Enjoying The Last Flame

"I've heard tales about him from my twin as being the resistance against the Royal Guard but I'd never imagined myself going to that cat boy for help…" said Layla, looking afraid.

"You don't have to fear… Once he sees that I'm around he won't dare to hurt you…"

"At least keep my wings so that my twin would know how to give me a proper burial."

"Layla!"

After the hearty breakfast, Layla was cleaning up while Matt remained at the table, sipping on the soup like it was tea.

"So why him?" chimed Layla.

"Teemo? Well, the male's got the shop filled with armor sets and weaponry so I'd head to his place but what makes him stand out would be the materials he uses in 'em."

Layla turned around in confusion and resumed cleaning.

"If you haven't noticed, Dragoons don't need armor compared to you."

"Ah, I see. Well, armor is usually made out of materials such as leather or metal but the armor that Teemo creates uses something called Elemental Crystals. And each Crystal has something called the Essence which is unique to each individual who wears them."

"I'm not that good at explaining things so when you meet him he can give you a better run down on the matter," answered Matt as he finished the last of his soup.

Layla was also done with the dishes and went towards the fireplace to dry her apron while also resting. The Loplin stood up to join the Dragoon at the fire.

"So I assume that you enjoy doing this?" asked Matt, as he glanced at Layla's unmoving face.

The female nodded as she continued to mindlessly stare at the flames.

"It's been so long since my twin left… About 15 years ago… I haven't heard from him and I'm only here because I was hoping that someday he might come back. I didn't have a reason to leave this place until you showed up."

Without looking at Matt, Layla snapped her fingers to conjure up a small snow cloud above the bunny to cool him off.

"That's why you founded the Tavern?" asked Matt as he stuck out his tongue to catch a falling snowflake.

"Yes, to fill the deathly loneliness that I've got in this home. I hate being alone…" murmured Layla as she brought her knees towards her chest.

Matt couldn't help but feel sad for the young maiden. He'd been out adventuring and traveling for so long that he had forgotten how lonely it could be while you waited for your loved one to come back. The rabbit smiled as he scooted closer to the sad Layla.

"I don't know what it's like in your culture but would you mind if I have an arm around you to comfort you?"

"I do mind a bit… But maybe you could lend me a shoulder?"

"Sure."

Layla closed her eyes as she lay on the bunny's shoulders.

"I'm sorry about yesterday, for pulling your tail…"

"It's fine. You can go ahead and take a nap. It's what you've earned after that meal," soothed Matt as he rested a palm on Layla's head.

She soon fell asleep, leaving Matt stuck looking at the burning embers by himself. The Loplin adjusted himself after a while and decided to bring the young maiden to a proper bed.

Despite having such a strong kick and large wings, Layla was like a feather within the strong bunny man's arms. Her room was situated beside his temporary living quarters so it wasn't too long of a walk.

Matt pushed the door and placed the girl gently on her bed, noting that her room didn't look any more different than the room he was in. The only difference was that there was a table and chair beside the bed.

He pulled out the chair to face Layla and parked himself on it as he dozed off.

Layla was the first to wake up to prepare some food to be eaten before heading out while Matt found himself sleeping on her bed instead. The poor thing panicked and bolted out of the room, only to meet Layla standing in the hallway with more food.

"Sun's gonna go down soon, better eat up before heading out. I assume that you've got the route planned out?"

"Yes, but the route I've planned is only for foot… I'm not sure if your wings are an option…"

"My wings can travel for no more than a few Chimes before needing to rest with extra baggage. And the Campania isn't too far off if the landing area is somewhere nearer to our destination," reasoned Layla.

Matt thanked the six Primordial Gods for the food in front of him once more as it consisted of a whole rack of lamb ribs with mashed potatoes and steamed mixed vegetables.