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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: A Moment with Grandfather

The worries of the Void, the encroaching corruption, the burden of Kael's unique powers – for these precious hours, they were set aside. They were just Kael and Elias, grandfather and grandson, sharing stories and laughter in their hidden sanctuary.

As the last of the food was eaten and the wine dwindled, a comfortable silence settled between them. Kael wanted to ask many things to his grandfather but he remained silence. Elias stared at Kael, a playful smirk on his face. "What do you want to ask boy?something in your mind I am sure this old man can do something about it"grandfather asked him .

"What old? You're not old," Kael said, looking at his grandfather's strong build. "Have you seen your physique? Many girls might have a thought of making you their boyfriend," he teased.

Elias threw his head back and roared with laughter, a deep, rumbling sound. "Haaaa, Why, you little troublemaker!" he said, playfully swatting Kael's arm. "The only thing I'm worried about is you eating all my snacks!" He grabbed the last piece of dried meat from the plate.

"Hey! That's mine!" Kael protested, trying to snatch it back, but Elias held it just out of his reach.

"You've already had enough, you little piggy," Elias said with a grin, before making a quick motion to throw it, causing Kael to lunge, and then eating the meat himself.

"Grandpa!" Kael whined, and Elias just laughed harder, giving Kael another light thwack on the shoulder.

After a moment, Elias's amber eyes softened as he watched Kael. "You know, Kael," he said, his voice quiet, almost wistful. "This life... here, in the Gloomwood. It is safe. It is peaceful. You could stay here. Find a girl, settle down, build a family. Live a quiet life, away from the world and its dangers. That's all I've ever truly wanted for you."

Kael met his grandfather's gaze, a pang of affection and understanding in his chest. He knew Elias's words came from a place of deep love, a desire to protect him from the very pain and prejudice they had just discussed. But the world outside, with its encroaching darkness and the whispers of a destiny he couldn't ignore, called to him with an undeniable pull.

He shook his head gently. "I know, Grandfather. And I appreciate it, more than you know. But... I can't. Not yet. Not when I feel this calling, this need to understand what's happening out there. To be ready."

Elias sighed, a deep, weary sound, but there was no anger, only resignation in his eyes. He knew his grandson too well. He knew that Kael, like the Aetheria that flowed through him, was destined for something more than a quiet life in the shadows. He knew this respite was fleeting.

Soon, Kael would step out into the wider world, drawn by a destiny Elias could no longer prevent. But for now, in the flickering light of the Ignis torches, he was simply his grandson, vibrant and full of life, and that was enough.

Kael leaned back, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the fire. He knew the dangers that awaited him, the path he was choosing. But in these moments, surrounded by the man who had taught him everything, he felt a strength that transcended magic. He was ready. Or at least, he was as ready as he could ever be.

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