You awake the next morning still feeling a little over fed and a little tired from the celebrations. You hear the blare of a horn in the distance. You recognize it as a signal but as you are not from Morian you are not sure if it is a good thing or bad. You bolt from your room and out onto the balcony above the street and square below. You scan the many people gathering there while throwing on some clothes. "Why didn't anyone wake me?" You say aloud. While pulling up a boot you spot your companions. Haden's not with them but Talik and Alster see you and wave. "Wait there," You call out as you run down stairs and out to the square.
"What's going on?" you ask.
"Riders of Vay!" Alster leads you to the side of the square where most people have gathered. "Look!" Says Alster. And you follow the Healer's gaze and spy winged creatures landing in town. Griffons!
As you approach, you catch sight of Haden and her father. They're waiting to greet the Riders as they dismount. You smile a big smile as you see Drue with them. He nods a hello, holds up a hand to greet you, Talik and Alster, then introduces himself to the Chief.
"We've come to invite you to a council on Vay," Drue says. "The islands are changing and have recently come to life, and there's a lot for our tribes to discuss."
Realization dawns on you. You recall the sibling of light's words: Keep watch for the signal from the sky. The balance between the three islands has been temporarily restored, and many have taken notice.
"Our tribes shared much knowledge long ago. Will you join us, Chief Garrow? And of course, you four." Drue smiles at you all. "You lot really get around don't you."
Haden studies her father, then gestures to you and your companions. "Could we talk alone for a minute?"
You recall the Chief's request to her last night and can't help but wonder: Is this goodbye? You all wander back to your accommodation in the tree tower in the southeast of the square. Haden left her things on your bed and you all went to the tea house to talk. As you are leaving you see Haden's pack flap open. On top of her pack is a book. Is this her daily record? You know it is against every code whether warrior guardian, mage or healer but you are so curious about what Haden will decide to do. Will she stay as chief and leave you?
You decide to read it and do so quickly as the others head back downstairs. "I'll be there in a minute," you call out to them as they leave.
Haden's Diary
The Eve of the Great Celebration.
Tonight, the weight of my father's words presses heavily upon me. Becoming the Chief of Ridoan and leading the Warriors here is an honour I never imagined would be offered to me so soon. As I sit by the window, watching the moonlight dance on the purple leaves, my mind races with thoughts of what it means to accept this responsibility.
On one hand, becoming Chief would allow me to guide and protect my people, to uphold the traditions and strength of our ancestors. I would have the opportunity to shape the future of Ridoan, ensuring the safety and prosperity of our tribe. The pride and respect that come with the title of Chief are undeniable, and I know that I have the skills and the heart of a warrior to lead them.
Yet, the anxiety gnaws at me. The strength a warrior must show is immense, and the thought of shouldering this burden alone is daunting. The decisions I make would impact countless lives, and the weight of that responsibility is almost too much to bear. My father’s request has left me with sleepless nights, as I grapple with the fear of failure and the possibility of letting my people down.
Moreover, my heart aches at the thought of losing the companionship and camaraderie I've found with Talik, Alster, and our new ally. We’ve faced so many challenges together, from battling the corruption to restoring the communication towers of Solea. The bonds we’ve forged are unbreakable, and the idea of parting ways with them is almost unbearable. They have become my family, my confidants, my strength.
I can’t ignore the call of adventure that still burns within me. The excitement of our recent successes fills me with a sense of purpose and drive that I never knew I had. We’ve accomplished so much together, and there is still so much more to explore and discover. The thought of settling into the role of Chief, while honorable, feels like abandoning the journey we’ve just begun.
As I weigh these pros and cons, I realize that my heart leans towards the path of adventure. The pull of the unknown, the thrill of the quest, and the companionship of my friends are too powerful to ignore. I am not ready to confine myself to the responsibilities of leadership when there is still so much left to see and do.
Tomorrow, I will speak with my father. I will express my gratitude for his trust and his belief in me, but I will also share my desire to continue the journey with my friends. The islands are in balance once more, and our tribes have much to discuss. Perhaps there will be a time for me to lead, but for now, my place is with those who have stood by my side through the darkest of times.
I feel the stirrings of excitement as I close this entry, knowing that the path of adventure still lies ahead. I will honor my father’s wishes in my own way, by continuing to fight for our people and our lands, but on my own terms. The journey is far from over, and I am ready for whatever comes next.
You read Haden's diary. What do you think she is going to do? You can help her decide if being chief is the right choice or not. Make a list of pro's and con's (5 of each) to help Haden make this important decision and submit it as an assignment in Thy Quests to move on.