Oasis rushed forward and embraced her sister finally, as a relief washed over him. Elora had done what she needed to do. She had also done a good deed along the process. All the fatigue from the journey and magic came crashing down. She had felt weak since her widespread healing. but she had pushed herself to be fine and get her work done. Now, as the tension had eased, the aftereffects came crashing down. She could feel it as her muscles loosened, her forehead slightly gaining heat and the shiver she was feeling. It seems she would be bedridden for a while this time.
Oasis, who had been on constant alert all this time, finally felt a wave of relaxation wash over him. He could see that his sister had exhausted herself. The tired face said everything, but her gaze glowed of her overflowing love for him. Oasis knew his sister's unconditional love for him. He felt the same for her. After all. He was aware of the love and affection she poured on to him. Strong, gentle, affectionate, sometimes even wild. She gave him only her best, and he was quite proud of it. Her love only made his own for her grow.
There were many around them who probably longed for an outpour of affection like the one he received. Some might have even longed for her specifically. And Oasis knew that fact well. He felt even more joyful as the envious eyes looked longingly at those affectionate pair of eyes. Perhaps it was crazy how she did not expect anything, not even love in return.
He was different, though. He demanded love in return. If not love, even hatred would do anything for that gaze. He saw that one time devoid of affection, no recognition. There was neither hatred nor love. He had been the only witness that one time. His young sister, whose powers had just awakened, as she was in a trance, had nothing to the gaze, only an emptiness and a cold frozen expression. That often became his biggest fear in times when he got caught into a whirlwind of anxiety and fear. This time his sister had left, for Alliet was one such moment. He couldn't help but be reminded that it was all OK now. She was back, safe and sound. No injury, no trance, no emptiness. Only his beautiful mother, his strong sister, and all of his life.
But he felt an unknown fear for a moment. For just a moment, maybe too long.