The Tianyang was now moving towards the west, warming the the planet with golden warn rays of the evening.
Aelthira Tenkai stood at the entrance of the Astarlyn estate, robed in twilight silk that shinned in simple, dignified, and impossibly graceful. The breeze brought with it the soft scent of incense. She was alone. She needed no guards, especially within in the clan boundaries.
Drayelion bowed low in respect, with Xentharya beside him doing the same.
"We are honoured, Grand Chair," Drayelion said.
Aelthira inclined her head. "This is not an official visit, Lord Astarlyn. Today, I come as a simple messenger."
He stepped aside with a quiet gesture. "Welcome to our home."
As she entered, the quiet warmth of the house welcomed her. Elarinya joined them from the hallway, her presence as radiant as always. She placed a hand over her heart and bowed.
"Welcome, Grand Chair. Forgive me for not being there to welcome you at the gates earlier. I was with my son."
Aelthira offered a gentle smile. "Don't dwell on it, Lady Elarinya. A mother's presence can calm storms especially when a child faces what he cannot understand, yet."
There was a softness in her voice, a wistful undertone, as if she too once knew what it was to wait for a child's unknown journey.
They moved into the family hall. The maids arrived silently, placing tea upon the table before stepping away. A hush settled. The cups steamed in their hands, and the moment seemed to stretch.
Then Aelthira placed her cup down.
"We have sent word to the Third Seat regarding Azaryel," she said.
Drayelion nodded with quiet gratitude. His father, Zaphkiel Tenkai, was far from the clan, on a mission alongside his wife, Yarinda. He himself had planned to go to the Messenger Hall, to request to sent out a message to them and Elarinya's parents, but now it seems there no need for that.
Elarinya looked up with concern, but Aelthira raised a hand gently.
"I have already ensured Zaphkiel is keeping your parents informed. Too many messengers at once would only draw the unwanted kind of eyes."
Elarinya nodded in understanding.
Aelthira continued. "Her voice became more serious, we must let child walk into the Cave of Serendipity at dawn on the third day. And he must walk this path alone."
Both parents exchanged glances surprised.
"Where is the child now?" she asked.
Elarinya turned to Xentharya. "Fetch him."
Moments later, Azaryel entered, still dusted with earth from beneath the old tree. At the sight of the Grand Chair, he bowed then hesitated a bit, but Drayelion gave a reassuring nod. The boy crossed the room and sat quietly between his parents, brushing his fingers against his mother's sleeve for comfort.
Aelthira studied him with the calmness and gentleness.
"How are you feeling, little one?" she asked, her tone gentle.
He glanced at his parents for permission, then whispered, "Overwhelmed."
Aelthira chuckled lightly. "That's perfectly natural."
She folded her hands. The room grew still.
"The Will of the World spoke to me," she continued softly. "It said: Guide the child to the Cave of Serendipity at the dawn of the third day.Let no one walk with him. He shall walk this path alone."
Drayelion's jaw tensed, but he remained silent. Elarinya's breath caught.
Aelthira stood then, her sleeves brushing the floor lazily.
"You are strong," she said to the ' And some paths must be walked alone. This is one of them."
And then turned to family saying. "And your strength will only not be in guiding his steps but also in trusting them"
They all gave a tiny nod.
Aelthira knelt before him, her voice calm as always.
"Three days from now, you will walk a path few have seen. It will hurt. You may cry. But remember this you were not chosen for your strength. You were chosen to become strong. There is a difference."
Their eyes met. He nodded trying to understand her words.
She smiled, rising gracefully.
"I will take my leave now."
As she stepped outside, the clouds parted. A soft beam of gold light touched the stone path beneath her feet.
Inside the hall, silence lingered. The family sat together, still holding onto the echo of her words.
And quietly, between heartbeats a shadow of worry settled in their hearts.
And the countdown had begun.