Daniel walked alongside Elise through the bustling streets of Athélys. The city seemed to breathe around them, but contrary to legends, the beast-men and other mythical creatures remained absent, hidden in the upper districts. Daniel pouted slightly, disappointed not to catch sight of even one or two specimens, just to spice up their walk.
—"It's always the same story…" he muttered, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and disappointment.
Elise simply observed him, a faint smile on her lips, saying nothing, letting Daniel brood in his thoughts.
As a small group of cats darted across their path with feline agility, Daniel couldn't help asking an embarrassing question, his eyes sparkling with awkward curiosity:
—"Elise… do you think there are little girls… I mean, young adventurers who… well…"
Elise raised an eyebrow, amused by Daniel's evident discomfort.
—"You mean… for your… scientific interest?"
Blushing furiously, Daniel shook his head vigorously:
—"No, nothing, absolutely nothing!"
Deep inside him, a familiar voice echoed, soft but teasing:
—"Oh crap… really? You've messed up your answer again…"
Lysandra, the goddess fused within Daniel, never missed a chance to mock him.
—"You're really a degenerate, you know that…?" she commented sarcastically.
Daniel lowered his head, embarrassed, murmuring:
—"Lysandra… not in front of Elise…"
They continued walking in silence, punctuated by the goddess's taunting remarks in Daniel's mind, while Elise merely observed him, intrigued by his expressions and gestures. She had no idea that Lysandra resided within him, making the scene comical for the reader but mysterious for her.
After a while, they finally arrived in front of Elise's house. The façade was imposing and majestic, built of pale stones adorned with engraved runic motifs. Hanging lanterns cast a soft, warm glow, while small flower gardens flanked the entrance. The large wooden door, finely carved, seemed to guard a world both welcoming and mysterious.
Elise confidently pushed the door open and invited Daniel inside:
—"Welcome to my home. You can rest here as long as you want."
Daniel could not hide his surprise, mixed with immense relief.
—"Thank you… truly…" he murmured, his voice laden with fatigue and admiration.
Inside, the house was just as impressive as its exterior. Magical tapestries covered the walls, depicting ancient legends, while shelves brimmed with books, potions, and artifacts. Light from a large bay window illuminated the main room, giving the space a warm yet enchanting atmosphere.
—"And… how did you manage to defeat that legendary serpent with such confidence?" Elise asked, curious but lightly, seeking to ease the mood.
Daniel offered a slightly embarrassed smile, Lysandra whispering through him:
—"Come on, tell your feat, but make it dramatic…"
—"Well…" he began, "let's just say that some talents… are hard to ignore…" He punctuated his sentence with a wink toward Elise, leaving a mix of humor and pride in the air.
Elise shook her head, half-amused, half-exasperated:
—"Still so modest, huh…"
In a corner of the room, Lysandra let out a silent chuckle:
—"This boy will never change… but at least he knows how to captivate his audience."
Daniel, feeling the goddess's influence, sank into a plush armchair, letting the day's tension fall away. Elise, meanwhile, sat across from him, crossing her legs and watching Daniel with a smile that was both tender and teasing.
Their exchanges continued, alternating between comedy, adventure anecdotes, and reflections on the fantastical world around them. The bond between Daniel, Elise, and Lysandra gradually took shape, offering a perfect mix of lightness, humor, and narrative tension.
Finally, Daniel stood, taking a deep breath, filled with the magical and comforting air of the house.
—"Thank you, Elise… for everything," he said sincerely.
—"You've earned this rest… and a bit of comfort," she replied warmly.
As night fell over Athélys, the lanterns of Elise's house cast a gentle light over the façade and gardens, creating a haven of peace and security amid an unpredictable and dangerous world.
In that suspended moment, Daniel realized how much he valued these simple yet precious moments: shared humor, Elise's reassuring presence, and Lysandra's mischievous voice, always ready to tease him. And, for the first time in a long while, he felt he could truly breathe, even though the next adventure was never far away…