The morning light filtered through the narrow windows of my modest home, drawing faint patterns on the wooden floor. I woke with a start, the whisper from the night before still echoing in my mind - "Charlie... be careful..." Was it a dream born of grief, or a warning from eternity? I shook off my unease and woke to find Aurora awake, her pale pink hair catching the morning light as she sat by the fire. Her round glasses sparkled softly, and her wand rested on her lap, the tip still. Nearby, Heilbronn lay motionless, his ghostly black silhouette a silent guardian, his eyes half-open, staring at me with a tension that made me nervous.
I cleared my throat, entered the room, and began to prepare a simple breakfast.
"Good morning, did you sleep well?" - I asked, cautious but curious, as I cut the bread and prepared the ingredients.
Aurora turned, smiling warmly.
"Better than expected, thank you Charlie. Your home has a quiet, warm power." She adjusted her wand, her voice gentle.
"I hope I didn't disturb you last night. Heilbronn can be... noisy at times."
I glanced at the cheetah, keeping my distance as I mixed the salad.
"It's okay, I'm just not used to having guests—especially ones like you." I paused, then ventured to ask.
"What kind of magic do you practice? I've heard of the Outsiders, but I've never spoken to them directly."
Her eyes lit up, a spark of enthusiasm in her calm demeanor.
"I study ancient arts—spells of light and healing, learned from the shores of Sealanka and the frozen wastelands of Nanji. Each land holds its own secrets, like Sealanka's storm-calling spells or Nanji's icy runes." - She tilted her head, her eyes thoughtful.
"Have you ever felt something strange about the magic here, Charlie? This place hums something ancient, like a pulse beneath the earth."
It was a natural question, I understood it but also didn't understand it because I was just a mortal without any magical power to be able to feel the difference more clearly.
"Maybe, after all, this is called The Blessed Land by Solis." - I frowned, the whisper passing through my mind.
We kept sharing each other's stories, I don't know when, but there was something that made us feel comfortable when we shared. From the magical tales of the outside world and Aurora's adventures to the stories of my own life—the stain of the executioner's blade, the loss of my mother to illness years ago, and the loneliness that followed.
Aurora listened, her expression calm, almost as if she knew.
"Your mother would be so proud of you, Charlie. She must have been a beautiful and talented woman," she said softly, her tone casual.
I paused, surprised and slightly confused.
"You know my mother?" I asked, my hand still on the loaf of bread.
Aurora shook her head, pointing to a small framed picture on the shelf.
"No, I saw her image there and guessed, based on your kindness and circumstances." Her gaze was fixed on the distance, as if she saw something I couldn't, though she didn't elaborate. Her words allayed my doubts, and I nodded, accepting the explanation. Soon the meal was ready—salad, bread, and a glass of milk, laid out on a simple table by the fireplace.
Aurora wrinkled her nose slightly, her expression slightly pouting.
"Because I'm a rabbit, you think I like vegetables? I want meateeeeeeeeee!" - She whined, her tone both mischievous and adorable.
I sat down, eating breakfast with her.
"That's not what I meant. I'm out of meat now, so I can only make do with what's here." - I explained, taking a bite of bread.
She gasped, crossing her arms, looking a little adorable.
"But I want meateeeeeeee! How can you eat meat if you can't buy it at the market? Are you a vegetarian? How can an executioner be a vegetarian—not strong enough to…" - Her voice trailed off, teasing but still determined.
I sighed, feeling both annoyed and amused by her pickiness, although her charm soothed my irritation.
"I usually hunt for meat myself. If you want some, go get it and bring it back. I'll cook it for you." I suggested, leaning back.
Her eyes lit up, excitement evident on her face.
"Wait there! I'll bring back tons of meat!" she exclaimed, jumping up and calling Heilbronn.
We finished our meal, chatting about the forests of Solis Realm and her travels, though I could feel her eyes flickering over me every now and then, as if she were looking at something behind her. I dismissed it as my paranoia.
After eating, Aurora didn't rest. Instead, she picked up her wand and went outside with Heilbronn, her excitement evident. I pointed her toward the woods behind the hill behind my house, where I often watched deer and wild boar, and stayed to clean up.