TBATE - Not Bound By Fate

Part 7

Tess and I were walking through Zestier for a proper date. It wasn't going to be anything fancy but it was better than going around the city aimlessly like we've been doing the past few days. Thanks to Regis scouting a few places earlier I had a good idea of where to take her today. As I was going over the route one last time in my head Tess called for me.

"Hey Art, what made you ask me out today? Usually I'm the one dragging you around."

"I just want to make the most of the time we have gained and I want to do things right with you. Not only did you have to wait five years for me, I never really did anything for you other than buying the pendant."

"It wasn't really your fault that we couldn't enjoy our time together after you confessed with everything that happened. And don't beat yourself up for taking so long, I was ready to wait a lot longer. So just focus on the present now, okay?" She had a gentle and compassionate smile as she talked.

"You're right, thanks Tess." It's weird how a few words from certain people can calm the mind like that. We continued walking in a comfortable silence enjoying the views Zestier had to offer for a few minutes until the smell of freshly baked cake assaulted my senses signaling we were close to the first stop of the day.

"C'mon, this way." I said as I pulled her by the hand.

The bakery we were going to was one that had recently opened, it was a small corner shop with a few tables outside. The inside was decorated in a way that resembled the more modern and minimalist style of my old world mixed with the traditional elven style you would normally expect in Elenoir.

We took our seats closer to the counter so we could take a better look at the items they served. Looking at the menu I recognized some of the names not from the cafes I went to in Xyrus with mom and Tabitha but from the parties I attended when I was king back on Earth. There were tres leches cake, trifle, tiramisu, cheesecake, lamingtons and key lime pie. I looked over to the display on the counter to see if it was just a coincidence, but it wasn't, they were the same desserts I had in my past life once or twice. I ordered the lamingtons and Tess had the key lime pie, which I had to wipe away the remains from the corner of her mouth once we were finished since she didn't want to do it herself. As we were paying for the food I made a mental note to come back here with Tess more often.

After we were done in the bakery we went to the park nearby where there was a play for anyone to watch. The story was about a group of elves who protected the borders of the Elshire forest from mana beasts. While the play was mainly for children it still was interesting to watch since it was based on a true story. It was a bit too long for my tastes but Tess enjoyed it so I won't complain about it.

With the play over we made our way to the food stalls this park was famous for. The variety was almost as impressive as Tess appetite, who was eating as much as Sylvie used to before our training in Epheotus. While she was sampling everything that was for sale I only had vegetable skewers that were marinated in something similar to soy sauce and seasoned with some herbs. Regis did a really good job choosing places to visit, I should thank him later.

Once Tess finally had enough food I took her to a more secluded area of the park. On the west side there was a small area with a gazebo hidden away by the trees surrounded by a patch of rare white and yellow star shaped flowers that only grew on the northern part of Elenoir. We sat down for a bit in silence while watching the sun set with Tess resting her head on my shoulder while I played with her hair. After a few minutes I broke the silence.

"Did you have fun?"

"Of course, I always enjoyed going out into the city with you." She paused for a moment before asking. "So, what was the real reason you asked me out today?"

"Was the answer I gave you earlier not enough?"

"It was, but I know you well enough to know that wasn't the only reason."

"You caught me. I brought you here for two reasons. The first is because today is September 7th, the day I basically proposed to you. The second reason is I have a gift." With that I pulled out the box with the communication rings from my storage rune and handed it to her. "Here, open it." As she opened the box Tess had a look of joy on her face.

"Are you proposing again?" She asked in a teasing tone.

"Not right now, you'll know when I'm actually doing it. These rings are communication devices, that way we can keep in touch when one of us is away or just use to talk without anyone knowing, like me and Regis."

"Thank you Arthur. How do they work?"

"First you need to imbue one of them with your mana to mark it so you can call with the other. I already did that for the white one so all you need to do is put your mana on the black one. I know you don't have your mana core yet, but I wanted to have something now that we don't have the leaf pendants anymore."

"I almost forgot about them for a second. Thanks again Art, I love them. And I love that I can just talk to you anytime after you go back to Xyrus." She said with a gentle smile and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm glad you like it."

"It's also good to know you plan on proposing again." She said while laying down her head on my lap.

"I said earlier that I want to do things right this time, so expect more than just a proposal."

With that done we went back to sitting in a comfortable silence for some time before heading back to the palace where Merial was waiting for us with a knowing look on her face.

"Did you two have fun on your little date?" Tess and I blushed at the comment. "I'll take that as yes." She said with a teasing smirk.

First gramps and now her, just what I needed in my life.