A bit of Reminiscing

The chaos had finally ended. Smoke and debris smothered the ruined town: carts lay shattered, homes lay in splinters, and craters scarred the cobblestone streets. Once a haven for weary travelers, it now resembled a battlefield.

Aura turned to the group and released a long breath as the glow left her eyes. The tremendous power that had coursed through her moments before withdrew beneath her skin, settling once again like a sleeping beast.

"Well," she said with a faint smirk, "this wasn't the reunion I expected today."

Meara lowered her bow and chuckled. "Always one for dramatic entrances, aren't you, Aura?"

As the tension eased, Aura grinned and brushed a strand of green hair from her face. "What can I say?" she replied, shrugging. "Old habits die hard, and I wouldn't want to disappoint my audience." She gestured toward Oreon and the princesses, who still stared in astonishment.

"Either way, I'm relieved my warning reached you." Meara glanced around. "I was nearly at my limit. If you hadn't shown up when you did, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation."

Aura nodded. "Lena's message took a while to reach me, but I'm glad I arrived in time. When I got here, I sent her and the others to the docks until the situation was under control."

"Aura…" Oreon limped toward her, each step straining his battered body. At the sight of him, Aura's eyes widened in delighted surprise. She sprang from the earth tendril and wrapped him in a possessive embrace.

"OREON!" she cried, pulling him into a fierce hug. Oreon flushed, his eyes wide with surprise and embarrassment. Aura beamed, holding him close like a girl reunited with a beloved teddy bear.

"Aura—I—" Oreon stammered, blushing deeper as her grip tightened and everyone stared. "Could you—maybe –loosen up a bit? I can’t…breathe….”

"Oh! Sorry!" Aura let go of him and stepped back, but kept her hands on his shoulders as she looked him over. "The last time I saw you, you barely reached my waist and ran around with twigs for weapons." She pinched his cheeks playfully, ignoring his mortified expression. "Now you're wielding your mother's daggers and fighting the Order."

Oreon squirmed in her grip as Aura hugged him again, radiating pure delight. "It's good to see you too, Aura, but…"

"But nothing," she interrupted, ruffling his hair before finally letting him go. "Your mother would be proud—and terrified. Mostly terrified."

"I told him she would be proud," Meara added as Aura's eyes traveled to her.

"You know she would be freaking out if she found out what Oreon is doing." Aura returned.

Celestia and Sylvanie exchanged stunned glances, still processing Aura's effortless dominance in battle. Now seeing that same formidable elf fuss over Oreon like a doting older sister caught them completely off guard.

Sylvanie leaned closer to Celestia and whispered just loud enough for her sister to hear. "Is this really the same elf who just ragged-dolled Vexes?"

Celestia could only nod slowly, her eyes still wide with disbelief. "It appears so," she murmured, still watching Aura fuss over Oreon.

Aura stepped back, her hands lingering briefly on Oreon's shoulders before she released him. Her emerald gaze swept over the battered group: cuts and bruises beneath Celestia's torn dress, Sylvanie slumped against the wall, and Meara's singed clothing.

Aura's gaze settled on the Velyrian sisters. "Well, well." She pulled Oreon against her again, trapping his face against her chest as he flailed for air. "The daughters of Vel'Andria. I never expected to find the royal sisters so far from their fallen kingdom." Despite the absurd scene, respect tempered her voice. "Celestia and Sylvanie Velyrian, unless I'm mistaken."

Celestia rose slowly and stepped forward, maintaining her practiced regal composure despite the circumstances. "You have us at a disadvantage," she said carefully, her voice measured and diplomatic. Her eyes studied Aura, noting the casual strength with which she held Oreon. "You know our names, but we know little about you beyond what we've just seen."

Aura tilted her head, then casually let go of Oreon. He staggered back, gulping air, while she wore a serene smile as though nothing unusual had happened.

"Just as diplomatic as your mother raised you to be," Aura said, resting a hand over her chest. "But where are my manners?" With an elegant bow touched by playful flair, she smiled. "Aura Haizea—former protector of the Eastern Grove and, if you prefer, the Eastern Guardian." She straightened, tapping a finger to her chin. "Though 'thorn in the Order's side' works too. My favorite is 'Ghost of the Eastern Woods.' Much more ominous, don't you think?"

Meara snorted. "She earned that title by being declared dead three times. The Order even threw a celebration after the last one."

Aura winked. "Watching from the forest was delightful. They even opened an exquisite wine to celebrate their hard-won false victory." Her amused gaze settled on the sisters. "Still, I imagine tales of me reached even Vel'Andria's sheltered court before the kingdom fell."

Sylvanie's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Wait…The Eastern Guardian?" She pushed herself off the wall, wincing slightly. "The one from the stories? The elf who supposedly massacred an entire battalion of the Order's forces forty years ago?"

"Fifty years, actually," Aura corrected with a modest smile. "But who's counting?"

"Then you became the rogue elf who abandoned the courts to live among the wilds," She added. "Mother told us all kinds of stories about you."

"R-Rogue?" Aura recoiled, one brow twitching. "That's how your mother described me? Seriously?" She groaned and dragged a hand through her hair. "I prefer independent. Free-spirited, even." With a dismissive wave, she added, "Court life was suffocating—too many rules, too many smug nobles, and far too many reasons to bite my tongue."

Curiosity softened Celestia's diplomatic expression. "Mother spoke of you with...mixed feelings," she admitted. "She respected your brilliance, but you frustrated her endlessly. She said the two of you argued about nearly everything."

Aura's warm laugh rang strangely bright among the ruins. "Ah, yes... Xalith and I disagreed a lot ." Nostalgia softened her gaze. "Your mother was brilliant—fierce and stubborn as a mountain. We argued about philosophy, tradition, even how magic should be used." Her smile turned bittersweet. "But she challenged me like no one else and forced me to question myself. I respected her deeply." Aura exhaled slowly. "After all, she was one of my dearest friends."

Aura's admission settled heavily over the ruins. Celestia's eyes widened, while some of the defiance faded from Sylvanie's posture.

"You and Mother were…friends?" Celestia asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mother never mentioned that."

"Of course she didn't." Aura's smile faded as old memories clouded her gaze. "Your mother guarded her secrets carefully—especially those involving me. After I left the court, everything became complicated." She folded her arms. "The nobility branded me a deserter and a traitor. Your mother defended me at first, but politics eventually won." Aura gave a small, resigned shrug. "She had a kingdom to protect, and I had become a liability."

Sylvanie's eyes narrowed. "So, you just abandoned her?"

Aura blinked, then threw up her hands. "Abandoned her? By the grove, no!" She shook her head. "We simply met in secret, beyond the court's eyes and ears." Glancing at Oreon, she smiled. "Xalith, your mother, and I—yes, little dragon, your mother was part of it too." Her gaze shifted to Meara. "And she was the one who kept us from causing too much trouble."

Meara crossed her arms with a dry smile. "Someone had to keep you three from starting a war or burning down a tavern every time you got together."

"That happened twice!" Aura protested, feigning outrage. "And one of those was entirely Xalith's fault." Her amusement faded as she surveyed the ruined village. "But we can reminisce somewhere safer. Once Vexes reports back, the Order will return in greater numbers." Her emerald eyes hardened. "We need to decide our next move before they do."

The five—three elves and two humans—stood shoulder to shoulder as the villagers cautiously emerged. Grog led one group from the tavern, while Meara's granddaughter Lena and Gretta guided another back from the docks.

Ruined buildings lined the cobblestone road, marked by magical blasts and the force of battle. The town, once known as a place where people could start over, now looked like little more than the aftermath of a battlefield.

An elderly man stared blankly at the collapsed wall of his home. Beside a shattered cart, a woman gathered spilled grain with trembling hands. Farther down the road, a child's sobs broke the silence.

Grog stood motionless amid the wreckage, his broad shoulders bowed beneath the guilt of betraying Oreon. His crew spread around him through the ruins, silently surveying what remained of their town.

Sylvanie fell silent, her gaze drifting across the devastation. Beside her, Celestia clasped her hands, bearing the quiet grief of someone who had already lost one home and was now watching another share its fate.

"Grandmother!" Lena called out as she jogged up to them, catching Meara's attention.

"Is everyone accounted for?" Meara asked, fatigue weighing on her voice.

Lena nodded, her eyes sweeping over the damage. "Everyone from the docks made it. Gretta kept them calm." She paused, swallowing. "But the town…"

Meara exhaled and rested a reassuring hand on Lena's shoulder. "We can rebuild the town, child. We cannot replace its people." As Gretta approached, Meara met her gaze. "Thank you for keeping everyone safe."

Gretta nodded, exhaustion reddening her eyes. "I only did what had to be done." Her gaze passed over the ruins. "Seems you did too." She folded her arms and faced Meara again. "I'm glad you're safe. And... thank you for driving those zealots out."

Meara gave her a weary smile. "Don't give me all the credit. I'm far too old for heroics." She nodded toward Oreon and the sisters. "Thank the ones who actually held the line."

Meanwhile, at that exact moment, Sylvanie blurted, "You have Dragonborne blood in you?!" Oreon lunged forward and clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Can you not do that!" He hissed loudly enough for only the group to hear. "Geez, are you insane? Why would you scream that out like that!"

Sylvanie promptly bit his hand. Oreon yelped and recoiled, clutching the fresh bite. "Never silence me like that again, human," she snapped. "Next time, I'll take your whole arm off." She crossed her arms with an indignant huff. "I've endured enough human muzzling for several lifetimes, and I will not be subjected to another."

"Did you have to bite me, though?" Oreon cried out as Celestia stood between the two.

Her gaze shifted to her sister first. "Sylvanie, please," she murmured, the plea meant for both her sister and Oreon. She looked over the ruined town, then toward Meara. Her eyes softened, then returned to Oreon and Sylvanie. "We may need to step away and talk about this somewhere else. Right now, the townspeople deserve some time to themselves."

Aura nodded and approached Oreon, who still cradled his bitten hand. She rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Agreed. Come along, little dragon—we'll talk while we walk." She clasped his hands and stepped backward, tugging him after her so abruptly that he stumbled.

Oreon barely caught his footing as Aura tugged him forward, her grip firm but playful. "Aura, wait—I can walk on my own—"

"Of course you can," Aura said brightly, pulling him along without slowing. "This is faster—and I need a proper look at you." Once clear of the crowd, she let go and circled with an almost skipping energy, lifting his arm, ruffling his hair, and pinching his cheeks. "I can't believe it!" she squealed. "My little dragon is all grown up." Beaming with pride, she clasped both hands around his cheeks.

Oreon's face flushed crimson as Aura continued her inspection. "Aura, seriously—" he stammered, trying to duck away from her hands. "I'm not a child anymore."

"That much is obvious," Aura said with a knowing smile, finally giving him space. Her teasing softened into tenderness. "You've grown so much. Your mother would have..." Her voice caught, and she paused, unable to recover. "Well, she'd be beside herself if she could see you now."

Behind them, Celestia and Sylvanie followed with Meara, Gretta, and Lena, safely beyond the townsfolk's hearing. Aura suddenly leaned close to Oreon, her face alight with excitement. "Actually, I take that back. Your mother would lose her mind—running in circles and calling herself a terrible mother because of your Dragonborne side awakening." She laughed at the thought.

Oreon flushed crimson as Aura poked and prodded his cheeks and arms, inspecting him like a mother checking her child for injuries. "Aura, please—" he began, but another delighted squeal cut him off.

"And look at these muscles!" Aura circled him, squeezing his arms from every angle as Oreon surrendered with a weary sigh.

Sylvanie folded her arms, one brow arched as she watched. "Is she always like this?" she muttered to Celestia.

Celestia pressed her lips together, barely hiding a smile. "I… wouldn't know," she admitted softly. "But it's…oddly endearing."

Meara joined the sisters, watching Aura fuss over Oreon with open delight. "She's always been like a second mother to him—or perhaps an overbearing older sister. She helped raise him, so this is hardly surprising." Her expression dimmed. "They haven't seen each other since she rescued him from the hands of the Purifier and brought him to me... ten years ago."

Sylvanie's expression softened as she watched them. "Ten years..." she murmured, her usual edge fading. "That's a long time to be apart."

"For humans like us, it is," Meara added. "However, calling ourselves as such is probably overdoing it."

"Oreon!" Lena jumped forward; it almost looked like she was running to hug him, and then.

TWACK!

"Are you crazy?" Lena shouted after smacking the back of his head. "Fighting the Order? What the hell were you thinking?" She threw her arms wide.

Oreon stumbled forward, clutching the back of his head. "Ow--! Lena, what the—"

"Quiet! Don't say another word!" Lena's voice cracked as she seized his shirt and pulled him close. Tears shone in her eyes, but fury clenched her jaw. "You could've died! Do you have any idea how terrified I was, hearing that you were fighting from the docks?"

"Lena..." Oreon's voice softened as guilt crossed his face.

Lena whirled toward Meara and pointed an accusing finger. "And you, Grandmother—you used the grove's power, didn't you?"

Meara's expression faltered—just for a moment—before settling into calm resignation. "I did what needed to be done, child."

"What needed to—" Before Lena could finish, Aura gently pulled her back.

"Easy," Aura whispered, holding Lena's shoulders gently. "Breathe. Meara knew the risk—that's why she sent you to call me before things got out of hand."

Lena's shoulders trembled beneath Aura's hands, her breath coming in short, uneven bursts. "But she—she said she wouldn't use it. She said she'd—" Her voice cracked. "She could've…"

"I know." Aura's voice dropped gently. "Believe me, I know." She squeezed Lena's shoulders softly. "But your grandmother is still standing. And so is Oreon. That's what matters right now."

Lena pressed her lips tight, fighting tears as she turned away and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "You're all idiots," she muttered, the words carrying more relief than anger.

A faint smile touched Oreon's face. "Well... I can think of worse things I've been called."

Lena shot him with a watery glare over her shoulder. "Don't push it."

A few steps away, Gretta watched in silence, arms crossed, her gaze shifting between Oreon, the sisters, and Aura. Once Lena steadied herself, Gretta cleared her throat.

"So…" Gretta tilted her head toward Oreon. "Dragonborne blood, huh? That explains how you sent Grog flying yesterday." A cheeky smile crossed her face. "Guess we've been harboring more than just an orphan this whole time."

"Gretta, I—"

"Save it." Gretta raised her hand, cutting him off. "I'm not angry—just surprised. I never imagined the boy visiting my stall every day carried that kind of strength." Her expression softened. "But you protected the people in this town. That's what matters to me, and you know it."

Oreon exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Thanks, Gretta," he said quietly. "That…means a lot."

Gretta shrugged, though a faint warmth lingered in her expression. "Don't go getting sentimental on me now." She glanced toward the ruined town behind them, her jaw tightening. "We've got plenty of work ahead. Sentimentality can wait."

"We can help rebuild," Celestia spoke up. "Perhaps make the town better than it was before."

Sylvanie snorted, twirling a violet lock around her finger. "By 'we,' you mean everyone except you, sister. Your idea of manual labor is telling others where to put the furniture."

Celestia blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I—that's not entirely true…"

"Really?" Sylvanie tilted her head, a smirk curling at the corner of her lips. "Do you even remember the last time you lifted something heavier than a quill?"

Celestia started to protest, then faltered, her brow furrowing as she searched for an answer. "I…supervised the reconstruction of the Vel'Andria's watchtower after the storm of—"

"Supervised." Sylvanie's smirk widened. "Exactly my point."

A soft chuckle escaped Gretta. "Well, supervision has its place," she offered diplomatically. "Someone's got to make sure the walls go up straight."

Sylvanie rolled her eyes, then glanced at Oreon. "Well, maybe watching the human here throw some timber around might be entertaining enough, or should I call you dragon boy now, little dragon?" Heat rushed to Oreon's cheeks.

Aura's eyes sparkled as she swiftly hooked a possessive arm around Oreon's shoulders. "Careful now, shadow princess. Only I get to call him 'little dragon,' and trust me." Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. "There's nothing 'little' about him anymore."

"Aura!" Oreon's face burned crimson at Aura's remark. "Aura! For the love of—what the hell is wrong with you?!" He exclaimed, squirming against her grip. "You're worse than when I was a child!"

"What?" Aura blinked innocently, but her mischievous grin gave her away. "I'm talking about your height. You've grown so much since I last saw you." She patted his head with exaggerated affection. "What did you think I meant?"

Sylvanie regarded Oreon with renewed curiosity, an amused smirk curling her lips. "Is that so? Perhaps I misjudged our traveling companion sister." Her grin turned wicked as she swept her gaze over him.

"Whoa, hey now, Sylvanie; remember I'm human. You hate humans, remember?" Oreon kept struggling, but Aura held him firmly.

"Half-human." She corrected with a purr. "And I'm willing to make exceptions."

Aura laughed; her arm still draped over Oreon. "Oh, I like this one," she said, nodding towards Sylvanie. "She reminds me of myself in my younger days."

"And you still don't look like you aged a day," Oreon said, struggling in vain to free himself before groaning in frustration. "Seriously, why are elves so damn strong?" He twisted toward Celestia. "Celestia, come on—help me out here! Please!"

A subtle smirk touched Celestia's lips as she approached with effortless grace. In one swift motion, she slipped her arm through Oreon's and stepped between him and Aura, leaving him speechless. "Oreon is still recovering from the battle," she said, glancing at his startled face. After a brief pause, she added, "Perhaps he could escort me while we see to the town's repairs."

Oreon froze mid-protest, staring between Celestia's serene smile and her arm linked through his. "I—what—"

"Oh my." Aura let go of him with a theatrical sigh and pressed a hand to her chest. "The princess has made her move." Her eyes gleamed with delight. "Bold."

Sylvanie narrowed her eyes, amusement outweighing suspicion. "Sister," she drawled, stepping closer. "Since when did you have time for such…fraternization?"

Celestia remained composed, despite the faint blush warming her cheeks. "It's merely practical," She replied smoothly. "Someone needs to keep him from collapsing mid-task." Her eyes flickered briefly to Oreon. "You did expend considerable energy during the battle."

"I—yeah, but—" Oreon stammered, his brain still catching up.

Meara watched with quiet amusement, a knowing glint brightening her weary eyes. "My, my," she murmured. "The boy's certainly popular today."

Lena huffed, crossing her arms. "Popular? He's being fought over like the last loaf of bread at a market." She shot Oreon a look. "How do you even get yourself into these situations?"

"I genuinely have no idea," he admitted weakly.

Gretta snorted. "Well, whatever this is—" She gestured vaguely at the three women surrounding Oreon." –Sort it out after we've got roofs over people's heads again."

"Agreed," Aura said, dropping her playfulness as she turned towards the destroyed town. "Not only that, but we have to think of something before the Order returns."