Beyond Eternity

DAY 10, P.M

It was a bit more of a stretch, but the pair soon found themselves inside of the castle.

“Ah, finally! I didn't think I'd miss this so much!” Exclaimed Lucas.

“You were only gone for a few days you know?” Claudia answered.

“Even so!” He said, racing towards the nearest room.

“Good grief.” said Claudia as she sat on a chair.

Lucas then entered the room and leaped on the bed, face down.

“Well, I guess we should rest for now, everything can wait.” Said Claudia as she closed her eyes, right there on the chair.

            …

Claudia woke up, still on the chair and looked outside. “it’s nearly dusk.” she thought.

“I should get some food ready. She went to the room where the boy went and found him still fast asleep, smiling.

“Must've been real tiring for you.” She whispered.

She went to the castle's garden and gathered some fruits and vegetables.

“Should we have some meat too? No, it'd be too tiring to hunt now.” She thought on the way back. She then arrived at the kitchen and began cooking.

The sun had already set when Lucas woke up, he clumsily left the room, from the main hall, he took in the faint scent of cooking and it led him to the kitchen where he saw Claudia once more.

“Oh, good... Evening, yes evening.” Claudia said. “I'm just about done with the meal, just wait a moment.” gesturing for him to sit down.

Lucas took some utensils and sat, Claudia then continued to speak. “Also, there's no meat for tonight so you know...”

“Its fine, its fine, there's nothing bad about having a full vegetable meal once in a while.” He replied reassuringly.

Claudia smiled and handed him a bowl with the food, she too, got her own and sat on the other end of the table.

“Would you like to transfer to the dining hall or would you rather not?” she asked.

“There's no need,” He replied. “There's only two of us in here, besides, it’s much easier fixing up since we already are in the kitchen.”

“You're right.” Claudia said.

“Also, one more thing,” She continued, now with her mischievous smile “Do you need me to feed you or?”

“No, I can help myself this time.” Remarked Lucas.

“If I remember correctly,” The girl continued. “You mentioned that you're into that kind of thing correct, then say aaah!” as she held a spoon towards him.

“Eh?” was all Claudia could mutter when Lucas took a bite out of her spoon, an act which she did not expect.

“Let me guess, you assumed that I would shy away or decline in an annoyed tone? Well I'm sorry to say Claudia, but I won’t let that work on me anymore!” He said triumphantly.

He held his own spoon towards Claudia and said “Your turn now! Say aaah!”

Claudia, feeling defeated and wanting revenge, attempted to take a bite out of his spoon, thinking he'd be flustered for real this time, but before her lips could touch it, Lucas pulled back and ate from it instead.

“How tasty!” he said, with a mocking smile on his face. “Really, the food around here is indeed of high quality!” he continued.

Claudia, now more embarrassed than before, began staring daggers him who was in front of her.

“Oh? What's this?” he said, “Did you actually want one? Or did you want me to despair?”

“Both!” She quickly stated.

“Then, if you're so sure, let's start over, for real this time. Now, say aaah!” The boy said, smiling.

Claudia, now red, took a bite from it, then she too offered him a bite from her own spoon, which the boy in turn ate from.

For the whole time they had dinner, this was how they had their meals, from each other's spoon. After that was done, the boy was smiling cheerfully and the girl, embarrassed. There was silence for a short while, then the girl took the dishes and utensils for cleaning.

“Let me help.” said Lucas and both of them went to the well by the garden, she did the washing and he did the wiping, they then returned them back to the kitchen.

“So, what now?” Lucas asked after all that was done.

“Perhaps its best that we turn in for the night right now.” Claudia answered. “The last journal can wait after all. Well, at least this time I don’t have to return to the watchtower and sleep there now that we've already met.”

“Wait, so that's where you kept sleeping?” asked Lucas.

“When you took the bed that was meant for me, the royal bed I mean, I had to go somewhere I would never be spotted to sleep, and that place is where you're least likely to go.”

“And you return there every night since my arrival?” Lucas asked again.

“Yes, Lucas, I passed by the prison and the sewers to get there every night, just so you know.”

Lucas paused for a second, as if to fully realize what she meant. “I am terribly sorry for taking the bed meant for you...” He said apologetically.

“That's fine, I don’t mind so much. I’m not one to fear the dark after all.” replied Claudia.

“Well, now I know why that bed had a feminine scent on it when I first arrived.” Lucas said under his breath.

“Wait what?”

“Nothing.”

“Okay… Oh, and one more thing, the path through the grove is the shorter path, but with all the obstacles and all that, I knew you wouldn’t go there which is why I pass the same forest you picked up fruits from to get back to the castle, it’s the long and frankly, more tiring way which is why I decided not to pass there today. That's also how I can immediately find you and monitor your everyday actions.” Claudia said.

“Weren’t there many other options for you to go if all you needed was to sleep away from my sight?” asked Lucas.

“Yes, you're right, but I have another reason. I hold that place special.” Claudia answered,

“And why is that?”

“Well... The stars?” Claudia answered, looking unsure.

“There are many other places you can see the stars from, also you did mention that you're bored of them right?” Lucas continued.

“Oh, okay, you got me!” said Claudia.

“It's a special place for me, which is why I stay there and walk the long paths rather than staying somewhere that gives me easier access to you, although it’s the least logically sound choice there is... As for the reason, you'll find out tomorrow.”

“Now then, goodnight!” she said as she walked towards the royal bedroom.

“Uh, sure, goodnight.” Replied Lucas as he returned to the room he slept on earlier.

“What's that about?” He thought. As he lay on his bed, he let his thoughts and questions put him to sleep.

Claudia, now back at the royal bedroom after a long while, lay there, looking happy. She too was thinking about things, about the past and present. She noticed that there was a new scent on the bed and began thinking to herself.

“Another person, after a long time, disturbing the ancient, silent and long forgotten land that only had me. I feel so grateful, and I'm sure so does Victusene.”

 Soon enough, the girl too, had fallen asleep.