42 - Settling the Score with a Date!

Settling the Score with a Date!

"Jon, hold up!" Elara's voice sliced through the air, grabbing Jon's attention as he walked alongside Nortis and Elija. The two exchanged a knowing glance and gave Jon an encouraging pat on the shoulder, nudging him toward the approaching beauty. "We'll catch up later, alright?" With mischievous smiles, Nortis and Elija retreated, leaving Jon and Elara alone.

"What's up, Elara? Need something?" Jon replied, striving to keep his tone casual. The fresh memory of their recent kiss was somewhat unsettling, but he didn't want to give the impression that he was affected by what he considered a mere flirtation from the stunning young woman before him.

"So, since today is Friday and it's our first weekend at the academy, I was thinking of taking a trip to Frostpeak. The thing is, I don't have anyone to go with... Would you be up for keeping me company?" Elara posed the question, letting Jon weigh the offer.

Jon hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether he should just brush off the idea and head back to his room. However, Elara's anticipatory smile made him question, "Why the hell am I following the same steps as my Earth life, which ended with me being a recluse with nothing and probably dying while trying to have fun in my favorite game?" Jon wasn't sure, and he had pondered this a lot during the early years.

But now he knew that Earth's Jon was probably either dead or lying in a hospital, hooked up to life support in a coma. Regardless, that was irrelevant. The issue was that following the same path in this life would lead him to a future where he'd have to face a threat alone, risking failure and dying alone once more. Even as a social recluse, he knew that was a terrible idea.

With a sly grin, Jon quipped, "You know, I was on my way to my room for something of utmost importance..." He paused dramatically, holding back laughter, then thumped his chest. "But as the honorable gentleman that I am, I must repay the favor you did for me during magic class. So, consider the favor returned."

Getting into the playful spirit, Elara put on a mock disappointed face. "Ah, I see. I thought the chance to accompany a lady as enchanting as myself would be enough to win your heart..." She shot Jon a suggestive glance and added, "but if it's just about the favor..."

"Such is life, my lady," Jon responded, increasingly charmed by Elara. They had much in common, even their sense of humor.

"Oh, come on! You still owe me one. Actually, make that two now, for the privilege of accompanying me. You have no idea how many guys would kill to be in your shoes right now," Elara broke character, catching onto Jon's maneuver. "Be at the academy's teleport square at 7 p.m.," she concluded, walking away without waiting for Jon's response. As she moved off, she shouted, "NOW YOU OWE ME TWO!"

At 7 p.m., Jon was seated on a bench in the square, eagerly awaiting Elara's arrival. His eyes lit up when he saw Gwen approaching. She looked as stunning as ever, dressed in a long, embellished blue gown that accentuated her eyes. "Hey Gwen, did Elara invite you too?" Jon thought she might be joining him and Elara on their trip to Frostpeak. "Invited? What are you talking about? I just have an errand in town," Gwen replied.

Jon wasn't bothered by the aloof tone of his former best friend. He had never been one to get attached, so he wasn't going to press someone who was clearly avoiding him. "Ah, got it. My mistake. Have a good evening," he said.

"Good evening," Gwen responded and began to walk away. But she stopped and asked, "Do you two have a date, perhaps?" Jon looked into her eyes and thought, 'so you act like you don't care, but you still want to know about my life...' This irked him a bit. "Elara just asked me to hang out, no big deal," he replied.

As Gwen walked away, Jon found himself lost in thoughts about why her behavior had changed. He knew it had something to do with his mother's health and also with the Duke of Valdoria. Just thinking about Roderic, who had sabotaged his plans six years ago, made Jon feel a knot of irritation.

That's when Elara arrived, snapping Jon out of his reverie. She looked breathtaking, dressed in a one-piece outfit with a generous neckline, but unlike Gwen's dress, hers seemed designed to protect against the chill of Frostpeak. Her platinum hair and light blue eyes made for such a perfect scene that Jon found himself questioning whether their kiss had actually happened.

Jon was also well-dressed, sporting a V-neck t-shirt he loved for its practicality and style, along with fitted pants. He wasn't wearing a coat like Elara, as the climate inside the academy was mild, but he had an enchanted overcoat tucked away in his inventory that would keep him warm. Despite his above-average looks, something common in Aeloria, Jon still hadn't gotten used to it. He always saw himself as Earth's Jon, not someone who fit into this magically and aesthetically perfect world.

"Have you been waiting long? Hey, Jon... Earth to Jon." Elara couldn't help but be amused by Jon's reaction upon seeing her, but all she showed was a triumphant smile.

Jon, realizing he had spent a considerable amount of time admiring Elara's very generous neckline, felt heat rise to his face. He quickly composed himself and said, "Ah, no, I just got here. Shall we?"

Without waiting for Elara's response, Jon turned toward the square's portal. However, he felt something soft wrap around his arm and realized that Elara had intertwined her arm with his, drawing closer. "It's cold in Frostpeak," she murmured as a quick justification, while she began to lead the half-elf, who was still slightly disconcerted by the sudden contact.