Born in a wilderness far from this place, Leander had spent most of his adult life on a singular mission: to find his parents’ homeland, and to discover whether any family ties remained to him therein. And finally, after years of nomadic explorations, the winged stallion had done just that. At first it seemed like he’d been dealt a stroke of luck, for shortly after his arrival to Beqanna, he’d encountered Kagerus. Upon learning that they were cousins, the antlered queen had brought him to Hyaline.
She’d introduced him to her father – his uncle, Kavi. It had been a warm meeting, one he instantly held as a fond memory. There had been much laughter as they exchanged stories of growing up with Rayelle, whether as a sister or a mother; and when Leander had recounted her gentle passing alongside the love of her life, they had shared a quiet moment together to honor her bright memory. According to Kavi, his eldest uncle was somewhat of a recluse – but Leander had felt unhurried then. After all, he thought he would meet Rodrik (and many of his other relatives) in due time.
He thought he’d have all the time in the world.
Yet a cruel trick of fate was at play – for the bodiless voice had spoken, broadcasting a name he recognized as a possible relative on his father’s side. Rhonen. He had flown to Pangea in reckless pursuit of someone he didn’t even know... and never would... Someone he couldn’t save. Now as he made his way back to Hyaline, Leander felt sure of the sickness. While it had started as a cough and a tightness in his chest, he had noticed a searing fever creeping in over the past few days. It was taking root.
And it was spreading.
For as long as he could remember, Leander had yearned to reach these very lands – and now a part of him had to wonder whether he’d only come to die here, mere months after his arrival. The racking sound of a cough echoed against the craggy rocks as he climbed arduously toward the kingdom’s lake. It was seemingly quite empty here. Some days past, he’d seen the beam of light that had radiated through the skies to the northeast; and as Kagerus had spoken of Solace and her abilities, he hoped that it meant at least some of his family was safe. As for himself, he refused to head to the safe haven and made for Hyaline’s mountaintop instead. The winged stallion did not want to risk passing on this infection – not if he could help it, at least.
