The first light of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the Zarynthian shrine. The morning air was crisp, filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
Leon sat on the altar, staring at the pile of offerings the villagers had left the previous day. His gaze lingered on the apples, their vibrant red skin glistening in the morning sunlight.
Yesterday…
He thought back to the fused apple he had created, its strange golden patterns and the energy it had infused into his body. Despite his exhaustion, the memory brought a faint smile to his lips.
Let's try again.
Leon reached out and picked up two apples, holding them in his hands. The strange sensation from before returned almost immediately—a faint tingle at the edge of his consciousness, a pull that urged him to act.
He closed his eyes, focusing on the connection between the apples.
The warmth spread through his chest, radiating outward as the apples began to glow faintly. This time, the process felt smoother, as if his body was beginning to understand what it needed to do.
The glow intensified, and the apples' forms began to blur and shift. Leon's breathing grew shallow as he felt his energy draining, but he pushed through, focusing entirely on the task at hand.
With a soft flash, the light faded.
When Leon opened his eyes, a single apple rested in his hands. It was slightly larger than the originals, with the same intricate golden streaks that marked the first fused apple.
He stared at it, a mix of awe and satisfaction spreading through him.
I did it again.
Leon leaned back, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. Though the fusion had drained his energy, it didn't leave him as completely exhausted as before.
I'm getting better at this, he thought.
He glanced down at the fused apple, turning it over in his hands. Its golden patterns seemed to pulse faintly, almost as if it were alive.
As he admired his creation, the sound of soft footsteps drew his attention.
He looked up to see the same little girl from the day before, her wide eyes filled with curiosity as she approached the altar. She carried another purple flower in her hands, its delicate petals trembling slightly in the breeze.
Leon smiled faintly, setting the apple down beside him.
"Good morning," he said, his voice still rough but warmer than before.
The girl stopped a few feet away, clutching the flower tightly. "Good morning, great Relethis," she replied softly.
Leon gestured for her to come closer. "What's your name?" he asked.
The girl hesitated, glancing back at her mother, who stood watching from a distance. At her mother's nod, she stepped forward.
"My name is Elara," she said, her voice shy but sweet. "I live in the village with my mama."
Leon's smile widened slightly. "Elara. That's a lovely name."
Elara blushed, ducking her head as she held out the flower. "This is for you."
Leon took the flower gently, placing it beside the fused apple. "Thank you, Elara. You're very kind."
Leon reached for the fused apple, holding it out to her. "Here," he said. "This is for you."
Elara's eyes widened as she stared at the golden-streaked fruit. "For me?"
Leon nodded. "Yes. It's special. Take it and share it with your mama."
Elara hesitated for a moment before reaching out to take the apple. Her small hands wrapped around it carefully, as though she were afraid to damage it.
"Thank you, great Relethis," she said, her voice filled with wonder.
Leon chuckled softly. "You're welcome."
As Elara ran back to her mother, clutching the fused apple like a precious treasure, Leon leaned back on the altar, watching the village below.
The Zarynthians were already busy with their morning routines. Men hauled water from a nearby stream, their muscles straining as they carried heavy buckets back to the fields. Women tended to small gardens near their homes, their hands quick and practiced as they harvested herbs and vegetables.
Children ran through the village, their laughter ringing out as they played simple games. Some stopped to help their parents, carrying small baskets or gathering firewood.
It was a scene of quiet harmony, the kind of life Leon had rarely seen during his time in the capital city of Eryndor.
They live simply, he thought, his gaze softening. But they're happy.
Leon's attention shifted to a small group of elders seated near the center of the village. They were deep in conversation, their voices low but animated. From his vantage point, Leon couldn't make out their words, but he recognized the reverence in their gestures.
They're probably talking about me, he thought with a mix of amusement and unease.
The elders often visited the shrine, bringing offerings and telling stories of Relethis's supposed past deeds. Leon had listened to their tales for years, learning about the myths and beliefs that shaped the tribe's faith.
They really believe in all of it, he mused. The sun-swallowing, the river-forging…
He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
For a long while, Leon simply sat on the altar, watching the village come to life. Though he still felt the weight of his unusual situation, the peaceful rhythm of the tribe's daily life brought him a sense of calm.
Maybe this isn't so bad, he thought. I don't have to figure everything out right now. I can just… watch for a while.
As the sun climbed higher into the sky, the sounds of the village grew louder. The hum of conversation, the clatter of tools, and the occasional burst of laughter blended together into a comforting symphony.
Leon closed his eyes, letting the sounds wash over him.
For now… this is enough.