The news of the Gardener's blessing had spread through Silverwood like a gentle, rustling wind. Lord Arion had gathered the city's elders and shared what he had witnessed in the scrying pool: the descent of the Three Butterflies, a holy event unseen for five millennia. The Gardener was no longer just a curiosity; he was a revered figure, a channel for the world's most ancient and benevolent magic. And Elara, the object of his apparent affection, was now regarded with a new level of respect and awe.
Under Arion's guidance, it was decided that they must deepen their collaboration with him. And so, Elara found herself walking back toward the garden, this time accompanied by the Grand Druid himself. Arion wanted to observe this blessed being up close.
Leo was checking on his newly planted apple tree when he sensed them approaching. He looked up and his heart did a familiar leap into his throat. It was Elara, looking as impossibly beautiful as ever. But she wasn't alone. Walking beside her was an elf who looked... ancient. His skin was like weathered bark, his beard was a cascade of white and green, and he leaned on a twisted staff that seemed to hum with power. He radiated an aura of immense age and wisdom.
Leo's brain, not equipped to process the concept of a Grand Druid Archon, jumped to the most logical—and terrifying—conclusion it could find.
Oh god. That must be her father.
Panic seized him. He was meeting the parents! Or, the parent, at least. He hadn't even had a first date! This old elf looked serious. Powerful. Probably very protective. Leo's mind flashed back to his disastrous meeting with Jessica's dad. He had to make a good impression.
As they approached, Leo stood up straight, wiped his dirt-covered hands on his jeans, and gave the old elf the deepest, most respectful bow he could manage. "Sir," he said, his voice full of deference.
Lord Arion and Elara paused, taken aback. The Gardener was bowing to him. He recognized his station! The blessing must have granted him some form of insight. This was a gesture of immense significance. They returned the bow with equal gravity, a motion of deep respect for the Chosen of the Three.
Leo, seeing them bow back, let out a tiny, internal sigh of relief. Okay, good. He doesn't hate me. So far so good.
Wanting to show his prospective "father-in-law" that he was a capable provider, a good match for his daughter, Leo proudly gestured towards his latest projects. He led them over to the flock of tiny chicks, which were currently peeping and chasing after a luminous beetle.
"These are chickens," Leo explained, as if to a child. "They're... uh... birds. They grow up and... lay eggs. Eggs are food." He made an eating motion, pointing at his mouth.
Arion and Elara stared at the fluffy yellow creatures with profound curiosity. What were these fast, noisy, flightless birds? Another species from the Gardener's home world? Did their eggs also possess restorative properties? The possibilities were endless. They nodded sagely, their expressions conveying deep interest, which Leo interpreted as approval of his fledgling poultry business.
Next, he led them to the apple sapling. "This is an apple tree," he said, patting its thin trunk. "It'll grow big, and give... apples." He cupped his hands to mimic a round fruit. "Also food. Sweet. Delicious."
They nodded again, their faces impassive but their minds racing. The Gardener was expanding his magical grove, introducing new flora. All of it, no doubt, for the betterment of the Sanctum.
Then, to Leo's surprise, the old elf and Elara both moved to help. Arion, with a simple touch of his staff, seemed to soothe the soil around the apple tree's roots, enriching it in a way Leo couldn't see but could feel as a hum of energy. Elara, meanwhile, picked up Leo's watering can and began to tend to the other plants, her movements full of a serene grace that made the simple act of watering look like a sacred ritual.
Well, if they want to help, I won't complain, Leo thought, trying not to stare too obviously at Elara. Her presence was a delightful distraction, and her father's... well, her father's approval seemed to be secured, for now.
They worked together in that same comfortable silence. From time to time, Leo would glance over and find Elara already looking at him. She would give him that small, brilliant smile, and his heart would perform another gymnastics routine in his chest.
Damn, she is beautiful, he thought for the hundredth time. He felt a pang of frustration. They could work together, share smiles, but he couldn't actually talk to her. He couldn't ask her about her day, or tell her a dumb joke, or say how the light filtering through the trees made her silver eyes sparkle.
He sighed inwardly. I wish I could communicate with you. For now, he would have to settle for just being near her. And for the approval of the impossibly old, incredibly powerful, and hopefully future father-in-law he was trying so hard to impress.