Ruby? 2

"It smells so good," Ella remarked, inhaling deeply as she watch them cooking. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and a variety of herbs and spices filled the air.

"Indeed," Levy chimed in, her eyes wide with anticipation. She could already see the array of dishes laid out on the wooden table, each one more appetizing than the last.

"Yes, this is one of Ruby's special feasts," Elara said with a happy smile on her face. She looked around at her friends, feeling a warm sense of contentment. The flickering candlelight added a magical glow to the room, highlighting the delicious spread Ruby had prepared.

"Now, now, Elara, do not spill all my secrets," Ruby teased, waving a wooden spoon playfully in Elara's direction. "And I only chose to make this because of you, I might add."

"Because of me?" Elara asked, tilting her head in surprise.

"Yes, of course, because of you," Ruby replied, her eyes twinkling. "We are celebrating that you found yourself someone to serve, guide, and protect. Just like a true maid-knight, even though you still have a lot to learn."

Elara's head began to flush red, her cheeks turning a bright shade of crimson. She ducked her head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. The group began to laugh good-naturedly at her reaction, the sound of their mirth filling the room and blending with the crackling fire in the hearth.

As they settled around the table, the conversation flowed easily, filled with jokes, stories, and the occasional teasing remark. Elara couldn't help but feel grateful for her friends and the bond they shared, made even stronger by moments like this.

"It is crazy how much you are carrying around, Ruby," Levy remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. "A wooden table, chairs, and all that kitchen stuff!"

Ruby just laughed. "Well, I wouldn't be a good maid-knight if I didn't have all this and couldn't do what I do." She turned her head with a teasing look in her eye, watching Elara as she stared down at the table.

"But enough of that," Ruby said, shifting her attention. "Tell me, Lilith, what have you learned so far? And tell me more about your adventures. I understand you were taught the ways of a battle-mage."

"Ahh, yes," Lilith began, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I learned the ways of the battle-mage from an adventurer named Kai. He's a demon from Bez'Eru and was a great teacher to me. I learned not only the way of the battle-mage but also more adventuring skills that Elara didn't teach me. It was a long few months, and I ended my training with a solo adventure quest from the guild in Bez'Eru."

"My quest was to gather information about the mining site close to Bez'Eru. There was a necromancer up in the mountains that the lord's son of Bez'Eru defeated with help from some skilled adventurers. But after their fight, something strange happened."

Lilith looked at Elara with a knowing question in her eyes, and Elara just nodded to her.

"There were still undead afterward, and I was tasked to check out the mines. I found nothing, so I trailed up to the old fortress where they killed the necromancer. It was there I met a Demon Lord from another world. His name is Jakinn."

"Jakinn!" Ruby exclaimed. "What is he doing here?"

"You know of Jakinn?" Elara chimed in.

"Yes, I know of him. He is known as a DESTROYER among the gods. But I know him personally, and if you met him, he must have told you something. So, what did he tell you?"

"Well, you see," Lilith began once more, "it all started with Jakinn killing Elara as I was fighting him. He was trying to make me use all my power and potential. I was so mad at the time, I lost my mind to rage. And before I knew it, I woke up some time afterward. Elara was there next to Ella, watching over me. And Jakinn was in the background, just waiting. Then he told us that the balance of this world was broken, but that I could fix it if I brought this necklace to the World Tree sapling."

The room fell silent as Lilith finished her story, the weight of her words settling over them. Ruby's eyes narrowed in thought, while Levy looked both amazed and concerned.

"The World Tree sapling," Ruby murmured. "That is no small task. Did he say why?"

"He only said that we might meet again in a year or so," Lilith remarked.

"Oh, so that was the guy I met some time ago," Levy said, her eyes widening as she began her story. "One day, when I was working on the barrier around the island where the World Tree sapling is, a strange shadowy figure appeared. I was so confused, I didn't even know what happened, but I fell asleep and woke up near a campfire. The figure began to speak to me. He said I was doing a great job as the guardian, but soon I would meet others. He told me he was surprised how a small faerie like me could make such a great barrier and that he could tell I'd been doing it for many years. He even said it must have taken thousands of years to make this sort of barrier around the sapling's island."

Ruby listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "So, it seems Jakinn has been keeping an eye on all of you in his own way."

Elara nodded, her face serious. "He's testing us, preparing us for something bigger."

Levy continued, "He seemed impressed by the barrier, but also hinted that it might not be enough. He said others would come to help, and that together, we could protect the World Tree sapling and restore the balance."

"Well, it looks like you're those 'others' he mentioned," Ruby said with a determined look. "you have to be ready for whatever comes next."

Lilith nodded. "Yes, and with the necklace and all of us working together, I believe we can restore the balance and protect the sapling."

Elara smiled at her friends, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Then let's make sure we're prepared. We'll train harder, learn more, and face whatever challenges come our way together."

The group exchanged resolute glances, each of them committed to the task ahead. They knew their journey would be difficult, but with their combined strength and determination, they felt ready to face any obstacles that might come their way.

"Tell me more about this necklace, Lilith," Ruby began once more, her curiosity piqued.

Lilith took out the necklace and held it up. Whispering softly, she said, "Aurora of the Northern Light, speak with us."

A soft glow emanated from the necklace, and a voice responded, "Ahh, young one. It's been a long time. Wait... is that you, Sorina?" Aurora exclaimed in surprise.

Ruby giggled. "So this is why the necklace felt so familiar. It was hosting Aurora's soul. Now it all makes sense to me. Hello, my dear old friend. I go by the name Ruby now. Sorina is from the ancient days."

Aurora began laughing, her voice filled with joy. "I didn't think I would ever hear your voice again. It's been over 11,000 years."

Ruby's eyes softened as she listened to Aurora's voice. "Yes, it has been a long time, Aurora. I never expected to be reunited with you in this way. How did you end up in this necklace?"

"I... I... I..." Aurora's voice trembled. "I lost a fight with a Demon Lord, and he bound my soul to this necklace so he could use my power. Luckily—or unluckily—I managed to shorten his life during our fight, and at some point, he lost me."

"10,000 years later, Lilith found me, and together, we are going to the World Tree sapling to bring back the balance to the world. Or so Jakinn told us to do," Aurora explained.

Ruby's eyes softened with understanding. "I'm sorry for what you've been through, Aurora. But I'm glad you're here with us now. Your knowledge and power will be invaluable in your quest."

Lilith nodded, holding the glowing necklace tightly. "Aurora has been guiding me, helping me understand the importance of our mission and the history of the balance we need to restore. Jakinn said the World Tree sapling is the key to fixing everything."

Elara looked thoughtful. "If Jakinn, a Demon Lord known as the DESTROYER among the gods, is telling us to restore the balance, then the situation must be dire indeed. We have to be prepared for anything."

Ella fluttered her wings, her determination evident. "Aurora, what else can you tell us about the World Tree sapling and the balance we're trying to restore?"

Aurora's voice steadied as she began to explain. "The World Tree sapling is a beacon of life and balance. It connects all realms and ensures harmony. When the balance is disrupted, it affects all living beings. Dark forces have been trying to corrupt the sapling, to twist its power for their own ends. That's why Jakinn, despite his destructive nature, seeks to restore the balance. He understands the consequences of its loss."

Ruby nodded. "Then you must protect the sapling at all costs. Aurora, with your guidance and you're combined strength, you will succeed."

Lilith looked at her friends, feeling a sense of unity and purpose. "We will face whatever challenges come our way. Together, we'll restore the balance and protect our world."

The group exchanged resolute glances, each of them committed to the task ahead. With Aurora's wisdom, Jakinn's cryptic guidance, and their unwavering determination, they felt ready to face any obstacles that might come their way. Their journey would be difficult, but with their bond and shared purpose, they were prepared to protect the World Tree sapling and restore harmony to their realm.