Thread of Destiny | Lando Norris

Chapter 4: A Fellow Protector

As the second bead darkened, Eli discovered the change later that day, a subtle shift she hadn't initially noticed. If anything, it confused her even more— no matter how much she wrecked her brain, she couldn't think of any instance where she might have protected someone. She hadn't performed any heroic acts, nor had she encountered anyone who warranted her guardianship. How had she fulfilled two duties already? Eventually, she resigned to let fate guide her. Perhaps, she mused, she didn't need to actively seek out the person she was meant to protect; perhaps watching over them from a distance sufficed. Thus, Eli carried on her life as normal, though it wasn't filled with much excitement. She explored the streets of Monaco, whether under the warm sun or the moon's gentle glow during late-night strolls, she would try to reignite her lost passion with music though it always fell short. And that was her life, at least for now, her life revolved around healing, a deliberate retreat from the tumult of the past years, granting herself the necessary time to mend.

With nothing much else to do one afternoon, Eli decided to visit the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. She strolled through the rooms, her gaze falling upon captivating pieces of contemporary art, each one sparking their own conversation. She was absorbed in examining a particular abstract work when a subtle sense of someone's presence caused her to glance sideways. There he stood, a figure that exuded a subtle elegance, his hazel eyes seemed to be observing her from across the room. She returned the gaze, caught off guard by his unwavering attention, but dismissed it. As she moved through the halls, his eyes followed, a silent curiosity emanating from his steady gaze. Their paths intertwined as if guided by fate, and eventually, he stepped closer, closing the distance that had separated them. His voice, soft yet deliberate, broke the silence. "Sorry, I couldn't help but notice your bracelet. It's quite unique." His eyes, earnest and curious, locked onto the pearls around her wrist. Eli, still somewhat startled by the sudden attention, managed a smile. "Thank you. It's, um, something special." She was about to politely excuse herself when something on his wrist caught her attention— a similar bracelet adorned with darkened pearls revealed a journey she had yet to fully comprehend— and her astonishment grew. His keen eyes met her widened gaze. "I see you've notice," he said raising his arm slightly to meet her eye-line, "Guardian angel duties, I presume?" His words resonated with an understanding that only someone who had walked a similar path could possess.

"Why don't we find a quieter place to talk? There's a café just around the corner," he suggested. Agreeing, they navigated their way out of the museum. "I'm Charles by the way," he introduced himself warmly as they stepped out into the sun. "Eli," she returned, and he continued to lead to way to the café. The quaint café was unusually crowded today— maybe because it was the weekend and people sought after a nice place for their brunch dates— and the man wondered if there were just one too many pairs of eyes on them. "It looks quite full..." he observed. "We could head to mine," even Eli herself was taken aback by what she just said. Did I really just invite a stranger into my home? But in that moment, she had finally found some sort of a tangible connection between the bracelet and her duties, or at least someone with an unspoken understanding that seemed to flicker between them.

As she welcomed Charles into her home, he scanned the space, his gaze eventually settling on the piano nestled in the corner. "You play?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone. She hesitated for a moment before answering, "Oh, that? It came with the house. I don't really play," she replied, a subtle lie veiling her connection with the instrument. He walked over to the piano, a glint of familiarity in his eyes. "May I?" he inquired, his fingers already brushing over the keys before she could respond. Eli nodded, watching him sit and letting his fingers caress the ivory. As he began to play and the melody filled the room, weaving through the air with grace. Eli found herself drawn to his music, her heart resonating with each note as memories of her own piano playing flooded her thoughts. His playing conveyed emotions effortlessly, each note a testament to his skill and the depth of his connection to music. She felt a pang of admiration mixed with a touch of envy, a subtle yearning to experience her own connection to music once more— a longing strong enough that her fingers itched to join in. An unexpected urge surged within her, prompting her to approach the piano. Without much thought, she sat beside him and allowed her fingers to dance across the keys in harmony with his melody. A rush of emotions flooded her as the duet unfolded unexpectedly, their music intertwining seamlessly. It was an exhilarating moment, a rush of familiarity and joy that coursed through her veins. Yet, amidst the shared melody, she couldn't help but wonder what had come over her to impulsively join in. The music spoke to her soul, a reminder of the passion she once held so dear. When the music concluded, there was a moment of silence, the echoes of their duet lingering in the air. Eli sat there, a mixture of bewilderment and exhilaration shimmering in her eyes as she met the gaze of Charles, a tacit acknowledgment of the unexpected musical connection they shared.

"I thought you said you didn't play?" his raised eyebrows met her gaze. "It's a long story..." her voice trailed off. Sensing her hesitance to dive further, he got up and made his way over to the couch, Eli following suit. He felt the need to be the one to start the conversation, he felt like he owed that to her for trusting him. Taking in a steadying breath, he began recounting his experiences with the bracelet.

"It's been a few years since it all happened. Being a guardian angel wasn't something I chose; it chose me, quite literally. My little brother, Arthur, was the one I was meant to protect. I watched over him, guiding him, safeguarding his steps. Sure, I was his older brother and it was natural to be protective, but there was always something more. That was when I was given the bracelet. It was quite strange, thinking back. You know how your parents always told you never to accept candy from a stranger? Well I accepted a bracelet from one," he chuckled slightly at the memory, before continuing.

"It was a responsibility I didn't comprehend fully at first. You see, being a guardian angel isn't always about grand heroic gestures; it's about the small moments, the whispered guidance, the silent support. I learned that protecting him wasn't just about physical safety; it was about nurturing his spirit, offering advice, and being there even when he didn't realise it. It's a silent dedication that moulds you, reshapes you, and teaches you more about yourself than you ever imagined."

Eli listened intently, drawn into his words, each syllable a revelation, each sentence a glimpse into a world that mirrored her own uncertainties. His recounting offered a strange sense of solace, as if she had stumbled upon a kindred spirit who understood the intricacies of the unspoken responsibility she now bore. There was a comfort in knowing that someone else grappled with the enigmatic nature of guardian duties, and his story resonated, threading a newfound understanding of the role she had unwillingly embraced. As the echoes of his recounting lingered, she felt compelled to reciprocate. "I wish I could say I've such a clear understanding of my role," she began, her voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. "My journey has been...different. I got into an accident a while back and next thing I knew I was talking with this greater figure in some sort of realm. And well, then I got this," she said as she looked down on her bracelet. "Two beads on my bracelet have darkened, but I can't pinpoint when or how I fulfilled them."

"So, you don't know who you're meant to protect?" he inquired, a trace of empathy in his eyes.

Shaking her head with a tinge of sadness, Eli admitted, "Not a clue. Two beads have already darkened, and I'm left in the dark."

Reflecting on his own journey, he nodded his head slowly before speaking again, "I was fortunate to find clarity early on. Let me help you figure it out."