Turning ten, Coran decided, was quite a big deal. It signified their first step into the world of adults, with their age finally progressing into the double digits. Their life since leaving their town in Plegia had been one full of wonderment and adventure. They met new people constantly, and were learning things about magic they'd never even dreamed of. Julius, despite his old age, never seemed to lose any amount of energy, always excited to teach Coran the many things they didn't know.
Only a year after being adopted by the elderly Sage, he bought a horse and carriage for them to travel reliably on. Nearly a week before Coran's birthday, the man they'd come to see as an almost grandfatherly figure announced that they would be traveling north. Coran thought nothing of it, save for the fleeting thought that they would need to find a robe to keep warm. Two nights before their birthday, and they were nearly asleep, looking up at the twin stars they were born under. Julius spoke.
"Nearly six years ago, to this very day, I met a young woman looking for a new place to live." Coran shifted to sit upright. They loved Julius's stories. "She had just left her good-for-nothing husband out of anger after he squandered nearly all of their money on something useless. Unfortunately, she also had to leave her child the day before their fourth birthday." Coran frowned. This story seemed oddly familiar. "The woman nearly ran me over while rushing somewhere, though she later admitted it wasn't important. She apologized, making sure I was alright."
"I said I was fine, of course. She was ready to go on her way when I said she looked troubled. The woman told me she needed somewhere to live, and I directed her to my old childhood home. I checked my home, now hers, a year after our meeting. She's settled down with a comfortable life on her own now, her only regret that she left her child with a good-for-nothing husband."
"... W-what did she l-look like?" Coran asked quietly when Julius stopped talking. The Sage sighed.
"She had brilliant red hair, and dark skin. Her name was Arya."
Coran didn't speak a word for the rest of the night.
Word Count: 378
In which Coran learns that they're on their way to meet someone they haven't seen in years.
I'd like to point out that this is the usual length for a chapter of this series. I might change my schedule to updating twice every Saturday just because the chapters are so short!
Another quick reminder to check out my poll/profile if you haven't already!
Next Saturday: Coran waits patiently for the day they'll meet their mother.