Despite how much he had traveled in the last half of his life, how much of the world he had seen, the son of Odin had learned more in the last few months about what it meant to live than he he had in the last twelve years. He had Xianjun to thank for that, for guiding him to new experiences like the steadfast northern star that Vitas cherished. He felt comfortable in the beekeeper's presence, more at home than he had ever felt anyone else.
But just when Vitas had started to fall into a regular routine, he was struck by another serious cardiac episode which resulted in another hospital admission and, upon discharge, the usual few days spent recovering at Xianjun's apartment. He spent more time at the Mayan demigod's apartment than his own, not that Gui complained about the extra attention the feline received from cool fingers that deeply appreciated the sensation of the soft fur. And it was while he lie in bed, watching a comet among the constellations projected upon the bedroom ceiling, that he finally decided he had enough of this weakness. There had to be a solution to all of this. He wanted to be healthy. He wanted to be healthy and enjoy a long life full of nights just like this one.
And it was in that moment he heard a tapping at the nearby window which understandably did not disturb the demigod sleeping beside him. A slow roll of his head to the side granted him the image of a large raven on the other side of the glass. Huginn. Huginn with two apples. Golden apples that Vitas recognized immediately. But two of them? Gingerly, he moved the cat from his chest to rest the feline upon the pillow beside his owner, and carefully Vitas moved from the bed to stand, quiet steps leading him to the window which he opened.
Staring into the raven's eyes, he understood. Idunn's apples were for him...and his companion. But why? Because Odin was calling him home.
Three years until he left this world for Valhalla.
Why did that make him feel...sad? Vitas had always known he could die at any moment, had been prepared for that, he did not fear it, but now that he had a time limit, he felt sad. Or perhaps it was because his priorities had shifted, because now he lived for more than just acquiring knowledge. With a deep inhale, he finally nodded and took the apples, Huginn flying off as Vitas closed the window.
That morning, when Xianjun awoke, Vitas told him everything, the apples sitting on the counter between them, apples that would ensure their health for the next three years and...how would Xianjun feel...about experiencing the world with him? With the time they had left together? Vitas had the wealth to take them anywhere...and he could start by showing the beekeeper his homeland, all of his favorite places.
Because the truth was, if Vitas only had three years left...he wanted to spend them with the one he cared for the most.
And when Xianjun agreed to join him on this journey, it was perhaps...the first time...that a very small, shadow of a smile dared to ghost over the archivist's lips. It was settled. They ate the apples together.
For the rest of the day, Vitas made arrangements and packed his suitcases. His poetry journals were donated to the archives and Tau received several old books that had been slated for restoration as well as a promise to send him any other texts Vitas found in his travels. Yingyue and Itotia both received a vow that he would write or at least text, perhaps even send a postcard--very open and honest about his reasons for leaving, that he only had three years left. But above all, he thanked them for their friendship. He stopped by Hui Wei Cha, again to personally thank Wang Yanluo for granting him a new perspective and guiding him through his existential crisis.
His farewells to Skadi and Athena were also done in person. Finally, with the aid of Idunn's apple, he had managed to visit them in their natural habitat--the mountains. For Athena, he had been to her parthenon and library many times...though this time, he was without the portable oxygen tank. He assured her that he may visit from time to time, just to peruse the ancient texts and to catch up. But for Skadi? Oh, he had finally made it, finally able to join her at her cabin, to take her up on that offer for a night full of stories and mulled wine. And again, he thanked her for all she had done for him, for what she continued to do for the demigods on the island. He would visit her again for Yule in the winter, but most of all...he looked forward to seeing her again. On the other side.
Until then, he would certainly keep in touch. And he would send her a photo--and a stone--from the peak of Mount Denali.
By the next day, all arrangements had been made and his car was loaded with their luggage as well as Gui in his carrier (not to worry, he would be let out to stretch once they were on the road). Scyther and Nutty Buzz were also granted their own space within the car. Once everyone was comfortable and Xianjun was properly belted in, it was off they went to the international airport in Seoul to take a private flight to Iceland.
Mentioned:
@xianjunmp @mpitotia @mpxyingyue @mpskadi @tau-mp @mpyanluo @mpathena
