Rhys clicked her tongue a bit, before moving over to one of the couches in the middle, falling onto it and groaning loudly. "Tired. Really, really tired. The Union just keeps asking so much of me…" The elf laughed lightly at Rhys' answer. "Well, you have responsibilities to bear as a Master of Magic. It should have been expected."
"But I don't want responsibility… I wanted to sit in my room all day, eating snacks and reading books." Rhys answered, lifting her head up a bit, pouting a bit. "But those old crooks just keep giving me tasks. I hate it!"
The elven woman shook her head gently, before looking over to us three. "And who are your companions? You rarely go out with other people." She asked, leaning slightly onto the table, resting her head onto her arms as she narrowed her eyes onto us a bit. I shed a slight sweat – hopefully we don't get into trouble here…
"They're from the guild in Ordial. I encountered them and decided to lead them here, since they were on an errand for—"
"Gidou?"
The elf cut Rhys off.
The mage lifted up her head before nodding lightly – then she buried it back into the couch again. The elf sighed before turning her attention back to us. "Please, take a seat."
For a moment, we stood there in silence. I exchanged a quick gaze with both Avy and Odale, before the three of us moved over to one of the other couches in the center, sitting down in it. Then, we turned our attention to the elf. "Thanks for the hospitality Miss…"
"Yerina. You can call me Yerina." She finished off my sentence, before leaning to the side, exhaling. "And please, no need for formalities or such politeness. I'd prefer that you speak to me as any other person."
"...Right."
Afterwards, Yerina looked around before picking up a small bag. "Some snacks perhaps?" As soon as she spoke up, Rhys was back up – and like lightning, bolted to Yerina, grabbing the bag before leaping back onto the couch she was on earlier, opening the bag before pulling out the cookies inside, munching on them – acting like a little kid that was just given their favourite food.
It was… A bit odd to see her acting like that.
Especially since she was supposedly one of the most impressive mages of the modern day.
Yerina laughed lightly. "Don't worry, I have more." She said, pulling out another bag before tossing over to us – Odale catching it, before handing it to me. "Right, Odale can't eat anything…" Looking at the bag, I eyed it for a moment, before looking at Avy. "Maybe you want some?"
Avy eyed it, before taking the bag and opening it - examining the treats inside it. Then, she closed her eyes. "Sure, I'll have some." She stated, picking one of the sweets in the bag up before eating it. Meanwhile I turned my attention back to Yerina, who now – somehow – had a teapot next to her, with a cup of tea in hands, sipping it.
She placed the cup back down after a moment, looking at us.
"So, you were sent by Gidou as I understand?"
"Ah, yeah- Yeah we were. He asked us to deliver something for him." I replied, reaching into my small bag before rummaging in it for a little bit, before pulling out the sealed letter Gidou had given us. Before I could even show it, the letter suddenly flew up and out from my hand, flying over to Yerina – who caught it, looking down at it. Then, she exhaled.
"That old wheezer… He really refuses to just come and see me directly." She stated, before placing the letter on the table. "I'll read it in a second, but first I wanted to know – who are you three? I don't believe I remember seeing you three around Ordial last time I was there."
"We are–"
"The last time you were in Ordial was five years ago." Rhys commented while stuffing her mouth full of the snacks she had taken from Yerina, looking a bit like a squirrel. Yerina laughed lightly. "Does the specific time frame really matter? Five years isn't really that long of a time."
"What the…?"
Elves live significantly longer than most other species – with a few elves even managing to reach a thousand years. Because of this lifespan, elves usually have a very…. Unique outlook on time and how it passes.
Right… I had forgotten that.
Guess it makes sense – If I was someone capable of living up to a thousand years, five years would probably feel like nothing in comparison. Rhys rolled her eyes, continuing to munch on her sweets.
I exhaled, looking at Yerina. "We are new adventurers. We signed up around a month ago now, I believe."
"I see…" Yerina then eyed the letter again before snickering. "Adventurers these days are so interesting… You're such newbies, yet Gidou already trusts you enough to send you to a place like this? What a spectacle."
"Well, we aren't exactly normal adventurers…"
One is a Supreme Lich, ex-dungeon boss, another is the daughter of a Goddess, and I'm a serpent pretending to be a human. We were probably the furthest thing from 'normal' newbie adventurers.
Yerina smiled, before snapping her fingers.
In an instant, a teapot with four teacups around appeared on the table in front of us – as well as several plates of all sorts of snacks: cookies, vegetables and fruit. "Please, don't be afraid to treat yourselves while I read the letter Gidou sent me." She stated, picking up the sealed envelope, opening it before taking out the paper inside and unfolding it.
I eyed Avy, who simply shrugged, placing the bag she had been munching on cookies from on the table and reaching for one of the teacups – pouring herself some of the tea.
I then looked at Odale, who was carefully eyeing the elf – observing her. "...What are you staring at her for?" I leaned in, whispering carefully. Odale remained silent for a moment, before moving his attention away, crossing his arms. "Nothing… It's just that her magical energy felt a bit… Familiar. That's all."
"Familiar? Is she maybe one of Odale's old companions–?"
Not probable.
Odale lived over two thousand years ago, while I estimate Miss Yerina to be a little over a hundred years old. Plus, Odale's old companions were all killed on that day when the Angels attacked.
If I had to take a guess, Yerina is most likely a descendant of one of his companions – since some of them were known to have partners and off spring.
Ah right…
Odale lost all of his companions and is the sole survivor from that day… But wait– wouldn't that also eliminate her being a descendant? After all, the entirety of the Kingdom of Ordial was destroyed.
Not exactly. While yes, his companions were all killed and the Kingdom destroyed, most of the partners from those companions had been moved to Tvarta at the time, in order to protect them.
In fact, before the calamity, the residents of the Kingdom were in the process of evacuation.
"...Let me guess, the Angels struck right as the evacuation began."
…That would be correct.
I knew that the tragedy had been bad, but I didn't realise it was that bad… Those Angels, they… They truly were ruthless – weren't they?
Odale shook his head gently, looking at me. "I'm sure it's nothing. Don't worry about it, Lord Faofa." I remained silent, eyeing the lich before nodding. "..Alright." I am sure Yerina would tell us more about who she was.
If she doesn't, I can tell you.
"You… Can?"
Master, the Nexus contains knowledge of the entire world and everyone in it. There is nearly nothing I don't know.
Right… Right, right.
Yerina finished reading the letter, letting out a heavy exhale, before leaning onto her table – resting her head against her arm. "Man… He truly is such a dimwit…" Me and Odale looked towards her, while Avy eyed her slightly, sipping on her tea. Yerina placed the letter down, before looking at us. "My apologies, I can now bring my attention back to you all."
"Oh, it's alright – you don't have to apologise.." I replied, rubbing the back of my neck. Yerina smiled, chuckling. "You're an interesting character – in more ways than one." I felt my body slightly tremble as soon as she said that, slightly concerned about what she could possibly mean by that sentence. However, I didn't let my momentary nervousness show, quickly shrugging it off.
"What did that old man need from you this time?" Rhys asked, munching on the cookies from the plate that was on the table. Yerina eyed her, before exhaling. "He needs me to come to Ordial to help out with something. Something to do with the Fire Princes domain."
Upon hearing that name, I could visibly see how both Odale and Avy froze for a moment, before quickly brushing it off – trying to act as natural as possible. "It must be related to the hidden section I discovered where Odale was located… As well as the 'boss' that Avy slew." I eyed the Owl Princess, who was trying to act calm while sipping on her tea – a cold sweat forming on her face. I exhaled, looking at Yerina. "Any details on exactly what needs help?"
I asked.
While I probably shouldn't pry, as it's not my business – we already heard it, may as well learn more.
Yerina shrugged.
"He simply said he'd fill me in with the full details when I come. Nothing else." She sighed heavily. "Honestly, he's always been like this… So serious and uptight. Plus, so unbelievably stubborn. He always refuses to come and see me whenever he needs something – just sends some adventurers on his behalf..."
Hearing her speak about the Guildmaster like that was… Interesting – if nothing else. She must be a close, good friend of his if she's willing to be so bold and broad when talking about him. "Anyways… That is something I'll worry more about when I get to Ordial." She picked up her teacup again, sipping it before looking at us three again. "For now, how about you three introduce yourselves? I'd love to know you a little better, especially if Gidou trusted you enough to deliver the letter."
I eyed Odale and Avy, the two simply nodding, before Odale stood up, bowing towards Yerina. "My name is Odale. I am a traveling mage currently in a party with the two behind me." He said, before straightening out and gesturing to me. "This is Riyo–"
"Please, no need to use false names. I can assure you I won't tell anyone your real identities." Yerina cut Odale off. The lich went silent, eyeing me. I remained silent for a moment, before narrowing my eyes on Yerina. "Ancient One?"
I don't think there is a reason to not trust her – for now.
Simply follow along what she says, however, do be on your guard in case of anything.
"Alright… Thanks." I then nodded to Odale, who, after a moment of hesitation, turned back to look at Yerina. "...Faofa. This is Faofa – the leader of our party." I won't lie, upon Odale calling me the leader, I felt a little… flustered. I didn't consider myself the leader or even worthy of such a 'title' but I remained silent.
"And this is Avy." Odale finished off, gesturing to the final member of our trio – who lifted her gaze up at Yerina. Yerina and Avy locked eyes for a moment, before the elf exhaled. "Thank you, you may sit down. It's very nice to meet you all." Odale nodded, bowing gently towards her for a moment, before sitting back down.
"She couldn't tell that Avy's name is a false one?"
Miss Olivenite is excellent at concealing her true nature. It is one of her many gifts that she inherited from her mother.
I see…
I suppose that does make sense.
Yerina looked towards me. "So, what's the story of your adventurer party? It's a bit unusual to see such a setup – especially when two of the three members are not human."
My eyes slightly widened.
Odale narrowed his gaze on Yerina under his mask. "What do you—?"
"Ah-ah! What did I say about pretending? There's no need to hide anything. You can trust me." She said, cutting Odale off. I won't lie, I didn't get that vibe from her. Perhaps it's because I was someone who pushed others away, but even in my past life, I always considered those that try to convince you that they're trustworthy, to be the most untrustworthy people around.
Same with people who tried so hard to tell you that they're kind or a good person – the more they tried to convince you, the less likely it was that they were that thing. At least, that was how I saw things.
Odale remained silent, before lifting up his right hand and gripping his mask. I could see the momentary hesitation from his body language – he definitely thought over whether it was smart to unmask himself in front of her. However, after that hesitation passed, he pulled his mask off, revealing his skeletal appearance underneath.
Then – almost in an instant, before anyone could react—
Rhys leapt at Odale with a lightning spear, attempting to impale the lich in one go. However, her spear was easily stopped by Odale – who cast a barrier in front of himself. Rhys clicked her tongue, before gritting her teeth. Before she did anything else Yerina clapped her hands together. "Rhys, that's enough."
"But that's an undead—"
"That's. Enough."
Yerina emphasised her statement, her eyes sharp and cold as she eyed the mage – cutting the mages protests. Rhys remained silent, shedding a cold sweat, before backing up and making her staff disappear. Odale lowered the barrier he had cast, placing his hand back onto his lap. Rhys moved back to her couch, slouching onto it – however keeping a silent, yet threatening gaze on Odale.
Yerina then exhaled. "My apologies for that. Rhys tends to treat undead very roughly."
"No need to apologise." Odale replied.
"It is a completely understandable reaction." Yerina smiled at Odale's understanding, before shaking her head lightly and taking a small sip of her tea again. "Still, I hadn't expected you to be an undead. Elder Lich? No… your magical energy is too high to be one…" She thought for a moment, before looking at him again. "Maybe Supreme Lich?"
Odale nodded. "That would be correct."
"Incredible. I have only seen one other Supreme Lich in my lifetime – and that one was very much more akin to a feral monster. You, on the other hand, seem a lot more docile and intelligent."
"Well, that's because he used to be a human…" I commented in my mind, crossing my arms.
"Your control of magic is also incredible. You cast such a strong barrier instantaneously and without uttering a word of chanting. That's quite the skill to have."
"Well, I suppose one can consider me as somewhat of an expert when it comes to magic." Odale replied, his tone calm. Rhys was still giving him a nasty glare, keeping a close eye on him while continuing to munch on what remained of the cookies on the table. Yerina then turned her attention to me. "So one of you is a Supreme Lich… What about you, Faofa?" I froze up for a second.
So Avy was the one she couldn't tell apart from a human?
Like I said earlier, Miss Olivenite is excellent at concealing her true nature.
"....I know, I haven't forgotten that."
Good to know that your memory isn't that bad.
I grit my teeth slightly – annoyed at Ancient One's comment. "What's that supposed to mean..?"
"Faofa?"
I snapped out of my own thoughts upon Odale speaking, before nudging me to respond to Yerina. Shaking my head, I took in a deep breath before exhaling. "...I'm a…"
If you don't want to reveal your snake form, you can claim to be a member of the Lizardman race – more specifically, a Draconian, since they are usually more human-like in appearance.
"Thanks – I owe you one."
I looked at Yerina. "I'm a Draconian. I left my home to try and explore the world on my own." Yerina looked a bit unconvinced for a second, which made me worry for a bit – since if she pressed for an actual answer, I don't know what I would do. However, after a small bit, she exhaled and smiled. "I see. That's certainly a first for me to hear. Draconians are a recluse bunch and usually never leave their homes. A bit unexpected to see one here."
I let out a sigh of relief in my mind – looks like she bought it…
Yerina took a sip of her tea again.
"So, an Undead, a Draconian and a Human all in one party…" She looked at us three with a cheerful expression. "What a unique and curious party. You certainly are unlike any other adventurer parties I've seen." I let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck.
"I am still curious… I feel two other presences within you Faofa. Like your body doesn't just contain one soul."
Hearing that made my heart sink a bit.
There was no way, right? Was she able to detect Arabor inside me? But— What did she mean by 'two' other presences? In my body, there should only be Arabor…
Ah right, you aren't aware.
Hearing the comment from Ancient One, I grew slightly annoyed. "Aware of… What, exactly?"
…I'll tell you later.
"Why you little—"
"Do you perhaps have some familiars bound to you?" Yerina then suddenly asked, cutting off my small squabble with the Ancient One. I remained silent, then it clicked a moment later — Arvalor and Regaria. I can use them to cover up Arabor and… Whoever else is currently inside me.
"Technically, I do…. Though they're not exactly normal ones…" I eyed the shadows behind me, where Regaria's and Arvalor's eyes shone for a second, stirring gently in the shadows.
"Let me take a guess – Tamed Shadow Beasts?"
Rhys looked at Yerina before looking at me with confusion and shock. Something was telling me that this was a big deal…
I exhaled and nodded.
"Yeah… Though, they're a little too big to call out here."
"Well, actually Arvalor is not too big at all, only Regaria is – however I'd rather keep them both out of this." Yerina nodded.
"I see. Still, very interesting to see that. Shadow Beasts aren't something just anyone can bring under their control. Their strength, alongside their unpredictable nature make them high risk, high reward scenarios." You can say that again… Sometimes it feels like Arvalor or Regaria are about to go on a rampage if I let my guard down even for a second.
Rhys lowered her hand which was gripping a cookie. "...Just who on earth are you?" She asked. However, I simply ignored her question, looking at Yerina again. "Anything else you're curious about?" The elf thought about it for a moment, before smiling. "Actually, there is something…"
A few hours later…
Time passed and before we knew it – it was night time. Yerina had asked us three all sorts of questions. About what we had done as adventurers, our usual routine, how we met… And so on, and so on. During that time we also learned a lot about Yerina herself – mainly, that she and Gidou were apparently engaged.
…Yeah.
That wasn't something I expected.
She said that they had been engaged for over twenty years now, however there had been little to no progress – since Gidou was quite stubborn and considered their relationship to be 'impossible' since he was a human with a significantly shorter lifespan than Yerina. While I could somewhat Gidous point, at the same time..
…What on earth are you doing you old fool?!
You have such a beautiful, caring woman engaged to you – who cares about you to no end, like seriously, she would not shut up about you, especially how you were when you were in your 'prime' – and yet, you will act stubborn and worry about the difference in your lifespans?!
Most people would do horrendous things to have a beauty like her as their partner!
…Anyways…
After our entire conversation, she then finished off by suggesting that we all start making our way back to Ordial tomorrow together, since we all had the same destination anyway and that she apparently knew a shortcut.
With little to no reason to deny the suggestion, we chose to stay the night. Odale and I were shown to a guest room while Avy and Rhys were invited to share a room in Yerina's bedroom – since she had 'spare sleeping bags anyway'. "What kind of person just keeps sleeping bags in their room..?" I couldn't help but wonder.
In the guest room, Odale was sitting in a chair, reading through a book he had picked up from the bookshelf in the room, while I was sitting at the window in the room – staring at the simulated environment just outside this building. It was strange to think that just outside this one area, the rest of the land surrounding us was a withered wasteland, filled to the brim with danger, monsters and god knows what else.
I mean, looking at a view like this…
You wouldn't be able to guess it. It looks so peaceful and lushful. It almost seems… Fake.
Well, it is fake Master.
The environment simulator is meant for this.
"I know, I know… It's just… a little hard to believe."
The Ancient One remained silent before nodding. I suppose for you, it certainly is. After all, it isn't like something like this existed in your previous world.
"Exactly." I rested my head against the wall, staring out the window. This entire world was nothing like my previous one… Magic, monsters, skills, souls, spirits, Gods, dragons… It felt like a dream. Like I had entered some kind of subconscious dream after being shot. Sometimes, while moving about or laying in bed at night, I thought about whether this was really reality or if I was simply dreaming.
I would wonder – 'What would happen if I was to wake up?'
And yet… I never do. Because regardless of anything, all of this was real. No matter how hard that was to believe. I really did encounter a massive dragon shortly after reincarnating, I really did fight several near life ending battles… And I really did meet and speak with so many new, different people.
This world was alive.
It was real.
It was real as me – and as real as my previous life.
…And yet, it was still hard to accept. "Perhaps I'm just afraid of accepting it, because I'm afraid of potentially forgetting my previous life…." I thought.
You know Master, you are quite a… Unique character.
"...If by 'unique' you mean foolish and pathetic…. I agree completely."
The Ancient One remained silent.
Then, he sighed heavily.
Such self-deprecation… It is a little concerning to hear.
"Is it? I've always thought of myself this way." I replied, lifting my head up to look at the night sky through the window. "Both in this life and in the last one… I wasn't anything or anyone special. I pushed everyone away and kept them at an arms length, I kept everything bottled inside me… All because I couldn't forgive myself."
Forgive yourself… For what?
I remained silent.
Then, I closed my eyes and rested my chin onto my knees. "...I'd rather not talk about it." The Ancient One remained silent. After a bit, he exhaled.
…Very well.
I can see that it pains you – so I shall not pry. Just note Master, once… Or rather, if you're ever willing and comfortable with sharing it, I shall listen.
…
"Thanks… Ancient One."
No worries, Master.
Meanwhile…
Yerinas room.
After separating from the two men, Yerina brought out some heavy alcohol to 'treat' the other two ladies with. In her room, there was already one empty barrel of it – mainly emptied by Yerina, who was the drunkest of them all, currently ranting all about Gidou. Slamming her hand onto the ground, her eyes teared up a bit – while her face flushed red with blush. "That… That st-st-stupid—" She hiccuped, "Stupid m-man!" She shouted. "I g-g-give him all my a-a-attention, all my l-l-love, and in the end, he still r-r-refuses to ack-ack-acknowledge it!" She hiccuped again, "Wh-why?! Who c-c-cares about the d-d-differences in our l-l-lifespans?!"
Avy watched the woman with a slight sweat, having drank significantly less alcohol than her and Rhys – not wanting to exactly repeat the same thing that had happened back in the gorgan clan.
Rhys sighed. "This is why I don't drink alcohol almost at all…" She stated, before picking up a glass of some berry juice she had found. Avy eyed her before exhaling. "Does she get this way every time she drinks?"
"Well, she's become this way every time I've been with her when she was drinking, so I would be willing to place quite a significant wager on that." Avy laughed lightly, before sipping her own glass of alcohol – making sure to not overdo it, so she doesn't… Well, I turned out like Yerina at the moment, who was still ranting about Gidou.
"D-d-doo youu n-n-not loove meee, Gidou?! Is th-th-that iiiit?! You h-h-h-hate meee, don't y-y-y-yooou?! That's wh-wh-why yooou reefuse to cooome and vi-vi-visit me wh-whenever yooou neeeed s-s-something, you d-d-doon't want to seeee meee! Waaahhh!" She started crying at the end, downing another large goblet of the strong alcohol.
"...Anyways, what's the deal between you and Faofa?" Rhys asked, looking at Avy, causing her to slightly choke on her drink for a moment. After quickly catching her breath, she looked at Rhys. "Wh-Where'd that come from…?"
"Just a little curious – I suppose."
Avy eyed Rhys for a second, before looking away – taking another sip of her beverage. Rhys raised an eyebrow. "So…?"
"...It's…. Complicated." As soon as Avy gave that answer, Rhys let out a loud groan. "I hate whenever someone says that…" Then, she placed her glass to the side before grabbing Avy by her shoulders, shaking her gently. "What do you mean 'complicated'?! It's so obvious that you and him have something going on! I saw the way to look at him and act around him, you're like a young maiden love struck by a crush! You remind me of the girls at the Yiinao Magic academy!"
Avy felt herself getting slightly sick at the constant shaking that Rhys was doing, however managed to keep her composure, before taking in a deep breath and exhaling. "I-I don't know how to explain it, okay…?!"
Rhys stopped shaking Avy, sighing heavily.
"Should have said so from the start." She stated, before leaning back. "So, what's going on?" Avy remained silent, before looking away. "Well…"
She went silent for a moment, again.
Then, after a quick inhale she continued. "...I like him. I like him a lot. I truly believe he is the one meant for me and yet… He doesn't share the same feelings towards me. He considers me a friend, and while he doesn't protest much against some of the things I do… I can tell he isn't fully comfortable with them either."
Rhys quietly listened to Avy speak – all the while Yerina continued to cry out in the background.
"I don't know what to do. I want him to like me back, but at the same time I can't help but wonder – am I being too direct? Am I just making him feel uncomfortable?" She went silent again, pulling her knees close to her chest, before hugging them and burying her face slightly in them. "The reason I say that it's 'complicated' is exactly this – I don't know what to do or tell him. I want him to see me more as a friend, but I also want him to feel comfortable. To not feel like he is being forced into something he doesn't want."
She went silent – again.
Then, she looked at Rhys.
"...You get what I mean, right?"
Rhys remained silent before taking in a deep breath and then flicking Avy's forehead. "Ow–! What was—?"
"You imbecile, do you even hear yourself?! Seriously, you're acting like some kind of maiden from a cringe romance novel right now." She exhaled, crossing her arms. "You like him, right?"
"...Yeah?"
"Do you love him?"
"..." Avy didn't answer, which caused Rhys to sharpen her gaze.
"Do you love him?"
"I…. I don't know."
Rhys nodded. "And therein lies the problem. You aren't even sure of your own feelings for him." Avy looked at Rhys with a slightly annoyed expression. "I am very much—!"
"Then go and tell him how you feel. Go, right now, tell him how you feel and do something that would convey it even more — such as…" Rhys thought about it for a moment. "Kiss him." Avy fell silent again, before looking away. For a moment, a deafening silence stood between them, which was then broken by Rhys exhaling again. "Look– I understand wanting to make sure he feels comfortable and what not before making moves… However, you can't ensure that completely until you actually figure out your feelings for him." Rhys looked away, before tracing circles around the ridge of her glass. "Trying to do the best you can, so that the person you like is comfortable before even understanding fully what exactly it is that you feel for them, is a recipe for disaster. It will only lead you down a path of heartbreak and pain."
She looked at Avy again, who eyed her gently.
"I think you should first prioritise discovering what it is you actually feel for him. Perhaps that what you believe to be 'attraction' is simply you wanting to keep him close, because you are afraid of something. Maybe, afraid of being alone again… Or something." Avy twitched a bit when Rhys said that.
Deep down – Avy knew that Rhys… Was somewhat right.
Maybe… Just maybe… It wasn't genuine 'love' or 'attraction' that she felt for Faofa. Maybe all this time, Avy was trying to simply stick by his side because she didn't want to go back to that loneliness she was forced to endure for so long in that forsaken seal of hers. And if that was the case… Was she even worthy of claiming to want him to be her partner? Did she even have the right to say so? Was that the right thing to think and say?
She didn't know.
And perhaps… Rhys was right.
Before worrying about what Faofa might think and feel – she should first figure out her own feelings. She should sort them out, make sure that what she truly feels, really is love and attraction to him, not just a longing to make sure she doesn't feel lonely again.
After a bit, Avy smiled and laughed, looking at Rhys. "...You're right. Maybe… I should first figure that out. Then I can worry about the rest." Rhys smiled, picking up her glass of juice, before sipping the last bit of it.
"...Thank you, Rhysta."
Rhys looked at Avy before nodding. "Always happy to help."
Their small heartfelt conversation was cut short by Yerina, who grabbed a second barrel of alcohol – about to open to chug it. Rhys immediately leapt forward to stop her, shouting that she had enough alcohol for tonight, all the while Yerina protested. Avy couldn't help but laugh at the sight, before moving her gaze over to the window in the room, looking at the night sky outside.
She hugged her knees a little tighter.
"...What I truly feel..? Can I even figure that out?"
She asked herself. A question – which no one else but her, would be able to answer. In time, perhaps she'll figure out the answer, but for now — maybe she should cast aside such thoughts.