As the term at the Arcanum Collegium drew to a close, students eagerly planned their summer vacations. For Leo, this meant a return to his hometown of Elden's Reach, a chance to reconnect with his roots and take a break from the intensity of Collegium life. What he hadn't anticipated was Elaine's insistence on joining him.
A few days before the end of the term, as Leo and Elaine walked through the Collegium's gardens, Elaine broached the subject. Her tone was light, but her determination was clear.
"Leo, I've been thinking about the summer break. I'd really love to see where you grew up," Elaine said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "I mean, if that's okay with you."
Leo, taken aback by her request, paused, considering her proposal. "You want to come to Elden's Reach? It's just a small village, nothing as grand as the cities here."
"I know, but I think it would be wonderful. I want to learn more about you, meet the people who made you who you are," Elaine pressed, her blue eyes earnest.
Seeing her genuine interest, Leo couldn't help but smile. "Alright, you can come. My parents would be happy to meet you. They've heard a lot about you."
The days leading up to their departure were filled with preparations. Elaine's excitement was palpable as she packed, her bags filled with gifts for Leo's parents and items for the village children. Leo, on the other hand, prepared more quietly, his thoughts mixed with anticipation and a slight apprehension about bringing a part of his Collegium life into his home.
The journey back to Elden's Reach was a mixture of laughter and stories. Leo shared tales of his childhood, the mischief he got into, and the beauty of the village through the seasons. Elaine listened, captivated by the picture Leo painted, her imagination filling in the details until they finally arrived.
The village was exactly as Leo had described: quaint, surrounded by lush forests, with a welcoming warmth that city life couldn't match. As they entered the village, people greeted Leo with smiles and waves, clearly happy to see him. When they noticed Elaine, curiosity sparked in their eyes.
Leo's parents, Sarah and John, welcomed them with open arms. Elaine, a bit overwhelmed by their warmth, quickly found herself feeling at home, thanks to their genuine kindness.
The days that followed were filled with simple pleasures. Leo showed Elaine around, visiting his favorite spots from childhood, including the old oak tree where he'd first managed to call forth his scythe. They spent days helping in the village, from assisting at the local school to helping with minor repairs around homes.
Elaine's presence was a novelty for the villagers, and her willingness to engage and help out endeared her to them. Her admiration for their way of life, her questions about their traditions, and her respectful curiosity about village history made her a beloved figure.
In the evenings, Leo and Elaine would often sit with his parents, sharing stories of their Collegium experiences. Sarah and John listened, proud and sometimes concerned, as Leo recounted his challenges and achievements.
One evening, as they sat under the starlit sky, Elaine shared her thoughts. "I understand so much more about you now, Leo. Seeing where you come from, the values you've been raised with—it's beautiful."
Leo looked at her, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're here, Elaine. It means a lot to me that you appreciate this place and my family."
As summer waned, the bond between Leo and Elaine deepened, grounded in shared experiences and mutual respect. Elaine's visit, initially driven by curiosity and stubbornness, turned into a meaningful journey that neither of them would forget.
As they prepared to return to the academy, both felt a reluctance to leave the tranquility of Elden's Reach. However, they knew that their journey together was just beginning, and the future held promises of new adventures and challenges that they would now face together, strengthened by the bonds forged during a memorable summer.