"Chime—" The silver earring rang softly in the wind as the masked figure slowly flew backward...
"That's..." Achill stared blankly at the masked man falling backward, then at the gently swaying silver earring. His mind went blank for a moment. During that brief lapse, the masked man's body abruptly vanished in midair, only to reappear behind Achill—
The instant that strange fluctuation of magic stirred behind him again, Achill snapped out of his daze. Sensing it, the corners of his lips lifted into a relieved smile. Without turning his head, he raised his right hand and reached back, gently closing his fingers...
Smack... With the crisp, faint sound of fist meeting palm, Achill caught a powerful fist firmly in his right hand!
"It's been a long time..." He slowly turned around, smiling at the upright figure standing in the air behind him just as he was! Looking into the two eyes exposed by the mask, Achill smiled with sheer happiness and joy. He slowly reached out with his left hand and gently removed the mask without the other man trying to dodge. Gazing at that familiar yet unfamiliar smiling face, Achill said softly, "My brother, Doranbolt..."
At those words, Doranbolt slowly opened his clenched right hand and clasped the hand holding it tightly. His lips lifted of their own accord, and he reached out with his left hand to slap Achill's solid right shoulder twice. He raised his head slightly, the silver earring on his left ear swaying in the breeze, sending clear, pleasant chimes drifting through the air. Doranbolt smiled. "At last, I've found you. Eight years. It's been eight years, and today, I finally get to see you again, Achill Ogutins! My..."
"Brother..."
A brotherly bond passed between their tightly clasped hands. Even though the years had turned