Unspoken Bonds 0.2

The forest echoed with the crunch of leaves underfoot as the trio returned, a majestic deer slung over Leo's shoulder. Ayira's eyes widened in amazement at the sight, but a pang of guilt tugged at her heart.

"Wow, that's a big deer! But... what if it had children?"

Lucius paused, considering her question seriously before responding.

"I... I guess I hadn't thought about that. Maybe we should've left it alone..."

Lia interjected, her voice gentle but firm.

"Guys, that's just how things are in the wild. Sometimes, to survive, we have to take from nature. It's a cycle of life and death."

Ayira's expression softened as she absorbed Lia's words, though the sadness lingered in her eyes.

"I guess you're right... It's just hard sometimes."

Lia smiled sympathetically, placing a comforting hand on Ayira's shoulder.

"It's okay to feel that way. But remember, we give thanks for what nature provides us, and we use everything we take. Nothing goes to waste."

"Yuno, could you clean the deer for me?" Lia asked, turning to Yuno.

"I'll start preparing the fire for cooking."

Yuno nodded, eager to show his skill with a blade. As he set to work, Lia gathered firewood and arranged it in a neat pile.

"What are you going to make with the deer, Lia?" Ayira asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Lia smiled warmly at the young girl.

"I'm going to make a delicious soup and fry some of the meat," she replied.

"It'll be perfect for a chilly day like today."

"A soup and fried deer? That sounds amazing!" Ayira exclaimed, her stomach growling at the thought.

"Could you teach me how to cook them? I want to surprise my father with a delicious meal when we return to the tower."

Lia's eyes softened at her request, touched by her eagerness to learn and her desire to do something special for her father.

She smiled warmly and nodded.

"Of course, Ayira," Lia replied, her voice gentle.

"I'd be happy to teach you. Cooking can be a wonderful way to show someone you care."

As Lia tended to the fire, the savory aroma of cooking meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest.

Yuno worked swiftly, expertly skinning and cleaning the deer with practiced hands. Soon, the fire crackled merrily, and Lia began to prepare the ingredients for her soup.

Lia began to explain the steps involved in preparing the soup and fried deer. Together, they gathered ingredients and set to work, their laughter mingling with the sizzle of the frying pan and the bubbling of the soup pot.

As she and Ayira continued their culinary adventure, she leaned in close to Ayira with a conspiratorial smile.

"I have a special dish that I'd like to teach you," she whispered.

Ayira's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" she asked eagerly, leaning in closer to Lia.

"It's called Braised Venison with Rosemary and Shiitake," Lia revealed, her voice soft with reverence.

"I would love to learn how to make it!" she exclaimed.

Lia nodded, her smile warm and encouraging.

"I thought you might," she said, her tone playful.

"Let's get started, shall we?"

With that, Lia began to teach Ayira the intricacies of preparing the dish, guiding her through each step with patience and expertise.

Together, they seasoned the venison, sautéed the shiitake mushrooms, and simmered the dish to perfection, infusing it with the fragrant aroma of rosemary and love.

As they worked, Ayira couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and anticipation.

She was learning a recipe that held a special place in her father's heart, and she couldn't wait to surprise him with it when they returned to the tower.

With the Braised Venison with Rosemary and Shiitake prepared to perfection, Ayira and Lia set the table with care, arranging the dishes and utensils with precision.

As they finished, the tantalizing aroma of the dish filled the air, beckoning Leo, Yuno, and Lucius to join them for the meal.

"Everyone, dinner's ready!" Ayira called out, her voice filled with excitement as she gestured towards the table.

The three quickly made their way to the dining area, their mouths watering in anticipation of the feast that awaited them.

As they took their seats, Ayira and Lia beamed with pride, eager to share their culinary creation with their newfound friends.

"Wow, this looks amazing!" Lucius exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he gazed at the spread before him.

Leo nodded in agreement, a smile playing on his lips.

"It smells delicious," he remarked, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.

Lucius couldn't contain his excitement as he eyed the Braised Venison with Rosemary and Shiitake.

"I can't wait to try it!" he exclaimed, his mouth watering at the sight of the savory dish.

With that, Ayira and Lia served the meal, their hearts filled with joy as they watched the three savor each bite. 

Ayira savored each bite of the meal.

Lucius, however, couldn't shake the question that Yuno had posed earlier. His gaze drifted to Ayira, her face illuminated by the flickering firelight.

"Ayira," he began tentatively,

"Do you... do you want to go back to the tower?"

Ayira paused a morsel of food halfway to her mouth. She glanced up at Lucius, her expression thoughtful.

"I... I'm not sure," she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly.

"I miss my father, but..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her features.

Lia paused in her movements, her heart sinking at Lucius's question. She turned to look at them, her eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and sadness.

"You're going back?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Lucius could feel his heart sinking with the thought of leaving this newfound place and the companionship they had found here.

He turned to Ayira, silently pleading for her to share his sentiment.

"I... I wanted to stay here," Lucius confessed softly, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze fixed on Ayira.

Ayira met his gaze, her eyes reflecting his feelings of reluctance to leave.

"I want to stay too," she affirmed, her words resonating with sincerity.

Lia's expression softened at their response, a glimmer of hope brightening her features.

"Please, consider staying for a while longer," she urged, her voice gentle yet earnest.

"We've grown fond of having you both here."

Lucius and Ayira exchanged a smile, their decision solidifying at that moment.

"We'll stay," Lucius declared, a sense of relief washing over him as he spoke.

Ayira echoed his sentiment with a nod, her heart feeling lighter with the knowledge that they had chosen to remain.

"Yes, we'll stay," she confirmed, her voice filled with quiet resolve.

As the dinner came to a close, Yuno made a gesture to clear the table and wash the dishes. Lucius, feeling a sense of gratitude for the warm hospitality they had received, volunteered to help.

"Let me help you with that," Lucius offered, rising from his seat and moving towards the sink where Yuno was gathering the dirty dishes.

Yuno smiled appreciatively at Lucius's offer.

"Thank you, Lucius. That would be great," he replied, passing him a dishcloth and motioning towards the stack of plates.

Together, they worked in harmony, the sound of water splashing and the clinking of dishes filling the air as they washed and dried each item.

By the time they finished washing the dishes, Yuno, wiping his hands on a dish towel, turned to Lucius with a look of concern.

"Are you really sure about staying here?" he asked, his tone gentle yet probing.

Lucius hesitated for a moment, considering Yuno's question carefully. He glanced around the cozy cottage, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging in this unfamiliar place.

"I think so," he replied slowly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"It's just... it feels nice here."

Yuno nodded, understanding the conflicted emotions swirling within Lucius.

"I understand," he said, offering a reassuring smile.

"But you have to remember, there are people back at the tower who care about you. They might be worried if you don't return," he added.

Lucius sighed, running a hand through his hair as he grappled with Yuno's words. He knew that Yuno was right – there were people back at the tower who cared about him deeply. But at the same time, he couldn't shake the feeling that he belonged here, with Ayira and their newfound friends.

"Bed is ready!" Lia chime in.

As Lia announced that she had finished preparing their beds for the night. The two nodded gratefully, offering warm smiles to Lia for her kindness.

"Thank you, Lia," Ayira said softly, her voice filled with appreciation.

With a gentle nod, Lia returned their smiles before turning to leave the room. However, before she departed, Leo approached Lucius with a reassuring smile.

"Lucius, tomorrow I'll start teaching you," Leo said.

Lucius's eyes widened with excitement at the prospect of learning from Leo.

"Really?" he exclaimed eagerly.

Leo nodded, his expression serious yet encouraging.

"Yes, but remember, it'll take dedication and hard work. Are you up for the challenge?"

Lucius's determination shone brightly in his eyes as he met Leo's gaze.

"Absolutely," he replied confidently.

"I'm ready to learn."

With a nod of approval, Leo clapped Lucius on the shoulder, a proud smile gracing his lips.

"What teaching? What challenge?" Ayira chimed in as she heard the two talking.

Lucius beamed proudly, eager to share the news.

"Leo is going to teach me swordsmanship!" he announced excitedly.

Upon hearing this, her expression shifted to one of envy, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Swordsmanship?" she repeated.

Lucius nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah! It's going to be awesome!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.

Not wanting to be left out, Ayira's eyes sparkled with determination as she turned to Leo.

"Can I join too?" she asked eagerly, her voice filled with hope.

Leo faces the two children, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment of consideration, he nodded with a smile.

"Of course. If you're willing to put in the effort, I'd be happy to teach you as well."

Her face lit up with joy at Leo's words.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed gratefully, her heart filled with excitement at the prospect of learning alongside Lucius.

"Good," he said simply before turning to leave, leaving the two feeling excited and eager for what tomorrow would bring.

"Goodnight, guys!" he added.