A few days after Dragun's return from the barren land, the people of Winterseed gathered on the village's busy streets one morning. A chorus of chattering could be heard, with tones ranging from confusion to jubilation.
"Today is the day Lord Rowan leaves for the barren land."
"I heard that after Lord Rowan completes his personal evaluation of that land, he will return and take everyone with him to that place. I can't wait!"
"I also heard that someone important is coming to assist Lord Rowan."
"Who might that be? Is it the red-haired blood mage or the beautiful summoner? They only left less than a week ago."
"It might be that handsome guy," the crowd discussed amongst themselves.
The morning sun bathed the crowd in its glow, a perfect complement to their positive spirits.
At that moment, standing atop the roof of one of the houses, was Rowan. He was wearing a black robe that Riela had made for him. A beautiful dragon embroidery was sewn onto the fabric, giving it a subtle spark.
Rowan's eyes scanned the crowd, whose eyes were fixed on him. A serious expression was plastered on his face as he did so.
"When is he arriving?" Rowan muttered with a small frown. "How could someone who has all the top-notch flying artifacts and collections of teleportation spells be so late?"
Rowan's eyes continued to scan the crowd as he muttered to himself. He decided to address the crowd a little bit as he awaited the arrival of his accomplice.
He began by greeting the people as usual. Then, he delivered a series of motivational speeches that got the crowd, including the soldiers, riled up and emotional. Everyone had watery eyes as they listened to him.
"This is what our ancestors have always dreamed of," Rowan's loud voice announced. "An opportunity to break out of this tiny village. An opportunity to explore the world, meet new people, attain powerful friends, and live in blissful lands. No matter where they are right now, I'm sure they are smiling with pride and joy as they watch us."
His speech was long and well-delivered. His tone was loud and emotional. Every sentence was an extra bullet that pierced the hearts of the people with emotion. As he continued speaking, the hearts of the people grew heavier with dreams and other feelings.
Standing at the front of the crowd, Dragun had a faint smile as he observed Rowan. He was surprised by how his son had grown to become someone so great, even greater than he was.
Many times since his return, he had wondered what might have happened. A few times, he had questioned if Rowan was actually his son. The roles in life had even been reversed—the father now dreamed of becoming like the son.
The captains and soldiers were currently observing him with emotion as well. They could still recall the time Rowan had woken up and how he had slowly built the village up from its drastic position to its current path.
Not a single one of the villagers was exempted from this pang of nostalgia and emotion.
While Rowan was still in the midst of his speech, the familiar, loud noise of something flying very fast through the air was heard, coming from the east.
Everyone, including Rowan, turned their eyes in that direction.
Flying in the sky toward them was a fine golden carriage pulled by four white horses with beautiful fur that reflected the morning sun. Rowan and his people did not take long to deduce who could make such a flashy entrance.
"Finally, he is here," Rowan sighed in relief.
But it wasn't the same for the crowd.
"It is the white angel!"
"The white-haired angel is here!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. The tense emotional moment Rowan had carefully built up was shattered as everyone began jumping for joy.
Although this joy had been shown to Rowan countless times, he still felt jealous that D'andre got the same treatment from his own people.
Meanwhile, the horse-pulled flying carriage drifted closer to the ground in the midst of the jubilant crowd. The people happily made way for it to land.
After it landed, the carriage door opened, and the ethereal figure of D'andre emerged. His long white hair fluttered nicely in the air, and his gorgeous eyes captivated the hearts of all the women who gazed upon them.
D'andre stepped down from the carriage and waved gracefully at the people cheering him on, with a charming smile on his face.
"He is still so graciously handsome!"
"Come and marry me, oh white angel!" the charmed voices of the young women screamed his name.
But D'andre simply waved, nevertheless, his eyes continued scanning through the crowd for a particular person. Soon, he found her—Elara. He began walking toward her, strolling through the flocks of young, unmarried women constantly circling him.
Elara, who was standing and discussing with her friends, noticed his gaze on her and turned her eyes in his direction.
"Elara," D'andre greeted with a big smile as he gently grabbed her hands and planted a kiss on them before moving his eyes to meet hers. "How have you been? Not a day goes by without me thinking of you."
Elara stared at the flawless hands holding hers. Even though she kept a stoic expression, his actions and his peerless gaze staring deep into hers made her heart flutter. She was speechless.
"Still cold toward me, huh, milady?" D'andre smiled, seeing that she didn't respond.
The few young women behind Elara began chattering about the romantic atmosphere that was suddenly building up around the two. Some of them even expressed their envy.
D'andre flashed a smile at the ladies behind her, causing them to blush profusely as they hushed their discussion.
"When I'm done with my business with your Lord, I'll come back for you," D'andre said. "I'll take you on a date to the most beautiful fountain on the southern side of the world. Prepare yourself for me."
Subconsciously, Elara nodded with a small, visible blush on her face.
D'andre smiled. Activating a flight spell, he gracefully flew toward the roof Rowan was standing on.
"Motherfucker," Rowan scoffed at him.
"Hehe," D'andre chuckled. "Sorry I was late."