Chapter 75 - Quylla and Friya (R-18)
Quylla stood nervously in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her soft, green dress. She wasn't used to the idea of "dates"—her life as a mage and scholar had rarely left space for such things. But tonight, she'd agreed to meet Friya for dinner in the city square, a small break from their usual routines. It was a chance to enjoy something simple, to laugh without worrying about magic or responsibilities.
When the knock came at her door, Quylla's heart skipped a beat. She quickly turned, smoothing her dress one last time, and opened the door to find Friya standing there, wearing a confident grin and a beautiful light blue blouse that matched the twinkle in her eyes. Friya's short, messy hair looked perfect as usual, and her relaxed stance made her seem completely at ease—completely the opposite of Quylla, who still felt like she was about to face down a powerful monster.
"Ready?" Friya asked with a playful smile.
Quylla hesitated for just a moment before nodding, feeling the nerves start to settle. "Yeah, I think so. It's just… dinner, right?"
"Exactly," Friya said, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of Quylla's hair behind her ear. "No magic, no danger. Just you, me, and some good food. Let's make it a fun night."
Quylla chuckled, feeling the tension ease. "I can do that."
The two of them walked side by side through the bustling city streets, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating their path. The evening air was crisp, but not cold, and the scent of food from nearby stalls mixed with the distant hum of people enjoying their evening.
They reached the square, where a small, intimate outdoor café stood. The tables were lined with flickering candles, and soft music floated through the air, blending perfectly with the ambiance.
"I've heard the food here is fantastic," Friya said as she guided Quylla to a table by the edge of the square, where they could watch the night unfold around them.
Quylla settled into her seat, glancing around at the gentle hum of the evening. It was a world away from the chaos and tension of her usual life. For once, there was no danger lurking, no urgent mission. Just the two of them, enjoying the quiet.
"Do you come here often?" Quylla asked, trying to ease into the conversation.
Friya smiled. "Whenever I need a break. It's nice to step away from everything. You should try it more often. You spend so much time with your books, you know."
"I know," Quylla said, laughing softly. "I suppose I get a bit carried away. But it's hard to turn off the studying part of my brain."
"Maybe tonight you can," Friya teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.
As they perused the menu, they chatted about the little things—favorite foods, weird stories from their travels, even small things about their daily lives that they hadn't shared before. Quylla found herself laughing more than she had in a while. Friya had a way of drawing her out, making her forget all the things that usually weighed on her mind.
When the food arrived—steaming bowls of stew, freshly baked bread, and perfectly roasted vegetables—Quylla found herself relaxing even more. The flavors were rich, comforting, and every bite felt like a small moment of peace.
"So," Friya said after a few bites, resting her chin on her hand as she regarded Quylla with a smile. "How does it feel? To have a night off?"
"It's… amazing," Quylla admitted, her eyes softening. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
Friya's gaze softened too. "Good. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
The conversation turned quiet for a moment as they both took in the peaceful surroundings. Quylla stole a glance at Friya, watching the way the candlelight flickered in her eyes. The night was simple, but it felt special, like the world had paused just for them.
"You know," Friya said softly, breaking the silence, "I've always enjoyed our conversations. Even when we're not on missions. It's nice to just be… us. No pressures."
Quylla felt her heart flutter at the sincerity in Friya's voice. She had always admired Friya's strength, but there was something different in the air tonight. Something that made Quylla feel like maybe this evening was more than just a casual night out.
"I feel the same," Quylla replied quietly, the words feeling a little heavier than usual.
Friya leaned back in her chair, giving Quylla a searching look. "You know, if you ever need a break from the studying, I'm always here to drag you away for an evening like this."
Quylla's face flushed slightly, and she smiled. "I think I'd like that. More than I thought."
They shared a long look, and for a moment, the whole world felt like it had faded into the background. It was just the two of them, enjoying each other's company without the weight of the world hanging over them.
"Maybe next time we can do something even more adventurous," Friya added, her grin returning. "Like—oh, I don't know—a trip to the forest for some wild berries?"
Quylla laughed, shaking her head. "That's one way to get me out of the library."
The night stretched on, and for once, Quylla didn't feel the pull of her studies or the pressure of magic. There was just Friya, a shared moment, and the soft promise of more quiet evenings like this.