The dense woodland enveloped Aron and Harald as they ventured deeper into the unknown. The sounds of the settlement grew distant, muffled by the thick canopy overhead. The atmosphere shifted, carrying a sense of tranquility mixed with an air of mystery. Shadows danced among the ancient trees, their branches swaying with an ethereal grace.
Harald cast a sidelong glance at Aron, a twinkle of pride shining in his eyes. "Keep up, son," he said, a hint of excitement lacing his voice. Without waiting for a response, he broke into a sprint, his muscular form disappearing into the darkness ahead.
Aron remained silent, his features unreadable, but a resolute fire burned within him. He quickened his pace, his body moving with an agility and speed that defied his size. The underbrush rustled beneath his feet as he effortlessly navigated the woodland, scaring away creatures that most would see as predators.
Memories of his early days in Limbo with his father flooded Aron's mind. He recalled the times when they traversed through these very woods, his young legs struggling to keep up, sometimes even being carried by his father. But now, the tables had turned.
Harald, too, reveled in the familiarity of their dynamic, a proud smile curling on his lips. He mirrored Aron's thoughts, content in seeing his son's growth and strength. No words were spoken between them, for their unspoken bond spoke volumes.
Their journey came to a halt as Harald cleared some vegetation, revealing a dense clearing hidden within the trees. At its center stood a small house-like structure, a testament to resilience and determination. It was built from rock and intertwined with the branches of ancient trees, standing as a symbol of their shared history.
Aron's expression softened ever so slightly as he murmured, almost to himself, "Home..." This place held the memories of his childhood, where Harald had raised him under harsh and perilous conditions. It was a place that had witnessed their struggles and triumphs, their laughter and tears.
Harald continued, his voice filled with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. "For a good while, this place was my sanctuary. It reminded me of you, of the laughter and joy we shared amidst the chaos of Limbo. It gave me strength when I felt lost, and it offered solace when the weight of your absence threatened to swallow me whole."
Aron's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a profound understanding. Though he had been physically absent, he had always been present in his father's heart.
Harald placed a hand on Aron's shoulder, his touch conveying both reassurance and longing. "And now, here we stand together, reunited in this place that has witnessed our journey. It feels right. It feels like home."
Aron's hand reached out to touch the weathered stone wall of the house, his fingers tracing its rough texture. Memories flooded his mind, the harshness of the past intertwining with the warmth of his father's love. His expression remained firm, a reflection of the strength he had gained over the years.
Harald stood beside him, his presence offering silent support. He too understood the complexities that resided within these walls. Together, they had forged a bond that transcended the physical and created a home in the midst of chaos.
Aron withdrew his hand from the house, burying those bittersweet memories deep within himself. He nodded, a gesture of understanding, and quietly said, "I understand, father." In those simple words, he acknowledged the significance of this place and the unspoken connection it held.
The dark and cloudy skies above mirrored the weighty atmosphere that enveloped Aron and Harald in the small clearing. Cool winds whispered through the trees, causing the leaves to shiver in response. It was a somber evening, a backdrop for the pivotal conversation that was about to unfold.
As Aron rose to his feet, his imposing figure paling in comparison to his father. Their eyes met, a profound connection passing between them. Harald's gaze carried weariness, etched with the wisdom of countless battles fought. In contrast, Aron's eyes gleamed with strength and ambition, a reflection of the fire that burned within him.
The question that had gnawed at Aron since his discovery of the true nature of Kolieans and beast Mongers from Argos's library finally found its voice. "Why did you allow them to use you... then cast you aside?" Aron's voice held a mix of curiosity and betrayal, the ache of unanswered questions festering within him.
Harald's head lowered, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the past. He sighed, a helpless sound escaping his lips, before he began to pace around the clearing, his steps measured and heavy. "Fear, Aron. Fear that I would be left without a home," he explained, his voice tinged with regret. "Limbo is a chaotic and dangerous place. The kind of place where killing your own father and stealing his strength is seen as a noble act."ραпdαs `n?ν?| сom
Aron furrowed his brows, his mind struggling to grasp the complexities of his father's choices. "But why did you leave, then?" he pressed, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and longing for the truth.
Harald's gaze met his son's, and a gentle smile graced his weathered face. "Because of you," he replied, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. "It's true that your mother wanted me to discard you, but in you, I found a new drive, a home that I needed to protect at all costs."
Aron's expression wavered between disbelief and acceptance. As a child, he had known that his mother wanted to dispose of him, but his father had never delved into the true reasons behind his decision until now. The weight of the revelation settled heavily upon his shoulders.
Harald's voice grew softer, his gaze filled with a mix of pride and vulnerability. "It may seem foolish and contradictory to what I taught you, but each of us has something that drives us, be it a goal or a person. My drive just happened to be you, and I have no regrets." Weariness laced his words, an admission of the sacrifices made along the way. "Once you discover your own drive, Aron, it will all make better sense," he concluded, his smile tinged with weariness.
Aron absorbed his father's words, the confusion and disorder within him flickering like a storm. Harald approached him, his hand finding its place on Aron's shoulder, offering reassurance. "Don't force it," he advised gently. "It will come to you, whatever it may be. I have faith that you will excel at it, far better than I ever could."
Aron took a moment to absorb his father's advice, the weight of it settling on his shoulders. "I never imagined a day would come where you became wiser," he admitted with a hint of awe in his voice.
Harald chuckled, a warm and familiar sound. "Ah, well, you always did inherit your mother's ability to annoy me," he teased, a fondness evident in his eyes. "I'm glad to see that some things never change."
Aron smiled, appreciating the light-hearted banter between them, but he couldn't avoid the pressing matter at hand. "What about Mother and the Kingdom of Kol?" he asked, his tone turning serious.
Harald's laughter subsided, his expression turning grave. "It's nothing new," he began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "The Koliean leaders have always sought to expand their territory and resources. It's been going on for a long time, but they've become bolder recently."
Aron nodded, connecting the dots in his mind. "When I returned to Limbo, I did so with the Kolieans from Pesia, our origin world," he revealed. "If the two sides have met, it means the population in the Kingdom of Kol has likely been bolstered."
Harald's eyes flashed with understanding, his expression growing more serious. "That makes sense," he agreed. "It would explain their aggressive nature lately. If that's the case, things are about to become very unpleasant."
He looked at Aron, concern etched on his features. "You should leave," Harald urged, not wanting his son to get caught up in what he described as a foolish dispute. "You have no business in this, and I won't have you risking your life for something that isn't your burden to bear."
Aron nodded, his purpose unwavering. "I had no plans of intervening," he reassured his father. "But I'm unsure of how to proceed forward. This information you've shared weighs heavily on me."
Harald understood, placing a reassuring hand on Aron's shoulder. "You're still very young, Aron," he said softly. "Take some time to think on it. Whatever you decide, know that I support you. Your path is your own, and I have faith that you will make the right choices."
Aron drew strength from his father's words, feeling the weight on his shoulders shift slightly. "Thank you," he said sincerely, perhaps for the first time in a long time. "Your guidance, as strange as it may be, has helped me sometimes."
Harald smiled, his eyes reflecting pride. "Even without, you will find your way, just like you always have," he said. "Now, let us return to the settlement. We can talk more over a warm meal."
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