Submission (#4705) Approved

[RQ-C-1] Shrines of the Elder Trees

Quest: Resonance - Act 3
Act Type: Character
Word Count: 1066
Adult Elnin Present: Aria [ELN1800]
Regional Affinity: Ealei
Claiming Regional Affinity for: Pollux [ELN2697]
[Adventurer] Rank Unlock Mini-Requirement: n/a

Pollux couldn’t help but keep glancing at the sword he was carrying, wrapped up in a cloth that one of the local residents had given him. His mind raced with all the things he would do once they got back. After getting the sword cleaned up and polished, he could focus on trying to decode the etchings on the sword. Perhaps they would give him a glimpse into a past era, telling him about the history he wasn’t aware of nor had read through the books in town. He was sure Apollo would probably say it was the runes for an ancient spell that would provide the caster the ability to wreak havoc on their foes. As ridiculous as it sounded, he supposed it COULD be possible, but-

A laugh broke him out of his thoughts, and Pollux flushed.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you so excited about something. I’m sure if Apollo was here, you two would have a lot to talk about that artifact, hmm?”

“M-mother, I’m just-”

Pollux couldn’t deny that he was excited, and that he earnestly wanted to talk with Apollo about it. It was silly, wasn’t it? The quiet, stoic kittom who wanted nothing to do with others and preferred to be left alone, was now itching to talk to someone, to share in his enthusiasm and interests, to hear their thoughts and provide his own on things he was passionate about. Perhaps it wasn’t that he hated the company of others before, but more he himself felt like an outcast. He lacked the passion that others showed, whether it was about something they liked to do, someone they aspired to be, things they liked and disliked… 

To Pollux, everything felt neutral to him. He neither liked nor disliked. He preferred solitude and silence, not because he found others’ passions to be stifling, but perhaps because he himself lacked passions of his own. While he respected mother and father, they weren’t necessarily “heroes” that he looked up to. He lacked interests he could share with others, which was probably why he looked down on others who had them, deeming them to be overly invested and childish.

However, that slowly changed as Apollo was relentless in badgering him, much to his initial chagrin. While it was annoying at first, he supposed deep down, he was sort of happy that there was still someone willing to keep trying despite being pushed away so many times. This was even more so after Apollo had a drastic change himself. While the kittom initially boasted about being a knight since it looked cool and he wanted to show off, after unintentionally helping another out with a good deed, he began to see that there was more than just performing self-serving tasks. Instead of constantly pestering Pollux, his brother had learned to give him some space, something he both appreciated and missed, though Apollo had an uncanny ability to be able to tell when Pollux wanted some company. 

Sometimes he would talk with Pollux, chatting about the things he wanted to do when he grew up, or something nice he had done for another nin. Other times, he would ask Pollux about what he was reading, and while Pollux could tell most times the information went over his head, Apollo still listened intently and showed genuine interest. And when there were times Pollux was thoroughly engrossed in something and it was clear he didn’t want to be disturbed, so Apollo would just sit close by, silently reading something. Pollux sometimes wondered if he understood what it was he read, but somehow, just having his presence there put his mind at ease.

Pollux clutched the sword close to him.

“Apollo… is amazing. He’s always doing his best, and putting others first. Meanwhile I…”

Aria placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You’ve helped him quite a bit too. Who was it that would pour over books that detailed the responsibilities of knights and the steps to becoming one?”

“But… even after all that, I still haven’t figured it out! All I know is that you have to complete a quest and it has to be approved by the Adventurer’s guild, but there’s still so much unknown! If only I tried a little harder, if only-”

Pollux felt his mother’s grip tighten. 

“You’ve done plenty, but if you still feel like it isn’t enough…”

She lifted her hand from his shoulder, and tilted his head up.

They had been walking for a while, and while he was mindful to watch his step over the roots from Yggdrasil, he hadn’t noticed just how close they had gotten to the main trunk of the tree. He saw mana crystals floating nearby, and recalled that the townsfolk from Skyhaven had mentioned something about a shrine being close to the heart of the elder tree. Pollux didn’t really consider himself a believer of the spiritual, though he did acknowledge there was magic and affinity that was associated with these in this world. Apollo on the other hand, he knew, was an avid believer of fate and spirits, adamant that a strong belief and pure desire was enough to create even miracles.

“I don’t think it’ll take long to drop by for a bit. We can make a small offering, and who knows, maybe you’ll be given some insight.”

It sounded silly, but… he supposed it couldn’t hurt.

The two made their way towards the shrine, stepping over large roots while nudging fallen manaberries out of the way. Upon entering the shrine though, Pollux’s eyes widened.

It seemed someone had already come by and left an offering, and among the things offered…

That wooden sword…

He went closer towards it, and if the telltale knicks and scratches he had memorized didn’t give it away, the engraved name did. He ran his fingers over the crudely engraved “Apollo”, and couldn’t help but laugh. That dummy. Didn’t he know he spent his allowance on this gift for him? How could he just up and offer it? Though, he supposed it only made sense. He’d just have to get him another one. A better one.

Putting his own rusted sword next to the wooden one, he put his hands together and closed his eyes. He was certain Apollo would be an amazing knight someday, and he would help him out, every step of the way.