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The Newest Pillar

By law, going through rehabilitation and coming out the other side is enough to expunge any debts to society. This was a stark contrast to Oplentis, the city that had dominated so many of both his childhood years by force and adult years by choice.

And yet, freedom and forgiveness in the eye of the law was merely the first step. It is common for reformed criminals to be met with doubt and mistrust after being released from rehabilitation. Often they are returned to the communities they had wronged in the first place, and thus steps need to be taken to reintegrate them into society such that they truly get a second chance.

In Volpes’s situation, this simply wasn’t possible, since Oplentis was one of the few city-states on Crossroads that lacked a treaty with Magistrum City. Additionally, his high profile meant that it would be difficult for Magistrum officials to ensure both his safety and the safety of their own people. Between this reality and his own burgeoning desire to change professions, he chose to relocate to Magistrum City on a permanent basis.

Of course, this came with it’s own set of complications. Before he had first moved into his new apartment in Magistrum City, the citizens already knew his past. The story of Volpes had become a matter of public record. Even though he was officially forgiven for his crimes, it was an altogether different task to convince his new community to accept him with open arms.

It was difficult at first. The people weren’t unkind. Rather, they were guarded. In time, as he taught their children and opened a local clinic, this time with Magistrum backing, he found a place for himself.

Just as he had for the poor and impoverished of Oplentis, Volpes was once more a pillar of his local community. And this time, there was no need for subterfuge or illegitimate enterprise.

And he knew it deep in his heart: Though the fight was no longer his, he had laid the groundwork for what was to come. One day, Oplentis’s people would be entitled to this same happiness.

Another beautiful piece from Marsel-Defender to capstone Volpes’s transformation into a teacher and pillar of Magistrum City. Though this is a huge divergence from my original plan for him, I’m much happier taking this direction with the character.