Ariadna and Velor met an hour later. She wore tall leather boots, woolen robes, and a thick coat on top. Her clothing was simple but practical, and she liked her warrior style. Together they took a walk in the garden, enjoying the chilly weather. Snow was on the way, and the smell of cold lingered in the air.
As they walked, they fell into their usual conversation. "Did you know that if the God of Destruction doesn't approve of a partner for the head of the family, He burns them down?" Ariadna said.
Velor raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know the details, but it sounds right."
"It does, doesn't it?" Ariadna sighed sadly. Then, she perked up. "So you knew the Gods approve of partners?"
"I did. Each God acts in different ways. Ours has visions of each other."
"That sounds much better," Ariadna said dryly. "Have you had a vision?" she asked cautiously.
"I am not a head yet," he reminded her.
She didn't respond, her expression turning serious. "Since you came here, I've felt many new emotions. Some I've forgotten, and others I may have never known. But I still don't feel the fury and hatred I used to. I depend on you and your guidance so much that now I'm scared of navigating it all without you. Not to mention I'm left without my only ally."
Velor looked up at the cloudy sky. "Some paths we have to walk alone. I will miss you too. But we came here for a purpose, and we need to find out what that is. I don't think I can help you anymore. I have also grown fond of you; you are my best friend." Then he teased, "Even though you're short."
She playfully smacked him on the shoulder. "You'll be alright. Besides, you'll have to visit. The others will find a way to invite you over once I'm out of the picture and your family makes a real announcement."
Ariadna looked sad again. "What if wielding the holy flame changes me again?"
Velor didn't respond, his face darkening. She glanced down at the crunchy, ice-covered ground and asked, "Are you afraid this might happen?"
He closed his eyes with a heavy sigh and said, "I was debating whether to tell you, but I refuse to keep secrets like my parents. Yes, I'm afraid for you. Unlike other domains, yours has immense power. And the price it comes with is steep. I fear it might burn through your emotions, and the better the vessel, the more god-like it becomes. This means less feeling, less humanity."
Ariadna stared at him in horror. "Less humanity? Am I going to become like Vayan?"
"Worse," he quickly added, "but we're different. This isn't confirmed truth. Don't be scared. There's a good chance I'm wrong."
Ariadna's thoughts were in turmoil. Finally, she said firmly, "You've had a vision." Velor didn't respond, but that was answer enough. "And you won't tell me?"
He gritted his teeth. "I don't want you to know. I'm not sure what I saw, and I don't want to push you in any direction!"
"You refuse to take responsibility," she remarked.
"I refuse to make a mistake."
"Any decision you make could affect me. You'd better tell me."
"You don't know what you're talking about!" he said angrily.
"Fine, don't tell me then! But if I end up facing that future one day, don't sit by the window regretting that you didn't warn me!"
Velor stopped, glaring at her, then stomped away. She felt anger wash over her too. A spark ignited the coals of emotion smoldering within her - anger, hate, pain. That last spark was enough to flare up her feelings into a raging fire. The heat of her emotions surged like a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm her. She raised her hands and let all that anger flow.