The Treasure Seeker: Saga 1 - Etrian Odyssey 5 Fanfiction (BoyxBoy/BL)

Chapter 19

AN: I was on a writing spree this week~ Hope it continues! And I hope you'll enjoy reading. With Zohar making a short return and Caelem being adorable, I think you will enjoy it indeed~

-

Chapter 19:

Drayce rested his elbows on the banister of the balcony that was attached to his room. It was night now, but he stood in the dark to gaze up at the mighty Yggdrasil tree. He had a great view of the tree, of the front courtyard of the Crescentia, and the streets out front. But his gaze was focused entirely on the tree and how it reached beyond what his eyes could see.

It truly did feel as if it could reach the heavens.

It was awe-inspiring, naturally. And to think he hadn't even finished the first floor. But that was ok. He wasn't in a rush to reach the top. There was more to the labyrinth than exploration. So much more to learn and to experience.

The sound of the front gates of the Crescentia as they creaked open pulled Drayce from his thoughts and he glanced down in curiosity that was mixed with caution. However his eyebrows shot up toward his hairline when he recognised the one who walked along the stone pathway to the front doors.

"Zohar?" Drayce whispered in surprise. His breath unexpectedly hitched in his throat when Zohar paused in his steps, tilted his head back, and looked directly up at him. Drayce found his breath again and leaned forward over the balcony banister a little.

"W-wait, I'll be right down!" he called out before he pushed back away from the banister and turned on his heel.

He broke out into a light jog as he made his way out of his room, down the stairs and toward the front doors. As he hastily unlocked the door and pushed them open, he wondered what brought Zohar to the Crescentia at night. Was there something wrong? Or was he just paying a visit?

"Zohar?" Drayce called out and felt a sense of relief when the blue-eyed necromancer had remained where he stood previously.

Before Drayce could ask him anything, Zohar spoke first. "I do wonder if there is an expiry date on your previous offer."

Drayce blinked at the unusual question. "To join my guild? No, none."

A small smile appeared on Zohar's and nodded his head. "Ah, that is reassuring."

Drayce felt a surge of optimism and took a half step forward. "You're...joining?"

Unfortunately, Zohar shook his head slowly. "Not yet. There is something I need to confirm first, but..."

"Ah, ok," Drayce said, unable to hide his disappointment. However he felt curious. If Zohar wasn't visiting in regards to his offer to join, then what brought him to the Crescentia this night?

"So, uh," he started as he wrung his hands in front of him and took a step forward. "What brings you here tonight?"

Only when Zohar pulled a few books from the crook of his arm did Drayce realise he had been carrying something the entire time. "I want to give you something," Zohar said as he presented the books towards him.

"Huh?" Drayce uttered and took the steps necessary to reach him and to stand in front of him. He looked down at what Zohar was holding and he was immediately intrigued and curious. "Books?"

"They are reference books that I have acquired but I feel they are better off being a part of your extensive library," Zohar explained simply.

Drayce retrieved the books from him and held them in front of him. He turned the one on top of the small piled to look at the front cover. "These...?"