, " Some people just can't stand it when others shine more than they do. This is not your fault. You just focus on being you and don't worry about anyone else unless they are trying to kill you."
" I suppose living for over a thousand years has given you more wisdom than most."
Aiden laughed, " Nope. I still do stupid stuff. I just know that there is no way to please everyone, so why bother trying?"
" I see."
Aiden snorted. " No, you don't, however I am sure you will with time. Nevermind that though. What do you want to be when you are an adult?"
" Ummm... well, I was planning on becoming a good king like my father. However, now I am not sure I want the position."
" I can see that. After all, kings are constantly being judged by others and you can't even stand my brothers overly judgy attitude."
Jacob glared at Aiden for a moment, but he didn't argue with his words.
" What about you Aiden?"
" Me? Honestly, I just want enough power to protect the ones I care about." Aiden scratched his cheek as he responded.
" I am not sure about actually being able to reach my goal since the world is harsh, however, that's my plan."
" I see, that is why you push yourself so hard."
" Yep, don't think that I have forgotten the question you have yet to answer. A person needs a goal to strive for or they lose all interest in living."
Jacob winced and sighed, " I will think about it, ok?"
" Alright."
The two continued talking, joking, and training for the rest of the day. Finally, Jacob laid down to sleep. It took only a few seconds for sleep to claim him.
Instantly, Jacob found himself on the same peaceful field as before. This time he knew for sure it was a dream and he decided to move from the hill. He just chose a random direction and walked. This was his dream, so it shouldn't matter where he went. What happens in a dream will always stay within the realm of dreamers.