The weeks after the attack were long and difficult. There was so much that was torn apart and burnt, much that couldn’t be replaced. Regardless of the difficulty, significant progress was made with rebuilding Ironheardt, including sanctifying its fallen to prevent future undead outbreaks. In the few moments of downtime he could get, Aquarius spent his free time with Sharasai and their son, knowing his time with them was coming to a close. His son’s eyes shimmered a beautiful teal, just like his father’s. He would grow strong, there was no doubt about it.His name would be Serelion; heir to the Emerald Aura.After many gruelling weeks of rebuilding, Ironheardt was finally stable enough to stand on its own again, aided by the nearby kingdom of Darantus, a detachment of their forces stationed there to defend the village from future attacks. It was time for Aquarius and Noriko to move on, to continue their mission against the Dragonlord’s forces. Yet as they stood outside the gate, his son still in his arms, Aquarius felt his heart and resolve falter.“I...I...I can’t... I can’t leave...”His chest constricted harder than he thought possible, as his grip on his infant son tightened, on pure instinct. Noriko’s expression softened, her own heart beginning to break, seeing Aquarius’s anguish. They knew what they had to do; their mission wasn’t done... and it only made the pain of separation that much worse.“Aquarius...” she said, her voice low and calming, almost at a whisper, gently putting a hand on his shoulder.“Please, Noriko... don’t make me leave... I.. can’t...” he said, breathless... his tears flowing freely...Sharasai stepped forward and gently put a hand to his face, feeling the tears. “Shh... Aquarius... It’s okay...” she whispered, kissing his forehead. “Be strong, my love. We’ll be here, whenever you come back to us, I promise.”Her words provided a much needed boost to his crumbling resolve. He leaned in and kissed Serelion’s forehead, the boy gently cooing in response before being carefully handed back to his mother.“Are you ready?” asked Noriko, her hand still on his shoulder. With a deep, shaky breath, he wiped the tears from his eyes.“I’m ready,” he responded, his voice still shaky. He laid one last kiss on Sharasai’s warm lips, making sure to savor it as long as he could before finally turning away, ready to continue his mission.As he, Noriko, and her other apprentices traveled down the path leading away from Ironheardt, he took one last glance at Sharasai and their son. He would be back, someday, somehow... but this was not a promise.No. This was a solemn vow