The hours slipped by, and the scene was set in a bathroom that seemed to belong to another time. Cihan, dressed in a flowing azure gown, tended to Kaja's wounds with a mixture of focus and ease. The room was imbued with the earthy aroma of herbs, lending an air of ancient healing to the moment.

Cihan's gaze met Kaja's in the mirror, her reflection mirroring the concentration she devoted to her task. "You're healing just fine, Kaja. Don't worry too much," she chimed in, her voice carrying a hint of playful reassurance.

Kaja's tired eyes met his own reflection, and he managed a small, tired smile. "Well, I guess my human self isn't as tough as an elf's," he replied, a touch of self-deprecation in his words.

Cihan's eyes sparkled as she dipped a cloth into the herbal water, her movements practiced and sure. "You're not giving yourself enough credit," she remarked, dabbing the cloth onto his wounds with a gentle touch.

The sting of a particularly sensitive spot drew a brief grimace from Kaja. His gaze met Cihan's through the mirror, his brows furrowed. "Do you have to be so thorough?" he quipped, his voice laced with a mix of discomfort and amusement.

Cihan's melodious laughter filled the air, a light and airy sound that held a warmth of familiarity. "Sorry, Kaja. It's my healer instincts kicking in," she replied, her eyes dancing with mirth.

As Cihan continued her ministrations, the atmosphere took on a more contemplative air. Kaja's voice broke the quiet, his words revealing a vulnerability he rarely displayed. "Cihan, is it really alright for you to choose me as your partner?" he asked, a thread of uncertainty woven into his tone.

Cihan's hands stilled for a moment, her eyes meeting Kaja's gaze with a mixture of surprise and understanding. "Why wouldn't it be?" she inquired softly, her expression open and curious.

Kaja's fingers toyed with the edge of his blanket, his gaze shifting away momentarily. "The age difference, for one. I mean, it's quite significant," he admitted, a hint of unease coloring his words.

Cihan's smile was gentle, her eyes holding a depth of wisdom that only came with centuries of life experience. "Age gaps are common among us elves, Kaja. It's a perspective that differs from the human experience," she explained, her voice carrying a soothing reassurance.

Kaja met Cihan's gaze again, his features softening as her words began to dissolve his doubts. "I guess I'm just not used to it. But with you... it's different," he admitted, a vulnerability in his eyes that mirrored the bared wounds on his body.

Cihan's touch grew tender as she resumed her task, her eyes locked onto his through the mirror. "Different can be good, Kaja. Sometimes, it's those differences that create the most beautiful connections," she replied softly, her fingers moving with deliberate care.

As their conversation ebbed and flowed, Kaja's doubts seemed to fade like morning mist. The space between them, adorned with vulnerability and understanding, felt more intimate than any grand gesture. The bonds they were forging extended beyond the physical healing, weaving a tapestry of emotions that was uniquely theirs.

And in the midst of it all, as Cihan's hands worked their magic, Kaja's heart began to unfurl, embracing the unfamiliar terrain of his feelings. It was a dance of vulnerability and acceptance, a silent agreement that defied the boundaries of time and circumstance.

Bathed in the sun's warm embrace, the plaza sprawled out like a reborn canvas. Kaja's dressed up in those fancy jade and orange threads, and Cihan's got her simple cyan dress, both blending into the scene.

As they stood there, watching the hustle and bustle of people working together to rebuild, Kaja couldn't help but smile and nod as folks waved and said their hellos. It's like they're all part of something bigger, a big puzzle coming together.

But what really caught Kaja's attention was Cihan, over there, surrounded by a bunch of kids. Their laughter hit him like a wave, reminding him of Ciara, Cihan's mom. That's when he pulled out his pipe, remembering how Ciara would tell him to take a puff and clear his head.

The scent of tobacco mixed with the air, and Kaja's lips curled into a soft smile. It's amazing how memories can be triggered by the simplest things. He turned to Cihan, feeling a bit sentimental. "You know, it's funny. Kids' laughter and the smell of this pipe—it's like time can't wipe those away."

Cihan's eyes followed his gaze, and she sighed with a hint of nostalgia. "Yeah, it's like we're connected to all those who came before us."

With a nod, Kaja agreed, his eyes kinda far away, like he's seeing something from the past. "Exactly, it's these little things that tie us to where we've been."

The scene before them was like a painting, mixing memories with the here and now. And Kaja couldn't help but laugh softly. "Life's like a tapestry, woven together by all these moments."

Cihan grinned, nudging him playfully. "Who knew you had such poetic moments in you?"

Kaja's eyes twinkled, and he shrugged casually. "Guess you bring out the philosopher in me."

And there they were, just standing together, surrounded by the sounds of kids and the aroma of tobacco, feeling the threads of time weave through their own moments.

Cihan's playful nudge turned into a soft poke on his arm. "You know, maybe put that pipe away for now. We're in a kid-friendly zone."

Kaja looked at the pipe, then back at Cihan, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, you're right. I got carried away."

With a teasing smile, Cihan motioned for him to hand it over. "Come on, give it here."

Kaja surrendered the pipe, watching as Cihan carefully put it somewhere safe. "I never thought I'd see the day when the great Kaja would give up his pipe for a bunch of kids."

Cihan chuckled, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Times change, my friend."

As they turned their attention back to the kids, Kaja couldn't help but agree. Times do change, and maybe that's not such a bad thing after all. The laughter of children and the warmth of the sun were enough to remind him that there's beauty in the simple moments, even for a seasoned warrior like him.

Back at the castle, the three of them strolled into the garden, where Orchid sat sipping her tea, her gaze fixed on the slowly recovering greenery that had weathered the battle's aftermath.

Kaja and Cihan settled at the table, the worn stone cool against their skin. The tea's fragrant steam mingled with the faint scent of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of tranquil introspection.

Orchid's gaze shifted from the garden to them, her eyes carrying a depth of curiosity and respect. "You know, Kaja, I've always wondered—how did you manage to endure it all?"

Kaja's fingers gently curled around the cup of tea Orchid poured for him. He took a sip, relishing the soothing warmth before meeting Orchid's gaze. "It wasn't easy, that's for certain."

Cihan nodded, her expression contemplative. "He's been through more than anyone can imagine."

Orchid's gaze remained steady, her curiosity undiminished. "But how did it all begin? How did you become the renowned knight and hero you are today?"

Kaja leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the garden's gentle transformation. The memories stirred within him, a tapestry woven from battles won, sacrifices made, and friendships forged.

"It all started with a journey," he began, his voice a quiet reflection of the past. "A journey to find my purpose, my place in a world that seemed unforgiving."

The scene morphed into the past, vivid and vibrant, capturing the elegance of Eldoria.

Amidst the city's energy, Kaja's unique presence stood out. His attire, an intriguing blend of human and elven elements, set him apart. Xero, the black horse, stood regal and mysterious, its sleek coat catching the sunlight like a mesmerizing shadow. The horse seemed almost magical, mirroring the enigma surrounding Kaja and his connection with it.

Kaja and Ciara tended to Xero with an unspoken understanding. Their touches were gentle, brimming with gratitude and respect. Kaja's eyes spoke volumes, filled with admiration for Ciara's care and the Elder's gift of Xero.

Speaking of the horse, Kaja's voice held a reverent tone, "Xero was a gift from the Elf Elder himself. A creature of unmatched beauty and strength." His words dripped with gratitude, revealing how honored he felt to have such a majestic companion.

The bond among Kaja, Ciara, and Xero was palpable. Their movements synchronized, as if they shared an unbreakable connection. Kaja's fingers caressed Xero's coat with tenderness, echoing the care he had for both the horse and Ciara.

Back in the present, Kaja continued his tale, drawing Orchid and Cihan into the story. Orchid's eyes widened as she grasped the significance of Xero's origin. The horse's strength was a testament to its source—the Elf Elder himself.

As Kaja unveiled the link between Xero and Ciara, Orchid's curiosity deepened. She prodded gently, eager to uncover more about the enigmatic woman in Kaja's story. His gaze flickered to Cihan, their eyes locking, a silent acknowledgment of their profound connection.

With a contented sip of tea, Kaja resumed. His words flowed, a river of memories narrating his journey through Eldoria's bustling streets. Each step was a puzzle piece forming the picture of his current role.

Orchid's own memory stirred, recalling her experience with Kaja's healing skills. The realization added another layer to his identity, emphasizing his abilities not only as a knight but also as a skilled healer.

As the flashback rolled on, the scene shifted to a modest house—the memory etched deep within Kaja. Knocking on the door, he greeted Agya with familiarity, "Hey, Agya. Awake and stirring, are you?"