Elowen's brows lifted slightly. "Didn't you already give me a gift?"
Flowira held the box out with both hands, her tone steady. "You should take a look first."
Elowen's curiosity deepened, but seeing how serious Flowira was, she matched that tone.
She handed the carved case to Mira, then took the smaller box.
It was heavier than she expected.
There was no clasp, yet it was tightly sealed. She applied a bit of pressure, and with a soft click, the lid loosened.
Elowen slowed her movements, opening it carefully.
Inside was a layer of deep crimson velvet, rich and dark like aged wine.
At the center lay a single object.
A seal.
Gold in appearance, sized perfectly to fit in her palm. Its design was ancient and unusual. The handle was carved into the form of a creature she didn't recognize, coiled with its head raised, the lines abstract yet powerful.
Elowen hesitated. "This is... a gold seal?"
Flowira spoke calmly, "It's too early to explain everything clearly. What it is, and the history behind it, involve too many events and agreements. If I tried to explain now, it would take too long and might only cause misunderstanding."
She paused, then continued with emphasis, "What I can tell you tonight is this. It isn't made of ordinary gold. The gold you see is only a thin layer added later, for protection and symbolism. The core material..."
She met Elowen's eyes directly.
"...came from the sky."
Elowen stilled. "From the sky?"
"Yes." Flowira nodded. "It's part of an old legend. Long ago, a burning star fell into Nordia. Our ancestors found strange stones at the site, incredibly hard, neither iron nor ordinary rock, dark in color. The largest piece was kept by the king at the time. After many years of shaping and refinement, it became this seal. The elders say it came from the Eternal Sky, something belonging to the divine."
Elowen felt a quiet shock settle in.
After a moment, she closed the box and gently pushed it back. "This is too valuable. I can't accept it."
Flowira and Zachary exchanged a glance. Zachary's expression shifted, the hint of a smile gone, replaced with seriousness.


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The readers' comments on the novel: Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice
Excellent literary piece!...