Darkness or light...?

8.

As Thornwick aids the man with his magical affliction, I observe closely. Despite the evident injury, the man displays an uncommon calmness, yet his gratitude towards Lirelle is palpable, expressed through multiple heartfelt thanks.

In the comfort of my living room, surrounded by the familiar scent of wildflowers and the gentle crackle of the fireplace, Thornwick carefully tends to the injuries of our unexpected guest. The elven man exudes an air of tranquility that seems to infuse the very essence of the room, despite the urgency of his need for aid.

As Thornwick works with practiced hands, the elf's demeanor remains remarkably composed, his serene smile a stark contrast to the severity of his injuries. His gratitude towards Thornwick is palpable, expressed through quiet nods and soft-spoken words of thanks that echo in the hushed tranquility of the room.

Caught in a moment of quiet observation, I find myself drawn to the enigmatic presence of our guest. His ethereal beauty and calm demeanor seem to cast a spell upon the room, enveloping us all in a sense of wonder and reverence. When his gaze finally meets mine, his eyes, the color of moonlit silver, seem to hold a depth of wisdom and ancient knowledge beyond my comprehension.

With a gentle smile that lights up his features, the elf addresses me with a curious warmth, "And who might this ethereal girl be?" His words, spoken with a musical lilt, stir something deep within me, igniting a spark of curiosity and fascination that dances in the flickering light of the room.

With a graceful stride, the elven man approaches me, his amused smile mirroring my own curiosity. As he extends his hand towards mine, a gesture of utmost respect, I watch in fascination as his lips meet the back of my hand in a gentle kiss.

"Zaria, daughter of Amora, from Sangius Village," I introduce myself, the words spoken with a sense of pride and intrigue. His gesture, though simple, carries with it a profound sense of reverence, and I can't help but offer him a slight smile of approval in return

As Aldric, Prince of the Nature Kingdom, reveals his identity with a warm smile, gasps ripple through the room, punctuating the air with a sense of astonishment. My gaze lingers on him, absorbing the weight of his words, before he extends an invitation that draws the attention of everyone present.

"I want to get to know you more...may I join you for dinner, my lady?" His request hangs in the air, met with a collective agreement from everyone, but my mind is already set on solitude tonight.

"You may have dinner with everyone else here," I respond firmly, meeting his gaze with a sense of resolve. "As for me, I will be leaving the house for a little while, Thornwick." I glance at Thornwick, silently conveying my trust in him to oversee our guests' well-being.

"Make sure all our guests are well served," I instruct before turning on my heel and striding purposefully out the door...

wish's pov:-

As I watch Zaria gracefully exit the room, her rejection of Aldric's offer hangs in the air like a silent proclamation of her independence and strength of character. A smile tugs at my lips, for I've known Zaria long enough to understand that she's not one to be swayed by titles or status.

In the presence of Aldric, Prince of the Nature Kingdom, any other girl might have readily accepted his invitation without a second thought. But not Zaria. No, she's different. From the moment we met, she captured my attention with her unwavering determination and quiet resilience.

With a sense of spontaneity guiding my steps, I approach Aldric and extend an invitation for a stroll in the garden. His response is one of warmth and openness, as he agrees with a smile that seems to mirror the gentle glow of the moon above.

As we stroll together in the gentle glow of the moonlight, I can't help but voice the question that has been lingering in my mind since Aldric's unexpected invitation to Zaria for dinner.

"Why did you ask Zaria for dinner? You don't know her," I inquire, curiosity coloring my tone.

Aldric chuckles softly before responding, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "She seemed beautiful, is all," he explains with a smile. "She seemed beautiful in her blue dress that slightly matched the color of her eyes."

His words strike a chord within me, and I find myself nodding in understanding. It's true—I've seldom seen Zaria wear anything other than black, her attire reflecting the solemnity of her demeanor. To envision her in a dress, adorned in a color as vibrant as the sky itself, is a rare and striking image indeed.

"But she looks as graceful as a goddess in a dress," I concede, a smile playing at the corners of my lips as I find myself agreeing with Aldric's assessment. Despite her penchant for darker hues, there's no denying the innate elegance that radiates from Zaria, transcending the colors she chooses to wear. 

As Aldric and I continue our stroll through the garden, our conversation meandering through topics both light and profound, I come to a sudden halt as Aldric addresses me with unexpected formality.

"Wish, Princess of the Stone Kingdom," he says, his voice carrying a hint of reverence as he extends his hand in a gesture of greeting.

I meet his gaze with a sense of surprise, but offer my hand in return, accepting his handshake with a firm grip. "Aldric," I respond with a smile, appreciating the courtesy of his introduction.

As we resume our walk, Aldric shares with me the news of a royal ball to be held in the Muggle palace tomorrow night, his invitation extended not just to me, but to all of us. The prospect of attending such an event fills me with excitement, and I listen intently as Aldric paints a vivid picture of the festivities that await us.

But it's his next revelation that catches me off guard—a glimpse into his intentions to ask Zaria to be his date for the evening. The notion of Aldric and Zaria attending the ball together seems to hold a certain allure, and I can't help but feel a surge of anticipation at the prospect of witnessing their dynamic unfold amidst the splendor of the royal affair.

With a smile of encouragement, I offer Aldric my support.