The tender embrace between Lassim and Sanvra, a reunion marked by weeks of separation and the warmth of familiar affection, was abruptly cut short by a pointed cough.
Lassim’s grandmother, her eyebrow arched in a manner that spoke volumes, fixed her gaze on the pair. "And who might this lady be?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a mischievous curiosity as Lassim’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson.
Lassim cleared his throat, stepping slightly away from Sanvra as he addressed his grandmother’s inquiry. "This is Sanvra, a close friend and... a leader among the Drow. We’ve been through a lot together in the realm I was in," he explained, his words careful and measured.
His grandmother’s expression softened slightly, though her eyes still twinkled with amusement. "Ah, a close friend, is it? I remember a certain young lady named Lustria who seemed quite... compatible with you," she commented offhandedly, casting a quick glance at Lassim with a knowing look before stepping forward with an outstretched hand, her demeanor shifting to one of welcoming warmth.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sanvra. Lassim has told us a great deal about the bravery of the Drow."
Sanvra, taken aback by the directness but appreciative of the warm reception, shook her hand. "The pleasure is mine, ma’am. Lassim has been a beacon of hope and a guiding star for my people."
As the conversation unfolded, Lassim’s thoughts momentarily drifted to Lustria and Sirium, friends he had left behind nearly a third of his life ago. He made a mental note to pen a letter once he settled in the next town, curious about their fates after so many years apart.
His grandmother’s nudge brought him back to the present, and he quickly wrapped up his thoughts.
Turning to the Prince and his other grandparent, Lassim formally introduced Sanvra. "Prince Kael, Grandfather, Hallen, this is Sanvra, the leader of the Drow community and High Priestess of Khaalseru that will be joining us in Nexaria. She has been instrumental in their survival and in helping me get back home. Please treat her well, she’s been my biggest support for these last 5 years."
Prince Kael nodded, offering Sanvra a respectful bow. "Your mastery of our language and your beauty are both equally stunning, Lady Sanvra. We are honored to assist your people in their transition to a peaceful life in Nexaria."
With the introductions complete, Lassim and his assembled family, along with Prince Kael, helped coordinate the movement of the Drow onto the Gemworks flying ship.
The ship, with its intricate design of rock and crystal, stood ready to transport the new citizens of Nexaria to their new home.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.
As the last of the Drow walked through the portal, Lassim looked back at the otherworldly landscape visible through the shimmering gateway. His thoughts moved quickly to reminisce over what happened in the last 5 years and his newfound power. He’d changed a lot, but he was ready to keep moving forward as intended.
With a deep breath and a final glance at Sanvra who nodded in approval after a headcount of everyone, he re-summoned his connection to the fabric of space and closed his hands in a swift motion. The portal sealed shut with a faint hiss as reality stitched itself back together like the drawing of curtain strings being pulled together quickly.
With the Drow ready to board the ship, Lassim pulled Sanvra aside to explain the arrangements that had been made for her people.
"My father will meet you all once you arrive at the border of my home kingdom. He’ll then guide the ship all the way to where you will eventually land; in the town I grew up in. He’s fully prepared to welcome the Drow into our lands," he began, his voice steady despite the flurry of emotions within him.
"And this is Hallen," he gestured to the older man who had stepped forward, "he will be your custodian. With his expertise in nature control, he’ll not only help build your new homes but will also stay in the village to assist with anything you need as you all adapt for the foreseeable future."
Sanvra listened intently, nodding in understanding, but as Lassim finished explaining, a shadow of sadness crossed her features.
It was clear now; Lassim would not be joining them on this new journey. "You’re not coming with us?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Lassim sighed, a look of resolve crossing his face. "I need to join the Lightning Sect, Sanvra. I should’ve been there years ago, let alone two months ago when people my age officially join them. It’s time for me to continue on my original path, just as I’ve helped you find a new path for your people."
Understanding dawned on Sanvra’s face, memories of his initial goals flashing through her mind—goals that had been delayed by their trials and efforts in Khaalseru’s heart world.
"I remember now," she said softly, "your journey to the sect had just started before you encountered that man. That was why you ended up with us in the first place." She stepped closer, giving him a tight, lingering hug. "Then go, my star. Do what you must, for your own sake as well as ours.
The stronger you are, the easier it’ll be for our people now that you have been blessed as a child of Khaalseru. I can sense it. Just, make sure you come see us when you can."
Releasing him, she turned and walked towards the ship, joining the line of her people as they boarded.
Lassim watched her go, feeling the weight of their parting but also a bittersweet relief that they were both moving towards their future.
He stood there, waving goodbye as the ship, a marvel of Aetherian engineering, began its ascent. The engines roared to life, a sound that marked both an end and a beginning.
Beside him, the Prince of Aetheria and his retinue remained, observing the departure with keen interest.
As the ship climbed higher, becoming a speck against the vast sky, Lassim felt a mixture of pride and longing. He had done what he could for the Drow, and now, it was time to focus on his own journey.
Turning back, he nodded to the prince. "Thank you, Your Highness, for everything. I must now prepare for my own departure to the Lightning Sect."
With a final glance at the sky where the ship had disappeared, Lassim was prepared to immediately resume his journey south.
The prince, watching the young man’s retreating back, couldn’t help but call out towards Lassim, "Young Lord Lassim, are you fully prepared for your journey? If there’s anything you lack, Aetheria stands ready to assist after the trouble you encountered in our kingdom. It’s the least we could do."
Lassim paused to consider, his gaze drifting momentarily to the magic pouch at his side. "I believe I have all that I need, Your Highness. Though..." His words trailed off as he remembered an antiquated piece of equipment he’d nearly forgotten. Rummaging through his belongings, he extracted a worn jade bracelet—his old communication device.
The prince observed the standard issue student technology from the Aurora Kingdom with a light-hearted chuckle. "That relic won’t do, not for someone of your status these days." He signaled a guard, who promptly approached with a sleek, modern disc communicator that was used as standard issue by the royal guards.
Taking the device, Prince Kael expertly adjusted its settings, resetting its functions to not be for the royal family guards, but more civilian usage.
"This will serve you better," he said. He then proceeded to take Lassim’s old device and input several runes—his own included—while transferring the remaining contacts over from the jade bracelet that he’d already had.
"This should ensure that you remain connected, not just with being able to reach us if mishap occurs again but also allow you to maintain contact with your family, future mentors and other peers," the prince explained, a sincere tone to his guidance.
Gratefully accepting the new communicator, Lassim felt overjoyed and thankful. "Thank you, Prince Kael. This is much more than I expected."
With a reassuring smile, the prince placed a hand on Lassim’s shoulder. "The kingdom is sorry for what happened to you, but I hope today’s assistance helps you see us in a bit more of a positive light. We’ll certainly look forward to your future rise, not only in the Rohese family, but as someone with such special talents.
You’ll certainly go on to do great things, I can sense it, and I hope you’ll remember us in the future. Should you need further aid, or merely wish to share your progress, please reach out. We’re just a few taps away now."
Lassim nodded, clutching the device—a tangible symbol of the prince’s support and the broader network now at his disposal. "I will. And I appreciate and remember all of the support Aetheria has offered. Should you need my power in the future, you have my favor."
With a firm handshake, he bid the prince farewell, stepping forward onto the path as he checked the surprising number of missed message notifications on his new communication disc.