Single for Eternity

Tauriel tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that? Love?"

Her gaze narrowed, suspicion laced in her voice. "What kind of affinity is that supposed to be?"

The woman rolled her eyes dramatically and waved Tauriel’s hands away in mock offense. "Oh please," she said with a huff. "Do you really think the only affinities in the world are the conventional ones? Fire, water, lightning, ice, earth, darkness, light—blah, blah, blah?"

Tauriel shrugged nonchalantly. "Well... yeah, kind of. Isn’t that like common knowledge and sense?"

With a groan, the woman smacked her own forehead. "No. No, no, no. The world is not that limited. There are affinities beyond what you can even name—things older than fire, deeper than shadow. Entire categories that transcend elemental definitions. There are affinities so abstract, people can’t even begin to understand or name them."

Her tone dropped, quiet and almost haunted, as if she’d brushed against something best left forgotten. Tauriel didn’t miss the subtle shift, the flicker of fear that ghosted over Leiruat’s face—but she didn’t press further. Not yet.

Crossing her arms, Tauriel changed the subject. "Then... what’s my rank in the tapestry?"

The woman tapped a finger on her lips, her expression thoughtful. "Hard to say. But if you can understand and name your affinity, it’s likely a medium-tier rank. The higher-tier ones are usually so alien they can’t even be consciously grasped."

Tauriel gave a single nod. That was more than enough for now. The idea that she was awakened, had an affinity, and it wasn’t a conventional one—it filled her with resolve. All she wanted was to grow stronger. And of course take her sweet revenge.

Still, one question lingered. "Why do I have to choose one method of emission? You mentioned earlier that I had two options, but can’t I train both?"

Tauriel clicked her tongue, expression darkening. "Because of efficiency. Your aether will naturally lean toward one method—emission or internal circulation. If you try to force both, it creates conflict."