The silence hung heavy in the air as Amukelo tried to steady his breathing, wiping away the tears of both gratitude and sorrow that stained his face. His hands trembled slightly as they gripped the diary and the necklaces closer to his chest.
Rudyard, seeing the young man's struggle, remained silent for a moment to allow Amukelo the space to gather himself. Once he felt that the atmosphere had softened, he spoke gently, his voice laced with both sorrow and a yearning for connection. "Can you tell us how you became their guildmate? How they were as people, how did your relationship develop? Please," he asked, "tell us a little bit about our kids. How they were... in their last stage of life." His voice wavered on the last sentence as if he were forcing each word out through the dense fog of his pain.
After a moment's thought, Amukelo began to speak. His voice was steady at first. "I met them on the way to Llyn," he said, his eyes shifting to each of the parents as he spoke. "They were in trouble, struggling to defeat a golem, and I helped them out. At first, I didn't think much of it... just adventurers crossing paths. But they were so kind and their atmosphere felt like a family. They invited me to join their guild, and even though I hesitated at first, I quickly decided to join them."
He continued, telling them of the journey they shared, of the quests that slowly bound their lives together. He painted a picture of the camaraderie and the joy they felt in each other's presence. "Bral," Amukelo said with a faint smile, looking over at his parents, "was always quick to suggest quests—too quick sometimes. He was all action, no hesitation." A small, melancholic chuckle escaped his lips as he remembered those times. "He was like a big brother to me." He added. Bral's mother wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling faintly as she nodded.
Then, Amukelo spoke of Idin, his voice softening. "Idin was calm and collected. I was surprised by some of his skills. He was really good at sewing. And his knowledge about this world... He knew so much about all nations that sometimes it was so hard for me to understand what he was saying." Idin's father and mother exchanged looks, both filled with pride and sadness, remembering their son through the stories they had never heard but somehow already knew.
As he spoke about their adventures together, he shared the happy memories: the long nights spent joking around in the pub, the relentless training sessions, the thrill of each successful quest. His voice held a different kind of sadness, but also a reverence, a desire to honor their lives in the best way he knew how.
When it came to Pao and Bao, he hesitated, feeling a lump forming in his throat. But he pressed on. "Bao and I never got as close as I did with the others," Amukelo admitted. "But I knew she was sharp, often scolding others for their stupid ideas. She had this fierce determination about her, just like Bral, she liked to pick up quests with too much confidence." Her mother sniffed, wiping her eyes as she listened, nodding along to each word.
Then he got to Pao. "Pao... Pao was different. She was the kind of person who made everything feel... brighter." He paused, closing his eyes for a moment to gather his thoughts, feeling his emotions swirl. "I remember on our first quest, she helped me deal with slime, and I killed very few because I was learning. When I suggested splitting the reward without me, she protested and suggested that she also didn't deserve the reward, because she also didn't kill many, but that was because she was making sure I was safe."
Amukelo told them about their dates, about how Pao taught him the basics of magic, and how she had this way of making even the most ordinary moments feel amazing. He told them about the clothes he was wearing, that Bral and Idin helped him pick out for a date with Pao.
As Amukelo spoke of his relationships with them, he could see that the parents were visibly moved. There was a shift in their expressions, from deep sorrow to something softer—a gratitude, perhaps, for knowing that their children had lived a life of joy and companionship before they died. Joslin's eyes were brimming with tears, but they were tears of a different kind. "The journey really did change them," she said, looking down as if speaking more to herself than anyone else. "From what you describe... Bao and Pao really changed. For the better. Especially Pao. She sounds so... happy."
"Yes," Rudyard said softly, nodding in agreement, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke. "They always seemed to be searching for something more when they were here... but it sounds like they found what they were looking for out there."
The other parents nodded along, quietly absorbing each of Amukelo's words. It seemed, to them, that their children had found what they had always wanted—freedom, adventure, and purpose. The knowledge brought them a small amount of comfort, a fleeting feeling of peace amidst their sorrow.
After Amukelo finished telling them about their children, the mood, though still heavy with grief, had lightened somewhat. The knowledge that their children had been happy allowed the parents to walk away with their heads held just a little higher than before. One by one, they took their leave, offering Amukelo their thanks and their prayers for his journey.
Amukelo stayed where he was, his eyes following them as they left until only Berthold remained. Berthold approached him slowly.
"There are two things I need to tell you." He paused, glancing down to meet Amukelo's eyes directly. "I know you said you don't want to involve us in your journey, and I respect that. But there is one thing I must insist on." Amukelo's brow furrowed slightly, unsure of where this conversation was going. Berthold continued, his voice softer now but firm, "Norton is far from here. And from what I understand, you didn't get here on a horse, did you?"
Amukelo shook his head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "No, I didn't,"
Berthold's face softened into a half-smile. "That's why I want to give you a horse. And some gold, to help you along the way."
"Thank you," Amukelo managed to say. The thought of having a horse to travel was uplifting. Until now, he had no idea how he would get to Norton.
Berthold then leaned in closer, speaking in a more private tone, as though sharing a secret. "One last thing," he said. "When you're done... with everything you need to do, once it's all settled... send us a letter." His voice broke slightly, but he quickly steadied himself. "It will bring me some peace, knowing how things ended. And I think it will be the same for the others here as well."
Amukelo felt his throat tighten. He looked down for a moment, staring at the floor as he tried to compose himself. After a moment, he raised his eyes, meeting Berthold's gaze with a solemnity that matched the older man's. "I will," he said, nodding slowly. "I promise."
Berthold's eyes shone briefly with something like gratitude, and he placed a firm hand on Amukelo's shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice softer now. "And if you're ever passing through this way again, you're welcome to visit us. Just... to check in."
Amukelo nodded, though he could not imagine what the future held or when he might ever find himself near Gathe again. "If I'm near, I will," he promised. And in that moment, he meant it.
Berthold gave a small, satisfied nod, seeming to accept the finality of their conversation. "Thank you," he said again. "For your promise, and for everything you did to get here. For coming to tell us, even though it must have been incredibly difficult." He paused, looking Amukelo up and down, and added, "I won't hold you here any longer. If you want to stay until the end of the gathering, you're welcome, but if you decide to leave, that's perfectly fine. Everything for your journey will be prepared by tomorrow."
Amukelo gave a small bow and watched as the older man turned and walked away, back toward his family. The remaining people in the hall looked at Amukelo with a variety of expressions—some were soft and understanding, while others seemed more distant, still processing the news and all that had happened. Amukelo felt the weight of their stares but did not linger on anyone's face for too long. It was clear to him that he had done what he came to do, and it was time for him to leave.
As he made his way to the exit, slipping through the crowd, his thoughts turned to the days ahead. He felt a strange sense of closure like a chapter had been finished, but he knew that much more lay ahead. Just as he was about to step outside, Rudyard and Joslin approached him. "Leaving already?" Joslin asked, her voice gentle but with a hint of surprise.
Amukelo turned to face them, nodding once. "Yes," he said simply.
Rudyard exchanged a look with Joslin before saying, "We understand. But... before you go, there's something we want to give you." He paused as if choosing his words carefully. "We know you don't want assistance with your mission, but these are just small gifts—things that might help you on the road."
Amukelo's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "Gifts?" he repeated.
"Yes," Joslin said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "But we don't have them with us now. Will you be staying a bit longer in Gathe before you head out?"
"I'll be leaving tomorrow," he replied. "Berthold is gifting me a horse, so I'll be meeting him in the morning."
"Good," Rudyard said, relief in his voice. "Then we'll meet you here as well, before you go."
Amukelo nodded, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and unease about what these gifts might be. "Thank you," he said, excusing himself from the conversation as they nodded and let him go.