DragonQuest 9: Melancholy below the Starry Skies
The market square of Stornway town was alive with the hustle and bustle of midday. The sun shone the cobblestone streets where wanderers, minstrels and merchants browsed and sold their wares, all the while a conquering hero returned to this old familiar stomping ground.
Adorned in his snazzy suit of armour that would suit a snooty soldier with his red chainmail, white leggings and helmet and brown boots and gloves, the warrior stood out for more than one reason.
Many among the throngs of people stole a glance as the acclaimed warrior who slew the dreaded Leviathan and was said to have been the last rider of Grey-gnarl, the dragon who once slumbered atop the Magmaroo volcano.
Sonnettes had been written of his epic tales and deeds as well as pursuit of a peculiar quarry, golden fruits tied to mysterious happenings throughout the land.
The warrior entered the Stornway tavern, greeted by the newly minted inn-keep Erin who greeted her old friend with a warm smile. As he ordered and scarfed down his meals, he noticed many eyes were on him to which Erin merely snickered, explaining how his minstrel companion had sung tales of their exploits, some of which had caught on among the locals.
As the warrior retired to his room, his mind began to sink back, receding into the emptiness he now felt. He had done his duty. He'd served the goddess and prevented Corvus from exacting a terrible toll on humanity but in doing so, he was now mortal. Lady Celestria said he would lose his connection to the divine gradually due to having wished for mortality to defeat Corvus. But what was he to do?
Stella, his flippant fairy compatriot, picked up on the vibe, chiming in "hey relax! You did it! You saved the world and helped your winged buddies up top. What are you looking for more work!".
The warrior rose, sitting upright on the bed and alarming Stella at his quick response "What am I supposed to do? I am Celestian, I thought this mission would end…I don't regret what I did or choosing to go it alone after we won, I just…".
Suddenly he felt a miniscule hand patting him on the head, "listen, you need to learn to accept the world around you, look for new adventures, find your own reasons for why. You're a mortal which means life is gonna kick you into gear so you best pick a destination".
Taking solace in his companion's words, he began to feel bereft "you know…one day we won't, I won't be able to see….". He trailed off but Stella then flew down in front of him as hid head drooped "I know, it's not good or bad, it's just what it is and you need to think about where YOU go from here, not _ the guardian of Angel Falls, _ the Warrior.
Months passed as our hero arrived at his destination and was seated in the waiting room of the illustrious school. As he was ushered into the office of the Headmaster, he sat before him at his desk and was posed the question.
"Why do you wish to teach the way of the sword at Swinedimples?"
To which the warrior looked down, breathed in and responded, "all my life I've been something of a guardian of others, now I want to give them the means to guard themselves".