Eldric chuckled, shifting his attention to the quiet teenage girl standing shyly beside Alia, her vivid purple hair cascading softly down her shoulders, complenting her bright purple eyes.
"And who is this young beauty? Is that little Arya? Look at how much she's grown!" Eldric smiled warmly, his eyes filled with gentle nostalgia.
Selene imdiately joined in, her eyes sparkling appreciatively. "Indeed, Arya, you're growing up to be quite beautiful. Those lovely purple eyes and hair—truly striking! Reynold, Alia, you two must be very proud."
Arya blushed slightly, lowering her head shyly. "Thank you, Grandma Selene, Grandpa Eldric," she said softly, her voice polite yet timid.
Reynold laughed warmly, gently placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "She's a bit shy, but she's definitely growing up to be quite a talented young mage."
Eldric stroked his beard, nodding approvingly, "Haha! Excellent! Talent runs strong in the family after all."
Reynold's expression softened, becoming slightly nostalgic, "If only Lucian could see how our children have grown…"
A quiet, gentle silence descended montarily as they reminisced, but Selene swiftly changed the mood with a cheerful smile, "Well, today we have wonderful news to share! We've adopted a grandson."
Reynold and Alia's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Truly? That's great news!" Reynold said enthusiastically. "I rember you ntioning sothing, Uncle Eldric, but it's wonderful to hear you finally found soone."
Alia smiled warmly, genuinely pleased. "We're so happy for both of you."
Arya lifted her head slightly, her curiosity evident, but before they could continue, footsteps echoed softly from the corridor outside.
At that mont, Orion entered the hall, followed closely by Rina and Fiora. His calm black eyes quickly took in the guests, observing the newcors.
Selene instantly brightened, waving him over gently. "Ah, Orion! Co here, dear. Let introduce you."
Orion calmly walked towards them, his bearing unlike any 15-year-old youth should have. He stopped beside Selene, politely nodding his head in greeting, "Hello."
Eldric smiled proudly, placing his hand on Orion's shoulder affectionately. "This is Orion, the grandson we ntioned. Orion, et Reynold, Alia, and their daughter Arya. Reynold and Alia were best friends with our son—they're practically family to us."
Orion's expression ward slightly as he nodded, respectfully greeting them again, "It's a pleasure to et you all."
Reynold stepped forward, smiling genuinely as he extended a hand toward Orion, "Likewise, Orion. Lucian and I grew up together, so consider your uncle from now on."
Orion grasped Reynold's hand firmly, wondering if he was this enthusiastic due to Lucian or Grandpa Eldric. "Thank you, Uncle Reynold."
Alia stepped forward gently, her eyes warm and welcoming, "Welco to the family, Orion. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Orion smiled back politely, nodding appreciatively. "Thank you, Aunt Alia. I'll keep that in mind."
Arya remained quiet, subtly observing Orion. Her eyes were curious yet shy, occasionally eting his gaze before quickly looking away.
Selene chuckled softly, breaking the subtle awkwardness. "Well, let's sit down comfortably. It's been so long since we all gathered. I'll have so refreshnts served."
Reynold and Alia looked at each other, confusion evident in their gazes. They didn't know where Eldric had found Orion. This all happened very suddenly. But they knew not to question the choice of Eldric. He wouldn't make such a mistake.
Soon, everyone moved to sit comfortably around the lavish couches arranged in the hall. Selene subtly nudged Orion to sit closer to Arya, making the young girl blush lightly.
Arya glanced at Orion shyly, mustering the courage to speak softly, "Um…nice to et you, Brother Orion."
Orion turned his gaze towards her, smiling friendly towards her, sensing her timidity. "Likewise, Arya. Grandma ntioned your talent is remarkable. Which elent do you cultivate?"
He lied through his teeth, since Selene had never ntioned anything about Arya or her parents. But he couldn't just say it in their faces.
Arya relaxed slightly, feeling at ease by Orion's gentle deanor, "I have a strong affinity for Light. What about you?"
"I haven't awakened yet," Orion answered honestly. "I'll awaken next month, though."
On the other hand, Rina and Fiora's eyes widened slightly when they heard about the Light Affinity. It isn't every day that you see a person with that affinity in Thunderpeak Kingdom.
Arya's eyes sparkled with surprise and curiosity, "Really? I thought you had already awakened. You seem older than ."
Orion chuckled lightly, amused by her reaction, "Oh? How old are you?"
Arya puffed up her chest, "I'm 14 years old." She quickly glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, "What about you?"
Orion thought to himself in amusent whether he should tell her he is a week old, "I'm 15 years old."
Arya looked at him in confusion, "I thought you were older, around 18."
He chuckled in response, "I do look older than I am. So, when did you awaken?"
She tilted her head, "Mmm, I awakened a few months ago. My entire room lit up when I awakened all of a sudden."
Orion looked at her with a bit of surprise, "So it was a natural awakening for you. You are really gifted."
Arya's cheeks turned slightly pink hearing his praise, she lowered her head, "Mmm, everyone was surprised when I awakened…Light affinity. Since my family is filled with Thunder Elent users."
Orion chuckled, "It just ans you are special. Affinity is also affected by one's personality."
As the younger generation chatted quietly, Eldric and Reynold discussed nostalgic mories, occasionally laughing over old adventures of Reynold and Lucian.
Selene and Alia talked warmly about Arya and Orion, exchanging knowing smiles as they observed the two teenagers interacting comfortably.
The hall was soon filled with warm laughter and joyful conversation, and for Orion, this new warmth was gradually becoming familiar—another comforting piece of his new life.
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