Astrasis

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Marina's father after the meeting immediately had pulled her into a bear hug that could bend metal. She was expecting him to be furious, but was rather met with tears and relief over her safety. She was met by similar displays from the rest of her family. Even her mother and older sister were choked up from the prospect of her departure. This made packing very difficult because the twins were firmly attached to her legs and her older brother had his arms wrapped around her shoulders. Fortunately, her mother had already done all of her packing, and with dawn approaching on the horizon, she was handed a pack with standard traveling gear and a fully stocked medical kit equipped with even surgical supplies. With one last tear filled goodbye, she headed off to the village gate.

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Zephyr had dragged his feet as much as possible when heading back to his home even to the point of hesitantly waiting outside the front door of his house. He really didn't want to do this. Maybe he could sneak into his room and get out before-

"Stop delaying the inevitable and just get in here Zephyr." came the tired sigh of his father. Zephyr flinched and sheepishly opened the door. Inside the main living room sat Granny, Gramps, and his dad. All had quiet solemn expressions on their faces, but Granny looked a bit more disgruntled like she had just lost an argument. Zephyr stood and stopped before them and shifted from foot to foot before breaking the unbearable silence.

"Uh, hate to cut this family reunion short, but I gotta go pack so..."

"Already done. Your bag is by the door including the artifacts you picked up. I put in some money, a change of clothes, some traveling rations, flint, water, and a bottle of Maelstrom sake. I also threw in your current tome you were reading as well as a journal if you wanted to write in it. You'll notice a brand new short sword and a set of fresh leather armor as well as a new cloak. That was your Guardian present that we had intended to give to you before... this." His father stated. Zephyr was speechless.

"Dad... I...-"

"What you did was extremely stupid. You will be remembered as the biggest idiot our village has ever known. But... at the same time we feel this was destined to be your path from the beginning. So go. Go and make us proud Zeph. Become the master Aeromancer that saves the world." For the first in what felt like years, Tehrest smiled at his son. A wave of emotion tore through Zephyr and he clenched his teeth in order to bite back the tears. With goodbyes from his grandparents, and an extra knock upside the head from Granny, he left his family and headed to the gate. He found the others waiting with their own bags and weapons. With a nod, he led the way though the gate into the awaiting Shrouded Forest.

The group traveled quietly for several hours before the trees began to thin and they came out into the rolling foothills at the base of the mountains. Zephyr stopped for a moment taking in the scenery of the plains around him not having seen anything except sheer cliffs and tall trees.

"Well, this is different. Why don't we take a break and eat lunch yeah? Anyone pack anything tasty? I got sake!"