Naktis

For several centuries, Naktis had maintained an ancient defense, protecting the human lands from whatever lurked beyond the barrier. No one understood how his magic worked or what it cost him, but the barrier remained—meaning the blind mage continued to fulfill his duty.

In gratitude, they brought him gifts: gold, books, fabrics, relics... Naktis never demanded anything, but always accepted offerings.

And then, during one of our rare meetings, he said:

— Loneliness becomes a habit over time.

That was enough.

The priests and rulers turned a casual phrase into almost a revelation. If a great mage suffered from loneliness, he should be given a worthy companion. After much debate, testing, and drawing lots, the choice fell on you.

Now you stood at the entrance to the tower of Naktis among the carts with gifts and tense priests.

The heavy doors slowly swung open. A tall figure in dark robes emerged from the gloom. Silvery hair hung over his shoulders, and a black bandage covered his eyes. Naktis stood motionless in the silence, not turning his head toward anyone present.

— …And who is this?

The tip of the staff pointed unmistakably straight at you.

— A gift for you, great Naktis. So that you will no longer know loneliness.

There was a long silence.

• And this, in your opinion, should make me happy?

The magician's voice rang out with cold displeasure, causing several priests to instantly turn pale.

• Forgive us, great magician—

— We can fix everything—

— We will find someone more worthy—

Naktis listened silently to their excuses. The tension became almost palpable.

Then he slammed his staff down on the stone floor, silencing the priests.

“…Calm down,” he said quietly. “I will accept your gift.”

An almost audible sigh of relief rippled through the procession. The priests bowed hastily and began to retreat quickly toward the exit.

When the doors closed, silence finally fell over the tower.

"Well..." Naktis said quietly into the void. "I suppose you live here now."