The WhiteWood Stronghold stood majestically amidst the lush greenery of the mountain area, its four towers rising like sentinels from each corner of the building. The central dome glistened in the sunlight, radiating a sense of serenity and peace. In the yard, three people stood together, their faces filled with a mix of emotions.
To Aiden's sides stood two individuals, a man and a woman, dressed in elegant attire with white and platinum accents. They appeared to be in their middle years, their faces etched with lines of experience and wisdom. Their eyes, however, shone with warmth and affection as they gazed at the young teenager standing before them.
Aiden, with his short white hair and striking platinum eyes, stood tall, his soft beige skin tone glowing with a subtle sheen. He wore white and gold clothing that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting his youthful energy and vitality. As he bid farewell to his companions, a sense of nostalgia hung in the air, tempered by the excitement of new beginnings.
The two adults, likely his mentors or guardians, looked at Aiden with pride and a hint of sadness. They had guided him through the rigors of the Priest Academy, and now he was ready to embark on his own journey as a Tier 3 Priest. The weight of responsibility and the promise of adventure hung in the balance, as Aiden prepared to take his first steps into the world beyond the stronghold.
Priestess Irene wrapped her arms around Aiden, holding him close as she whispered words of encouragement. "You're finally ready to embark on your journey into the world, Aiden," she said, her voice filled with warmth and pride.
Priest Titan, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. "As a Tier 3 Priest, you'll start receiving missions and updates from a dove," he explained, his eyes shining with excitement. "When your rank increases, you'll receive your own magic mirror, which will be much more advanced than the one you have now."
Aiden's eyes widened with anticipation as he listened to Priest Titan's words. He had heard stories about the magic mirrors that high-ranking Priests possessed, and he couldn't wait to get his hands on one.
Priestess Irene smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You'll be a great Priest, Aiden," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Just remember to stay true to yourself and always follow your heart."
With one final hug, Priestess Irene released Aiden, and Priest Titan placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're ready to begin your journey, Aiden," he said, his voice filled with a sense of purpose. "May the road rise up to meet you, and may your path be guided by wisdom and courage."
Aiden swung his leg over the Black Stallion's back, settling into the saddle with ease. His belongings were securely fastened to the sides of the saddle, and he adjusted them with a practiced hand. With a bright smile, he turned back to Priestess Irene and Priest Titan, bidding them farewell.
"Thank you for everything," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll make sure to stay in touch and come back soon."
Priestess Irene and Priest Titan smiled, waving goodbye as Aiden turned the Black Stallion towards the gates. The gates swung open, revealing the winding path that led through the wall of the WhiteWood Stronghold. Aiden guided the stallion through the gates, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation as he left the stronghold behind.
As he rode away, the scenery shifted from the manicured gardens and buildings of the stronghold to the rolling hills and lush greenery of the surrounding countryside. Aiden's thoughts turned to his home village, and he urged the Black Stallion on, eager to return home and share the news of his graduation with his loved ones. The wind ruffled his hair as he rode, and the sun shone down on him, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
As Aiden rode through the beautiful farmlands, the scenery shifted from rolling hills to fields of golden wheat and green pastures dotted with livestock. The people working in the fields looked up as he passed, their faces breaking into wide smiles and enthusiastic greetings. Aiden's presence was met with excitement and cheer, and he waved back at the villagers, feeling a sense of pride and joy.
The village had come a long way since the Holy Trinity's blessing, and Aiden's heart swelled with pride knowing that he had played a part in bringing prosperity to the people he cared about. As he approached the village gates, he noticed the new cobblestone walls and the four towers at the front and back entrances, guarded by village archers dressed in sturdy brown leather armor.
As he entered the village, Aiden was greeted with love and fervor, the villagers surrounding him with warm smiles and open arms. But amidst the crowd, he searched for one familiar face, his heart beating faster with anticipation. And then, he saw her – his grandmother, the woman who had raised him with love and devotion.
She stood tall, her grey hair styled in a beautiful waterfall braid, and her ice green eyes sparkled with warmth as she gazed at Aiden. Her peach skin tone glowed with a soft smile, and her eccentric clothing seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Aiden's eyes welled up with tears as he smiled, feeling a deep sense of love and connection.
With a joyful cry, Aiden slid off the horse and rushed to his grandmother, embracing her tightly. The villagers cheered and applauded, happy to see their beloved Aiden return home to the woman who had nurtured him. As they hugged, Aiden felt a sense of homecoming, knowing that he was exactly where he belonged.
Aiden's eyes sparkled with tears as he hugged his grandmother, Mother Rosibelle, affectionately known as "Ma" to him. "I'm finally back, Ma," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Mother Rosibelle smiled lovingly, her eyes shining with warmth as she wiped away Aiden's tears. "Welcome back, my dear," she said, her voice soft and gentle. She gazed at him, her eyes scanning his face, and smiled. "The Priesthood fed you well, I see. Otherwise, I would have gone there to give them a piece of my mind."
Aiden laughed, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. "They treat everyone like family at the WhiteWood Stronghold, Ma," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I was well taken care of."
Mother Rosibelle's expression softened, her eyes filled with pride and love. "I'm glad to hear that, Aiden," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You've grown into a fine young man. I'm proud of you."
Mother Rosibelle smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I didn't know you were coming back, Aiden," she said, her voice gentle. "You always were one for surprises."
Aiden grinned, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "I wanted to surprise everyone, especially you, Ma," he said, his eyes shining with affection. "I'm glad I could make it home."
Mother Rosibelle's expression softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm glad you're here safe and well, either way," she said, her voice filled with love. "You can look around the village and see the changes. There's someone who would love to see you."
As if on cue, a melodious voice shouted Aiden's name, and a figure launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Aiden's childhood friend, Cordelia, had run into him, her face alight with joy.
Cordelia was a vision in orange, her wavy orange-brown hair bouncing with each step, her brown eyes shining with warmth. Her golden skin tone glowed with a healthy radiance, and her bright orange dress and clog shoes made her look like a ray of sunshine. Aiden smiled, feeling a sense of happiness wash over him as he hugged Cordelia back.
"It's been so long, Aiden!" Cordelia exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "I've missed you so much!"
Aiden hugged Cordelia tightly, twirling around with her as they both laughed and spun around, their joy infectious. "I've missed you too, Delia!" Aiden exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.
As they finally came to a stop, Cordelia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, how was Priest Academy?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Aiden smiled, his eyes reflecting on the memories. "It was like a home away from home," he said, his voice filled with affection. "But nothing beats being home with the ones you love most."
Cordelia's face lit up with a warm smile, her eyes shining with happiness. "We're glad to have you back, Aiden," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You've been missed."