The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin quickly grasped their intent. "Must your actions always be so calculated?"

"From our position, we must consider all aspects. The Grand Elder has, after all, done much for Cobalt Strike."

"How will you support me?" Alavin asked grudgingly, realizing it was unrealistic to expect them to take action themselves.

"That depends on how you fight."

"I'll think about it. But I still warn you, the Grand Elder is not one to wait for his end idly. Be cautious."

With that, Alavin took his leave from the Botanic Haven Elder and descended the mountain.

Those two sly old foxes were always thinking of every angle. Yet, from the Botanic Haven Elder's words, Alavin sensed a firm resolve to deal with the Grand Elder-a tough decision from his position, revealing a determination even greater than that of the Commander.

Before leaving Botanic Haven, Alavin made his way to the secluded garden where Mariela was deep in meditation. The air in her chamber was frigid; rims of frost lined the windows, and ice crystals hung from every surface. It was exceedingly cold.

"Mariela," he began, "I shall depart on the morrow. Visit me at Stormcast when you have time."

She replied with a cool detachment, "Have you come to terms with him?"

"It is neither ideal nor poor, but the matter is settled."

"You are too brash; You wouldn't do well to heed the wisdom of the Master and the Commander. Proceed with caution and steadines. It will serve you well."

"Why should I live like an old sage at my age? One should live in a manner befitting one's years."

"A twisted notion."

Alavin chuckled and leaned against the frosty windowsill. "In our Organization, a Protégé who becomes an Advanced Mage usually sets out to gain experience. Will you venture forth?" "Should Botanic Haven need me not, I shall take my leave for a time."

"Where will you go?"

"Do you find it so intriguing?"

"Merely curious."

"The destination is yet undecided." Mariela continued her meditation, enveloped in a mist of chilling vapors. The temperature dropped even further, and the vase beside her was now covered in icy crystals. After a spell, she sensed Alavin's presence still lingering outside. "Is there something else?"

"I thought... I ought to thank you."

"For what cause?"

"For all the assistance you have rendered."

"It was for the Chained Spirit within you, no thanks are necessary. Is there more?"

"That is all."

Mariela returned to her silent practice.

"Actually, there is one more matter."

"Do you require my aid again?"

"It would seem so." Alavin grinned, somewhat sheepishly.

"Speak your mind." Mariela was accustomed to such requests.

"Can you tell me of your mentor?" Alavin knew little of the Botanic Haven Elder and found him inscrutable. He sought insight from Mariela.

"Would you believe my words?"

"I shall."

"He is a rigorous man, who long ago vowed to dedicate his remaining days to the service of Cobalt Strike. Believe this, he is one of the few in Cobalt Strike who truly cares for its welfare, ready to lay down his life for the honor it represents within Cobalt Strike!"

"So you are saying I can trust him?"

"That depends on the nature of your venture. If your aims align and both are in service to the future of Cobalt Strike, then yes, trust him. If it concerns other matters, I dare not vouch." Alavin pondered for a moment. "What is his stance towards the Grand Elder?"

"He sees but two sorts of folk: those who protect Cobalt Strike and those who endanger it. The former Grand Elder was of the first sort, but now, he is being relegated to the latter." Understanding dawned on Alavin, and with a word of thanks, he took his leave.