Viviana stirred from her slumber, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she found herself lying on a plush bed. Her gaze drifted upward, the ceiling above her adorned with intricate patterns strange symbols and glyphs adorned the walls, casting intricate shadows that danced across the space.
As Viviana shifted on the bed, she heard a gentle rustling behind her. Turning, she saw Eldranthia approaching with a warm smile gracing her lips.
"Good morning, Viviana," Eldranthia greeted, "I hope you rested well."
"Uh..morning." She yawned, before she looked around the room,it was empty, all beside her and Eldranthia.
Eldranthia approached with a tray in hand, bearing a steaming cup of coffee. "I thought you might enjoy some coffee to start your day," she offered the cup to Viviana to which she slowly pushed away.
"Eldran, where's the boy? Is he alright? Is he—?"
The door creaked open, and a young boy stepped into the room, his arms laden with herbs and unique flowers. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw Viviana sitting there.
Eldranthia smiled at the boy. "Ah, Zephyr, you're just in time," she gestured for him to come closer. "This is Viviana, she helped save you last night."
Zephyr's eyes widened in wonder as he approached, his arms trembling slightly under the weight of the herbs. "Thank you, Viviana," he said quietly, his eyes not quite meeting hers, "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't found me."
Viviana waved, "No it was nothing, just a regular stressful day for me." She said but stopped as a frown began to form on the little boy's face, "Hey," she said, much softer than before, "it was nothing, I mean it, I'm glad I was there to help, your dad seemed very worried for you."
"He's not my dad." He muttered.This time it was Viviana who frowned, "What? But he—""He's not my dad." He cut her off, harsh and clear. "Zephyr," Eldranthia placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "why don't you organize these herbs in the storage room." She soothed.
Eventually, the boy straightened up and nodded. He turned away and walked to another room, leaving Viviana and Eldranthia alone. "Well," Viviana folded her arms, "I guess the adaption paper didn't go through to him, huh?"
Eldranthia sighed, "So you know about that?" Viviana nodded, "That boy lost his parents long ago, I believe the wound is still so fresh."
"I see." She sighed as she sat up, "Well it's not really my business so I guess I wish the father the best." She looked to the side, seeing through the circular window, the sky and color a pale blue. Her eyes shot up, "Eldran, what time is it?""Well dearie you spent the night here. You were so tired and I didn't want to disturb you not after you did such a good job." Viviana groaned as she dug her face into her palms.
"I'm sorry I didn't know you had somewhere to be."She shook her head, "No, no, it's fine. I'm sure the others didn't even notice."
Zephyr exit the room with his hands empty, "I finished." He said.
"Well done Zephyr, now why don't we head back to town, I don't know about you two but I feel there are some people who worry. Come on, get ready."
Viviana rose from her seat and followed Eldranthia and Zephyr out of the room. As they made their way back to town, Viviana couldn't help but notice the relationship between Zephyr and Eldranthia. She observed their interactions, the way Eldranthia looked at Zephyr and the way Zephyr seemed to trust Eldranthia implicitly.
"So, Zephyr," Viviana began, breaking the silence. "How do you know Eldranthia?"
Zephyr glanced at Eldranthia before answering. "Oh, well I helped her gather herbs and flora from the forest." He simply explained.Eldranthia placed a hand on her cheek, "He's such a kind boy, he just couldn't bear to see a little old woman like me harvest flora all alone."
"Right.." Viviana nodded, skeptical about the 'sweet old lady' part she continued, "And what happened last night?" she asked gently.
Zephyr hesitated for a moment before replying. "I… I wandered a bit too far and got hungry," he admitted sheepishly. "I found some blueberries and thought they were harmless, but…"
"But they weren't," Eldranthia finished for him, "It was a mistake, but thankfully Viviana found you in time."
Viviana chuckled quietly as she trudged along, she didn't know why but whenever she got compliments like that, her chest warmed and she couldn't help but want more. But that's silly, she shook her head, she couldn't possibly expect something like that, not when she hadn't done anything.
"…would you be willing to accompany him?"
"Huh?" She blinked, snapped out of thought.
"Accompany him." Eldranthia repeated, "Advise him, make sure he doesn't get into trouble when he goes collecting for me." "Oh uh.." She scratched her scalp, "I-I don't—""And Zephyr has already grown a fondness for you."She scoffed, "No he doesn't—""I do." Zephyr cut her off.
"Wait really?" "Yes." He answered as he looked at her, "You saved my life, Miss Viviana, there's no one else I trust completely."
"I..you..huh?" Her cheeks turned red, "Okay okay, please calm yourself, I'm so flattered, believe me. But I'm not interested in being another errand boy."
Eldranthia's expression softened, "I understand, dear," she said. "But Zephyr could use your guidance and expertise. He's still learning, and having someone with your gifts would be invaluable."
"I.." She thinned her lips, her brain tried to think of another response, maybe some other people would help? What about the other Chosens?
No, they don't seem like they would be bothered nor have the particular gift to do it either. She breathed in a sigh, "I'll..think about it."
Eldranthia and Zephyr nodded, both satisfied with her answer they continued on the path back to town.
As they arrived in town, heading straight first into the library to drop off Zephyr, Zephyr's father stood anxiously near the entrance. His eyes lit up as he caught sight of his son returning.
"Zephyr!" His father's voice rang out, filled with relief and joy. He stepped forward, arms outstretched, ready to embrace his son.
Zephyr, however, hesitated, his shoulders tense and his gaze shifting away. He glanced briefly at Viviana and Eldranthia, as if seeking reassurance.
Viviana couldn't help but smirk at the scene unfolding before her.
Eldranthia placed a comforting hand on Zephyr's shoulder, "It's alright, Zephyr," she said softly, "He's just happy to see you."
Zephyr nodded hesitantly, then finally allowed his father to envelop him in a hesitant hug. It was brief, but the relief on his father's face was palpable. As Zephyr and his father exchanged a few words, Viviana turned to Eldranthia. "Looks like everything's sorted here," she remarked, a wry smile playing on her lips.
Eldranthia nodded in agreement. "Yes, it seems so. Shall we head back now?"
Eldranthia and Viviana exited the library. Viviana prepared to head back to the temple, but Eldranthia's hesitation caught her attention.
"No, I don't think that's necessary," Eldranthia said, her gaze drifting to the side.
Curious, Viviana followed her gaze and spotted Seraphina along with a group of Chosens, including Camille and Lilith. Her eyebrows furrowed.
"What are they doing here?" Viviana muttered under her breath.
As they approached the group, Lilith and Camille immediately rushed over to Viviana, engulfing her in a tight hug. "Where were you?!" they exclaimed simultaneously. "We thought you were dead or kidnapped by the Umbric Circle!"
Viviana stiffened at the unexpected embrace, "I'm fine." she squirmed under their embrace as she looked at Eldranthia who just smiled at her.
Seraphina's head shot up at the sight of the elderly woman, "Miss Eldranthia, what are you doing here?" "Oh dearie you make it sound like I'm not allowed in this town." She jest though it was met with frantic.
"No no. I didn't mean that I just thought.." "I had to drop off Zephyr." "Ah.." She said, as if she understood immediately, she then turned her attention to Viviana and cleared her throat, "Viviana, I hope you know you caused quite a stir in the temple, your friends were worried sick about you."
"I.." She struggled to break the two girls' hold over her, "..can see that."
Seraphina hummed, "Come now, I believe we can finally start eating breakfast." She glanced at Eldranthia, "Miss Eldranthia, you're welcome to come and join us." But the elderly woman shook her head, "I'm quite alright, I'll have my meals back at home."
"Well, would you like an escort? It's dangerous in the woods recently—""My dear, I am fully capable of handling myself just fine." She finished, and with a small nod, she turned her back and walked away.
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Viviana didn't know what she expected she arrived 'home' after all the last time all the Chosens were together the atmosphere was solemn. Expect now that is, now Katheryn bounced on her heels as she chatted animatedly with Theo, her hands gesturing wildly as she recounted the plot of the latest romance novel she had devoured. "And then, Theo, you won't believe it! The dashing hero sweeps the heroine off her feet and whisks her away to a faraway land where they live happily ever after," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Theodore nodded along with a vacant expression, "Uh huh, and then what happened?" he interjected absentmindedly, his attention drifting to the window.
Meanwhile, Jax leaned in close to inspect the intricate designs of the Gleamglobes scattered around the room, his eyes alight with curiosity. "Fascinating…so these Gleamglobes are crafted by using a blend of enchanted materials?" he muttered under his breath.
As Jamie watched Edward practice controlling his fiery powers, her mind wandered to the unsettling disappearance of Spencer, their fellow Chosen who had been kidnapped or worse by the Umbric Circle. She approached Edward, her expression serious.
"Hey, Ed, have you given any thought to what might have happened to Spencer?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Edward furrowed his brow, "Well if what we heard is true, I already suspected he is long gone by now."
"Or maybe," she began tentatively, "Spencer stumbled upon something… extraordinary. Like a hidden power or knowledge that made him too valuable to kill. Maybe that's why they kidnapped him. Maybe he's still alive—"
Edward sighed, shaking his head at Jamie's far-fetched idea. "Jamie, I understand you want to believe the best, but we have to face the reality of the situation," he said gently. "Spencer's disappearance is likely a tragic one, and clinging to unlikely scenarios won't help any of us."
Jamie nodded, her expression crestfallen. "You're right, Ed," she conceded reluctantly.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden snoring of Colin, who had fallen asleep on the nearby couch. Jamie couldn't help but roll her eyes at his obliviousness to their discussion.
Just then, Edward noticed Viviana approaching, "Viviana, you're here," he approached her, "We were worried sick about you.""Clearly." She muttered.
"Oh, Vee!" Theodore left Katheryn mid-sentence as he walked towards her, "Welcome back, what happened to you? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." She said curtly.
"Alright!" Camille clapped her hands, it sound echoed loud enough for everyone's head turn and a certain someone to wake up, "Now that Vee is here, let's go eat!"
They all cheered, some more enthusiastic than others but nevertheless, Lilith and Camille dragged a reluctant Viviana along, the group made their way to the dining table, their chatter filling the air as they all prepared to eat. Just as they were about to dig in, a distant voice called out, echoing through the corridors. Viviana, decided to investigate.
Turning the corner, she came face to face with a figure clad in protective gear, their dark hair tied up in a messy bun. "Oh! Hello," the person greeted enthusiastically, their voice muffled by the protective gear. "Are you the Chosens I heard so much about?"
Viviana hesitated for a moment before nodding, her curiosity piqued.
The miner's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Oh, fantastic! Please, lead me to the rest of you. I have a proposition for you."
With that, Viviana guided the miner back to where the rest of the group waited.