Legacy of Aeon

Chapter 3.5 - Intermission

"Hold on... You what?" Enor blinked.

"I bought a hat," I replied, completely deadpan.

I had been recounting my life for what felt like ages, and only now did she choose to interrupt? And of all things, it was about the hat? I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. How was it possible that out of everything I've talked about, her highlight was...the hat?

"So, you're telling me that the method you used to conceal your identity was... a hat? No spells? No disguises?" Enor stared at me.

I couldn't help but huff in exasperation. "I'd argue that a hat is a perfectly valid disguise!" I retorted

Enor sighed with a hint of exasperation. "It's just so... mundane."

As our banter finished, Enor excused herself to fetch us some drinks. I stood alone in her study, a small world unto itself. The room was a vivid tapestry of chaos—books piled high on every surface, their spines a riot of colors, creating an eclectic treasure trove of wisdom just waiting to be unearthed.

I took a deep breath, feeling the peculiar aura of the space wrap around me. It was as if I had stepped into the chaotic heart of a mad scholar's mind, where every tome and scroll held the whispers of secrets and stories yet to be told. My curiosity ignited; I couldn't resist the urge to explore further.

I followed the same path Enor had taken, only to find myself navigating a twisting maze of hallways. A maze of doors and corridors stretched onward for what seemed like forever, and soon I realized that I was utterly lost. The scent of paper and ink filled the air, the walls adorned with framed paintings that flickered through time, guiding my thoughts into the realm of wonder.

Just when my heart began to sink, my wandering led me to a grand archway. Beyond it lay a small garden, vibrant and inviting, as if it held the answers to the questions swirling in my mind. Stepping through the archway, I gazed upon a woman in white. She bore a striking resemblance to Enor, yet there was an ethereal quality to her, a subtle difference that beckoned fascination. Her ears, gracefully pointed like those of the Ae'el'dir, added an otherworldly charm that set her apart from the crowd.

I steadied myself, attempting to casually approach her, hoping to avoid irritating her. But as if sensing my intent, her eyes locked onto mine with an acute awareness that sent a thrill down my spine. It was as if she had been waiting for me.

"I've been expecting you," the woman said, her piercing gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Arin, I presume?" She continued, an air of certainty in her voice. For a moment, her confidence rattled me, and I questioned the very name that had been my identity for as long as I could remember.

"No...? My name is Korin," I replied, shaking off the momentary confusion.

"Wait, what?" Her expression shifted.

"My name is Korin, not Arin," I reiterated in a monotone.

The girl crouched as she covered her face with her hands; a crimson hue swept across her cheeks.

"Can we just pretend this never happened and start over?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with a blush that made her embarrassment obvious.

The gentle glow of the setting sun bathed the garden in an amber light. As she peeked through her fingers, I couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight highlighted her delicate features.

"Sure," I replied, trying to comfort her.

She cleared her throat and turned away as if to gather her thoughts, and after what seemed like an eternity, she spun around to face me once more.