As Kharon's gaze met Gale's the little wolf cub began moving as if trying to escape from Aidan. As it did Aidan gently placed it on the ground before it walked up to Kharon who picked it up. Kharon looked at Gale with a melancholic expression as the little cub howled.
"He seems to really like you. Maybe it's because of your path which contrasts with mine. If I am like the sun, then you must be like the night sky."
"That would explain a lot. But wouldn't the path of darkness fit more?"
"Mysteries are quite close to the dark. In a sense both of these paths are related. You could also include the path of death to complete the set."
"We are taking Gale to the dinner right? I wouldn't want to leave him all alone at home. Do you think the Aether Fork allows pets?"
Aidan stroked Gale's soft, black fur as he said, "They are allowed, so you don't have to worry. I had no intention of leaving him at home. After dinner we should get a bit of food for him. We can find him a new pack in the coming days."
Kharon smiled as he said, "That sounds like a good idea."
They began making their way to the front door as Aidan switched off all the lights in the house. As he did, Kharon noticed that Gale seemed a lot more relaxed in the dark.
'I wonder if the lights could be altered. That way they can be dimmed, making it more comfortable for Gale. That should be possible. I have studied illumination runes so once I leave, I can create dimmed lightbulbs for Gale.'
As they walked out of the door, Gale's body slightly stiffened in Kharon's hands. Kharon immediately noticed this as he brought Gale even closer to his chest. This helped to relax the little cub, but then Kharon used Veiling to create a sense of darkness and tranquility around Gale.
'I wonder how exactly his body works. It is still daytime and the temperature is fairly high, but the sun isn't out. I guess duskwolves can instinctively sense the time of day and the position of the sun. But would Gale get even weaker if he was directly exposed to the sun? I don't want to find out.'
They walked through the bustling market, once again receiving a mix of different stares. This time more people seemed hostile towards the little wolf.
'I guess it's understandable seeing as they fear arcane creatures and essence beasts. To them Gale is just a potential source of danger. Duskwolves aren't a very strong species and their meat is used in several dishes. Luckily I have never eaten duskwolf meat or I would feel guilty carrying Gale.'
Kharon sighed as they continued to walk. Once they reached the usual spot, Aidan hired a carriage which quickly took them to Starfall District. On the way there Kharon and Aidan had a brief conversation about Gale and the different things needed to take care of him.
"It may take several weeks before we find an accepting pack. So it's better to be prepared with different toys and other necessities to entertain Gale. Worst case scenario we have to adopt him. That wouldn't be so bad."
"The chances of Gale being rejected from a pack should be low. Duskwolves are very accepting of their kind regardless of their pack. You should know that seeing as you made me read the manual on commonly hunted arcane creatures."
"I am just saying. There is always a chance that something could go wrong."
Kharon chuckled as he said, "You are beginning to sound like me. Usually you would be the one thinking of the positives. Wouldn't that slow down your assimilation with your essence core?"
"It doesn't. Being a beacon of light and hope doesn't mean unwavering positivity. I can accept that not everything will go right, and that's alright. It's a natural part of life for things to go wrong. That is why people need a beacon of hope, to pull them out of despair."
'I think I understand. That makes a lot of sense now that I think about it. Darkness doesn't weaken light, instead it makes it shine brighter. By accepting the negative aspects of the world Aidan can understand other people's pain and offer them the comfort they need. Who would have thought that the hopeless optimist I met would change so much so quickly. I now know that he will be fine without me... I am glad.'
A single tear flowed down Kharon's face as he quickly wiped it.
"Are you ok Kharon? You aren't crying are you?"
"No there is something in my eye that's all."
Suddenly, they heard a voice announcing that they had arrived at their destination. They quickly stepped out of the carriage. In front of them was a large building which looked flawless. Its windows seemed to be made of diamonds and its pure white walls seemed to repel the darkness of the sky. At the top of the building were the words 'The Aether Fork'.
Aidan looked at Kharon as he said, "Are you ready for the celebration?"
"I am."
They then walked into the restaurant as they spoke to a receptionist. Aidan stepped forward as he said, "There is a reservation made by Sir Orvus for four." He then took out his Soulbind token and presented it as the receptionist quickly called someone to escort them. They were taken to a spacious room which had a large table and contained a large glass wall filled with exotic aquatic creatures.
As they sat at the table, the waiter asked them, "Would you like a few appetizers? Also we have a special menu for pets. Is there anything in particular you would like for your duskwolf?"
Aidan quickly answered as he said, "Not right now. We would like to wait for everyone to be here before we order anything. But thank you."
The waiter slightly bowed before leaving the room. As soon as he did, Kharon looked at Aidan before looking away.
"Why are you staring at me? Did I say something wrong?"
"What? No, I was jus- nevermind."
"Just tell me what's wrong Kharon. It's your special day today, everything should be perfect."
Kharon chuckled, his gaze lingering on Aidan. "According to what you've said before, nothing can ever truly be perfect."
Aidan's grin softened as he met Kharon's eyes. "And yet, for you... perfection feels within reach."
Slightly blushing, Kharon turned his head as he focused solely on Gale trying to remain calm after what Aidan had just said.
All of a sudden, the door swung open and in came Master Lodge wearing a stylish beige robe. Dorn walked in a few seconds later with a green suit. As they entered the room, there was a subtle shift as if the world became more malleable and yet heavier. However this didn't affect Kharon as he had become use to this shift in the atmosphere.
'The presence of tier 3 wielders doesn't put me on edge. Apart from the fact that they aren't actively trying to be threatening I shows how much stronger I have become. I wonder how my presence will affect the world once I reach tier 3. It would actually make more sense if it didn't. I will just have to wait and see.'
The two men shook Kharon and Aidan's hands before they sat down next to them.
"I didn't expect you two to be here so early. If I had known I would have come earlier. I hope you haven't been waiting for too long."
"We only got here a few minutes ago. I am more surprised that you have already arrived."
Master Lodge suddenly interjected as he asked, "Kharon, why are you holding a duskwolf? I didn't know your visit to the zoo meant you were interested in buying a pet."
Kharon met Master Lodge's gaze as he answered, "It wasn't quite planned. When we went to the zoo I saw this little duskwolf in it's cage and I just knew I had to save it. It looked too miserable in that place. Though I don't plan on keeping it. I will try to find a pack of duskwolves that can adopt him."
Dorn asked, "Have you given it a name?"
"His name is Gale."
"That doesn't sound like a good idea. Naming it would just lead to you feeling closer to him, making it harder for you to give him up."
"I know that but... It wouldn't feel right to just call him it."
"That is understandable. We should start ordering food and drinks, this is a party after all."
As he said this, they all picked up the menus on the table and began placing their orders. Once they were done, the menus flew up and left the room. As they waited for their food, they spoke about Kharon's ascension and his future as a beast hunter. After a few minutes their meals arrived in floating trays as they landed on the table before each dish moved to the one who ordered it.
Kharon picked up his knife and fork as his Emberhorn Flame Roast and Aethergrain Risotto Royale landed before him. His Aether Lotus Creme and Iceborn Mead also flew towards him as they gently landed on the long crystal table.