The soft light filtered through the tall windows of the mansion, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. The silence wasn't empty—it was comfortable, filled only by the quiet rhythm of breathing and the occasional faint clink of something being moved somewhere in the distance.
Lirael sat on the sofa, elegant as ever, one leg crossed over the other, her calm gaze resting on Odette and Vivienne. There was a hint of curiosity in her expression, subtle but present.
— So… — she began, resting her cheek lightly against her hand — do you really plan to change everything here?
Odette smiled faintly, relaxed as she leaned back.
— Not everything. Just enough to make it feel like ours.
Vivienne nodded, at ease.
— And more comfortable.
Lirael hummed softly, thoughtful, as if weighing the idea carefully. Her eyes drifted across the room for a brief moment, imagining the changes—
Then stopped.
Slowly, her gaze shifted toward the entrance.
Before the sound.
Before the confirmation.
And then the voice came.
— Lirael…
Soft.
Familiar.
Carrying a kind of ease that didn't need permission to exist there.
Her expression changed.
Barely noticeable to anyone not paying close attention—but enough to soften her features. The corner of her lips relaxed, and something lighter surfaced in her eyes.
The voice came again, a little closer now, carrying a faint note of apology:
— Sorry… I'm a bit late.
Odette raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at Vivienne, a smile forming.
— Okay, that person clearly has some intimacy.
Vivienne let out a quiet laugh.
— Definitely.
Lirael exhaled softly through her nose and rose from the sofa with calm ease. There was no rush in her movements—only the quiet certainty of someone who had been expecting this.
— She's always late — she murmured, almost to herself.
And she began walking toward the entrance.
Odette stood shortly after, curiosity written all over her.
— Now I need to see this.
Vivienne followed, just as interested.
— Absolutely.
Their footsteps echoed softly through the wide halls of the mansion until they reached the main door.
It was already open.
And there, framed by the golden light, stood Aelthira.
Tall, elegant, her light-purple hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders, part of her face hidden beneath her fringe. Her violet eyes shimmered with quiet amusement, and the smile on her lips was easy—almost as if being late was nothing unusual.
— I said I wouldn't take that long… — she said lightly — but I might've exaggerated a bit.
Lirael stopped in front of her.
Watching.
For a brief moment.
— You're late — she said simply.
No weight.
No accusation.
Just a fact.
Aelthira reached to the back of her neck in a small, almost guilty gesture.
— I know.
Her eyes met Lirael's.
— Something came up.
Lirael arched a brow slightly.
— Something always does.
There was a brief silence—not uncomfortable, just familiar.
Then Aelthira stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
— But I'm here now — she said simply.
And there was sincerity in it.
Lirael watched her for a second longer… and then a genuine smile formed on her lips.
— Okay.
Simple.
But enough.
Odette crossed her arms, smiling.
— I like her.
Vivienne chuckled softly.
— Me too.
Aelthira finally turned her attention to them, curious.
— Hm… so these are the new ones?
Odette stepped forward confidently.
— Odette.
— Vivienne — the other added.
Aelthira nodded slightly.
— Aelthira.
Then her gaze returned to Lirael, a faint spark of amusement in her eyes.
— I assume you've told them about me.
Lirael gave a small half-smile.
— Enough.
Odette tilted her head.
— Just the basics.
Vivienne added, amused:
— Like how you're always late.
Aelthira laughed softly.
— Fair.
She looked back at Lirael, her expression softening just a little.
— Did you wait long?
Lirael uncrossed her arms, her posture relaxing.
— A little.
A brief pause.
— But I'm used to it.
Aelthira made a small face, caught between guilt and amusement.
— I'll try to do better.
Lirael shrugged lightly, stepping half a step closer.
— You don't have to.
Her eyes met hers.
— Just show up.
For a moment, Aelthira said nothing, holding her gaze.
Then she nodded.
— Always.
The air between them was light.
Familiar.
Comfortable.
Like something that didn't need to be explained.
Odette leaned slightly toward Vivienne, murmuring:
— They're really cute.
Vivienne smiled in agreement.
— They are.
Aelthira glanced around, taking in the interior of the mansion with quiet curiosity.
— So… this is the place now?
Lirael turned slightly, gesturing inside with a simple motion.
— It is.
Her eyes returned to Aelthira.
— Are you coming in, or are you going to stand out there thinking up another excuse?
Aelthira smiled.
— I already used today's.
And then she stepped past her, entering the mansion with ease—like she already knew every corner, every detail.
Like she still belonged there.
And maybe, in a way—
She did.
Lirael followed without a word, that faint smile still lingering on her lips.
No rush.
No hesitation.
Just like always when it came to her.
PROFILE UPDATE →
Name: Aelthira Vaeloria
Race: High Elf
(Appears as an Aristocratic Elf / Ancient Noble Lineage)
Apparent Age: 34
Real Age: Unknown
(Likely centuries old)
Height: 1.82 m
Weight: 60 kg