Eldric raised an eyebrow, gazing curiously at Alariel as she entered the grand hall with an elegant stride. The sunlight streaming through tall, ornate windows bathed the expansive room in gentle warmth, illuminating the intricate carvings and polished furniture within.
"Little girl, visiting without notice, hmm? Something important on your mind?" he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Alariel tilted her head playfully, returning his smile with quiet amusement. "Aren’t you going to invite me to sit first, Sir Eldric?"
Eldric chuckled heartily, gesturing toward the cushioned seat opposite him. "Come, come—no need for such formality between us. It isn’t our first meeting, after all."
"Haha, true enough," Alariel laughed softly, gracefully settling herself into the offered seat. Her silver eyes sparkled mischievously as she studied him. "You’ve grown younger, old man. Secretly taking rejuvenation elixirs?"
Eldric shook his head, a nostalgic expression passing across his face. "You and your jokes never change, little girl. Makes me recall that day I first brought you down from that mountain."
Alariel’s lips twitched involuntarily at the memory, her playful demeanor faltering briefly. "Must you always mention such ancient history?"
"Ancient?" Eldric laughed, genuinely amused. "It’s barely been two decades!"
"Seventy-three years," she corrected him firmly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Not everyone is a centuries-old monster like you, old man. We mortals feel every passing year keenly."
Eldric paused, momentarily surprised. "Has it truly been that long? Ah, time does slip away."
Alariel regarded him thoughtfully, noting the peaceful air about him. "Yet, for you now, time seems to have finally slowed its relentless march."
Eldric smiled warmly, a gentle light flickering in his eyes as he thought of Orion. "Indeed. For the first time in centuries, I wish time would move slower, so she and I can savor these precious moments a bit longer."
Alariel’s expression softened, a note of empathy coloring her voice. "A golden age—though perhaps an inconvenient time for it to finally arrive."
Eldric merely shook his head, unconcerned. "Inconvenient perhaps for me, but perfect for Orion. Such turbulent times breed extraordinary heroes. I have no doubt he’ll flourish in this era."
Alariel leaned in slightly, curiosity sharpening her features. "Speaking of Orion... exactly how much more is he hiding?"
Eldric raised an eyebrow, acting clueless. "Hmm? What do you mean still hiding? I’m pretty sure he showed all the things he had during his time in the academy."
She paused, momentarily taken in by his act, but quickly recovered, shaking her head gently. "Please don’t try these games with me, Sir Eldric. With your perceptiveness, it’s impossible for Orion to hide anything significant from you."
Eldric’s smile faded, replaced by a sudden intensity that chilled the air around them. His voice dropped to a quiet, dangerous calm. "And if he is hiding something, what of it?"
Alariel felt a subtle shiver run down her spine, realizing she’d touched upon a sensitive point. "Relax, old man. You know me—I hold no ill intentions toward Orion. Quite the opposite."
Realizing his reaction had been too strong, Eldric let out a gentle sigh, relaxing visibly. "You’re right. Forgive me—I tend to grow overprotective regarding Orion."
She nodded in understanding. "I can understand that, after all, what happened to..." she stopped, realizing she was about to open old wounds. "Anyway, he showed off his Thunder Affinity during his ascension of the Tower. How much more is he hiding?"
Eldric’s seriousness melted away into a relaxed smile. "Ah, that would spoil his surprises for you, wouldn’t it?"
Her eyes widened in genuine astonishment. "So, he truly has even more hidden depths?"
Eldric chuckled softly, eyes twinkling with pride. "Naturally. He’s my grandson, after all."
Alariel sighed softly in disbelief, leaning back in her chair. ’Both his son and grandson turned out to be monstrous talents. First Lucian, now Orion... I don’t know what to think of this.’
Seeing her genuine astonishment, Eldric poured tea leisurely, placing a cup before her. "Care for some tea while we talk?"
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