Reason

Darius and Aileen continue north, arriving at a small village hidden deep in a forest south of the Anubis River.

The village is filled with all kinds of humanoids. Dwarfs can be seen working in smithies, orcs pull carts of supplies around the village, and other humanoids do their fair share around the village as well.

Darius is surprised by the diversity in the village, most races tend to stay with each other given the cultural and biological differences. But this village is at peace despite the diversity.

“Wow. Has this always been here?” Darius asked.

“No.” Aileen responded from inside her chest. “This village is about a decade old I believe. But many of the residents here today are refugees from the war. Only humanoids know about it. Humans are usually scared away.”

“They are? Why was I let in?”

Darius looks around. He had been so distracted by the number of humanoids inside that he didn’t notice their glances. Unlike the humans however, their glances conveyed more nervousness than hatred for him.

“For one, you’re carrying me. I’m sure many of them can sense me, but many of them know you.”

“They do?”

One of the humanoids, a young cyclops girl, approaches Darius. She’s no older than 16 and wears tattered clothing while holding a small hammer at her side. “Are you Darius the brave?”

“The brave?”

The young cyclops girl smiles. “It is you; I’ve seen many drawings of you. I can’t offer you anything but thank you.” With that, the girl bows, and leaves for her usual routine.

Darius smiles. Aileen often thanked him for his actions in the war but seeing that sentiment being shared by others filled him with joy.

Darius and Aileen stopped at a pub to eat. As usual, Darius cracks open Aileen’s chest, and she casts a spell to float the food inside. To his surprise, the pub had fairy sized portions, ranging all the way to large Oni sizes. Darius received a plate sized somewhere in the middle.

Part way through their meal, Aileen asks to use the bathroom. Darius dropped her chest off inside the bathroom and she’ll call him with a communication spell when done.

Returning to his seat, Darius is greeted by a hobgoblin man. “May I buy you a drink?”

“I can’t say no to such an offer, thank you.”

“Not at all. That bridge allowed my family to escape. I’ve got another one on the way right now.”

“Congratulations, boy or girl?”

“Boy. Thinking about naming him Jabari.”

“I like that name.” Darius said as he enjoyed the drink bought for him.

“What brings you through these parts? I can offer some advice if you need it.”

“I’m heading for the Anubis River.”

“Ah, my condolences. But it is a beautiful place to mourn.”

“Mourn? Is that what the Anubis River is for?”

“You don’t know?” Darius shakes his head. “I see. Well, many go there to mourn. But it’s mostly used by fairies to pass on, usually from the fairy village just east of it. They can’t die naturally, but once they believe their time has come, they become one with the magic of the river. I hear it’s a beautiful thing but can also be tragic.”

Darius attempts to calm himself as he questions why Aileen wishes to go to the river now. “Tragic?”

The man nods. “Some fairies pass on too soon. Not that we have a right to stop them, I can understand how difficult life can be. But I believe every fairy should pass on with the most brilliant glow around their body.”

“What if they don’t have that glow?”

“Nothing changes really, but it’s saddening to know that a fairy died in such a state. Their glow is connected to their wellbeing. A fairy with no glow is sick, heartbroken, has lost will to live, or somewhere in between the three. Whatever it may be, I sure hope every fairy can die with a glow.”

“With smiles.”

“Exactly. I hope you find what you need there, a great man like you deserves happiness in life.”

“T-thank you, I wish the best for you and your family.”

Darius and Aileen leave soon after she returns from the bathroom. They spent the night at the local inn. Aileen’s chest sits on top of a desk with a lamp next to her. Darius rests on the bed.

“Aileen.”

“Yes?”

“Why do you want to go to the river?”

“… Do you know?”

“Now I do.”

“It is as you heard.” Her voice was sad. “But I’ve come to peace with it… will you still take me?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You promised.”

Darius hesitates to respond. The sadness in Aileen’s voice was tearing at his heart. He doesn’t wish to see her go, but she will continue the treacherous journey without him if she must.

“I will take you.”

“Thank you.”

Their journey continues early the next morning. Darius continues on foot to buy himself more time. Although he promised to take her, he can’t resist the desire to help her.

“Aileen, what if we journeyed together for some time?”

“I’m not an adventurer like you.”

“How about if I took you to visit your friends before going to the river?”

“I doubt they’ll want to see me.”

“May I ask why?”

“I was chased away from our village. During the war, after you saved us, I thought not all humans could be bad. I met many who were injured and healed them. I was shunned for it. Eventually I decided to leave.”

“I…I’m sorry that happened to you. But thank you for doing that.”

“I wanted to be like you.” Aileen responds. “Even now, I’m glad I did what I did. it’s why I don’t want you to blame yourself.”

“I won’t, I promise. But… I wish to continue helping people, including you. If there’s anything I can do, please tell me.”

“Darius. Thank you, but nothing you say will convince me. I made this decision a long time ago. I’m sorry.”

It saddens him, but Darius steels himself for what is to come. “Very well. Then I will stay with you until the end.” He holds his finger to her keyhole.

She presses her finger against his, the orange glow appears, but now dimmer than before.

Darius remains quiet for the rest of the journey until they reach a crossroad.

Left will take them to the Anubis River, right into a forest of sky piercing trees.

“Aileen.”

Aileen hesitates to respond, but she makes her choice. “Left.”