Outing

Disclaimer: This chapter is NOT CANON.

It is merely an example of what could have been. Due to some emergency I could not write today's chapter so you guys will have to make do with this. Really sorry, and have fun reading!

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The morning sun cast a warm, golden light over the quaint town of Basil.

Its rays filtered through the leaves of the old oak trees lining the streets, creating a dappled pattern on the cobblestones.

The usual bustle of townsfolk preparing for their day filled the air, but for Rybane, this day was special.

He stood in front of a mirror, adjusting his tunic and brushing a stray lock of hair from his face.

He wanted everything to be perfect.

Today, he and his wife, Farya, were going to spend a rare day together, free from the looming threat of Kraglin raids or adventurer duties.

It was a day just for them, a respite from the turmoil that had gripped their lives.

Farya, in her human form, appeared behind him, her reflection in the mirror drawing his attention.

Her dark hair flowed down her back like a river of midnight, and her eyes, a deep amethyst, glowed with warmth and mischief.

She wore a simple yet elegant dress, the soft fabric hugging her curves and accentuating her natural grace.

Despite her dragon heritage or maybe because of it, she moved with a fluidity that was both enchanting and mesmerizing.

"Are you ready, honey?" she asked, her voice as smooth and melodic as a gentle breeze.

Rybane turned, taking her hands in his.

"The sun must have risen from the west today. You somehow managed to ready up in 40 minutes."

"Truly a miracle!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with faux surprise.

"Shut up and let's go." she pouted, confused whether she was being complimented or insulted.

They stepped out of their home, the scent of blooming flowers greeting them as they walked through the garden.

The world seemed brighter, the colors more vivid, and the sounds more vibrant.

It was as if the universe itself knew the significance of this day and had adorned itself in celebration.

Their first stop was the local market, a lively place filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade trinkets.

The air was thick with the aroma of baked goods and the chatter of people bartering.

Rybane and Farya strolled through the stalls, their fingers intertwined, stopping occasionally to admire a particularly beautiful piece of jewelry or to sample a tasty treat.

At one stall, a jovial baker offered them a taste of his freshly baked pastries.

"Try one of these! They're made with the finest honey you can find in the region," he boasted.

Rybane took a bite, savoring the sweet, flaky goodness. The flavor of the honey exploded in his mouth, filling his chest with a warm feeling.

"These are ridiculously good!," he declared, handing one to Farya.

She took a small bite, her eyes lighting up with delight.

"God this tastes divine!. We'll take a dozen." She spoke in between mouthfulls, her face flush with joy.

Ryne merely raised an eye at her, before resuming their blissful reverie.

As they continued their walk, they came across a group of children playing a game of tag.

Farya's face softened, and she watched them with a tender smile.

Though they had never discussed having children, moments like these made her wonder what it would be like to have a family of their own.

She squeezed Rybane's hand a little tighter, and he glanced at her, his expression full of understanding and love.

Their next destination was the town's central park, a serene oasis of greenery and tranquility.

They found a secluded spot beneath a large willow tree, its branches drooping gracefully towards the ground, providing a canopy of shade.

Rybane spread out a blanket, and they sat down, enjoying a picnic of fresh bread, cheese, and fruits they had bought from the market.

As they ate, they talked about everything and nothing—their hopes, their dreams, and the simple pleasures of life.

Rybane told Farya about his plans to fortify the town's defenses and shared stories from his childhood.

Farya, in turn, spoke of her life before they met, her adventures, and the wonders she had seen in her dragon form.

After their meal, Farya rested her head on Rybane's shoulder, closing her eyes and listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart.

"I cherish these moments with you," she murmured.

Rybane kissed the top of her head, his fingers gently stroking her hair. "As do I, Farya. You're the best thing that's happened to me."

"Considering your life experiences, that's not much of a compliment." Farya replied, her eyes dancing with playfulness.

That made us both laugh, and made me realize how truly lucky I was to have her.

The afternoon drifted by in a blissful haze, the couple lost in each other's company.

They walked through the park, hand in hand, stopping to admire the vibrant flowers and the playful antics of squirrels chasing each other up the trees.

Rybane picked a delicate purple flower and tucked it behind Farya's ear, its color a perfect match for her eyes.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the town, they made their way to a hill overlooking Basil.

It was their favorite spot, a place where they could see the entire town laid out before them, its beauty magnified by the golden light of dusk.

They sat down on the soft grass, leaning against each other, and watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of fiery oranges, pinks, and purples.

"I've always loved this view," Rybane said softly. "It reminds me of how lucky I am to have you in my life."

Farya smiled, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "And I am lucky to have you, Ryne. You've given me a life filled with love and adventure. There's nothing more I could ask for."

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, they lay back on the grass, side by side, gazing up at the heavens.

The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of their love and the magic of the moment.

In that quiet, starlit night, Rybane and Farya knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, their hearts forever intertwined.