#Earth_Aran
The gentle breeze and the soft halos of light on a summer night—Aran's memories of traveling when she was young were filled with only such fond moments. Still, she had always wondered why people would glare at her wherever she went, and why she had to keep her distance, even when carrying out simple tasks like feeding horses or polishing their saddles. With her easygoing nature, though, she was able to shrug off the ridicule. She could endure anything as long as her master was by her side. But as the world often proves, no amount of inner peace could prevent bad events from unfolding.
There had been signs of trouble. Though people pointed fingers at her, she had never been outright banned from entering places—until, suddenly, she was. Around the time the Empress ascended the throne, things took a turn for the worse. She felt suffocated, as if the world itself was closing in. Where once there had been a small, forced courtesy because of her master's status as an elect, now even that was stripped away. Eventually, the situation reached its breaking point.
Surrounded by roaring flames and fading cries, Aran saw the universe unfold before her. Her heart raced, not only from the awe of the divine beasts, but from the wisdom her master had passed on through this ordeal. She knew instinctively that if she allowed herself to lose consciousness, it would all be over. Aran fought through it, gripping her master's hand tightly as it grew cold in her grasp. And then, a miracle happened—a touch, familiar yet somehow different, lay gently upon her.
After Aran rose to her feet, she chose to continue her travels. Her duties as an elect did not hold her back. To Aran, life as a traveler, always ready for new adventures, meant more than being tied to a life of tedious obligations. Besides, this path allowed her to gather stories—stories she could share with her master, who could no longer travel with her. Some might wonder how she can smile after all she's been through, but that doesn't mean she doesn't deserve to smile. This dokkaebi traveler's grin will shine on everyone like warm sunshine—just like the smile her master, and dear friend, once taught her.
