The sun had just dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a canvas of deep purple and soft pink hues as the evening began to settle over the town. Morgan leaned against the stone wall of the courtyard, glancing up at the stars already beginning to twinkle in the sky. His fingers absentmindedly drummed against his arm, his mind racing with the excitement of the night ahead. It wasn't often that he allowed himself these kinds of moments—moments just for him and Phloria, where there were no duties, no responsibilities, just the simple pleasure of each other's company.
"Hey," a soft voice called from behind him.
Morgan straightened up, his heart skipping a beat as he turned around. Phloria stood in the entrance to the courtyard, her figure bathed in the soft glow of the evening light. She wore a light, flowing dress, the color of moonlight, with her long hair loosely falling around her shoulders. Her eyes, bright with curiosity and warmth, met his, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.
"You're right on time," Morgan said, his voice softer than usual, a smile tugging at his own lips.
Phloria raised an eyebrow, stepping forward. "Of course I am. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting." Her voice was playful, though there was a tenderness in her tone. "You look... nice."
Morgan chuckled, adjusting his coat. "I thought I'd make an effort for tonight," he said. "No armor, no sword, just me... trying to look presentable."
Phloria's smile deepened, and she stepped closer. "Well, it's working. You look great."
Morgan's heart fluttered a little at the compliment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Shall we go?" he asked, offering his arm.
Phloria took it without hesitation, and the two of them walked together through the quiet streets. The town, usually so busy, seemed to be slowing down as the evening crept in. The air was crisp but not too cold, and the sounds of laughter and chatter from distant taverns added a relaxed hum to the atmosphere.
As they walked, they talked about everything and nothing—favorite books, funny stories from their pasts, and small things that made them laugh. Morgan couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so at ease, so completely absorbed in the moment. Phloria had a way of making everything feel light, like the world's burdens didn't matter when she was around.
They arrived at a small, secluded park on the outskirts of the town, a quiet place Morgan knew well. The path was lined with soft grass and clusters of wildflowers, and the moonlight illuminated the area in a soft, silver glow. A small stone bench rested under a tall oak tree, and Morgan gestured toward it with a grin.
"How's this for a peaceful place?" he asked, his tone light.
Phloria looked around, her eyes wide with appreciation. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice full of wonder. "I don't think I've ever been here before."
Morgan smiled as they both sat down on the bench, the cool breeze ruffling the leaves above them. For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, just taking in the peaceful surroundings. The night felt perfect—quiet, serene, and yet filled with a gentle energy.
"I'm glad you like it," Morgan said after a while, his voice softer now. "I come here when I need to clear my head. There's something about the quiet that helps me think."
Phloria nodded, her gaze drifting upward to the stars above. "It's nice," she agreed. "Sometimes I forget how important it is to have a quiet moment, just to breathe and relax. With everything we've been through... it's easy to forget what it feels like to just... be."
Morgan's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I understand. It's easy to get caught up in everything—the fighting, the responsibilities... sometimes you just need to step back and appreciate the little things."
Phloria turned toward him, her eyes searching his face for a moment before she spoke again. "I'm glad we're doing this, Morgan. I know we're often caught up in different things, but tonight... it's just us. No distractions."
Morgan's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in her voice. He had always admired Phloria for her strength, her unwavering determination, but moments like this—quiet and simple—reminded him of the depth of her warmth and kindness.
"You know," Morgan said quietly, his voice laced with something softer than usual, "I don't think I ever really understood the value of these moments until I met you. You make everything feel... brighter."
Phloria blinked in surprise, a faint blush creeping up her neck at his words. "Morgan... I—" She hesitated for a moment, before smiling gently. "I feel the same way."
They sat there for a while longer, their conversation drifting to more personal topics—dreams, hopes, and even their fears. With every word they shared, Morgan felt the distance between them shrink, the bond between them growing stronger, more tangible. There was something about Phloria's openness that made him want to be more vulnerable, to let down the walls he so often hid behind.
As the night grew darker, and the air cooler, Morgan glanced over at her. "Would you like to take a walk through the park? The night's still young, and the moon's perfect."
Phloria's smile was soft, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "I'd love that," she said.
They stood up, and Morgan offered his arm once again. As they strolled through the park, hand in hand, the world around them felt far away. There was no rush, no pressure—just the soft crunch of grass under their feet and the quiet companionship of two souls finding solace in each other.
In the distance, the sound of a distant melody from a nearby festival floated through the air, but Morgan and Phloria paid it no mind. For them, the only music that mattered was the shared rhythm of their steps, and the quiet understanding that, in this moment, everything was exactly as it should be.