To the Temple and Back Again

"Orin, it has been a long time." The tiny wizard sits before the gold dragon. Once Orin notices his friend, he shapeshifts to a human form.

"Demo! How is your grandfather? Still causing a stir, I assume." Orin walks over to a small alcove in the cave where there is a hastily crafted table and some mostly flat stones to set on for his smaller company.

"You know we haven't talked since what happened to his brother." Demo grabs a trinket from the dragon's horde to fiddle with before setting down with Orin. "A lot has happened in just the past two centuries. My sister and I are lucky to be able to observe so much of what comes and goes. Even your kind don't live longer than we have."

"Are you talking more about the attack on the Author?" Orin curiously watches as Demo fiddles with some ancient toy.

"Not just that. However, discovering that my existence hangs on the balance of some mortal surviving out beyond my reach has been a terrifying realization."

"Mortality is a fact of life. Demo." Orin pauses and waits for Demo's full attention before continuing. "Demo, you and your sister are a wild exception to a rule older than you. What begins must eventually end."

"I'm older than any book; even history doesn't know what I know. Orin, I cannot pass. I am the firstborn son of the first man. If anything were to end me, it would've happened long ago."

"Go speak with Chaos, ask him if he ever imagined his brother would be passing. The firstborn God in our world, burned by its grandchild."

"I will not seek out my grandfather. It's because of his reckless choices my sister hasn't known the feeling of the sun since she was 18. 18 Orin!"

"If you do not want my advice on your mid-life crisis, then why did you come to me?" Orin looks into Demo's eyes.

"I need you to care for my familiar. I'll be leaving for the Temple in a week, and I don't want Omen with me."

"Did you finally find a round trip?"

"Yes, but it may not be as convenient as I am used to." Demo sets the bauble down on the table and stands. "Will you do this for me?"

"If it is that time, then it is that time. Please send Omen whenever you like I will ensure his safety while you're away." Orin stands and hugs Demo tightly. "Take care of yourself for me?"

"I always do. Thank you again, Orin." Demo then turns and leaves the cave giving a wave as he exits, then disappearing into a fine purple mist. At that moment, someplace remote and far from Orin's cave, Demo emerges from a purple mist. This is the Sorcerer's tower, hidden and safe from disgruntled and fearful villagers.

After climbing to his quarters near the top of the tower, he uses a particular set of hand movements and ancient words to enchant some of his clothes and a few tools he'll need to pack themselves neatly into his travel bag. "Omen!" He shouts as he skims over the notes on his desk. A raven flies into his room moments later.

"Master." It replies after landing on his bedside table. "What might I do?"

"I am preparing to see Queen Lamia in the Temple. You will be staying with Orin until I come to collect you."

"Orin? Is he in the mountains this time of year?"

"No... he'll be by the dwarven shores."

"Good, I hate flying to the mountains."

"Go get your things ready. I want us to be ready before the end of the week."