His cousin, Anna Dawnwalker

"Theo, what the hell were you thinking?! You could have gotten killed, or devoured, or worse! Don't you know that if anything happened to you, mom would have been destroyed! Please, never scare us like that again." When he looked down at the arms squeezing him tight, their supple power was immediately obvious to him. The skin seemed smooth, and soft, as if it had never experienced hard labor, or extended sun. However, as soon at the thought entered his mind, he knew how false that was. Anna was an incredibly driven young women, almost to obsession. However, through the memories of the old Theo, he knew that her drive came from a place of love, and a fierce desire to protect her family. Slowly, he raised his hand to comfort her, and spoke, the words coming almost unbidden. "Anna, you know that I would never worry you like that. I knew what I was doing, and believe me, if there was any other way, I would have taken it. But, there wasn't. This was my only option. I love you to much to ever risk hurting you like that."

With a start, Theo realized that the words are true. Even through they technically just met, he truly feels a deep bond with Anna. "Tonight, I'll prove to you that this was all worth it. I'll finally bond with a grimoire, and help you. Together, we we'll provide for mom." A weary sigh slips out from Anna, and Theo felt her arms loosen slightly. "Don't let her hear that. You know how much it hurts her to know that I'm out there, hunting monsters. If you joined me, she'll worry herself sick." Theo just silently pats her arms, knowing that all the words have been spoken before, and they are merely retreading their thoughts. The sit in a comfortable silence, contemplating how the next few hours will redefine their lives. Finally, Anna speaks, her voice soft, and ****. "Theo, promise me one thing. Please, whatever happens, be careful. Don't leave us." For a long moment, he is silent, considering his response. Finally, he gives he arm a firm squeeze, and speaks. "Anna, I promise I will do everything I can to always come back to you, alive and well." Anna lets out a choked sob, and holds Theo in one last tight hug, as if she is afraid he will fly away. Finally, she releases him. When he turns to look at her, her grey eyes are wet with tears. Her nose is running, and what little makeup she put on is ruined. Anna takes a deep, calming breath, and nods. He grabs the tome, and slowly rises to his feet. His head his pounding, and his vision wavers, but steadies himself with the wall. Once his vision has calmed, he slowly, and resolutely strides forward, into the courtyard.

As he looks around, a few key details emerge. First, there are very few decorations on the grey stone walls. Second, the the trials through the grass are unpaved. Third, there is a woman in well fitting dress anxiously pacing. Her head snaps up as she hears him exit the shed.