As months turned into years, Castiel's curiosity about his mysterious abilities grew stronger with time. He enjoyed exploring his powers, even though it often left him exhausted.
Helene paced nervously in a dark room, her face etched with worry. She kept a close watch on Castiel, waiting anxiously for him to wake up. She whispered, her voice trembling with concern,
"Arthur, I'm really scared. It's been three days. What if he doesn't wake up?"
Arthur sat beside Castiel's bed, holding his son's hand, trying to hide his own anxiety, though the fear in his eyes was evident.
"I don't know, Helene. We just have to trust him. He's a fighter. He'll find his way back to us."
Helene knelt by the bedside, her face close to Castiel's.
"But what if he doesn't, Arthur?"
Arthur squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"He's strong, Helene. He'll come back to us."
Tears streamed down Helene's face as she gently stroked the sleeping child's face. She was startled when Castiel's eyes suddenly opened.
"Oh, honey, thank goodness you're awake!"
Her voice quivered, and she immediately embraced Castiel.
"We were really worried about you, Castiel," Arthur added, his voice a mix of relief and concern.
Castiel stretched his arms and slowly sat up. Even though he had just woken up, he still felt a bit sleepy, as if he wanted to go back to sleep. He whispered,
"Mom? Dad?"
Helene gently brushed Castiel's hair, her worry evident.
"You've been asleep for three days, sweetheart. We were so scared."
Arthur nodded seriously.
"We thought something had happened."
Castiel's eyes widened in shock.
"Three days? Really? I feel fine! Look, watch this!"
In a dramatic move, Castiel jumped out of bed and began juggling nearby objects with remarkable skill. His parents' faces softened slightly at seeing their child's energy return, but the worry in their eyes lingered.
Helene spoke again.
"Sweetheart, don't overdo it. Stop now and rest today."
Helene smiled at her son before excusing herself.
"I'll prepare some hot porridge for you."
After Helene left, Arthur instructed his son to sit beside him. He looked into Castiel's eyes.
"Son, practicing magic is fine, but you need to know your limits."
Castiel nodded seriously, sensing his father's concern.
"Understood, I promise."
His father hugged him tightly, whispering,
"We love you very much, son."
---
Every morning, Arthur taught Castiel how to handle and use a sword. He proudly shared all his knowledge with his son, teaching him the right moves and techniques he had learned over the years.
Due to regular training, even at a young age, Castiel quickly learned how to handle a sword. The sound of their wooden swords clashing was music to his ears. Their training sessions were filled with playful teasing and joyful laughter, with the sound of wood echoing in the hidden open space of the forest.
In the midst of training, Arthur spoke,
"Widen your stance, Cas—plant those feet like roots in the earth."
Positioning his feet in a broader stance.
"Is this right, Dad? Am I doing it right?"
Arthur nodded,
"Exactly. Now, let's see how you handle a block."
Arthur swiftly swung his sword towards Castiel, who quickly raised his own weapon to intercept the blow. The sharp sound of their swords clashing resonated as Castiel felt the vibration in his arm. He grinned, thrilled by the challenge.
Arthur stepped back to give his son space, encouraging him.
"Nice job! Now, show me your counter!"
Without hesitation, Castiel attacked, his sword slicing through the air with precision. Arthur skillfully deflected the blow, and their swords danced in a series of strikes and blocks. The wooden swords clattered as birds sang in the background.
Castiel's enthusiasm delighted Arthur as they trained.
"Son, you get better every day. At this rate, you might surpass me."
"Maybe in a few years. For now, I'm just happy to keep up."
Arthur laughed, a deep, joyful sound echoing in the open space.
"That's the spirit! Remember, it's not just about strength. It's about strategy and anticipating your opponent's next move."
They rested for a moment, taking deep breaths. Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at Castiel with pride and affection.
"You have the heart of a warrior, Son. Don't lose it."
Castiel's eyes sparkled with gratitude.
"I won't, Dad. I promise."
He hugged his father's strong arm.
Arthur lowered his sword and patted Castiel's shoulder.
"Good. Now, let's head back. I think your mother has prepared a special breakfast for us."
With a final glance at the open space, they made their way home, their bond strengthened by their shared training.
---
Helene, with her warm and loving presence, nurtured Castiel's love for learning. Their mansion, hidden in the forest and surrounded by ancient trees, was now filled with knowledge. The walls were lined with libraries overflowing with books on magic, maps of unexplored territories, and stories of ancient civilizations.
There was nothing more comforting than spending evenings by the fireplace, watching the walls dance in the soft light of the flames. Sitting in her favorite rocking chair, Helene shared stories of her past adventures and the lessons she learned. Castiel's eyes widened as he listened, absorbing every word. With each story shared and lesson learned, they grew closer.
One evening, Helene pulled out a large leather-bound book as the fire crackled and the scent of burning wood filled the air. She began to speak, her voice filled with excitement, as she opened it to a page filled with intricate drawings.
Helene began,
"Tonight, darling, let's talk about the Landder Zwerge."
Her eyes sparkled as she narrated.
"It's a vibrant nation of dwarfs in the northern mountains and mines of Agarthical."
Castiel's eyes widened in awe.
"The Landder Zwerge? Wow, their forges are amazing! I bet they make the best stuff ever!"
Helene nodded,
"Exactly."
She smiled broader and continued,
"Ruled by King Smuturos of the Silverbeards, it's the continent's trade hub. The dwarfs are master craftsmen, forging the finest weapons, armor, and magical artifacts."
She showed Castiel an illustration of Zirak-Khal, the capital city. The bustling markets were filled with traders from all over Agartha, illuminated by glowing crystals and magical flames.
"Whoa, look at this! How do they build such amazing tunnels and fortresses, Mom?"
Helene smiled again.
"Their knowledge of stone and metalwork is unmatched. They carve intricate tunnels and grand halls, using glowing crystals and magical flames for light."
She looked into her son's eyes,
"And the trade caravans,"
Castiel added, his imagination running wild.
"Do they bring treasures and exotic goods from all over the realm?"
Helene confirmed this immediately.
"Yes, trade caravans come and go constantly, bringing treasures and exotic goods. The markets of Zirak-Khal are always bustling, a testament to the dwarfs' industrious nature."
Helene paused momentarily before continuing.
"But the dwarfs of Landder Zwerge are very proud and independent."
Her tone became serious.
"They value their traditions and warrior spirit. King Smuturos makes sure their heritage is preserved even as they create and trade."
Castiel's eyes shone with admiration.
"I want to go there someday, Mom! I want to see all their amazing forges and meet King Smuturos!"
Helene's heart swelled with love and pride. She gently held Castiel's hand.
"You surely will, my love. And when that time comes, you'll bring the knowledge and wisdom we've taught you here."
In the warm light of the fire, they sat quietly for a moment. Surrounded by love, wisdom, and shared dreams, the bond between mother and son was as strong as the dwarven forges they spoke of.
Despite Castiel's extraordinary adventures over the past seven years, one mystery perplexed everyone: his physical appearance remained unchanged. He still looked like a five-year-old child, something no amount of magical knowledge or parental intelligence could explain.
---
One night, by the fireplace, Helene voiced what was on everyone's mind. Her voice was tinged with concern.
"Arthur, have you noticed? Cas isn't growing. He still looks the same as he did two years ago."
Arthur nodded, turning his gaze to Castiel, who was now engrossed in a book far too advanced for his age.
"I know, Helene. It's like time doesn't affect him."
Castiel looked up at them, noticing their worried expressions.
"Mom? Dad? Why are you looking at me like that? Is something wrong?"
Helene and Arthur exchanged glances, unsure how to explain their concerns to their extraordinary child.