Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix



48 Reasons and Farewell

Each day, the burden upon Leiah's shoulders seemed to grow heavier, and yet she bore it with a strength that astonished everyone who crossed her path. Her love for her husband and family were the driving forces behind her unyielding dedication. As she tended to their ailments, she often found herself contemplating the preciousness of life and the fragility of health.

In the depths of the night, when the village slumbered, Leiah would sit by her husband's parents' bedside, softly humming soothing melodies that seemed to weave a sense of tranquility into the air. Day and night, Leiah tirelessly watched over them, monitoring their frail breaths and administering whatever remedies she could find. Her face etched with concern, Leiah meticulously tended to their every need. She carefully adjusted their pillows, ensuring they were positioned for maximum comfort. She fed them spoonfuls of nourishing broths and whispered words of encouragement, hoping that her presence alone would provide some measure of solace.

Leiah's unwavering faith in the power of love was not just a blind hope; it was a profound belief that she held in the very core of her being. She had witnessed love's transformative abilities before, as it had mended broken hearts, bridged divides, and brought light to the darkest corners of the world. And now, with her family's lives hanging in the balance, she held on to that belief with unshakable resolve... it was a bit cringe, but it was romantic as well... Rain felt his skin crawling while thinking of that, though.

"Rain, your grandfather woke up and wants to talk with you," Leiah said when Rain returned after another exhausting day at work.

Rain's eyes widened as he took in the sight of his grandparents, their once robust figures reduced to mere skin and bones. The effects of the poison were evident, and it was hard to ignore the stark transformation they had undergone. Although Rain had never been particularly close to his grandparents, their strict and rigid nature often putting a strain on their relationship, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger rise within him.

A mixture of emotions swirled within Rain's chest as he gazed upon their frail forms. On the one hand, there was a lingering resentment stemming from their overly rigid and traditional ways that had often clashed with Rain's family. But beneath that resentment lay a deep-rooted frustration, a sense of injustice that anyone should have to suffer in such a manner.

As Rain stood there, his anger mingled with a tinge of guilt. Despite their differences, they were still his grandparents, and a part of him couldn't help but wish things had been different between them. He pondered the unfairness of the situation, wondering why fate had dealt such a cruel hand to his family.

"Sit down," Roswall said while looking at the ceiling. "I can tell that we won't live for another week. Leo is no fool, and considering his allies, I can tell that we have been poisoned by some rare poison that humans can't fight back with our current medicine and magic." 

Rain wished that he could say that it wasn't the case, but he couldn't. His grandfather was no fool either, and there was no point in trying to lie to him on his deathbed. It was better to be respectful and realistic.

"Once they realized our deaths, those around us made their moves. They are already considering what they will do if our sons die as well," Roswall said while looking at his unconscious wife. "They should have received offers to join other noble families as part of them in one way or the other. As wives, concubines, and sons in law..., they are just waiting for the results at Tristan. We raised them well to survival in this political landscape."

As he observed their feeble forms, he couldn't shake off the awareness that his grandparents had lived their lives with a different worldview, one that clashed with his own. But now, in this solemn moment, Rain couldn't deny the strength of character it took to stay true to their beliefs, even when faced with imminent death.

They respected their path and ancestors, and that was why they decided to follow in the same footsteps, to the point that they didn't think that they didn't do anything wrong. Despite their current situation, their family became one of the most important in the kingdom, and that speaks for itself.

In their final moments, their weathered faces etched with pain, Rain found himself appreciating the resolve they had shown throughout their lives. Their steadfastness had become a part of their legacy, leaving an indelible mark on Rain's understanding of determination and loyalty.

Respect mingled with the frustration that had once characterized their relationship. Rain understood that their convictions were born out of a lifetime of experiences shaped by their upbringing, culture, and personal beliefs. While he still believed that their worldview was flawed and limited, he acknowledged the strength it took to hold onto those beliefs until the end.

One didn't have to accept their choices and lifestyle without thinking twice, but it was hard not respect them for it. Even now, when the end was unavoidable, Rain's grandfather still didn't change his mind about his life and choices. Not many people could do the same in his position.

"I am grateful for you and your mother and sisters for looking after me; I want to depart alongside with my wife, she is getting worse faster, and I don't want to leave her alone on the other side," Roswall said. "I am sure that my sons will recover our home and rebuild our family. However, if that weren't to happen, you need to leave the capital and live your own lives. You will become a chess piece for others with your talent and blood. And you don't look like you would enjoy that. Head West and keep a low profile; go live with the parents of your mother until you have the strength to protect those you love. Live strong, Rainendall."

Roswall closed his eyes and never opened them again...