Two hooded figures were walking down a deserted street. One of them had an open flame sitting on his gloved hand. The other was holding a dark bundle. They saw a faint orange light in the distance and a gruff command was uttered. The fire that was held flared and then faded away with a silent hiss. The owner of the voice was a man in his mid-twenties. He had pulled off his hood to reveal thick black hair with golden streaks. He nodded to his companion who also swept off their hood. A tall lithe woman now stood there, her soft brown hair illuminated by the light. It was plaited with a series of leather strips weaved in and cradling her head.
She looked over to the man with a look of concern on her face. The burden she was carrying had stirred and sighed. The man shook his head and continued walking. They came across another man, sitting by the fire and staring deep into it. He had brown hair with black flashes that shined when he tilted his head towards the two.
"Well Aidan, Arianna, I see you are holding to your promise. Even though it's been so long."
The man named Aidan stepped forward. "Merely Alex, we tend to keep our promises, no matter how long it will take. I intend to have my son taught in the ways of the Flame as Arianna and I."
Alex lifted his eyebrows in surprise. "So, you had a boy after all. Well, you know my rules. No contact between the trainee and the parents until I approve that he is ready to be presented to the Order."
Arianna gasped but nodded. She stepped forward and stood in front of Alex. She pulled back a blanket and revealed a sleeping baby boy. He had a thin mop of sweet brown hair. Arianna teased out one of his hands and held it palm up. Aidan came forward and put his hand on his son's small head while Arianna kissed his hand. A small flame flickered between his tiny fingers. Aidan removed his hand and watched. Alex grunted softly and Arianna handed her only child over to him. He looked at the child's hand that now lay in his large, rough hand. The flame shimmered and showed the face of an anxious boy, but before he could pry deeper into the image, it went out. He frowned slightly and said his farewell to Aidan and Arianna. Aidan bowed and placed his arm over Arianna. She was shaking slightly and leaned into Aidan's shoulder. Alex smiled and walked back to his large fire. He whispered a word and the fire and Alex vanished into the shadows and they knew they wouldn't see him again for nearly twelve years. Aidan pulled his hood on with his free arm and pulled on Arianna's. She looked up and smiled at him. He smiled back and pulled his arm away. He snapped his fingers and another flame sprung to life. They walked side by side and faded into the dancing shadows. The wait had begun. And the future of a infant boy would be changed forever.
