Alexandru and Aristia Aman County Library – Exhibition Hall
Craiova, Dolj County, Romania
21 March 2019 (Oltenia Day)
Aurel Adameșteanu, a 42-year-old Grey Mage, stood at the entrance of the Alexandru and Aristia Aman County Library, his sharp eyes scanning the busy exhibition hall. Today was Oltenia Day, and the celebration commemorated the Romanian revolutionary Tudor Vladimirescu. But for Aurel, the atmosphere was a touch too lively—too many people, too much noise. A faint tremor of unease fluttered in his chest as he stepped inside, drawn to the presentation of books and documents about the history of his homeland, Oltenia.
He moved quietly, his presence like a shadow among the crowd. Dressed in a simple grey coat that blended with his silver-streaked dark brown hair, Aurel's outward appearance gave little hint of the complex mind and power he held. His gait was smooth, though calculated, a man always aware of his surroundings, yet deeply within his thoughts. His breath was measured as he took in the sights of the books displayed, each detailing moments of Oltenia's past—battles fought, revolutions kindled, and histories written.
As he turned a corner, observing a section of rare manuscripts, he caught sight of a man who had been watching him curiously from the other side of the room. The man's eyes followed him as Aurel moved, his brows furrowing as though trying to place a memory or a name on the face he was seeing.
The stranger, dressed in a deep maroon coat, soon approached, clutching a book on Oltenian history under his arm. His presence felt non-threatening but purposeful.
"Excuse me," the man spoke, his voice carrying a quiet politeness. "You seem familiar. Are you from around here, or perhaps Vâlcea?"
Aurel paused, glancing up. The question brought him out of his silent contemplation, though it did not startle him. He had learned long ago to be cautious in his dealings with strangers. Nonetheless, there was something about this man's energy that felt grounded, and trustworthy.
"I'm from Râmnicu Vâlcea," Aurel replied, his voice low but clear. "I am Aurel Adameșteanu II."
The man's eyes widened slightly in recognition, not so much of the man but of the name. "Adameșteanu? The House of Adameșteanu, yes?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in respect for the history behind the name. "The family... is known for their wizards, mages, and... darker legacies."
Aurel nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. The mention of his family name, one that carried both pride and burden, did not surprise him. It was well-known in the magical circles of Oltenia. His brother, Casimir, now ruled over their once-powerful House, though its strength had waned since the calamities of the early 2010s.
"I'm Emilian Roșca, a resident of Târgu Jiu. It's an honour to meet someone of your lineage," Emilian continued, his voice laced with genuine curiosity and respect. "Are you celebrating the history of Oltenia, or perhaps something more personal?"
Aurel hesitated before answering, his gaze drifting momentarily toward the window, where the sunlight filtered in gently. His mind flickered briefly to his family, to Casimir, and to his son, Mihnea Casimir, who bore the weight of their fractured legacy.
"I... came for reflection," Aurel said quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of melancholy. "To be reminded... of what was, and perhaps, what may yet be. My family's path has... taken dark turns."
Emilian frowned slightly, sensing the depth of pain behind Aurel's words. "I've heard rumours," he began cautiously. "About the Adameșteanu family—about how the cold wave of 2012 hit them harder than most. Is it true? That your family has been... vulnerable since?"
CITEȘTI
Of Tudor's Ambivalence (A Standalone Series from "The Elemmírion")
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