Altered Timelime

FeA few years have gone by since Arvian passed the Academy Exam.

Arvian relaxed in his chair, one leg hanging over the other. He sipped his tea, feeling the warmth of the cup on his face, a nice contrast to the cold around him. His loose white shirt, sleeves rolled up, caught the orange light of the sunset, glowing like scattered gold. The sunset outside looked wild, more like a fire consuming the sky than just the end of the day.

As he sat there, with his legs crossed, he enjoyed another sip of tea. The steam wrapped around him, bringing a little warmth that felt good for a moment. The golden-orange light flowed through the window, covering him like honey spilled on paper. The earthy smell of the tea kept him focused on the here and now.

In the background, waves crashed against the shore, their sound calming like a gentle song in the quiet evening.

But his heart was far away, resting by a tree next to a river, swaying lightly in the breeze.