Theon caught the scent of fresh Bread and Curry. Elara had a woven basket with her.
"It's been a while since we've been on a picnic, just the two of us, right?"
She spoke while opening the basket. The ocean and cliffs surrounded Vermaris. These cliffs provide an excellent view of the city. They laid a blanket on the grass and started laying out the food. The basket was filled with Bread, Curry, fried potatoes, eggs, and juice. Guess they managed to secure all the supplies.
"It was all thanks to Veryn's quick connections. I swear, she has a talent for delivery and negotiation."
Elara spoke while buttering a bread slice. Her amethyst eyes sparkled, momentarily mesmerizing him. Elara genuinely enjoyed everything life had to offer.
"I know you are strict about nutrients for your body. But I thought you might like this curry. My mother taught me this recipe."
Theon took a slice of bread and started eating it with the curry. Then he ate another. And another. Elara watched in amusement.
"Guess you like it. Though this is the first time I've seen a prince eat with his bare hands.
Hearing what she said, Theon chuckled.
"Same goes for you, greatest magical prodigy of this era. Honestly, is there anything you can't do?"
She gave a nostalgic smile. She took a deep breath as if considering something and then spoke.
"We always knew you might be some noble from a big family. But I never expected you to be him. And I can't believe I didn't recognize you. You have changed so much from back then."
Theon sighed.
"People change. And it's a good thing. That means they are growing. I'm sure I will change even more in the future as well."
Theon replied. And something clicked.
"From back then? Have we met before?"
Elara smiled.
"It was years ago. And we barely talked, but yeah. I met you twice. Once, when I visited the Ignisborn kingdom when I was 10"
"My father wanted me to build a connection with the avatar candidate. He took me to the Ignisborn kingdom to meet with Lady Thalia. On my way, you were practicing spearmanship in the garden. We never talked, though. You were so focused that you never realized what was going on around you."
Theon scratched the side of his face awkwardly. Back then, nothing was more important to him than proving his worth. He exhaled.
"I was a bit naive back then. I had a lot of shackles back then."
She nodded.
"I was different back then, too. I looked down on less talented people. I never understood why they would try so hard when it's pointless. I'm not really proud of those days. I only saw another person, trying hard pointlessly. So, I ignored you and kept walking."
She gave a sad smile.
"Theon, I saw you again 2 years ago. During your sudden rise to fame. You looked different, almost like you became a different person."
"Here it comes", Theon thought. She must've realized the differences between me and Adrian.
"You were confident, calculated, always a few steps ahead. You defeated me completely in the true dragon tournament. You defeated the avatars. It was pretty amazing."
"But I felt that it was natural. That version of you looked like he was a genius who could accomplish anything he set his mind to. People like that always exist. So, it was nothing interesting for me.
Elara then looked him in the eye.
"And now here you are again. Different from both times. And much more reckless. And because of you, I changed, too."
"Theon, I'm the daughter of an archmage who brings miracles to life. I've seen it all. And despite all of it, you are the most interesting person I have ever met. And I want to get to know you more."
Theon was speechless. He didn't think Elara would be so direct. Seeing it, Elara smiled. It's rare to see Theon surprised. She got up after eating.
"We can pick this up at the academy. I have to make some preparations and convince my father. You are the catalyst who changed the future of Vermaris. Countless people owe their lives to you. Despite what people think, if Ignisborn thinks, despite what your parents think, you are a hero. Always remember that"
Theon laughed. Then he moved closer to her and whispered.
"If you're that curious about me, then I'll be happy to let you find out. But just to be warned, I am really obsessive. And you might end up getting addicted to me."
Elara scoffed.
"Do you say that to all other women?"
"Only the ones I genuinely like. And so far, there's only one such person."
Saying this, he started heading towards Vermaris while holding her hand. On their way, they saw parents playing with their children. Among them, one scene made him smile. An orange-haired girl was playing with her parents while laughing. He muttered to himself.
"One step at a time. I will change everything that happened in that damned novel and in Adrian's timeline"
Elara saw it too... and smiled.
There was something she had never told him. Before joining the Bloodwolf party, she had seen him one more time. At least a forgotten version of him in a different life. She thought they were just dreams until they kept returning. Again, and again. After that, Elara realized they were memories from a forgotten timeline.
The first timeline, when he sacrificed himself to save his comrades. To save her and made his last stand against the demon god Amarion.
"Forgive me, Elara. I wasted years dedicating my life to the wrong people, when the person who mattered most to me was always by my side. I really wish I had met you earlier."
"If there's a next life, I hope I get to build a life with you."
With that, he kissed her forehead and stood up. His piercing red eyes turned blue. His entire body was surrounded by white flames. His spear was engulfed in emerald color flames. Despite Elara's crying and begging, he gave her a smile and started walking towards the approaching entity.
"Great primordial who governs fate since the dawn of creation. The lonely maiden who keeps the chaos at bay while weaving stories, hear my plea."
"Grant me that of which I'm destined to wield when my flame burns brightest within your pages."
"Accept that which was precious and accompanied me throughout my journey, which I shall sacrifice in your name."
"I shall sacrifice my Ignisborn bloodline and my remaining lifespan in your name, great goddess. Grant me the power I shall inherit in my prime."
Remembering this scene, Elara sighed.
"Right," she whispered to herself. "One step at a time... We'll rewrite the ending this time."