It was a known fact by all that Aera could be too trusting, too kind and a little naïve. And because of these traits, she would often have a hard time at the school for Guides.
She might've passed with flying colours, but it hadn't been easy, but she had done it and that was something to be proud of. Even if things were tough outside the school right now, didn't mean it would always be like that, and one day she could carry out her duties with no troubles - or so she hoped.
Being lost in her thoughts for a moment, Aera had forgotten about the man who had pulled her through the mirror. He was waiting patiently by her side for her to get her bearings and become accustomed to the new world spread out before her. It must be difficult to go from being in a world you've known for your whole life to then being sent to a place you were unfamiliar with.
After a few minutes spent looking around at the surrounding area, Aera snapped out of her reminiscing thoughts and turned to face the man next to her.
"What is this place?" Right now, she couldn't think of anything else to ask.
Sure, this was her homeland and the place where she had spent her childhood, but she had been in the other world for so long that all the memories of this place were completely gone; it was unknown whether it resulted from so much time that had gone past, or for some other reasons not currently known.
It was just a matter of fact that she did not know where she was, or what this place was; all she knew was that this place differed completely from the world she had always known.
The man smiled warmly at the bewildered woman and replied, "this is Eloneas."
"Eloneas." The name rolled smoothly off her tongue and struck a familiar chord like she had said this name countless times before. "It is certainly beautiful."
From where they stood, Aera could see a beautiful cottage backed by a forest that stretched further than the eye could see, with lush trees swaying in the slight breeze.
A pond surrounded by rocks and greenery was placed before the cottage - lotuses decorated the clear water and swans danced happily alongside them and if you took a closer look, you could see the countless fish and tadpoles swimming about. Dragonflies skimmed the surface of the pond, and sunlight glistened off the surface and made one feel happiness like no other.
All the confusion and sadness that Aera had felt lately, was eased somewhat upon the sight of the scenery, and for the first time in a while, she could genuinely smile.
The man moved in front of her, and took her hand in his, before bowing and saying, "once again let me welcome you back to Eloneas, and I hope you'll be able to regain everything that you have lost."
Aera thanked him and followed him to the cottage's front door. They stepped onto the front mat, which had been worn down over the years, and was looking a little threadbare, and the man said, "this cottage was once owned by your parents. Every day they would sit on the doorstep and watch as you twins played outside. It was a happy time until... well, you know what happened."
Indeed, she did know what had happened, and it was a time she would like to forget. Being tricked by her sister, and getting stuck inside a world filled with mirrors wasn't something she would like to remember. And then something struck her... How did this man know all of this?
She voiced the question as soon as it came to mind and he laughed before answering:
"Sorry for not introducing myself before," he took her hand once more and continued to say, "my name is Theo, and my family have worked on this farm for a long time, I could even be counted as a childhood friend I suppose. My brothers and I used to play with you twins when we were younger."
"I see." Aera was still a little sceptical. After all, she had no recollection of Theo or his family, so she couldn't believe his words for the time being. "Can I look inside?"
"Of course." Theo pushed open the door and moved aside to allow Aera to enter the cottage first. Aera took a deep breath and tentatively stepped over the threshold.
Once inside, she peered about her and a strange feeling bubbled up inside - a feeling of finally coming home after being away for a long time.
YOU ARE READING
We Are Destined ❦ Woosung
Fanfiction"You are his Guide and you will be the one to lead him on his rightful path." "What if I can't do it?" "You will." The man assured her. "After all you two are destined to be."
