Chapter 3: The Realm Beyond

The air here was different—thicker, charged with energy that hummed just beneath the surface. Eadric stumbled as he took in the world around him, his eyes wide with disbelief. It was like something out of a fantasy book: towering trees with bark that shimmered like silver, creatures darting in and out of sight through the thick foliage, and mountains in the distance, their peaks swirling with clouds that crackled with faint lightning. A strange bird with three wings flew overhead, letting out a sharp, haunting cry that echoed across the vast field.

As we made our way through the enchanting forest, the air filled with the scent of unfamiliar blossoms and the sounds of distant creatures, Eadric glanced at me, curiosity evident in his eyes.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence, “you mentioned something about me being your student. What exactly does that mean?”

I continued walking, my gaze steady on the path ahead. “Thou art gifted with the potential to wield the ancient magic that I guard. In this realm, I shall teach thee the ways of true magic, a skill long-lost to thy world. Thou must learn to harness this power, understand its depth, and use it wisely.”

Eadric nodded, then looked at me with a puzzled expression. “Alright, I get that part. But where are you from? The way you speak—it’s kind of strange.”

I considered his question thoughtfully. “I am from a time long past, from a place where the old magic thrived. The way I speak is a remnant of that era. While I dwelt in the heavens, I studied the histories of humankind, observing how they lived and spoke. It is curious to me that thou dost not speak as thy ancestors once did.”

Eadric raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying this is how people used to talk? It’s kind of old-fashioned, isn’t it?”

I nodded. “Indeed. It is the language of the past, and it seems strange to me that it has faded. I find it intriguing that the manner of speech has changed so much while the essence of magic has been lost.”

As we continued through the forest, we emerged into a clearing where a charming cottage sat nestled among a garden bursting with vibrant flowers, herbs, and vegetables. The garden was alive with color and the gentle hum of bees. Eadric stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening as he took in the scene. He murmured softly, “Beautiful.”

I glanced at him, a hint of approval in my gaze. “So, thou findest this place beautiful. That is good, for we shall be staying here during thy training.”

I nodded. “In a way. In the past, there was a human who taught me much about the nature of good and evil within humanity. This human possessed an open mind and great magical power, yet chose to reside in a place such as this.”

Eadric furrowed his brow. “What happened to her?”

I paused, searching my memories. “I am not quite certain. My recollections of her are unclear, and I do not remember her appearance distinctly. She simply vanished from my knowledge.”

We approached the cottage, its wooden walls adorned with creeping ivy and blooming flowers. “But for now,” I said, “this shall be our home and the center of thy training. Come, let us enter and prepare for what is to come.”

Inside the cottage, Eadric took in the quaint, old-fashioned decor and glanced out at the lush garden. He seemed puzzled and asked, “So, this is where the training’s going to happen?”

I nodded, arranging some magical tools on the table. “Aye, this place shall serve well for thy training. It is well-suited for our work and provides all that we need.”

Eadric looked around with growing confusion. “Alright, but where’s the grocery store? The shops? Restaurants?”

I tilted my head, slightly bemused. “We have no need of such things here. The garden doth provides vegetables, herbs, and fruits. We have hunting grounds for additional sustenance. All that we require is at hand.”

Eadric sighed, clearly frustrated. “You wouldn’t understand. Fast food—it’s a staple of modern life. Quick and convenient. Maybe one day, I’ll show you what it’s like. It’s a whole different experience.”

I regarded him with curiosity. “What is this ‘fast food’ thou speakest of? And why dost thou sigh so?”

He shrugged with a small smile. “It’s a part of the modern world that’s hard to explain. But don’t worry about it now. Maybe someday, I can introduce you to some of the wonders of my world.”

After our discussion, I noticed Eadric’s weariness from the journey and the day’s events. The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the garden and the cottage.

“’Tis best we take our rest now,” I suggested, guiding him towards the cottage’s interior. “I have heard that humans require rest to be at their best. The dimension’s day and night cycle shall provide us with the necessary time for recuperation.”

Eadric nodded, clearly relieved at the prospect of rest. “Yeah, I could use a break. This day has been... a lot.”

We settled into a comfortable arrangement within the cottage. The warmth of the hearth provided a soothing backdrop as we prepared for the night. I observed him with interest, noting his need for sleep and the way he prepared himself for it.

“Rest well, Eadric,” I said softly as he began to drift off. “Tomorrow, we shall begin thy training in earnest. This dimension’s cycle shall serve as a guide, and we shall make the most of each day.”

As the cottage grew quiet and the night deepened, I kept watch for a while, reflecting on the coming days and the path ahead for both of us in this new and wondrous world.

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