As they stepped through the shimmering gate, a new vista unfolded before Aerion's eyes. The Gate of Suryasthirh was nestled beside an ancient temple, and another towering Giant stood guard, this one exuding a distinctly traditional High Elven aura. He recognized Vivienne and greeted her with a respectful bow, "Welcome back, Ojaswini."
Vivienne nodded, her expression serene, as if such a greeting was to be expected. Aerion, however, couldn't help but wonder about the name "Ojaswini." Was it a nickname? Her true name in her homeland? Judging by her calm demeanor, it didn't seem to bother her, so he decided to keep his curiosity to himself for the moment.
Exiting the temple grounds, Aerion saw that the temple was the heart of a sprawling city. As he had read in the tomes back in Sangrael, the architecture was strikingly different. Houses crafted from beautifully carved stone replaced the familiar wooden structures. Temples and serene spiritual gathering areas dotted the landscape.
The elves of Suryasthirh were also distinct. Their skin possessed a warm, brownish tone, and they wore elegant garments that reminded Aerion of the saris from his previous world, yet with subtle, graceful differences he couldn't quite articulate. They moved with ease and comfort in their attire. He surmised their skin tone was likely due to Suryasthirh's close proximity to the sun, which appeared enormous in the sky.
Aerion's curiosity finally bubbled over. He tugged on Vivienne's hand and looked up at her. "Mom… why did that giant call you Ojaswini? Isn't your name Vivienne?"
Vivienne chuckled softly and patted his head. "Because Ojaswini is my real name, little one…"
"Then why does everyone, including Father, call you Vivienne?"
"Baby," she explained gently, "Vivienne is simply a common translation of Ojaswini that I started using it while living in Sangrael, even before I met your father. So, everyone has become accustomed to calling me Vivienne, and I don't really mind."
"I understand," Aerion said, though a thoughtful frown creased his brow. "But if I really think about it, Mom, I don't know much about you. You're quite mysterious, in a way."
Vivienne looked surprised by his observation. She placed her right hand on her chin, rubbing her index finger thoughtfully along its curve. A flicker of concern crossed Aerion's mind.
[Did I made her suspicious?]
He tried to appear innocent, but his genuine curiosity was a powerful force.
She gently ruffled his hair. "Well then," she said with a warm smile, "I will answer any question you have about me. But… you have to do something for me in return."
A challenge. Aerion considered this. It wasn't a bad deal at all. He could learn everything she was willing to share, without delay. "What do I have to do?" he asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.
Vivienne grinned, her usual playful expression returning. "Defeat me in a magic duel."
Aerion's eyes widened in disbelief. A magic duel? Against her? It seemed utterly absurd. He had witnessed her power firsthand – the teleportation spell, the devastating energy blast thing in the forest. Even Lysander's incredible speed seemed almost mundane in comparison. How could he, a child barely mastering the basics of this world, hope to defeat her? His shoulders slumped in immediate defeat.
"Awww, what happened? Lost motivation already, darling?" Vivienne teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Aerion didn't answer, simply pouting, which sent Vivienne into a fit of unrestrained laughter. Making fun of him was clearly one of her favorite pastimes. After a few minutes, she composed herself, took his hand, and began to walk through the streets of Suryasthirh. As they strolled along the tree-lined avenues, Aerion's eyes drank in the wonders he had only read about in Vivienne's scriptorium back in Sangrael. Suryasthirh was indeed a place where imagination seemed to take tangible form. Beautifully carved stone houses blended seamlessly with lush natural surroundings. Bustling market areas thrived, filled with street vendors and shops of all sizes, catering to every imaginable need – salons, public baths, even establishments Aerion recognized for more… adult pursuits.
Everything here seemed attuned to Shakith. He saw elves effortlessly wielding various forms of it, though light and sun-related magic were particularly prevalent, befitting the city's name – Land of the Stable Sun. Most High Elves possessed a warm brown skin tone, often complemented by striking silver hair and eyelashes. They were generally tall, many well over six feet, a stark contrast to the people of Sangrael. Almost everyone carried a weapon, a staff, or some kind of shimmering artifact. Aerion couldn't help but feel like the odd one out, even Vivienne, with her fairer complexion, blended in easily.
After a leisurely walk, Vivienne stopped before a grand mansion, its walls crafted from smooth, polished stones. The gate, made of rich maroon-colored wood, exuded an air of noble elegance. As they ascended the steps, Aerion's heart began to pound with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Vivienne looked at him, her smile warm and reassuring, and raised her hand towards the gate. It swung inward silently, as if responding to a whispered command imbued with paranh.
Aerion was astonished. He hadn't realized such intricate magic could be woven into everyday objects. Yet, as he pondered it, the underlying principle seemed similar to the parang based locks he had encountered before – incomplete magical information requiring a specific input to be unlocked, not unlike the security systems he remembered from his previous life.
As the gate opened, a High Elf with flowing silver hair, warm brown skin, a tall, statuesque figure, and dressed in authentic Suryasthirhian attire, emerged with a radiant smile and open arms. She walked straight towards Vivienne and enveloped her in a tight embrace, completely oblivious to Aerion's presence behind his mother. He couldn't really blame her; he was small, easily hidden. The woman rested her head affectionately on Vivienne's shoulder with hum sound of satisfaction while still in the embrace. "How are you, Ojaswini? It's been so long, short stack."
Vivienne playfully smacked her back. "Hey, sister! I came all the way back home after all these years, and this is how you greet me?"
"Aw, does someone have her little pride hurt? Huh?" The woman's eyes then fell upon Aerion, and her expression went blank for a fleeting second before returning to one of vibrant excitement. She pushed gently against Vivienne's shoulder, still holding her close. "Hey, Oja! Is this beautiful little child yours? Is he the Aerion?" Her voice was filled with joyous surprise. Vivienne looked at her and nodded commandingly, her own smile radiant.