Ilea waited for the water to boil as she stood in the kitchen. Kyrian and Aliana were glued to the projection of a pub scene. Despite the significant language barrier, they were invested. She assumed her translations helped at least somewhat. Forgot how slow the Fellowship was at the beginning. Looking down at the phone in her hands, she frowned. There were a few texts, but really nothing that suggested she had vanished for so many years. She didnt have service anymore of course, but Mark had given her the wifi password. She went through her contacts, hardly feeling anything when she looked at the old acquaintances. Few of them she had even considered friends. Perhaps at Uni, she had told herself. She supposed there was a reason she didnt much mind staying in the Azarinth temple for so many months, entirely alone. And now look at you. A magic tree and an elven soul copy put on a dagger. Moving up in the world. She smiled to herself, stopping her scrolling when she reached the name of her dad. He hadnt texted her. Her mom had, three of the texts asking for money and the fourth calling her an ungrateful daughter. There were two notifications suggesting she had blocked, then unblocked her again. She opened the chat with her dad and saw the old messages. It felt strange. So much had happened, and yet it hurt that he hadnt even tried to reach her. She also knew she wouldnt have wanted it another way back then. She had wanted independence, and he had encouraged it. She wouldve claimed this was the way it should be. But at the same time, she remembered Jennifer, how she had greeted Cless after all this time. Torben, who had gone to prison because he had fought to find his daughter. She was her own person. And she had learned early that she could do whatever she wanted. On her own, or with others. And by now, she could admit that. A lot has happened, she thought and pressed the button to call. She didnt even know if he had the same number, and if the app even still worked. She hadnt updated it. And yet it rang. A click. Loud rock n roll music. Ilea! Ghosts do call! Let me get out of here. One minute! She gulped. Youre a fucking dragonslayer. Ilea sighed and relaxed against the counter, hearing a crack from the metal lining. She smiled. Hey, dad. Been a while. Howve you been? Busy! Well. Sometimes not well, you know how it goes, he said, the background noise much quieter now. Had a gig on the weekend. Never seen a light show like that, it was downright magical. The crowd loved it, I tell you. Good thing I let Pucky stay at Ralfs, she wouldve lost her mind. He laughed. Sounds exciting, Ilea said. Ah, you shouldve been there. Were off to Mexico next week, and then Brazil. Hey, listen, Jennys calling. I gotta take this. You know how she gets when I let her wait, he said and laughed again. Call me later? Who knows, Ilea said. He laughed. All grown up. Love you! Ilea didnt answer. She waited and then heard a click. The water was done. She prepared the coffees and sighed, drinking from the mug. You alright? Kyrian asked. The movie was paused, the remote in his hand. She smiled. No. But its fine. Just need some time. He stood up and walked over. Are you sure? I dont think Ive seen you like this since you know. Go sit down. And take these with you, Ilea said and smiled, handing over the mugs. Im a grown woman. He nodded and took the mugs. Ilea heard the keys in the door before Mark entered, nearly stumbling as he balanced the six bags he held. She sipped from her coffee, knowing full well not to offer any help to the stubborn trainer. He walked into the kitchen and set them down. All in one go, he said with a proud tone and looked at her. He changed into a stance and air boxed at her face, his fist stopping a few inches in front of her. Ilea Spears. I can still tell when youre in your head. Focus. She smiled at him. Careful, old man. I can snap you in two. Like a twig. But you wont, he said and grinned. Need anything? I would suggest a bout, but I dont think I qualify anymore, he said. Called someone? he asked, glancing at the phone in her hand. Oh, I see, he said. I did buy an assortment of spirits. But Id wager youd rather have some pizza. Frozen oven pizza? she asked with a brow raised. Ilea smiled. I wouldnt say no, old man. Knew that would get you, Mark said and punched her arm. God. Its like metal, he said and turned on the oven. Did you break the counter? Dont wear the ring! Kyrian near shouted. Dont worry about the counter, Ilea, Mark said. I think Ive come to a decision. You know. A gym is nice and all. But teleportation and healing magic? I do think I want some of that. As difficult a new start its going to be. Let alone leaving everything behind, he said and sighed. She grinned. Youll rise up in no time. Your Sentinels too. I dont know everything you did back there, but theyre a fierce bunch. I think just seeing them lit something in me. As if Im twenty years younger. With the same frail old body, she said. Hardly frail. And still, I hear that doesnt matter with body enhancement spells. I suppose thats true, she said and drank from her mug. Already thinking like a Sentinel. We all experience and inspire, he said and nodded to the projection on the wall. Lord of the Rings? Mark said. Ill take care of the pizzas. Ilea smiled. Thanks. She took in a deep breath and drank from her coffee. I suddenly feel ten years younger too. And twenty years older at the same time. She grabbed the bags and joined the others, starting to sort through everything, occasionally handing something to Kyrian and Aliana to try, the two entirely overstimulated from the movie coupled with Earthen sweets. Ilea leaned back and smiled, still feeling a little surreal with her return to Earth. And now she was watching movies with Kyrian and Aliana. They found that Meditation helped with the twenty four frames per second issue considering their vastly improved perception. Mark soon brought over the pizza. Not exactly what youd get in Naples, but she more so enjoyed the dash of nostalgia that came with cheap oven pizza. The large man sat down next to her and smiled. Do body enhancements change caloric intake as well? Ive eaten a lot, if that answers your question, Ilea said. Infinite magical cheat days? he asked. Thats just a lean in to your monologue about discipline, she countered. He raised a piece of pizza. You know me too well. She winked and opened a bottle of tequila. Not quite the same level of poison anymore, she thought and drank. She still preferred ale. And coffee.
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