Chapter 20: Luria

The journey through the dark, damp tunnel had felt endless, each step heavier than the last, but now, just ahead, a faint glimmer of light pierced the gloom. The soft glow was barely a flicker at first, barely noticeable, but as they drew closer, it grew brighter, a beacon of hope in the oppressive darkness that had held them captive for so long. It was the entrance, the way out. The cold stone walls began to soften, the air warmer, the weight of the underground world starting to lift. Sen's tired eyes caught the glimmer first, and he lowered his own light Intergy, finally taking the time to breathe. Finally, they had made it.

Makota: Air!!! Sunlight!!!

Ira: We’re finally out of that ruin.

Dain (tuning to Sen): Thanks for holding that light for us.

Sen: Yeah, and you too for not letting us freeze.

The group continued their trek up the rugged terrain, their footsteps crunching against the loose gravel beneath them. The air, fresh and cool against their skin, felt like a rebirth after the suffocating tunnel. As they ascended the final stretch, the view ahead began to open up. When they reached the top of the cliff, the sight before them stopped them in their tracks. Luria lay sprawled out in all its glory, a city of vibrant buildings and lush landscapes nestled along the edge of a sparkling river. The sun shone brightly, casting long shadows over the land, and the green hills surrounding it rolled gently into the distance. But it was the towering walls behind Luria that drew their attention— a monumental, seemingly endless barrier that loomed over the city, imposing and impenetrable. The walls stretched high into the sky, their sheer scale enough to make the city beneath them seem small in comparison. It was a beautiful sight, but the walls, dark and foreboding, cast an uneasy shadow over the serenity of the city. The contrast between the peaceful landscape and the looming barrier felt like a reminder of the looming conflict ahead.

Shera: Wow! So that’s it!

Ira: That’s Luria.

Zarnem: Yes. And behind those walls… Krutone.

Sen looked up at the walls, uninterested in Luria, but curious to what comes after.

Makota: We’ll finally get to see the legendary Krutone at last.

Sen looked over to Yerah, noticing she made very little expression.

Ira: Is it safe to walk forward?

Zarnem: From this point on, yes. It’s an open field.

Ira: Then let’s go.

Ira was the first to move forward followed by Makota and Shera. Zarnem looked to Sen and Dain, said nothing and moved on his own. Then, Yerah followed. Sen and Dain moved, catching up to Yerah.

Sen (to Dain): We’re actually going to make it to Krutone.

Dain: Yeah… it took a long while, but we’re just about there.

Sen: I wonder what Luria is like. It’s exactly outside of the walls.

Dain: From here, it looks better than Clyden.

Sen: Krutone is said to be a place full of riches. I wonder what they mean.

Dain: Something about technology.

Sen (to Yerah): What do you want to do when we first reach Krutone?

Yerah: Huh? Oh, I’m not sure. Maybe just rest.

Sen: Haha. Yeah, that sounds good.

Yerah gave a small smile. Sen noticed how distant she was being with him.

Sen: I wonder if their food is really good.

Dain: Oh, yeah. The food. I’m so curious to what they have to offer there.

Sen (to Yerah): What’s something you’d go for right away?

Yerah: Oh, I’m not picky.

Sen: I see.

The three walked in silence for a minute.

Sen: I’m sorry for the way I acted back there.

Dain: Huh? Oh no, dude. It’s fine. You were upset.

Sen glances to Yerah, noticing she didn’t respond.

Sen: I didn’t mean to scare everyone by putting us in the dark.

Dain: Like I said, don’t worry about it, man. Let’s just look towards Krutone. We’re finally here!

Sen realizes again Yerah made no comment.

Sen (directly to Yerah): I’m sorry if the way I acted made you uncomfortable, Yerah.

Yerah: Hm? Oh, umm. You’re ok. I know you were upset. We’re all just a bit lost. But hey, like Dain said, we’re finally here, right?

Sen: Yeah… Yeah, we are.

The quiet stretched on as the three walked side by side, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Sen’s mind churned with what he had said, but Yerah’s silence only seemed to make it worse. Dain walked slightly ahead, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Sen occasionally glanced at Yerah, but she kept her distance, her eyes ahead, not meeting his.

Sen: I was just lost.

Dain and Yerah listened.

Sen: I could’ve handled that better.

Dain: Hey, we both said it’s ok.

Sen: And I should’ve just explained myself rather than yelling or putting everyone in a tough spot.

A moment of silence.

Sen: There was so much pressure, and there are so many unanswered questions… and we’re in war times, so there’s a chance I’ll never find answers.

Dain and Yerah continued to listen.

Sen: And there’s something I’ve been wanting to know the answer to, but I’ve just been so scared because… well, it’s war times.

Dain and Yerah stopped walking. Sen stopped behind them. Dain turned around to Sen, realizing what was about to unfold.

Sen: Yerah?

Yerah’s heart felt like it stopped as if she knew what was coming.

Sen: I’m tired of pretending like everything is ok. Everyone here knows it’s not.

Yerah looked over to Sen.

Sen: And I’m also tired of pretending like I don’t want to tell you.

Yerah: What do you mean?

Sen: In these times, any one of us could go… and it would be a shame if I never said what I wanted to say.

Yerah: What… is it?

Sen: I… like you…

Silence. Complete silence.

Yerah sighed quietly.

Yerah: I know…

Sen: You do?

Yerah: Yeah. I’ve known.

Sen already looked defeated.

Sen: Oh… I see.

A minute of emptiness. Then they continued to walk, attempting to catch up with the rest of the crew ahead.

Sen (smiling to Yerah): Haha! Well, that’s ok!

Yerah: It’s… ok?

Sen: Yeah! Totally fine. Really. I mean, we have some tough things to take care of soon, right?

Dain gave Sen a sorry expression.

Sen: Oh man. I’m so excited to see what Krutone is all about!

Sen’s pacing was increased, stepping ahead of Dain who was in front.

Sen: If they’re a place of riches, the food there must be incredible!

Yerah was last, taking her time.

Dain: Yeah, bro. Totally down to try out all the stuff they have.

Sen (to Dain): Haha. Yeah, let’s see what this hype is all about!

Dain: You already know it.

Dain caught up to Sen and patted him on the back. Sen made no reactions to Dain’s comfort. They simply walked, and Yerah saw it all.

The gates of Luria rose before them, tall and immaculate, carved from pale stone that shimmered faintly beneath the muted afternoon light. Etched into their surface were symbols of balance and harmony, intertwined patterns that spoke of history and tradition. Unlike the jagged steel gates of Troita or the collapsed arches of Allatora, these walls stood untouched by war. They stretched endlessly in either direction, encasing the city in silent protection. Yet there was no sense of oppression here. Instead, Luria exuded an air of peace, as if the world’s chaos had not yet decided to find its way in.

The crew approached slowly, their pace steady but heavy. Their boots left faint imprints in the finely paved road that led to the entrance, dust rising in soft clouds behind them. Sen walked at the front, his gaze fixed forward, his expression unreadable. Dain was at his side, his posture strong despite the exhaustion lingering in his muscles. Yerah followed quietly behind them, her eyes drifting across the towering gates, lingering on the intricate carvings as if searching for something familiar. Zarnem kept a measured distance from them all, but his eyes sharp and watchful. Ira, Makota, and Shera remained close together.

Even from this distance, they could hear the sounds of a city alive, markets calling out prices, footsteps hurrying over polished stone, laughter echoing faintly from some distant courtyard. Luria was untouched in a way that felt almost unnatural. Zarnem stepped forward. The guards at the gate straightened at his approach. There were many of them; far more than any of them had seen stationed at the borders of Troita or Allatora. Luria was prepared.

Guard: Well, if it isn’t Captain Zarnem. Welcome back to Luria.

Zarnem: Greetings. I have returned to enter my home, Krutone. I wish to pass through Luria.

Guard: Of course. And these are your allies?

Zarnem: Yes. They travel alongside me from Clyden.

Guard: Clyden? So far away!

Soldier: Glad to see you made it safely.

Zarnem: Not all of us made it.

Guard: My prayers. May Yeshma bring healing.

A moment passed before another soldier spoke.

Soldier: There is a new way to get into Krutone. Are they aware you’re on the way?

Zarnem (narrowing his eyes): A new way? What do you mean?

Soldier: Krutone now holds an Intergy barrier that encapsulates its walls. It’s a sphere of Intergy that covers it from below and above.

Zarnem: I don’t see the sphere.

Soldier: It’s unnoticeable to the eye. Anyone who tries to get through has to break in, and doing so alerts the Krutone Military.

Zarnem: No one said anything about that since I left. I guess… it’s been years.

Guard: You’ll have to speak to Queen Lessa if you want to get through.

Zarnem (grimacing): I was hoping to avoid that.

Guard: She would be pleased to see you again.

Zarnem: And I wouldn’t be.

The guard’s tone hardened.

Guard: Captain Zarnem. Respectfully, please do not speak of the queen in that regard.

Zarnem sighed.

Zarnem: So, she’ll let us in then?

Soldier: She’ll likely reach out to President Kyto, and they’ll have to approve your entry.

Zarnem (gritting his teeth): Damn it. Krutone and their approvals... How long does that take?

Guard: Usually between a few days to a week.

Zarnem (low and frustrated): I don’t have that kind of time to wait. Surely Queen Lessa could make things work for us.

Soldier: You can see her and find out.

Zarnem glanced back at his crew, then returned his gaze to the guards.

Zarnem: Very well. Please take us to her.

Soldier: I can escort you. You’ll need to leave your horses with us.

Zarnem: That’s fine.

The streets of Luria were alive in a way the crew hadn’t seen in what felt like years. They walked in silence, boots pressing into polished stone roads that reflected the golden hue of the afternoon sun. On either side of the path, buildings rose in clean symmetry, their pale stone facades decorated with banners that swayed gently in the breeze. The air smelled faintly of baked bread and sweet fruits, a stark contrast to the smoke and dust that had become their usual companions. Luria didn’t feel like a city bracing for war. It felt untouched, vibrant, and completely intact.

Children ran freely through open courtyards, their laughter echoing off the walls as they chased wooden toys and played beneath arching trees. Families gathered outside small restaurants, seated at tables draped in bright linens, sharing meals without fear. There were ruins or broken homes. Every shop stood tall and clean, their displays of fresh produce, woven fabrics, and crafted jewelry openly inviting. It was the kind of normalcy that seemed impossible after all they’d been through.

Makota’s eyes lingered on the markets, watching vendors enthusiastically barter with well-dressed customers. Shera’s gaze drifted upward, following the lines of colorful cloth that stretched between the buildings like celebratory ribbons. Even Ira, typically reserved, took in the sight of the clean streets and neatly trimmed gardens with a quiet sense of disbelief. It reminded them of Clyden, but better. Richer. The people here looked healthier, their faces fuller, their steps lighter. There was no visible hunger in their eyes.

Sen remained silent as they walked, his attention split between the peaceful world around them and the weight in his chest that wouldn’t lift. Dain walked beside him, glancing occasionally at the children, then at the parents watching over them with casual ease. For a brief moment, it almost felt like home. But the towering walls of Krutone visible in the distance made it clear this peace was a fragile thing, protected by powers they barely understood. As they passed through another plaza, musicians played a soft, melodic tune on stringed instruments while dancers performed slow, graceful movements for a gathered crowd. Coins clinked in open jars at their feet. It was beautiful, serene, and surreal. The kind of life they had nearly forgotten existed.

Ira: Oh goodness, Zarnem. This is wonderful.

Zarnem: Yeah. It isn’t all that bad, is it?

Ira: I might want to just live here now.

Zarnem: Wait until you see Krutone. You’ll never want to return to Clyden, knowing you.

Ira: Is it that much better behind those walls?

Zarnem: Beyond your dreams.

Ira: I look forward to it.

As more time passed, they reached Luria Palace as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the pristine courtyard. The palace stood at the heart of the city, its white stone walls gleaming with a soft, polished glow, framed by towering pillars. Ornate gardens surrounded the entrance, meticulously trimmed and vibrant with flowers in full bloom— bright reds, deep blues, and soft yellows that seemed untouched by time or hardship. Waterfalls cascaded gently along carved stone channels, their quiet rush adding to the sense of calm that lingered in the air. Wide marble steps led to grand doors of polished oak, inlaid with veins of gold that caught the light. At the top of the stairs, guards in ceremonial armor stood at attention, unmoving, their silver helms reflecting the pale light of the coming evening. It was clear this was a place of power, of control, and unlike anything they had seen since leaving Clyden, it was whole.

Soldier: She’s already there.

Standing at the top of the marble platform, framed by gilded pillars and the soft glow of evening light, was Queen Lessa. She was striking, tall and poised, with an elegance that commanded attention before she ever spoke. Her long, light blonde hair flowed over her shoulders, smooth as silk, catching the fading sunlight with each subtle movement. Her eyes, a deep blue, watched them with a measured calm that hinted at both wisdom and something colder beneath.

She wore a formal gown, tailored to accentuate her slender figure, its fabric a deep crimson trimmed with gold. Though regal in every way, the attire left little to the imagination. The neckline plunged just enough to draw the eye, and sheer panels traced the curves of her waist and hips before falling in flowing layers down to the polished floor. Fine jewelry glinted at her wrists and neck, delicate chains and gemstones that whispered of wealth and status. Every inch of her appearance was designed to command respect and distract, if she chose it. Queen Lessa looked over and noticed Zarnem instantly.

Lessa: Oh, my! Absolutely no way! The man himself!

Lessa came down the stairs approaching the crew.

Lessa: Oh, well, well! Dirty like usual too.

Zarnem: Hello, Lessa.

Lessa: Queen Lessa. Where are your manners?

Zarnem: … Lessa…

Lessa: Oh, I can turn you right back out, honey.

Zarnem: Good to see you too.

Lessa (smiling provocatively): Oh, what brings you and your little squad here?

Zarnem: We want to get to Kru—

Lessa (to Sen): Oh, my gosh!!! Aku! Is that you!?

Sen looked to his left and right, unsure who she was talking to.

Lessa: Oh, don’t act like I’m not talking to you!

Sen points to himself confused.

Lessa: Oh, yes, you! Aku, right?

Sen: I’m… Sen.

Lessa was taken aback, tilting her head to the side.

Lessa: Oh, Sen? Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. You looked like someone I knew. My sweet apologies!

Zarnem: That’s Sen. He’s from Clyden. One of the soldiers who works with me.

Lessa: Ohhh…

Lessa studies Sen a little longer.

Lessa: Oh? All of them are from Clyden?

Zarnem: All of them.

Lessa: Oh, ok. So sorry about that confusion. I’m sure that was strange for you, sweetie.

Zarnem: Going back to what I was saying earlier. We need to get into Krutone.

Lessa: Oh! You know it’s harder to get through right?

Zarnem: So I’ve been told.

Lessa: Oh, why are you coming back home? Miss your mommy?

Zarnem: I came talk to President Kyto.

Lessa (with a seductive smile): Oh, I miss your mommy.

Zarnem makes no response to that last statement.

Lessa: Oh… too bad she was into hunky men.

Zarnem: Lessa, can you get us into Krutone?

Lessa: Oh sweetheart, you know I don’t have that kind of power. Kyto’s the big boss around here. Not me.

Zarnem: I get that. I’m asking you to talk to him for me.

Lessa: Oh? For you? You owe me these days don’t you?

Zarnem: It’s about Penim.

Lessa: Oh? Penim? That one soldier who died?

Zarnem: He’s not dead.

Lessa: Oh!? Well, where’s you buddy then?

Zarnem: He’s… He’s the one behind these Zagons…

Lessa: Oh my!

Zarnem: Or at least that’s what I thought. Just recently we found out he’s only working with the one who’s started it all.

Lessa: Oh, and who’s the one that started it all?

Zarnem: We don’t know. That’s why I need to see President Kyto.

Lessa: Ohh… I mean, I can talk to him… but I’m just so busy these days.

Zarnem: Lessa, please.

Lessa: Oh, show me a little bit more honor then why don’t ya?

Zarnem: Queen… Lessa… please.

Lessa: Oh, not good enough.

Zarnem: What the hell do you want then?

Lessa: Oh, be a real soldier and get on one knee then repeat my words. ‘Oh your majesty, beautiful and almighty Queen Lessa. Please request me access to Krutone from Kyto.’

Zarnem tightened his fist.

Lessa: Oh, come on. Mommy Jezra would be so proud if you were a good boy.

Zarnem looked back, his crew watching everything unfold. Zarnem sighed and took a deep breath, then getting on one knee.

Zarnem: Beautiful and almighty—

Lessa (correcting): Ahem! Oh, your majesty, beautiful and almighty…

Zarnem couldn’t believe the situation. Ira from where she stood was cringing at the sight.

Zarnem: Oh, your majesty, beautiful and almighty Lessa—

Lessa (correcting): Queen Lessa…

Zarnem sighed and rolled his eyes. He looked back again, his crew watching his position. It was awkward for everyone, everyone except Lessa.

Zarnem: Oh, your majesty, beautiful and almighty Queen Lessa. Please request me access to Krutone from Kyto.

Lessa (smiling): Oh, no, I will not.

Zarnem (getting up instantly): Damn it, Lessa!

Lessa: Oh, I’m kidding, I’m kidding! That was quite the show.

Zarnem: I swear…

Lessa: Oh, you don’t swear anything baby boy.

Lessa sniffs and leans into Zarnem.

Lessa: Oh, I was wondering what that smell was. You wreak as dirty as you look! I know for sure mommy Jezra taught you how to shower!

Zarnem: We’ve been travelling, damn it. We took the underground tunnel from Allatora.

Lessa: Oh, whatever.

Zarnem: So, are you going to talk to Kyto or not?

Lessa: Oh, I will. In the meantime, get yourself cleaned. You and your Clyden buddies.

Lessa turned to the soldier that escorted them.

Lessa: Oh, soldier! Take these Clyden citizens to the Luria Inn. Tell them the tab is all on me.

Soldier: Yes, your majesty!

Lessa (to Zarnem): Oh! In the meantime, I’ll reach out to Kyto. Sound good?

Zarnem: Please don’t take too long.

Lessa: Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll be reaching out to him right now.

Zarnem: Thank you, Queen Lessa.

Lessa (smiling): Oh, good boy.

Zarnem rolls eyes and turns around. He joins his crew and they leave with the soldier.

Lessa (thinking): Oh Zarnem, how you’ve grown to be such a man. Zash would be so proud of you. 

The Luria Inn was quiet, tucked away from the lively streets they’d walked earlier. Unlike the palace’s imposing grandeur, the inn was understated, sleek wooden walls polished to a soft shine, windows left open to let in the warm breeze. The air smelled faintly of jasmine, mixing with the subtle aroma of fresh linen. It was comfortable and clean. Sen and Dain shared a room. Ira and Yerah shared one. Makota and Shera shared another. Zarnem had his own.

Sen and Dain’s room was simple but spacious. Two beds, clean white sheets, and pillows that actually felt soft. A large window overlooked one of the side gardens, where a few people could be seen walking quietly beneath lantern light.

Dain: Hey, you good man?

Sen: I’m good.

Dain gave Sen a concerning look.

Dain: You good?

Sen paused.

Sen: No.

Dain: Sorry, it didn’t work out with you and Yerah.

Sen: Eh, it’s fine. Like I said before… these are war times. Relationships shouldn’t be another thing to think about. I just wanted to let her know so I don’t live with regrets.

Dain: Well, you got it out there.

Sen: Yeah, I did. But that’s not what’s really bothering me. It’s Lessa. She called me Aku.

Dain: It was a mistake though, wasn’t it?

Sen: Yeah… but she seemed so confident when calling me that… but I might be over thinking it. I always do.

Dain: No, you’re fine. It’s ok to suspect things like that. At this point, anything is possible. We’ve seen enough crazy things to believe everything now.

Sen: Am I… me?

Dain: What kind question is that?

Sen: I mean like… am I someone I’m not aware of? Back in Allatora when we were attacked, that Sicrus and blond guy looked at me like I was one of them, almost like they knew me. And then Lessa called me by a different name.

Dain: Where are you getting at?

Sen: Did I lose my memories? Was I someone before, and I just don’t know about it?

Dain rubbed the back of his head.

Dain: No, we practically grew up together. Last I remember, there was no Sicrus or queen involved.

Sen: That’s what I’m thinking too. But, why is this a common theme?

Dain: That people confuse you for someone else?

Sen: Yeah… it feels people know me more than myself. Before, I thought it was just because I can use dark and light, but now, it feels deeper than that for whatever reason.

Dain: It is strange.

Sen: Yeah… Anyways, I am rather hungry. Let’s get something to eat?

Dain: Sure.

The two of them stepped out of the Luria Inn, the polished stone steps smooth beneath their shoes as they descended into the evening light. The air was warm, laced with the faint scent of flowers and baked bread drifting from the nearby market streets. The city was still alive with quiet energy, though calmer now, vendors closing their stalls, families returning home, and the soft glow of lanterns beginning to light the path ahead. Sen and Dain walked in silence for a while, their pace unhurried, until they spotted a small diner tucked between two larger buildings. It was simple, its pale wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze, marked with Luria Diner. 

Dain: Here?

Sen: Sure.

They walked inside, the quiet murmur of conversation and the soft clinking of dishes greeting them as they stepped through the door. The diner was warm, the walls lined with smooth wood and faintly glowing lanterns that cast a soft amber hue over everything. The smell of grilled meats and spiced broth lingered in the air, comforting in a way neither of them had felt in a long time.

Waitress (smiling): Welcome! For two?

Sen: Uh, yeah. Two.

The waitress nodded and gestured for them to follow. She led them through the cozy space, past a few tables where locals sat hunched over bowls of soup or plates of roasted vegetables, their conversations quiet and easy. At the far side of the diner, she stopped at a booth tucked against the window.

Waitress: Right here.

Sen slid in first, settling onto the cushioned bench seat, while Dain followed, leaning back with a quiet sigh. The waitress handed them thin menus bound in leather and gave a polite nod. Outside the window, they could still see the distant glow of Luria’s towers, but in here, it felt like another world entirely.

Waitress: Can I get you two some water to start?

Dain: Um, that sounds good.

Waitress: Coming right up!

The waitress leaves. Sen took a look at the menu.

Sen: Do we order here at the table or something?

Dain: I think so?

The waitress returned with two clear glasses of water. She set them down gently in front of Sen and Dain, the cool condensation already trailing down the sides.

Waitress: Alright, here we are. Two waters. Ready to order, or do you need another minute?

Dain: Ummm… I’ll go with the chicken breast with… g-rav-y? Did I say that right?

The waitress smiled as she jotted the note down.

Waitress: Yes, gravy! Got it. And for you?

Sen set his menu aside, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he thought for a second.

Sen: Steak with the potato slices.

Waitress: And how would you like your steak?

Sen: Huh?

Waitress: How would you like it cooked?

Sen: Umm… like normal?

Dain (whispering to Sen): Medium rare!

Waitress: Haha. Yes. A little bit of pink in the middle is fine?

Sen: Oh, yes. That’s fine.

Waitress: Perfect. I’ll put that in for you both. Shouldn’t be too long.

She gave them a polite nod before turning and weaving her way back toward the kitchen, leaving Sen and Dain sitting in the soft amber glow of the lantern-lit diner.

Dain: You know what I just realized?

Sen: Hm?

Dain: We haven’t eaten at a restaurant in so long.

Sen: Yeah, what of it?

Dain: We don’t have money…

Sen: Oh, that’s right. And we didn’t even pay yet.

Dain: Wait, do we pay after the food comes?

Sen: I don’t know. She never asked for payment.

Dain: Uhhh, I’m so confused. Is this how people do things in Luria?

Sen: Beats me.

Dain: Maybe Lessa’s tab covers this… I hope.

Sen: We should figure this out before food arrives.

Dain: Well, they never said anything about paying yet, so that’s their fault.

Sen: Dude, you serious?

Dain: Man, I’m hungry okay? Troita was messed up, but at least they fed us. Luria should feed us too.

Sen: So, we’re not going to pay?

Dain: Let’s tell them we’re with Queen Lessa. That should cover everything.

Sen: Uhh, whatever you say.

Dain: So… can we talk about… this morning?

Sen: Hm?

Dain: Are you sure you’re good?

Sen: … if you’re talking about Yerah, I’m fine.

Dain: Trying to play it off?

Sen: I’m fine, really.

Dain: You didn’t look fine?

Sen didn’t respond.

Dain: You tried to play it off. We both saw it. That was enough to know that it hurt you.

Sen: Yeah well, this isn’t a time for a relationship anyways. It’s war times. How many times do I have to say it?

Dain: Yeah, but feelings weren’t reciprocated.

Sen: Eh, I was fine before I knew her. I’ll be fine afterwards.

Dain: It’s ok to feel sad about it.

Sen: I’m not though.

Dain: Dude. I can tell it bothers you.

Sen took a sip of his water attempting to buy time from answering.

Sen: Well, if you keep bringing it up, I’ll be bothered. I’m good.

Silence.

Sen: Ok fine. Dain, am I not good enough?

Dain: There we go. Now you’re speaking up.

Sen: Or is it just because it’s war times? I mean like… I’m a decent guy right?

Dain: Yeah, I’d say so.

Sen: I’m not that bad looking, I don’t think. I’m quite a fit guy. I work hard at just about everything I do. … and I like to think I’m a good person. Is there something about me that’s wrong?

Dain: Hey man, don’t let it get to you that deep. I doubt it has to do with who you are as a person. If anything, I’m glad you at least told her.

Sen: Well, she doesn’t like me back.

Dain: And that’s fine. At least now you can say you opened yourself.

Sen: Now I wish I didn’t.

Dain: Obviously you feel that way now. Later, you’ll be glad you did.

Sen didn’t respond. Dain’s words sank in. After a few more minutes of silence, the waitress returned with food, placing them on the table.

Waitress: Steak and Chicken.

Dain: Oh, question. Do we pay?

Waitress: Hm? Why wouldn’t you?

Dain: Oh… umm…

Sen: We’re with Queen Lessa. Does that cover the bill?

Waitress (snarky): Ummm… if you’re with Queen Lessa, then I’m with President Kyto.

Dain: Oh nice! You’re saying you got connections to help us out!

Waitress: It was sarcasm. Of course you have to pay the bill.

Sen (to Dain): What are you even saying, bro?

Dain: It was worth a shot, man!

Waitress: So, can you pay for it, or not?

Sen: Oh… ummm… we can’t afford it actually. We’re travelers and—

The waitress paused for a moment. She didn’t yell. She didn’t throw them out. She just smiled, cleared the plates, and pointed to the door. The next thing they realized, Sen and Dain stepped out of the diner in silence, the warm evening air meeting them as the door swung shut behind them with a quiet thud. Neither spoke for a moment, their footsteps slow as they made their way back toward the main road. The faint glow of lanterns reflected in the polished stone beneath their feet, but neither of them seemed to notice. Sen’s stomach growled softly, but he ignored it, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Dain let out a low sigh, glancing back over his shoulder once before shaking his head.

Dain: I can’t believe we forgot money is a thing.

Sen: Well, not that it matters. I saw their prices, and it looks like they don’t even use the same currency as Clyden.

Dain: So, what do we do for food then? I’m so damn hungry.

Sen: Then you should’ve tried flirting with her.

Dain: Damn it! I should’ve totally tried that. Let’s go back in?

Sen: I was kidding.

Dain: Oh yeah? I’m not.

Sen: Eh, it works if you’re a girl.

Dain: Let’s test that?

Sen: Nah. Let’s just go.

Dain: I can be beautiful too! Just give me a wig or something.

Sen starts walking away.

Dain: I can be so beautiful, I’ll distract you from Yerah.

Sen: I swear…

Sen and Dain made their way back toward the Luria Inn, their footsteps echoing softly along the polished stone streets. The lanterns overhead cast a gentle glow, stretching their shadows long behind them as the quiet hum of the city settled into evening calm.

Dain: You know, to be fair, at least the waitress didn’t ask us to get on our knees like Lessa did to Zarnem.

Sen: Haha. True.

Dain: Didn’t you find that so strange?

Sen: Zarnem getting on his knees?

Dain: Yeah. Crazy. Like, what kind of history do those two have?

Sen: She said something about Zarnem’s mother… Jezra was her name I think she said?

Dain: Yeah, something like that. You know, we follow Zarnem’s orders and he’s been leading us. I guess, I sort of just forgot there are others ranked above him too.

Sen: Yeah. I wonder what the Krutone Military is like.

Dain: Probably full of extremely powerful people.

Sen: I hope to meet someone who uses dark and light also.

Dain: I’d like to know their philosophies in using fire.

Sen: About that… Are you ok from that fight with the Wyvern?

Dain: For sure my right shoulder has some burn marks I’ll just have to live with. My back too. A few on my legs and palms also.

Sen: Damn… thanks for fighting for us. I don’t think anyone has said anything to you yet. You were insane out there.

Dain: You too man. I had no idea you could even move like that when you were against that beast.

Sen: It was improv. I just had to think fast.

Dain: Well, it saved us.

Sen and Dain finally reached the Luria Inn, its tall doors gleaming under the warm lantern light. As they stepped inside, the cool air and faint scent of polished wood greeted them, a stark contrast to the warm streets outside. In the spacious lobby, they spotted Makota, Shera, and Yerah seated around a long table draped in fine linen. Plates of steaming food were spread across its surface, roasted meats, fresh fruits, and warm bread, their rich aromas filling the room. Shera laughed at something Makota said as he poured water into a glass, while Yerah sat quietly, picking at her plate but glancing up as Sen and Dain entered. For a moment, the calm and warmth of the scene made it feel like they had stumbled into a different world entirely.

Shera: There you guys are! Come eat!

Dain: You mean there was food here all along!?

Makota: There’s plenty for all of us.

Dain immediately headed towards the table. Yerah looked up to Sen who pretended she wasn’t even there. He didn’t look over once to say hello. Yerah kept her gaze on him a little while longer, then continued her meal.

As the evening wore on, the crew finished their meal in quiet company, the soft clatter of dishes and muted conversation filling the space between them. Dain leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh, wiping his mouth before glancing out one of the tall windows where the last traces of light had faded from the sky. Makota and Shera exchanged a few tired laughs, their plates nearly empty. Yerah rose without a word, gathering her dishes before slipping away toward the guest rooms, her steps slow and measured. Sen remained silent, seated at the far end of the table, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular, his fingers absently tracing the rim of his cup. For the first time in weeks, the night passed without the sound of alarms or distant screams, only the hush of a city untouched by war.

In the dim warmth of her private chambers, Lessa stood before a wide, arched window, the pale moonlight tracing silver along the curves of her figure. She wore her bedclothes, thin, flowing garments of sheer silver fabric that clung to her immaculate form, leaving little to the imagination. Her bare feet made no sound on the polished stone as she crossed the room, her hair cascading like silk down her back. On the nightstand beside her lavish bed, she picked up a small, square device that fit neatly in her palm. Its surface lit up at her touch, a faint glow illuminating her slender fingers as she tapped several points on the screen with practiced ease. A soft chime echoed from the device, followed by a slow, deliberate ringing that filled the quiet of the room as she waited. Finally, the ringing stopped.

Kyto (voice from the device): I looked it over.

Lessa: Oh? So, is it Aku?

Kyto: From your security camera footage, I can see why you thought it was Aku. The person who came looks very close to Aku, but Aku has a scar on his cheek.

Lessa: Oh, that’s right.

Kyto: Either way, bring them in.

Lessa: Oh? Come again?

Kyto: I still want to see him, the guy that you call Sen.

Lessa: Oh… You’re interested in him?

Kyto: I am. I just have a few questions to ask him.

Lessa: Oh? So, let them in?

Kyto: All of them.

Lessa: Oh, you sure you want all of them?

Kyto: Zarnem won’t comply if we only let Sen in.

Lessa: Oh. That’s true. When will the path be opened?

Kyto: Let’s go for sunset tomorrow? Perhaps eighteen o clock? This will give me time to better prepare my guards.

Lessa: Oh, sure, whatever you say.

Kyto: Is there anything else you’d like to report?

Lessa: Oh, no. I do have a question though. We still have that meeting in a week right?

Kyto: Assuming everyone is here and on time, yes.

Lessa: Oh, got it. I’ll find Zarnem and let them in.

Kyto: Understood. I’ll talk to you soon then.

Lessa: Oh, alrighty. Bye.

Lessa set the device back onto the nightstand with a faint clink, the soft glow of its screen fading as she exhaled a slow, contented breath. She turned toward the massive bed at the center of the room, the red sheets smooth and cool against her skin as she slipped beneath them with practiced grace. The delicate fabric of her nightclothes whispered softly as she settled in, the faintest smile playing at her lips. With a languid stretch, she sank into the plush mattress, her gaze lingering on the ceiling for a moment before her eyes slid shut.

Lessa (softly): Tomorrow, then.