Forever Synth

Chapter 1.3: After Dark

I was on the ground, staring at the window. The climb down was easy, yet Rosaria, still sitting on the window sill, was nervous. Hesitating to find any way of wanting to climb down. It was only the second floor, so the fall wasn't a huge drop. But I continued to encourage her.

She inched closer and closer, sliding off the sill, and was reaching for me. Without any thought, I rushed to catch her. And while I was able to catch her, she landed on me and both of us fell onto the ground.

The lights of the street lamp illuminated us. There was an ache in my chest, but nothing I could manage. Fearful, I looked at Rosaria who was lying on top of me. Her head rose slightly and used one hand to slide her hair out of her face. We couldn't help but chuckle. My lips widen and brushed the other half of her hair so I could see her face fully. And in doing so, she leaned in forward with a loving kiss.

As we got up and started walking, we kept holding hands as Rosaria was telling me everything that was around us. I pointed to various buildings that were standing out compared to the rest. Many places I've heard of but never could imagine visiting.

Me and Rosaria have read and seen images in books. Both of us were curious to the max in wanting to go there at some point. Never in my dreams, I've thought we would be experiencing it together.

With the night sky taking completely over, the street lamp became more serene as shops and homes lit up like a second set of stars.

Curious about what goes on in the common folk's households is beyond me. However, there were a few various taverns and venues that remained open with lights shining brightly. Compared to the House of Nobles browses only the highest luxury of suites, these presented the simplest iconography.

One caught my attention which shows a mug with clouds floating above. A wooden door showing the edges cracked and light piercing out to the veil. I asked Rosaria what it could be entitled to.

She answered, "That's a tavern. Or a dining spot for people to gather around."

I probed further, asking if it's just like how the nobles and aristocrats dine. She couldn't help herself giggle, all cheery.

"No, far far from it."

She must have anticipated this moment as we approached the door. She told me, "Here, it's better to let me show you." She opened the door; the room was filled with a blissful warmth after a stroll in the cold night. Seeing half the tables filled with various colorful travelers from other kingdoms to the exotic travelers from beyond. I stood there bewildered, awestruck, and filled with curiosity.

The paralyzing excitement was interrupted as someone called out my name. Panic-stricken, we both turned to see a rugged man. He wore a black eye patch covering a scar over his eye. A shade over his jaw with black hair all disheveled. His attire appeared worn, and tattered, yet still presenting the Lucidia sigil and dawning the cyan and light-gray colors.

Both of us gasped in surprise as it was someone who we didn't expect to show up so soon.

In excitement, we both shouted, "GAVIN!?"

He couldn't help but widen his lips, open his arms, and cry out, "Yep, it's me! Gavin!" He falls closer and wraps each arm around us, bringing us closer. I winced slightly, keeping one eye open while Rosaria had her hand over his wrist.

I exclaimed, "Gavin, what brings you to this place? Shouldn't you be at the excavation?"

He releases us, putting each hand on our shoulders. He was slightly taller than an eighteen-year-old. His light-blue eye glanced at each of us, explaining, "You see, my ride had a delay and I decided to stop by to get something quick to eat." He looked down at me, then looked at Rosaria. "What are you two doing here? Shouldn't you be at a fancy Inn?"