A Final Fantasy

Chapter 4: A Brief Respite

As the pair made their way through the bustling streets of Loftcidia, the atmosphere began to calm. They walked past the Loftcidia Bazaar once again, the merchant's stalls now closed and silent, and next through one of many residential parts of the city. The night air was cool, which Reno seemed to enjoy it. Roxanne led Reno down a narrow street.

"Breezeway Lane," he read aloud a nearby sign.

Roxanne nodded. "This is where I live. It is a quite area, not too far from the action but far enough to get some peace and quiet from time to time."

They walked past several quaint houses, each with its unique charm, until they reached a modest, two-story home with a small garden in front. Roxanne opened the door, and they stepped inside, grateful for the shelter and familiarity of her home. She led Reno up a flight of narrow, creaky stairs to a small but cozy apartment on the upper floor. She unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing a warm and inviting space.

The interior was modestly furnished but filled with personal touches that gave it character. A comfortable-looking couch sat against one wall, covered in a patchwork quilt. Opposite the couch was a small bookshelf crammed with various volumes, their spines indicating a mix of adventure novels, historical texts, and manuals on combat techniques. A well-worn training dummy occupied one corner of the room: its fabric visible patched in several places from frequent use. The walls were adorned with a few personal mementos—a couple landscape paintings, a small collection of medals, and ribbons from various competitions. A large, old-fashioned trunk sat at the foot of the couch which doubled as a table. A large, circular rug in the center of the room added warmth to the wooden floorboards, its intricate patterns adding a touch of elegance to the space.

The apartment itself was dimly lit, with a few soft, warm lights creating a cozy ambiance. The main source of light came from a small, ornate lamp on the end table beside the couch, casting a gentle glow across the room. The soft light created shadows that danced on the walls, giving the space a peaceful and intimate feel.

Despite its modest size, the apartment felt welcoming. There was a sense of lived-in comfort that made it easy to relax and feel at home. At least, Reno thought so.

"You've got a nice place. Cozy," he remarked, running a hand along the back of the couch, not noticing a sleek black cat curled up on the patchwork quilt.

"Make yourself at home," Roxanne added, "try not to give Nyx too much attention while you're at it."

Reno looked at her confused then looked at the couch again only to maintain eye contact with the two yellow eyes of Nyx who sat up and looked at him. The black cat then turned to the large tomato left by the door and went to inspect it.

"Nyx is a good judge of character. If he likes you, you are alright."

Reno chuckled. "Well, that's reassuring. I'll try not to disappoint him." He took off the belt and sword and hung it up on a nearby hook next to the doorway. Roxanne did the same.

Reno settled back onto the couch. Nyx jumped back onto the couch. He reached out to gently stroke the cat, who purred contentedly at his touch. Roxanne grabbed the tomato and went into an adjacent room, presumably the kitchen. She pulled out a few ingredients and set them on a wooden countertop.

"Do you want dinner?" Roxanne asked.

"You bet I do!" Reno exclaimed. He walked into the kitchen. "Need help with anything?"

"Sure, I could use an extra pair of hands. Let's put that big tomato to good use."

They worked together, chopping vegetables and meats to prepare a simple but hearty meal. The large tomato, their hard-won prize, was sliced and added to a pot of a simmering stew. The rich aroma filled the apartment, blending with a faint scent of Roxanne's addition of lavender and other spices. The kitchen exploded with a savory and sweet aroma and Reno's mouth began to water. Nyx trotted into the kitchen to find the source of the aroma.