Maven's Awakening

Eyes sparkling with determination, Maven inhaled sharply as he confronted the truth he had tried to bury under self-pity and misplaced hate.

"You're right. Baal is to blame for abusing my father's weak will and desire to resemble our ancestors." He shook his head, biting his lips in apology. "Forgive my momentary confusion and emotional response and... thank you. Now I know who to direct my rage against, and if you permit it, I want to join your fighter's ranks."

Adam saw Maven's posture shift. From a hunched kobold who seemed to carry the world's misfortune on his shoulders, he became a dashing dragonling, ready to fight for what he held dear.

He offered Maven a satisfied nod as his lips curled into a warm smile.

"I'll gladly accept you. Your progress might be slow for now, but we'll soon build an obelisk that will raise the territory's mana concentration. I just need to gather elemental gems... hundreds of them."