Within the confines of a certain garden, a cross-legged figure sat in silence. Light snow fell from the sky, blanketing his figure. The young man had his eyes closed, his expression calm and indifferent.
It appeared as if he was meditating.
Time passed, one small snowflake at a time.
…Eventually, a soft cry broke the idyllic scene.
The young man's figure twitched. A moment later, a black blur slammed into him.
Opening his sole eye, Alden greeted Ignia with a warm smile.
'How are you, little one?'
He gently stroked her head.
The little phoenix nuzzled his finger, responding with a burst of infectious excitement.
'Yes, yes. I'm happy to see you too.'
He chuckled.
Satisfied, Ignia then proceeded to lie on his lap, making herself comfortable.
