Once they're in the privacy of their own room, which is basically just one large room with multiple beds, and some other basic furniture in it, Nicholas then speaks up again. "So, what's with all these questions all of a sudden?"
"..." She just seems a bit hesitant at first. "Well... When I had first heard your name, I honestly just thought it to be a coincidence, it's not exactly a rare name, after all. But I soon had my suspicions when I had eventually noticed your ears, but again just put it to the side of my mind, as inter racial couples are pretty common, so that too didn't exactly mean what I was thinking. But then you had mentioned about having light magic as well, and magic is most commonly inherited, it's rare for magic that's not in the family to just randomly show itself, and even rarer for a god to bless an individual with their element of magic. Then when I'd asked about your parents, and you said you never knew them, that's when I figured that I was most likely correct, in my assumptions."
"Which are...?"
"..." She still seems nervous about what she's about to say, but she soon makes herself say it. "If my theory is correct, then, I believe that you, Nicholas, should be... my son..." CaleIdes finally gets it out.
"W-what...?" Nicholas doesn't even seem to know what to think. "But... then why was I alone, here...?"
"That... I have no clue, I'm sorry... It was about seven or so years ago, I had given you to your father, so that he could bring you far away from the elven capital, Syalthaes, as he could, as we were pretty much always at war with the Orcs, but it just hadn't been until recently that they've been able to devastate our forces in such a way, and it just wasn't safe for you there, especially with my position. I've had even other elves be threat, too, just to try and get me to back down. Elves aren't nearly as peaceful as everyone thinks, the humans just tend to be even more corrupt than most other races. Anyways, my point being, I had no clue where you or your father has been all this time, he's a hard man to find when he doesn't want to be found, and I had just always assumed that you were safe, with him... It was too much of a risk to keep you around the capital at the time, but I couldn't just abandon my job, either; it was the type of job where I had taken a life oath, if I had left, they'd have hunted me down... They take their royal security and secrets very seriously. I... This is all my fault... I never should've let that b*stard leave with you. I never would've even imagined that he'd have abandoned you... I'm sorry..." Caleldes confesses to Nicholas, barely taking a breath through most of that.
"... It's fine. If what you're saying is all true, then, I suppose that you were just trying to protect me." Though Nicholas seems a little down, still, as he learns all this.
"..." CaleIdes then goes over to him, hugging him.
This does startle him some, not used to physical contact such as this yet, though he soon does hug her back, this does seem to comfort him a bit, though.
-------
Over the next few days, they've been trying their best to make themselves as useful as possible, with Serenity spending most of her time inside the infirmary, helping with healing their sick and injured; and CaleIdes and Nicholas help with various tasks around the base, or even around the city at times.
Garvin soon finds CaleIdes, as she's helping out around the base. "CaleIdes, there you are. They've come to a decision. We should discuss this further in private. I will go inform Serenity, would you be able to go get Nicholas for me?"
"Of course."
They're soon all back in the office that they were in previously, now looking at Serenity's map of the forest.
"Caleldes and I will be here, at the center, as it is the most important area. We should have magic users in these spots. The more powerful ones towards the edges, as that is where most of the darkness is currently concentrated. This should cover most of the forest, and we will have a few others who can take some other positions as well. How does all that sound?" Serenity shows them her ideas on the map.
"Looks good so far." Garvin responds.
"Alright. Now, do you happen to have any, or know of any, dark magic users? Any will be of great use to us, as well." Serenity asks Garvin.
"Why would we have any darkness users? And as for if I know of any, I do actually know of one, but I don't believe that he's anywhere near the city right now. Not entirely sure that'd I'd actually trust him very well, though. Why would we need dark users, anyways? Don't we just need light and life users?" Garvin asks.
"The darkness is pretty deep, we will need dark users to help pull it up towards the surface, so that the others can eliminate it easier." Serenity explains.
"I see. Sorry, but I cannot be of any help in that matter. Anyways, everything looks good. I'll start to get everything ready, once you two are back. Garvin says.
"Back?" Caleldes asks.
"They'll want your help with a fairly dangerous mission, before they'll allow for our men to be used for your mission. It's the only way that I was able to get them to accept, alongside all the work that all three of you have been doing these past few days." Garvin explains.
"That's fine. But what is the mission?" Caleldes questions.
"...You two will be a part of a group being sent to go invade a slavers camp, and liberate as many of their captives, alive, as possible. It is certainly a dangerous mission, but unfortunately, I cannot change anything, I'm sorry."
"It's fine. It's an important job. We don't mind. Right, Nicholas?"
"Of course. It'd even be best to leave as soon as possible. When will they be leaving?" Nicholas inquires.
"Tomorrow morning, actually."
Serenity then interrupts real quick. "Would it be at all possible, if I could go, as well? I am not actually very fond of violence, personally, but those poor souls will most likely need some healing when they're freed."
"It is a nice thought, but they already have a healing specialist assigned to that job. Besides, you'll most likely be needed back hire, still. I'm sorry." Garvin apologizes.
"It is alright. I understand." Serenity does seem a little disappointed, though still keeps her composure.
"Anyways, you two should take today to prepare, then rest up for the rest of the day, it'll be quite a journey." Garvin informs them.
"Alright." They all soon head out of the office.
-------
Caleldes and Nicholas soon meet up with the group of paladins that they'll be accompanying for this mission. They soon spot a female paladin at the head of the group of the other paladins. She has long wavy dark rose gold colored hair pulled into a ponytail, and golden eyes. She wears a silver looking armor with golden trim, and the symbol of the Order of Light on her chest. She definitely seems to be of a high rank, if her position and armor is anything to go by. Caleldes and Nicholas then start to approach her.
"So, are we all ready?" The female paladin calls out to the group, who then answer back to her in agreement. She then looks over to Caleldes and Nicholas as they approach. "You two must be the temporary allies that will be joining us. I am Sabelle. And what might your names be?" She inquires of them.
"I am Caleldes, and this is my son, Nicholas. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sabelle. You're probably one of the few female paladins that we've actually seen around here, it's actually kind of nice to see, if I'm being honest."
"Indeed. As much as this city claims to be progressive in gender and racial rights, they're actually still pretty conservative, if I am to be honest. You didn't hear that from me, though. Anyways, it certainly is nice to see another powerful looking woman travelling with us. I look forward to making your acquaintance." Though Sabelle still sounds fairly serious, despite her friendly-ish words.
"Same here." Caleldes notices this, but doesn't mind it, knowing about the important coming journey and battle.
"Anyways. We are moving out, men! Let's get going!" Sabelle calls out to the group, and everyone soon starts to leave. The large group does attract plenty of attention as they march through the main streets, but it's mostly out of curiosity, some of the citizens even whispering amongst themselves. The group, soon reaching the main city gates, also gets the attention of the guards, who then salute them as they pass, and the paladins then quickly return it, as well, as they now exit the city.