The restaurant's mood died down in an instant.
Standing just behind Eratz, was Professor Rowan.
He looked almost the same as Eratz remembered, his hair white, flowing past his shoulders, and his beard long and silver, giving him the air of an old sage.
His eyes, though softened by emotion, still held that sharp, penetrating gaze Eratz remembered all too well.
For a moment, neither of them moved. It was as if the entire world had shrunk to just the two of them, locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes more than any words could.
The last time they'd seen each other was nearly a year ago, when Rowan had turned his back on him, after Eratz had been accused of cheating.
Rowan's lips parted, but the words seemed to fail him. He looked at Eratz as if he were seeing a ghost, the regret etched deeply into the lines of his face. He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing with the effort, but still, no words came.
