Echoes of the Core

Chapter Twelve: The Secrets of the Garden

Aeris's heart raced as the man's gaze bore into her, shock and suspicion mixing in his eyes. No one—not even the most seasoned Lifebloom masters—could heal as she had without draining the life force from the very plants they drew upon. She had expected gratitude or awe, but the tension in the air thickened, crackling with unspoken questions.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice firm but edged with disbelief. "And who taught you this?"

"I—I don't know," Aeris stammered, trying to steady her racing heart. "I just felt it. I've been running from wizards who imprisoned me, and when I saw you—when I saw what you were doing—I couldn't help myself."

His brow furrowed, eyes narrowing with each word. "Running? How did you find me? You shouldn't be here."

"I don't even know how long I've been running!" Aeris retorted, frustration bubbling up within her. "All I wanted was to escape, and somehow, I ended up here. I didn't mean to intrude!"

His intense questioning continued as he examined her closely, searching for any sign of deception. Aeris felt vulnerable under his scrutiny, but she stood her ground, determined to convey the truth. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the verdict.

Finally, he stepped back, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. "You... you genuinely don't know how you did that?" His tone shifted from suspicion to intrigue, the defensive edge softening ever so slightly.

Aeris shook her head. "I felt the plants. I felt their energy, and I just—acted. I had to help you."

He sighed deeply, an internal struggle evident on his face. "All right. I'll teach you. But you must leave once we're done. Understand?"

Aeris nodded eagerly, a sense of hope igniting within her. "Thank you! I promise I won't overstay my welcome."

He studied her for a moment, then gestured for her to follow him deeper into the garden. "You must have had a long journey," he said, his voice softer now. "You need to rest; you can't practice to the best of your abilities when you're tired."

Aeris nodded, grateful for the respite. As they walked, he led her to a remarkable structure formed by giant trees and intertwining plants, their trunks and branches melding into a cozy, natural hut. It felt almost alive, pulsating with the rhythm of the forest around it. The sight was breathtaking—lush vines draped over the walls, blossoms of every color peeking through the foliage, and sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a warm, dappled glow. The peace of the place enveloped her, a sense of beauty so profound it almost brought tears to her eyes.

Inside, the air was fragrant with the scent of earth and blooming flowers, and she could feel the gentle hum of life all around her. It was a sanctuary, a haven from her tumultuous past. For the first time in ages, Aeris felt a flicker of safety.

The next morning, he welcomed her with a steaming cup of tea brewed from the very flowers that surrounded them. The warmth radiated through her, wrapping her in a cocoon of comfort. "This garden," he began, "is my sanctuary. In all my centuries, no one has ever found me here."

Aeris's eyes widened at his words, a mixture of awe and disbelief coursing through her. "Centuries? How can that be?"

But he merely waved his hand dismissively, his gaze focused on the vibrant petals outside. "Come, let me show you what it means to live in harmony with this world."

He stepped outside, the vibrant colors of the garden washing over them as the sun rose higher in the sky. Aeris followed closely, her curiosity piqued. As he began to explain the basics of Lifebloom magic, his earlier caution returned. "You can feel energy already, I see that," he said, glancing at her with a mix of skepticism and admiration. "But it's not just energy. These aren't objects. They are living beings, each with their own unique energy and responses."