Kite PoV
After another long day of traveling, the group finally reached the small, bustling town of Brookhaven. It was a quaint place, with cobblestone streets and charming buildings, a welcome change from their usual campsites in the wilderness. Ludo had been the one to suggest staying in a town for once, yearning for the comforts of a proper bed and a hot meal.
As they approached the town's inn, the Brookhaven Rest, Liliana couldn't resist teasing her cousin. "So, Ludo, finally tired of roughing it out in the wild, huh? Need a soft bed and some pampering?"
Ludo blushed slightly but managed a grin. "Just thought we'd all appreciate a little comfort for a change. Besides, the inn's supposed to have the best pie in the region."
Cassia chuckled, shaking her head. "Can't argue with that logic. A little rest and good food never hurt anyone."
Sylvana, always the practical one, nodded. "It's a good idea. We could all use a break."
The group entered the inn, the warm, inviting atmosphere immediately wrapping around them. The scent of hearty stew and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation.
Kite, Ludo, and Elian approached the innkeeper, a jovial man with a broad smile and a welcoming demeanor. "Good evening, travelers! Looking for a place to stay?"
Kite nodded, returning the smile. "Yes, we'd like to check in for the night. Do you have any rooms available?"
The innkeeper nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! We have a couple of rooms left. How many will you need?"
Ludo glanced back at the group. "We'll need two rooms, please."
The innkeeper quickly scribbled down their request and handed them the keys. "Here you go. Rooms are just up the stairs. Dinner will be served shortly in the dining hall. Make yourselves at home!"
As the boys headed up the stairs to their shared room, Liliana couldn't resist one last jab at her cousin. "Don't get too comfortable, Ludo. We'll be back on the road before you know it."
Ludo laughed, shaking his head. "I'll enjoy it while it lasts, Liliana."
Kite, Ludo, and Elian reached their room and dropped off their belongings. The room was cozy, with two beds and warm blankets, a stark contrast to their usual sleeping arrangements.
After freshening up, Kite sat down on one of the two beds and crossed his legs.
"Are you meditating?" Elian asked, probably tilting his head.
Kite nodded. He wanted to channel his prana throughout his body. This world had something akin to pressure points called miridians.
Kite took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he focused inward. The room around him seemed to fade away as he channeled his prana, allowing it to flow through the meridians in his body. He had been practicing this technique for years, ever since he first discovered the ancient texts that spoke of harnessing one's inner energy.
Elian and Ludo watched quietly, respecting his practice. They had seen Kite meditate many times before, and they knew how important it was for him to maintain his balance and strength.
As the prana flowed through his meridians, Kite could feel a warm, comforting energy spreading throughout his body. It was as if every cell was being revitalized, filling him with a sense of calm and focus. He visualized the energy flowing like a river, clearing any blockages and restoring harmony within.
After a few moments, Kite slowly opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and centered. He smiled at his friends, who were patiently waiting.
"Thanks for letting me do that," Kite said, his voice calm and steady. "I feel much better now."
Elian nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "It's always impressive to see. I wish I had your discipline."
Ludo, ever the curious scholar, leaned forward. "I've read about the meridians and prana in some of the ancient texts, but seeing it in practice is something else entirely. Does it really enhance your abilities that much?"
Kite nodded. "It does. It helps me stay focused and increases my physical and mental strength. It's not just about power, though. It's about balance and harmony within oneself."
Elian stretched his arms. "Well, with you meditated and ready, how about we head down to the dining hall? I can smell that stew from here."
Kite chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. Let's go."
The trio made their way downstairs, joining the rest of the group in the dining hall. The atmosphere was lively, with travelers and townsfolk enjoying their meals and sharing stories. The scent of delicious food filled the air, making their mouths water.
As they settled at their table, the innkeeper approached with a warm smile. "Dinner's on its way. And don't forget, we've got the best pie in the region for dessert!"
Ludo's eyes lit up with excitement. "Can't wait to try it!"
The group shared a hearty meal, the food as delicious as promised. The stew was rich and flavorful, and the bread was warm and freshly baked. They laughed and talked, enjoying the rare comfort of a proper meal and the warmth of good company.
When the pie finally arrived, it did not disappoint. The crust was flaky, and the filling was sweet and tangy, bursting with flavor. Ludo's blissful expression as he took the first bite was enough to make everyone else dig in eagerly.
"Alright, Ludo, you were right," Elian said, savoring his slice. "This pie is incredible."
Liliana giggled and nodded.
Cassia nodded, wiping a crumb from her lip. "Definitely worth the stop."
Kite looked around at his friends, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "It's nice to have moments like these. A little break from our journey."
Sylvana, always vigilant, glanced around the room. "It's good to rest, but we should remain cautious. We never know what might come our way."
"Relax, Sylv, we're fine," Elian said, leaning back on his seat. "No need to be on edge all the time."
She sighed. "You're right."
Kite smiled at her and lifted a forkful of her pie. "Come on, eat."
Sylvana blushed slightly and opened her mouth.
Kite blushed as he realized this was like a romantic scene from one of the many light novels and shows he used to read and watch.
Kite's face turned a deep shade of red as he held the forkful of pie closer to Sylvana's mouth. He could feel the eyes of his friends on him, the atmosphere suddenly charged with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
Sylvana, equally flustered but trying to maintain her composure, leaned forward and took a bite from the fork. The moment seemed to stretch on forever, the room's lively chatter fading into the background.
"Is it good?" Kite asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sylvana chewed thoughtfully and then smiled, a rare warmth in her usually serious eyes. "It's delicious, thank you."
The rest of the group couldn't hold back their laughter any longer. Liliana giggled uncontrollably, leaning against Cassia for support. "Kite, you're such a romantic!"
Cassia smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Who knew you had it in you, Kite?"
Elian clapped Kite on the back, nearly causing him to drop the fork. "Way to go, buddy! You've got moves!"
Kite, still blushing furiously, tried to play it off. "I was just... making sure everyone got to taste the pie."
Ludo, ever the scholar, adjusted his glasses and gave a mock-serious nod. "Indeed, sharing food is a sign of camaraderie and trust. Very commendable, Kite."
Sylvana, though still slightly embarrassed, couldn't help but laugh along with the others. "Alright, enough teasing. Let's finish our meal."
As they continued to eat, the group's laughter and conversation flowed freely. The earlier tension melted away, replaced by a shared sense of joy and camaraderie. Kite couldn't help but feel a warm glow inside, knowing that moments like these were what made their journey worthwhile.
After dinner, they all retired to their rooms. Kite, Ludo, and Elian settled into their beds, the day's adventures and the evening's lighthearted moments still fresh in their minds.
Elian, lying on his back, grinned at Kite. "You know, you really surprised us tonight. Didn't think you had a romantic bone in your body."
Kite rolled his eyes, though he couldn't hide his smile. "It wasn't like that, Elian. I was just being nice."
Ludo, already half-asleep, mumbled, "Sure, Kite. Whatever you say."
Kite sighed, pulling the blankets up to his chin. "Goodnight, guys."
"Goodnight, Kite," Elian and Ludo replied in unison.
As Kite drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think about Sylvana's smile and the warmth it brought to his heart.
He shook his head. No, he didn't like Sylvana like that. Did he?
Kite sighed and closed his eyes. He wasn't here for a romantic love life. Granted, he wasn't actually sure why he had reincarnated into this world. But surely the Goddess of Light didn't intend for that. Did she?