Astral Flow

Chapter 20

Fresh air.

The smell of nature.

The warmth of the sun and the sound of birds chirping.

How long had it been since Regis had felt this?

All of these things melding together felt like a blissful dream, one that any in her position would want to linger in.

This was just a dream after all.

There was no feasible way she'd be out on the surface, not after all this time... not after everything that happened...

All she could do now was protect the magic of her lord for what remained of her life.

As the sun washed over her pale skin, she longed to bask in its glow once more, to see the blue sky one last time.

That endless azure sea that finally gave her freedom.

Slowly Regis opened her eyes, expecting a scene from the past, only to be caught off guard by the small yet cozy log cabin she found herself in now.

The imposing and darkened armor she donned is now being replaced with a simple villager's outfit.

Brown slacks, a loose yet comfy tan shirt, simple yet relaxing socks... there was even a pair of boots left for her by the bed.

Looking around she saw her armor and sword resting nearby, unguarded and free to grab.

Much to her surprise the equipment all looked immaculate, only a few battle scars remained on the surface.

Quickly she looked down, letting out a sigh of relief as she saw that her prized possession was still around her neck.

A simple ruby jewel in black iron hung there, it had been a vampiric artifact but now... it meant so much more.

Cautiously she stood up, knowing she shouldn't let her guard down in this situation, no matter how much she wanted to.

Though she didn't grab her sword, instead glancing around a little more, trying to take in everything fully.

This place seemed to be small in size, yet was big enough to comfortably house her along with some notable supplies.

A bed next to one of the only windows.

Full wardrobe with a closet next to it for extra space.

The display mannequin with her armor and weapon.

A kitchen with the minimal needed supplies.

Lastly, a dining table with what looked to be a bottle of honey wine on it.

Her mind was racing, trying to piece together what was going on when the front door creaked open behind her, causing her to grab the bottle as a defensive weapon... only to relax a bit upon seeing another unarmed individual standing there.

He wore an outfit similar to hers, his blonde hair lightly blowing in the breeze, in his hands a basket filled with food.

"Ah, it's good to see you awake." Ryder's voice was calm and kind, filled with understanding. "Sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but I figured you'd like some fresh food when you finally woke up."

Regis stares at him for a moment, contemplating her actions before nodding and letting him walk inside.

Cautiously she watches him, making sure he doesn't try anything... though much to her comfort it's only food that is pulled from the basket.

Fresh baked bread, honey and butter, bacon that still smells sizzling hot, even freshly picked apples rested on the table now.

With a smile Ryder motions to the food on the table. "Please, help yourself, I imagine you must be starving."