Rebirth of a Fey Lord

Eogan sat at his desk, his pen scratching against parchment as he jotted down notes. The room was dimly lit, the single lamp casting flickering shadows on the walls. The scent of ink mixed with the faint aroma of the evening meal Lorcan had brought earlier, now a half-finished tray by the window.

Lorcan stood nearby, organizing Eogan's books and scrolls, his movements efficient but quiet. He was still adjusting to the routines of the Dubhan estate, but his diligence had not gone unnoticed. Eogan watched him momentarily, his lips curving into a small smile.

"Lorcan," Eogan began, breaking the silence.

"Yes, young master?" Lorcan replied, glancing up. His tone was deferential but warm, a testament to the growing camaraderie between them.

Eogan leaned back in his chair, placing his pen down. "I need to talk to you about something important."

Lorcan straightened, his hands pausing mid-motion. "Of course. What is it?"

Eogan hesitated, searching for the right words. "I'll be leaving for the royal academy soon. It's a place where the kingdom's most talented youths go to study magic, combat, and strategy."

Lorcan's eyes widened slightly. "That sounds... impressive."

"It is," Eogan agreed. "It's also a tremendous opportunity for me to develop my skills and learn more about the potential of my meridians."

Lorcan nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. "I'm happy for you, young master."

Eogan's smile widened. "You're coming with me."

The statement hung in the air for a moment, and Lorcan blinked in surprise. "Me? But I—"

"You're my personal servant," Eogan interrupted gently but firmly. "The academy allows noble students to bring a servant along. You'll accompany me to assist with my daily needs and, more importantly, to continue growing alongside me."

Lorcan's uncertainty deepened. "I don't know if I'm suited for a place like that, young master. It sounds prestigious, and I'm just..."

"Just what?" Eogan leaned forward, his emerald eyes locking onto Lorcan's. "You're more than capable. You've proven that time and again since you've arrived here. Besides, you'll have Neala with you."

Lorcan's hand instinctively went to the pouch at his waist, where Neala stirred faintly. The baby imp's presence was a constant reminder of the bond he had formed. "But what about—"

"Don't worry about her," Eogan interrupted again, a confident grin on his face. "If anything, Neala's presence will make this journey even more important for you. You'll have the chance to learn and grow, not just as my servant but as someone who's connected to the magical world in ways most people can't imagine."

Lorcan's lips parted as if to argue, but he hesitated. There was a sincerity in Eogan's words that made it hard to object. Finally, he nodded. "If that's what you want, young master, then I'll do my best."

"That's all I ask," Eogan said, his grin widening. "We'll face this challenge together."

----------------------------------------------------

Later that evening, as the household quieted, Eogan sat alone at his desk once more. The window was open, and a cool breeze rustled the papers before him. A single candle burned low, casting a warm glow on the letter he was writing. However, this letter differed from the notes and plans he had been scribbling earlier.

Dear Mother,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to begin by apologizing for not honoring your wish to delay my magical studies until the appropriate age. I never intended to disobey or disappoint you, but circumstances have led me down a path I cannot ignore.

Eogan paused, tapping the quill against his chin. The words felt heavy, but he knew they were necessary. He dipped the quill back into the ink and continued.

As you know, my meridians are fully developed, which the doctor says is rare for someone my age. I've been granted an opportunity to study at the Royal Academy, where I can explore my potential under the guidance of the kingdom's finest instructors. This chance is unprecedented, and I believe it's the right path for me.

His hand trembled slightly as he wrote the following lines.

I understand your concerns about the dangers of pursuing magic too early, but I promise to be cautious. I will not let my ambition cloud my judgment, and I will honor the values you have instilled in me. This decision was not made lightly, and I hope you understand why I must take this step.

Eogan sat back, reading over the letter. The words felt true, but they also felt incomplete. He added one final thought.

Please give my love to my grandparents. I will write to you often and keep you informed of my progress. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I hope to make you proud.

With love,

Eogan

He set the quill down, his chest heavy with emotion. Folding the letter carefully, he sealed it with the family crest and placed it on the tray for the servant to deliver in the morning.

The night air carried a strange stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves outside the window. Eogan leaned back in his chair, staring out into the darkened sky. The stars seemed brighter tonight, as though they, too, were marking this pivotal moment. He couldn't shake the feeling that this letter symbolized more than just a message to his mother—it was the first step toward carving his path in the world.

Before blowing out the candle, he glanced around his room, letting his gaze linger on the objects he might not see for some time. His shelves of books, the sword resting in the corner, and even the faint shadows cast on the walls seemed to hold memories he would carry with him.

As he extinguished the flame and climbed into bed, Eogan stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. The path ahead was uncertain, but he felt a strange mixture of fear and excitement. For the first time, he felt like he was stepping into a world where he could truly make a difference—for himself, Lorcan, and perhaps even the fey.

The night was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the wind through the open window. Eogan closed his eyes, his resolve firm. Tomorrow, their journey would begin.