As the sun began to set on the day Arvedas and Xian made port, a small girl suddenly materialized before their ship in the harbor. Lena dashed towards Allendra, enfolding her in a tight embrace. Allendra's face betrayed a despondency and hopelessness that stirred pity in those who beheld it. Her mouth barely opened, and many assumed she was mute.
The following day, the Blue Oyster embarked on a long and silent voyage, first to Illinthia, then Quartry Harbor, with Allendra speaking scarcely and eating little. When they finally reached Quartry, the woman and child parted ways in solemn silence. Save for Arvedas and Xian, who trailed them at a distance as they journeyed northward, none gave them a second glance.
Their trek came to a halt in a small town near Anthedia, where the woman and child started anew. Soon, the old wizard, Sarcastic the Wise appeared, having been informed by Xian of their whereabouts. He escorted the two elves back to their homeland. After listening carefully to their stories, the sage thanked them, and they bade each other farewell.
After that fateful day, Sarcastic relentlessly scoured the land for months, unyielding in his pursuit of finding his wayward friend. It was only when he stumbled upon Paliborn Quickhand in a far-flung hamlet in the Illuthar continent, a settlement so obscure it wasn't even cartographically acknowledged, that the elderly sorcerer was moved to tears. He clasped his old friend in a tight embrace, his heart heavy with sorrow for the profound transformation that had overtaken Paliborn. Together, they charted a course northward.
Paliborn's curiosity was insatiable. "Pray tell, sir Sandman, where are we headed? Shall we venture to the depths of the ocean and delight in piscine delicacies? My palate positively yearns for a taste of succulent octopus, or perhaps we shall feast on serpent flesh? I wonder, do you share my fondness for snakes?"
"I have a candidate in mind for the position of wizard, and I wish for you to meet her. It is my hope that she will become my apprentice, and I seek your counsel on the matter," replied the wise old mage.
"A wizard, you say? Oh, how I adore them! I have encountered several in my travels, though their names elude me now. No doubt they paled in comparison to your greatness, but they may have exceeded your talents. My mind feels as if a cacophony of kettles is clamoring within it, but fear not, my friend. I shall assist you in training this new apprentice. I have several magical concepts in mind, such as using black pepper as a component for the fireball incantation..."
Paliborn paused, his thoughts drifting momentarily before resuming, "But I digress. An apprentice would be a most propitious endeavor, and together we shall embark on a journey of experimentation. With my expedited tutelage and guidance, she shall swiftly evolve into a formidable wizard."
As they traversed the terrain, Paliborn persisted in expounding his wild schemes, never faltering or fatigued. The elder wizard listened patiently, occasionally interjecting, but mostly consumed by a pervasive sense of melancholy. Much like Paliborn, he yearned to forget the past, if only it were possible.
But the act of forgetting proved to be an arduous feat, and being forgotten was even more onerous.
One day, a glimmer of hope emerged in the hearts of those who remembered, as they yearned for the forgotten one to be remembered once more...
THE END Of PART 1