A Moment of Rest
The journey back to the guild was blessedly uneventful. The tension from their encounter with the hooded man still weighed heavily on them, but for now, they had time to breathe. The three rode in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts, until the familiar sight of Eldoria's city gates came into view.
Upon reaching the guild, they gave their report to Jake, who listened intently before dismissing them for the night. "You all look like you've been through hell. Take some time off," he said with a rare smirk. "You've earned it."
Allen, James, and Liana exchanged glances. It had been a while since they had a proper break, and after everything that had happened, they weren't about to argue.
The next day, the trio found themselves at the Whispering Willow Tavern, a favorite spot for adventurers looking to unwind. The tavern bustled with laughter, the scent of roasted meat and ale thick in the air.
James stretched his arms behind his head, a satisfied grin on his face. "Now this is what I needed. A good drink, decent company, and no shadow wizards trying to kill us."
Liana smirked as she took a sip of her wine. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Knowing our luck, we'll be in trouble again by the end of the week."
Allen chuckled, though his mind still lingered on everything he had learned. He wasn't sure what his future held, but for now, he let himself enjoy the moment.
James, however, seemed distracted. He tapped his fingers against his mug, his expression unusually pensive. After a moment, Liana raised an eyebrow at him. "Alright, spill it. You've been lost in thought since we got back."
James exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's Alice."
Allen blinked. "The nun?"
James gave him a pointed look. "She's not just a nun, Allen. She's… I don't know, special."
Liana smirked. "You've got it bad, don't you?"
James groaned. "I mean, yeah. We've been seeing each other for a while now, but with all this adventuring, I barely get to spend time with her. She says she understands, but…" He trailed off, staring into his drink.
Allen leaned forward. "Do you love her?"
James hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I do."
Liana whistled. "Damn. Didn't think I'd see the day James got all serious about someone."
James rolled his eyes. "Look, all I'm saying is, after everything we've been through, I don't want to take her for granted. I'm thinking of taking a few days off, spending time with her."
Allen clapped him on the shoulder. "Then do it. Life's unpredictable. If she matters to you, don't waste the chance."
James sighed, then smiled. "You're right. I'll go see her tomorrow."
Liana raised her mug. "To James, finally growing up."
Allen laughed, joining the toast. "To Alice, for putting up with him."
James groaned but clinked his mug against theirs anyway. For the first time in a while, the weight of battle and uncertainty lifted. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
A Day of Peace
The next morning, James set off toward the small chapel near the city's center, where Alice spent most of her time tending to the sick and needy. The morning sun bathed the cobbled streets in golden light as James weaved through the bustling marketplace, his mind racing with what he wanted to say.
When he arrived, he found Alice in the garden behind the chapel, tending to a row of herbs. Dressed in her simple white and blue robes, she looked up at him with a warm smile. "James! You're back."
He grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah. And I figured it was about time I took a break… with you."
Alice's eyes softened, and she wiped her hands on her apron before stepping closer. "I was starting to think you'd never slow down."
James chuckled. "Turns out I needed a near-death experience or two to remind me what's important."
She placed a gentle hand on his. "Then let's make the most of today."
The two spent the afternoon walking through the city, visiting quiet spots James had barely noticed before. Alice showed him a secluded garden where she often read, and they shared a meal at a small bakery she loved. James found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in years.
After lunch, they visited the orphanage where Alice often volunteered. James watched as she laughed with the children, playing a game of tag in the courtyard. He found himself smiling without thinking. There was something about the way she carried herself—kind, patient, full of warmth—that made him wonder how he ever got so lucky.
Later in the evening, they made their way to the river that ran along the outskirts of the city. The water shimmered under the setting sun, casting rippling gold and crimson reflections. They sat on a small wooden dock, their legs dangling over the edge.
Alice tilted her head back, letting the cool breeze wash over her face. "I wish moments like this could last forever."
James turned to her, taking in the serene expression on her face. "Me too."
She glanced at him, her eyes searching his. "James… do you ever think about the future?"
He hesitated. The future. It wasn't something he had allowed himself to consider seriously, not with the life he led. But with Alice…
"Yeah," he admitted. "Lately, I have."
She smiled, reaching for his hand. "So have I."
James exhaled, squeezing her fingers gently. "I don't know where this path leads, Alice. But whatever happens, I want you to be part of it."
Alice's gaze softened. "Then we'll walk it together."
As the stars lit up the night sky, James knew—no matter what battles lay ahead, he had something worth fighting for.
Allen and Liana's Time Off
While James was with Alice, Allen took his time away to train. He had felt the shift in his power since their last battle, and he needed control. Deep in the secluded training grounds behind the guild, he practiced wielding the violet energy now coursing through him, pushing himself further with each session. Though he wasn't ready to fully embrace being Voidborn, he knew he couldn't afford to ignore it any longer.
Liana, on the other hand, spent her time indulging in the finer pleasures of the city. She visited the bustling markets, enjoyed lavish meals at expensive inns, and even treated herself to a new set of enchanted daggers. But in between the excitement, she found herself reflecting. The encounter with the hooded man had shaken her more than she cared to admit. Still, she wasn't about to let fear control her. Not now, not ever.
As their break came to an end, the trio reunited, ready to face whatever came next. For all the uncertainty that lay ahead, one thing was certain—they were stronger together.