After listening to the history she never knew, Val took a moment to collect her thoughts. She didn't really know what to do with this new found knowledge. She looked at the woman beside her with a mixture of emotions.
"Since I have been affected by this curse, is there anything I can do to save myself? How long do I have?" Val asked Aglaope.
"I cannot say for certain. You seem to be different." Aglaope answered.
"What does that mean?" Val was taken aback. Whatever could be special about her?
"There is something hidden within you. I was able to suppress the curse because of this seal. I cannot say that once the seal is broken that you will be saved, but if you learn the reason for it, perhaps you could use it to help you." Aglaope reasoned. "But, be aware, you may be able to keep yourself from falling into darkness, but you will never be fully rid of it. The marking will never fully fade."
Val listened intently to Aglaope. There was hope in her words, but Val made sure to listen to the warning. She got herself into this mess by not paying enough attention. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
"How can I learn more about the seal?" Val was willing to do anything to keep her autonomy.
Aglaope face Val's question some thought. "I can tell this was placed by a wizard. They went into hiding. Both humans without understanding and those of magic who held grudges forced them into hiding. The Temple of Light might have the answers you seek. That was their last stronghold."
"Then, can you help me get there?" Val asked earnestly.
"I can provide you with what you will need for the journey there, but I cannot provide you with a guide. All I have is one request." Aglaope offered.
"Of course. I'm happy to do whatever you need me to. You have helped me so much." Val immediately agreed.
"I only ask that your do not take Celeste with you." Aglaope said straightforwardly. "You must understand. She is still a child, merely sixty years old. She wishes to explore the world, and see all her brother has told her about. But to know that this evil once again roams about, I cannot bare to see her in danger. She is my most precious jewel."
Val could understand her worry, and she truly didn't have any plans to take Celeste with her. But her eyebrows did raise at sixty being considered a child. This really was a different world. She nodded her agreement.
"Celeste has grown quite attached to you. She may try to find away to follow you, so please speak with her." Aglaope expressed her concerns.
...
Val stayed at the temple a few more days to recover. Even though the curse was subdued, it was a very draining experience. And Val wanted to use this time to learn more about all things magic. Seeing a wide range of peoples gave her a new lease on life. It suddenly felt like the world became so much bigger.
Celeste never once stopped talking. Val was very amused. It was almost like she had an eager puppy following her about. But with each moment, Val did find it harder to bring up the topic of her departure. It was genuinely hard to part with Celeste. She was such a bright spot in a not so bright world.
"Celeste," Val interjected, "do you want to go for a walk?"
Celeste grinned and nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Val was dragged toward a scenic oceanic view. They reached the beach in no time.
"Is there something you want to talk about?" Celeste asked. She could sense that something was bothering Val, but was unsure of what it could be.
"Well..." Val fumbled for the right words. "About that. As you know, your mother has done what she can for me, but I'm not fully out of danger yet."
Celeste's eyes widened a bit. Her brows furrowed. She could tell where this conversation was going.
"Thus, you are leaving?" Celeste inquired quietly.
Val felt a tremendous amount of guilt. But she just leave. Though, even if she could stay, she wasn't sure if she would stay. She's never had a true place to call home, but being with Celeste was starting to feel that way.
"I can't stay." Val finally said. Her eyes downcast. "But maybe I can come back. You never know what will happen in the future."
"Take me with you!" Celeste grabbed Val's arm. "I am sure I can help you! Cosmo said that I was of help to him."
"No, Celeste, I think you should stay here with your mother." Val replied in a firm tone. "We barely escaped last time, and we don't even know much about those who attacked us."
"I am willing to take that risk." Celeste steeled her expression. "You cannot do this alone."
Val patted Celeste in the head and smiled lightly. "Hey there. I will be just fine. I've been on my own before, and I've survived so far. It's much more important to keep everyone here safe."
Celeste looked at her with complicated emotions. She does care deeply for her home and its people. But she can't just stand by and do nothing as something bad is about to happen.
Val could see the churning emotions on Celeste's face. "Please, see me off, but stay here. I need to go alone."
"I will see you off tomorrow." Celeste hugged Val. She squeezed her tight, wishing to never let go.