THE ORCHID OF ELDRADOR

Aria

Kael's calloused hands gripped the wooden handle of his shovel, his muscles aching as he dug into the dry earth. The sun beat down on him, relentless in its intensity. He had been a laborer in this new, and he had to admit, it was a far cry from his life as a sorcerer. But after the events of the Seventh Earth, Kael had chosen to leave his past behind and start anew.

The village was small, and everyone knew each other's names. Kael had kept to himself, working hard and earning the respect of the villagers. He had told them his name was Kain, and they had welcomed him with open arms.

As he worked, Kael's mind often wandered to the memories of his past life. He had lived for centuries, and his experiences had shaped him into the man he was today. But in this village, he was just another face in the crowd.

Kael's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter and chatter from the market square. He looked up to see a group of people gathered around a street performer. Among them was a woman with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair. She seemed to be enjoying the performance, and Kael found himself drawn to her smile.

As he watched, a commotion broke out nearby. A woman collapsed, convulsing on the ground. The green-eyed woman rushed over to tend to her, and Kael felt a surge of curiosity. Who was this woman, and what was her story?

As he watched, the woman finished her healing and stood up, her eyes meeting Kael's for a brief moment. He felt a jolt of recognition, and his magic stirred, sensing the familiar essence of Elara.

Without thinking, Kael reached out and touched the woman's shoulder, his fingers grazing her skin. The woman turned to him, and their eyes met. For a moment, time stood still.

Kael's heart pounded in his chest as the crowd hailed Aria, market women began to dance and flutes and pipes played in praise of Aria, she smiled gently and leaves the multitude with Apples and linens gifted to her by the women who are overjoyed by her act of braveness.

Aria walked home silently, like a hummingbird she hums into the air as it softly blows her long brown hair , Kael wouldn't take his shimmering eyes off her , it has to be my Elara he thought.

Aria arrived home, pauses for a while and takes a deep breath , leaving Kael to wonder as to why the cheerful woman he saw some ten minutes ago at the market square is low on countenance

She opens the wooden door , and a male voice of what seems her husband , welcomes her from inside , Kael's heart dropped , plunging into despair.