"That's interesting. You were only gone for three seconds, yet not only are you covered in damp vapor, you also smell strongly of a very distinctive perfume."
That was the first thing Shade heard after stepping out of the White Mist Gate with two leaves clenched in his hand. Leisha, holding Little Mia, was still standing in front of the door. Apart from a slight change in her expression, she looked exactly as she had when she saw Shade off.
She wrinkled her nose, smiling.
"Yes, my sense of smell wasn't wrong. It really is perfume. Judging from the scent, its owner is somewhat older, very confident in herself, and quite wealthy."
She wrinkled her nose again.
"High status and great authority."
Shade had no idea how she had drawn so many conclusions from a perfume scent alone. Perhaps royal princesses were especially sensitive in such matters, but that ability was a little too miraculous.
"It was Miss Violet, the one I mentioned before. You know, the Witch Emperor of the Fifth Epoch."
Leisha pursed her lips.
"Shade, it seems your latest time adventure involved another very interesting story. What is that in your hand? No, I'm not talking about the leaves. I mean that ring."
She had noticed Shade's clenched hand. Shade opened his palm, allowing the golden Ring of Power to rest there.
The years left their marks upon all mortal things. The once smooth, shining ring now possessed the weight of history. Miss Violet must have cast some secret art upon it to prevent it from being corroded by air, but such mortal methods were worthless before the immense power of time.
The once gleaming golden ring had now become dark and tarnished, bringing another wave of melancholy to Shade.
"You've added another item to your collection.