Chapter 69 – A Moment of Shared Warmth

Chapter 69

A Moment of Shared Warmth

Date : Day 4 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

Hyoren and Elise stood in front of the guild building. The night air was cool against their skin. A welcome contrast to the warmth inside. The sounds of the guild faded behind them. Replaced by the ambient noise of the city.

He looked at his arm, where Elise was currently latched onto him.

Compared to last time when they met Ina, Elise was calmer. And she recovered faster. It seemed advancing their relationship had also anchored her. The insecurity had faded. The jealousy remained. But it was manageable.

Her expression was calm, her mouth curled upwards. Not really bothered by Ina's blatant flirtations. She was still closely holding his arm though. Like announcing he was hers. A silent declaration to the world.

Hyoren looked around. To the bustling Adventurer's District main road. Night had already fully descended. But the magic lamps illuminated the city landscape, making the day feel longer. The lights cast pools of warm gold across the cobblestones. Shadows danced between buildings. The city was alive.

"Elise, what about before we go to Martha's Inn, we celebrate a bit?"

Elise on his arm looked up. Her smile widened. The suggestion sparked joy in her eyes. A celebration. A moment of joy after the darkness they had witnessed.

"That's a good idea, Hyoren. But before that..."

Hyoren tilted his head. Curious.

Elise smiled. She released his arm, and fanned her body with her own clothes.

A faint frown crossed her face as she stirred the air with her clothes, all too aware of the sweat and dust clinging to her. The grime of three days in the wilderness. The remnants of travel and intimate nights.

She moved her clothes back and forth, chasing a breeze that never quite came. The sweat, the dust—three days of it—clung stubbornly to her.

"I want to take a bath first. Submerging in Yorogin's would be nice before we eat."

Hyoren smiled. The idea was appealing. The thought of hot water. Of relaxation. Of cleanliness.

"Ooh. Good idea, Elise. Showering in the inn might clean our body but I would love submerging in hot water."

Elise then took his arm again. And they started walking. Weaving through the crowds. The motion was natural now.

They walked through shops, street vendors, inns, taverns, bars. The variety of establishments blurred together. Each with its own character. Its own purpose.

Vendors shouting their wares. The calls were rhythmic. Patterned. Designed to catch attention.

"Fresh bread! Still warm!"

"Potions! Healing salves! Cures all ailments!"

Drunken brawls sometimes could be heard from the tavern. The sounds of breaking wood. Shouted curses. Laughter that bordered on madness.

Escorts selling themselves in front of pink and gaudy decorated buildings—brothels. The contrast was stark against the practical establishments. The painted faces. The inviting gestures.

But Hyoren and Elise walked without caring about any of those. Their stride carried them to their destination.

After they walked a few blocks, they arrived in front of Yorogin's Bathhouse. The familiar building stood before them. Steam rose from the vents. The scent of clean water and herbs drifted from within.

Unlike when they visited before, the bathhouse was currently bustling. As they visited this on crowd hours. The evening rush. Adventurers returning from quests. Workers ending their shifts. All seeking the same thing.

"Let's go, Hyoren. I can't wait to enjoy the bath!"

She pulled his arm. Urging his steps to be quicker. Her excitement was palpable.

Hyoren smiled. And let her pull him. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

They entered. Side by side. Arms intertwined. The transition from street to interior was immediate. The sounds shifted. The temperature changed.

The bathhouse was crowded. People who entered the bath. People who already took a bath and rested on the bench, drinking cold drinks. Some parties of adventurers with flushed faces and semi-wet hair, talking about their quest in a relaxed manner. The bath had loosened them. The steam had relaxed them. The hot water had washed away their tension.

Elise's eyes moved to the counter. Seeing Yorogin, she smiled widely. She separated from him and quickly went to the counter, her steps practically jumping. The bounce in her stride was unmistakable.

"Old man Yorogin! We are back!"

She greeted him. Both of her hands supported her cheeks as her lips widened in a grin. Her pointed ears twitched. The happiness was genuine.

Hyoren followed, nodded. His greeting was more subdued. But no less warm.

"Hello, Yorogin."

Yorogin smiled at them. His wrinkled face turned into a smile. The old man's eyes crinkled at the corners. Deep lines of a life well-lived. Wisdom etched into every groove.

"Hey, Elise. Hyoren. Good to see you again."

Elise put her hand on the counter. The wood was smooth. Polished by years of use.

"We just got back from a successful quest! Now we want to enjoy your bath!"

Yorogin smiled again. The expression was knowing.

"Sure... Enjoy your bath."

Elise then provided a few copper coins from her wallet, dropped them on the counter. And bolted to the women's side. The motion was quick. She couldn't wait.

"I will go first! Later, Hyoren!"

Hyoren smiled. And nodded. Her energy was contagious.

But before he could turn around, heading to the bath, Yorogin stopped him. His hand touched Hyoren's arm. The grip was firm.

"It seems you kept your promise, young man. Good."

Hyoren smiled. The old man's approval meant something.

"You don't need to worry, Yorogin. I will keep my promise."

Yorogin's smile widened. The wrinkles deepened. The eyes sharpened.

"And I can clearly see the change in Elise. What have you done in the span of five days since we last met?"

He crossed his arms. Inquiring. The posture was interrogative. But not hostile. Curious.

Hyoren smiled. He scratched his now reddish cheek. The heat rose unbidden. A natural response.

"We confessed each other's feelings. And decided to become lovers."

Yorogin's eyes widened a little. Then he laughed. Unbidden.

"Hahaha. You really did it, huh. Not once in the last ten years can I imagine that Elise found a lover. And here we are... no wonder she looks so happy today... and the atmosphere between you two..."

He looked at Hyoren from top to bottom. Then his eyes became sharper. Warning. The playfulness faded. Replaced by something more serious.

"Just remember your promise, okay? Especially now... Don't betray her."

Hyoren nodded. The weight of the words settled on him.

"Don't worry, old man. I already promised myself. I would love her, protect her, and keep her smile. Until my last breath."

Hyoren's declaration to Yorogin hung in the air. The bathhouse was still busy with crowds. But the murmur of other people seemed muffled for a while. It was like there was a barrier surrounding the two. A moment of stillness.

Yorogin's eyes widened. His lips parted. Until finally he laughed. Even louder this time. The sound boomed across the hall. Drawing attention.

"Hahahahaha. Until my last breath, he said! Hahahahaha."

Everyone's eyes turned to the counter. Hyoren felt his face was even redder now. The embarrassment was acute.

Yorogin coughed. And waved his arms. Dismissing the attention. The crowds started to ignore them again.

"Ehm. Sorry. Your declaration is so... corny. But I like it. I truly like it."

He tapped Hyoren's shoulder. The touch was paternal.

"Now, go take your bath. Hide your flushed face in the hot water, young man. Hahaha."

Hyoren was embarrassed. Averting his eyes for a while. Before he turned to face Yorogin again. The old man's laughter was still ringing in his ears.

"Thank you, old man."

He then nodded at him. And went to the men's side of the bath.

He quickly entered the changing room. Removing all his armor and clothes. Put them in the locker. And with a towel to cover his privates, he went inside.

Steam-filled baths greeted him. Unlike last time, there were many people in the bath. People cleaning themselves at the shower. A few people scattered in the baths. The atmosphere was communal.

He quickly went to the shower. Ignoring other people. That was the norm of public baths. No matter which world.

The hot water cleaned his body. He enjoyed them. Then he scrubbed himself clean. From his hair. To his own body. He only went to the wilds for three days, and the grime had already accumulated. The evidence of travel washed away. Layer by layer. The dirt. The sweat. The memories.

After he felt clean, he moved to the bath. Went into a corner which was empty. He then submerged himself. The heat enveloped him. Penetrated him. Soothed him.

"Phew. I love this bath."

He then looked up towards the ceiling. Reminiscing about what happened in the last three days. Other people in the bath turned into background characters for him. Their murmurs were muffled.

He thought about their first quest. About Stonewell Village. About the horror of the basement. About ritual magic. About Noctynara. About his declaration on Voided Covenant.

I'm still weak for now. But I promise I will get stronger and eventually root out those cancers from this Kingdom. To make sure no one needs to suffer like those villagers. And to make sure Noctynara's name was cleared.

He then thought about the Whispering Forest clearing. A place where his relationship with Elise advanced. He thought about Elise. His partner turned lover.

And I will make her happy. Forever.

After a while, he was satisfied. And went out of the bath. The water dripped from his skin. The heat remained. Lingering.

In the changing room, he wore his clothes and armor again. Then looked at his own reflection in the mirror. The surface was slightly fogged. But clear enough.

Compared to the last time he went here, he truly transformed. No more unkempt beard. No more wild rabbit leather armor.

Instead, a proper adventurer with a clean-shaven face greeted him. Sharp and rugged jaw. Lean without excess fat.

He then touched his long hair, tied. He always cut his hair short on Earth. As neat looks were encouraged in University. But he seemed to have changed his mind now.

"I think I will keep growing my hair. I quite like the looks. The image is completely different from my old me. This look truly screams 'Adventurer'! Haha."

He chuckled at his own words. The vanity was minor. But genuine.

"Or maybe I will ask Elise for her opinion later."

He nodded. Satisfied. Then he left the changing room. The door swung open. The transition from private to public.

Outside, he already found Elise talking with Yorogin at the counter. Seeing him, she beamed. And waved her hands..

Hyoren approached them. Then froze when details about Elise finally entered his eyes. The sight struck him. Stopped him. Captivated him.

Elise was not wearing her Green Leather armor anymore. Instead, she wore an emerald dress, matching the color of her eyes. She had picked a modest one which covered almost all her body as winter was approaching. But it was the type which hugged her body. Emphasized her curves.

Her dress bore delicate ribbons at the collar and waist, their presence adding a quiet elegance to her appearance. The fabric was soft. Flowing. Beautiful.

Her silver hair was no longer bound in its usual ponytail. Instead, it flowed freely, save for a single braid at her side that framed her face—adorned with a small green ribbon. The style was different. Feminine. Graceful.

A light touch of makeup graced her features. Her lips shimmered faintly, while a soft blush rested upon her cheeks. It did not seek to change her—only to bring forth the ethereal beauty that was already hers.

After a few seconds being frozen, Hyoren finally recovered. But his face was now flushed. Different from the flush caused by hot water. This was something else. Something deeper.

"Elise, you changed."

Elise beamed and nodded. The expression was proud. Happy. Confident.

"Yes. I want to try new clothes I bought before. And walking in town wearing armor seems stuffy. Fufu."

She then swirled. Her emerald dress and her silky silver hair swirled with her motions. The fabric flowed. The hair danced. Then she put her hands on her waist. The pose was confident.

"How do I look? Does the dress suit me?"

Hyoren smiled. And nodded. The answer was obvious. Unquestionable.

"You look really beautiful in that, Elise. And I like the way you did your hair. It felt fresh."

Elise's pointed ears turned a shade of pink. The blush was visible. Endearing.

"Mou... I hope you are not lying... But thanks."

She then touched the small braid of hers. The gesture was self-conscious.

"And yeah, I tried to make a different impression of myself when in town versus when we were adventuring. I'm glad you like it."

Elise beamed. The happiness was radiant and genuine.

Hyoren nodded. He noticed, now she actually handled his compliment better. Stark contrast to before. He was not so tactless as to mention it though.

Yorogin watched the two lovers' interaction with warm eyes. It was like a grandparent who saw their own grandkids find their love. Fond. Full of love.

Elise then turned to Yorogin. Her attention shifted. But her smile remained.

"Okay, old man. Thanks for the bath! We will come back again."

Hyoren also turned to Yorogin. His gratitude was sincere.

"The bath is always good. Thank you, Yorogin."

Yorogin nodded. Approved of them. The old man's eyes twinkled. Warm.

"Come back anytime, you two."

Hyoren nodded. Then turned to the exit. Elise took his arm, and both of them exited the bathhouse, to the bustling Adventurer's District again.

***

The night air greeted them. Cool and refreshing against their freshly bathed skin. The city lights sparkled before them. The murmur of crowds enveloped them. The Adventurer's District was alive with activity.

"Elise, Bertho's Dining again? Or do you have other places in mind?"

Elise thought for a while, tilted her head a bit. Her silver hair swayed with the motion. The loose strands caught the lamplight.

"Hmm. There are other good restaurants, but they are in Merchants' District. And I kinda don't want to walk too far, I'm already hungry... fufu."

Hyoren nodded. The decision was easy.

"Okay then. Let's go to Bertho's again."

Both of them then weaved between crowds again. Elise still secured her place in his arm. Her body pressed close to his. Their walk was slow thanks to that. But neither of them minded.

Elise's now untied hair fluttered with each of their steps. The silver strands danced in the night breeze. Catching the light. Reflecting the colors of the city. The emerald dress swished softly as she walked. The fabric flowed around her legs.

After walking a few minutes, they arrived at busy Bertho's Dining. The familiar establishment stood before them. Warm light spilled from the windows. The smell of cooking meat drifted from within. They entered, and sat on empty chairs at a vacant table. The restaurant was full. Every other seat seemed occupied.

They then browsed the menu. The familiar list of dishes greeted them. Options they had considered before. Options they had yet to try.

"What are you going to order, Hyoren?"

Elise asked him as she put down the menu. Already decided what she was going to pick.

Hyoren also put down his menu. The decision was quick.

"I will go with Ramtauro Sirloin Steak. And Dew-heart wine, Elise."

Elise smiled, then she stood. The motion was fluid.

"Okay, wait a bit."

She then walked over to the counter to order. Weaving between tables. Navigating the crowded space. Not long after, she was already back and sat down in her seat.

She then scanned the inside of the restaurant. Her eyes moved across the room. Taking in the crowd.

"It's packed... I hope they cook our order quickly. I'm already hungry..."

Hyoren smiled. He shared her sentiment.

"Yeah. Same, Elise."

They spent a few minutes waiting. Chatting randomly. The conversation flowed easily. Topics drifted from one to another. Observations about other diners. Comments about the atmosphere. Small talk that filled the space. Before finally their order arrived.

The waitress put down his order. A thick slice of Ramtauro Meat. The steak was thick. Perfectly seared. Steam rose from the surface. The aroma was rich and savory. And a glass of blue colored wine.

Then she put down Elise's one. It seemed she ordered fried squirrel meat, coupled with some brown sauce. The dish was golden crispy. Topped with a glaze that gleamed. More sparkling and clear wine. Her favorite. Rainlume Wine.

Hyoren and Elise thanked the waitress. They then faced their food with faces full of excitement. The hunger made the sight even more appealing.

"Looks delicious. I can't wait to dig in! Let's eat, Hyoren!"

Hyoren chuckled. But he also felt the same as her. The eagerness was shared. Mutual.

"Let's dig in, Elise."

Both then savored their own meal.

Hyoren cut the meat with the knife. The blade slid through easily. From the color, it was perfect. Browning outside and still pink on the inside. Medium-rare, his preference. The juices pooled on the plate. He then put the meat in his mouth, and the thick Ramtauro steak exploded on his tongue.

"Damn. I really like this restaurant."

Elise, gulping down her food, also nodded. Her own dish occupied her attention. The fried squirrel meat was crispy on the outside. Tender on the inside. The brown sauce added depth and complexity.

"Yeah. And it's so cheap."

Hyoren nodded. He looked at the busy tables around them. The crowd was diverse. Adventurers. Merchants. Locals. All gathered for the same reason. Good food at fair prices.

"No wonder it's always so crowded."

Both of them then savored each bite of their food in silence. The delicious food combined with their hungry stomach made their food disappear quickly. Forks moved. Plates emptied. The focus was entirely on the meal. The pleasure of eating.

After they finished eating, Hyoren took his wine glass. The Dew-heart wine glowed softly.

"Elise, let's toast. To celebrate."

Elise nodded. Her smile widened. The joy was evident.

"Let's do it!"

She then picked her own glass, raised it high. The Rainlume Wine sparkled. Bubbles danced. The light caught the liquid.

"To our first successful quest!"

Hyoren then raised his own glass high. The motion mirrored hers.

"To my advancement to Copper rank!"

Both of them touched each other's glasses with clinked sounds. The noise was bright. And they said at the same time. Their words aligned.

"To Freedom Party! Cheers!"

Both of them then drank their wine. Satisfied. The liquid was cool and refreshing. The taste lingered. A toast to accomplishment. To partnership. To the future.

After that, they chatted for a few minutes. Talked about random things. From an adventurer passerby who caught their attention. To the good menu at Bertho's Dining. The conversation was light. The stress of the quest had faded. Replaced by contentment and peace.

Hyoren drank the last of his wine, and put down his glass. The empty vessel clinked softly against the table. And he saw the outside of the window. The district was still busy. The magical lamps blurred the concept of time. The artificial light made the night seem eternal. But he knew the night was continuing to deepen. The hour was growing late.

"The night is already late. Are you done, Elise? Let's go."

Elise also put down her glass. The Rainlume Wine was finished. The satisfaction evident on her face. And she nodded.

"Okay, Hyoren. Let's go."

Both of them stood at the same time. The chairs scraped softly against the floor. Then they walked out of the restaurant. The night air greeted them again.

At the outside, Hyoren offered his arm. The gesture was natural. Elise quickly latched herself. Settling into her position. Her body pressed close. Her arm intertwined.

Both then walked again. Weaving between crowds. The streets were still active. Still busy. After a few blocks, they turned to the side road. To Wanderer's Rest.

The side road was serene and peaceful. There were not many people walking through here. The main thoroughfare's noise faded. Replaced by quiet and calm atmospheres. The shops and establishments also had a relaxed and quiet looks. Inns. Smaller taverns. Establishments catering to those seeking peace.

Their footsteps echoed on the pavement.

***

Hyoren and Elise finally arrived at Martha's Inn. The Wanderer's Rest. The familiar building stood before them. Warm light spilled from the windows. The sign creaked softly in the night breeze. A welcome sight after a long journey.

Hyoren pushed the door. And he and Elise entered. There were a lot of guests in the communal room. Eating their dinner. Chatting. The noise was a steady hum. Laughter mixed with conversation. The clatter of utensils against plates. The smell of cooked meat and ale drifted through the air.

Both of them ignored them, and went straight to Martha. She was idling, wiping a glass with a cloth. Her movements were practiced. She noticed them, and smiled, putting down the glass she just wiped. The cloth was set aside. Her attention shifted entirely to them.

"Dears. You two came back safely. I'm glad."

Martha smiled warmly. Her motherlike voice greeted them. The tone was genuinely caring. The concern of a mother figure. A woman who had seen many adventurers come and go. Who worried for those she cared about.

Elise left Hyoren's arm, and approached the counter. The separation was brief. She had a message to convey. A reassurance to give.

"We are back, Martha."

She then swirled. Showing her she was fine. The emerald dress flowed with her motion. Her untied silver hair danced in the air. The display was playful but confident. A declaration of wellbeing.

"And we are safe!"

Hyoren then arrived at the counter. He smiled at Martha. The expression was tired, but satisfied and contented.

"Yes, Martha. Our quest was successful. And now we want to rest as we are so tired."

Martha nodded. Her eyes moved across them. Assessing. Noting their state. Their appearance. Their energy.

"I can see that. Your room is ready. Same room as before. I already cleaned and reserved it just for you two, dears."

She produced the ornate brass key from the drawer nearby. The metal glinted in the lamplight. Well-worn but familiar. And put it on the counter.

Elise took it. Her fingers closed around the key.

"Thank you, Martha... I appreciate it. Truly."

Martha smiled. And giggled. The sound was knowing. Warm. Maternal.

"Every time for my dear Elise. Now... Now... You two look tired. Go rest."

She then leaned forward, and whispered into Elise's ear. The motion was subtle. Discrete. A secret passed between women. A shared understanding.

"And you two's atmosphere suddenly changed... I won't ask too much. But congratulations."

Martha's eyes were observant. Experienced. She understood. Something definitely happened between the two. And like a mother who cared, she was happy for both of them. Especially for Elise whom she had known for years. The girl she had watched come and go. Alone and guarded. Now transformed.

Hyoren didn't catch what Martha said to Elise. But he could see Elise's pointed ears reddening. And twitching. The reaction was visible.

But instead of going embarrassed, Elise beamed instead. A smile spread across her face. She mumbled to Martha. The words were soft. Full of  intimate and grateful feelings.

"Yeah, Martha. We decide to become lover."

Unlike before, she was not going to break down. But she was still embarrassed. Her fidgeting and her twitched ears gave it away. The conflict between joy and bashfulness played across her features.

Martha smiled widely hearing that. She had expected such outcomes, but knowing it actually happened bring more satisfaction.

“I’m happy for you, Elise.”

Different from the two women, Hyoren was clueless. He tilted his head. The gesture was confused.

"What are you two talking about?"

Elise finally turned her head. And only smiled. The expression was mysterious.

"Nothing, Hyoren. Let's go."

Hyoren was still confused. But he shrugged it off. Elise would tell him if it was important. If she decided it was nothing, he trusted her that it was nothing. The faith was absolute.

Both of them then went to the stairs. With Martha's warm and motherlike eyes watching them from their back. The old woman's gaze was fond. Proud. Happy. She had seen Elise through many struggles. Many sorrows. Now she witnessed something new. Something hopeful.

Elise and Hyoren climbed the stairs to the third floor. The wooden steps creaked under their feet. The sound was familiar.  They then reached their room. The hallway was quiet. Dimly lit. The doors stood in rows.

Elise opened their room with their ornate brass key. The key turned with click sounds. The mechanism was smooth. Well-maintained. The sound of homecoming.

"Let's go, Hyoren."

She then opened the door. And both of them entered their room. The transition from hallway to room was immediate. The noise of the inn faded. The world outside disappeared. Only they remained.

The familiar sight greeted Hyoren. The big bed in the middle. The mattress was thick. The blankets were folded neatly. Empty wardrobe. A table and chairs beside the window. A hanging rack. Hooks waiting for clothes. And the bathroom in the corner of the room. The door was closed.

He crossed the room to put down his belongings on the wardrobe. The motion was automatic. Meanwhile, Elise closed the door and latched the locks. The click was decisive. A barrier against the outside world. A seal on their private space.

She then crossed the room to approach Hyoren. Her footsteps were soft, but quick.

He turned around. And met with a hug from Elise. The embrace was sudden. Tight. Desperate. Her arms wrapped around him. Her body pressed against his. The contact was immediate.

Before his bewilderment receded, Elise already stole a kiss from him. Her lips found his. Demanding. The kiss was not gentle. It was hungry and needy.

Hyoren accepted her. He was a bit confused by her sudden assertiveness. But he didn't hate it. The surprise faded. Replaced by something else. Something warmer. Something hungry in return.

He hugged her back. And welcomed Elise’s kiss.

They shared a kiss for a while before they separated. Still hugging each other. Their breaths were quick. Their hearts raced. The air between them was charged.

He looked at Elise's flushed face. Her eyes were full of needs. The desire was visible. Unhidden. Raw. The mask of the composed ranger had fallen away. What remained was something primal. Something honest. Something that craved.

"Elise. What happened?"

He questioned her. He already had a hunch of what happened. He thought about what happened today. On Adventurer’s Guild with Ina. He suspected her jealousy fueled this. He was not so tactless to say that out loud though.

Elise smiled. The expression was soft. Vulnerable. Open.

"I don't know myself. I just felt like doing it... You hated it?"

Hyoren shook his head. The answer was instant.

"No. I loved it."

He then gazed at her face. The face which showed it all. Every emotion. Every desire. Every need. She was laid bare before him. Not by words. But by expression.

"Elise, want to do it now?"

Elise meekly nodded. The gesture was shy. But her eyes betrayed her. They burned with want. The contradiction was endearing.

Hyoren then didn't ask twice. He hugged her closer. Then led her to the bed in the middle. The steps were short. The destination near. The journey was over. The rest was about to begin.

Outside the window, the city was still alive. Crowds of people. Adventurers in the tavern below. The sounds of life continued. The world spun on. Oblivious to the two souls above.

But inside the room, only rustled sounds of clothing being discarded could be heard. The soft whisper of fabric. The quiet sounds of preparation. Of union. Of love.

The Azure, Crimson, and Ebony hung in the air. The three moons of Kresneger. They shone through the windows.  They became their silent watchers again when two bodies became one. But now in the safety of their inn room.