The Meeting Which Began All

Elder Aldis' words reverberated through the chapel bringing back the various memories to the couple. To Oliver, they were bitter and embarrassing while to Sigrid they were irritating and yet a bit intriguing. 

Without thinking too much Sigrid blurted out. "I wonder, what was he doing for all these years after the graduation."She then turned her toned body to Oliver and added in a hopeful voice. "Oli, what do you think? Could he have changed?"

Oliver looked at his charming wife with hidden pain behind his blue eyes. To Oliver, Jerome has been a headache and the only person who would get under his skin so easily. Even though usually Oliver had nerves of steel and did not let emotions influence him too much, Jerome was the only one in Oliver's age group who tried and managed to get Oliver to lose his cool. 

Oliver crunched up his fists and answered his wife's seemingly innocent question. "Honestly, I don't want to believe that he has changed. Because then I will have to reevaluate him. And he is one of the few people I don't really want to change my beliefs about." 

Sigrid tilted her head, letting it gently fall to rest against her shoulder and poked her rosy cheek with her slender pinky finger. "I see... Oli… Even after all these years he still bears quite a bit of grudge against him and maybe I'm one of the reasons." Sigrid mused to herself. Indeed, Sigrid's persistence to jump into every conflict and protect Oliver was one of the big reasons for him not being able to move forward. After leaving on his journey with Sigrid Oliver often thought about not being able to stand up to Jerome by himself and defeat him fair and square. Even if he more often than not defeated Jerome while teaming up with Sigrid, Oliver did not really feel like he defeated him by himself. Jerome would also use this and mock Oliver by pointing out to him that he is nothing without his little girlfriend.

Sigrid gracefully stepped closer to Oliver, took both of his arms and pulled him to her chest which surprised Oliver. She then sweetly and encouragingly smiled at him. "Oli, look at the bright side, this is a good chance for you to finally prove yourself. After all… You improved above and beyond during the last 7 years." Sigrid cheered Oliver on and quickly pecked him on the lips.

This put a bright smile on Oliver's handsome face. "Thank you, Sigrid." Oliver quietly whispered to Sigrid and then hugged her captivating body which radiated with supporting warmth.

As the couple was enjoying their precious moment Elder Aldis was beginning to feel like he was completely forgotten by them. Wanting to interrupt he started coughing in a fake awkward way. "cough cough ah ah um ahem, excuse me you love birds. This old man is still here you know." Elder Aldis grabbed their attention causing the blushed couple to separate their bodies and then continued. "I have heard that you had some problems with the Bigge's boy, but he grew into a fine man. I'm sure you'll be fine." The elder laughed. "Oh, and you have to leave in an hour, he will wait for you at the east gate." Elder Aldis added in a flat tone.

"What?" Oliver and Sigrid turned to Elder Aldis at the same time indignation running through their eyes. "Why didn't you say that earlier you geezer." Sigrid angrily spat out towards the poor old man. As Sigrid was about to complain even more Oliver took her left arm which had the relic finger on and pulled the howling Sigrid out of the chapel.

As Elder Aldis looked at their retreating backs with a deep gaze he murmured under his breath. "You two will survive this... I trust you..." He then slumped onto his throne and closed his eyes.

Sigrid and Oliver swiftly returned to Oliver's home, where they lived now. They got some food with supplies for the journey and headed to the east gate. They passed the lively streets of the Guild City attracting the attention of the passerby. As they moved towards the outskirts and closer to the east gate the couple started feeling a mix of emotions.

As the east gate appeared on the horizon both of them noticed a tall or rather huge dark man standing near the Gate. He looked taller and way more bulkier than they remembered. He stood proudly clothed in fur west which revealed his muscular physique and gave him a wild look. Looking completely different compared to the normal mages of the guild, there stood Oliver's nemesis Jerome. As he noticed them approaching he looked at them with his piercing dark eyes, his mouth rising into a small smile.

Catching Jerome's gaze and noticing his small smile the couple felt apprehensive but without hesitation, they continued moving towards him. Oliver started burning up with anger mixed with a sprinkle of jealousy, while Sigrid felt her body warming up, her heartbeat increasing. Noticing her body react strangely Sigrid took hold of Oliver's hand and squeezed it strongly. 

Oliver turned towards his beautiful Sigrid's face appreciating her mesmerizing beauty and while looking into her emerald eyes swore to himself. "I will prove to you... and myself… that I'm better than him."