Raegar approached the counter where dozens of Brightshakes and pastries sat causing him to smile as he sucked them all into his storage ring as the young woman comnted. ''That sure is a lot of shakes, I assu you like them?''
''Yes,'' he answered. ''The Aether Fruit gives extra energy and will help during lessons.''
Following that, he rejoined his friends as Drusilla was telling a story of their journey through the Sleepy Hollow Dungeon. The group was fascinated by all the undead, and Dominique ended up intently listening.
''How did you find the Lich?'' she questioned. ''Did Dru help you?''
Raegar nodded. ''Yes, thanks to being a Dark Fairy, she could sense the Death Aether, allowing to kill the creature,'' he explained.
Intrigued by his words, the group leaned in, and Luna, her curiosity piqued, spoke up. ''Weren't you scared to face the undead? Sleepy Hollow is a Rank F Dungeon that most first-years steer clear of. It's dangerous!''
He turned to the green-haired girl, a younger version of Cecilia, and replied calmly. ''I've always been drawn to Death Aether. Sure, so evil people misuse it, but that doesn't make the elent itself evil. It's just a part of life, after all.''
Most of the group nodded in agreent, but Caspian and Vienna exchanged skeptical glances. The black-haired boy spoke up with sothing beneath that he couldn't work out. ''Dark Magic is Dark Magic. Only evil cults and those northern barbarians use it in battle.''
Raegar's eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on his friend. ''That's a narrow-minded take, Cas. Aether isn't defined by its user, it's a tool. I'll use it in dungeons or gates if it gets the job done.''
''I see your point, Rae, but I don't agree with it,'' he answered as Vienna nodded along.
Dominique's voice cut through the debate with a sharp edge. ''You two are being utterly foolish,'' she declared, her gaze flickering between them. ''Death is as much a part of existence as life itself; they're two sides of the sa coin. To dismiss it as inherently evil is to ignore the balance of the world.''
Before anyone could respond, Rune clapped his hands, redirecting the group's attention with his usual carefree grin. ''Alright, enough bickering about Aether and magic! We're here to enjoy ourselves, so let's savor these Brightshades before we trek back to Drakenwood. No more heavy talk, deal?''
The group murmured in agreent, the tension easing as they shifted focus to the drinks before them. Raegar, still chuckling softly at the Vampire's bluntness, reached into his ring and pulled out a bottle of strawberry Brightshade.
He popped the cork and took a slow sip, savoring the sweet burst on his tongue. Drusilla, the Dary Fairy, tugged an empty glass across the table toward him, her wings fluttering with excitent.
The blonde's face lit up with a mischievous grin as she chirped. ''Co on, Rae, share one with ! That Lemondrop Brightshade was delicious, but it left my tongue all fuzzy, look!''
She stuck out her tongue, pulling a series of exaggerated, adorable faces that showcased the yellow tint still clinging to her lips and mouth. The group burst into laughter at her theatrics, the earlier debate forgotten.
Following that, ti passed quickly as the warm, sugary aroma of freshly baked goods filled the cozy interior of Jason Bakery, where everyone lounged, their laughter mingling with the clink of Brightshade bottles.
The afternoon light stread through the wide windows, casting a soft glow over the group's relaxed faces. Rune, still grinning from Drusilla's earlier antics, leaned back with a contented sigh, sipping his citrusy Brightshade.
Dominique, now calr, traced the rim of her glass thoughtfully, while Caspian and Vienna, though still skeptical, seed to have let the earlier debate slide, their shoulders no longer tense.
Raegar, ever the peacemaker, pushed back his chair and stood, brushing a stray crumb from his cloak. ''Alright, let's not overstay our welco. Drakenwood's waiting, and I'd rather not be stumbling back in the dark.''
He flashed a grin. ''But first, I've got sothing for the road.''
As the group gathered their things, he reached into his ring and pulled out a crinkling paper bag from the bakery's counter. The scent of warm pastries wafted out, making Drusilla's wings twitch with excitent.
''You didn't,'' she squealed, hovering closer as Raegar began handing out the treats.
He passed a flaky, honey-drizzled crescent roll to Rune, who gave an appreciative nod, and a sugar-dusted berry tart to Dominique, who raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide her smile as she accepted it.
''Thank you, Rae,'' she said.
Caspian, Vienna, and Luna each received a cinnamon-swirled bun, still warm from the oven, and Drusilla practically snatched her lemon-glazed scone, her eyes sparkling as she took a dramatic bite, crumbs dusting her chin.
"Rae, you're a saint," Drusilla mumbled through a mouthful, her voice muffled but gleeful.
Just then, Raegar turned to Zahara and handed her a chocolate-covered one. ''These are my favorites. The sll is making my stomach rumble, I bought so many that they will last until we return to Willowbank.''
The blonde bead and happily accepted the offer. Everyone chuckled, their spirits lifted by the simple gesture, and filed out of the bakery, waving a quick goodbye to the Barista, who was already wiping down the counter.
Outside, the sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky in a beautiful orange glow as it dipped toward the horizon. The cobblestone road leading out of the village stretched ahead, flanked by swaying wildflowers and the distant silhouette of Drakenwood.
The group fell into an easy rhythm, their boots crunching against the stones as they walked, pastries in hand. Rune took a massive bite of his crescent roll, honey saring his fingers, and let out a contented hum.
''This is the life,'' he said, gesturing at the sunset. ''Good company, good food, and a clear road ahead.''
Dominique, nibbling delicately on her tart, glanced at him with a knowing expression. ''You're spoiling us, you know. This stuff is expensive for a first-year student. What's the occasion?''
Raegar shrugged, his strawberry Brightshade bottle still in one hand, a half-eaten apple pastry in the other. ''No occasion. Just figured we could eat sothing while walking back to school. Besides,'' he added with a smirk. ''I'd rather have you lot happy than bickering about Aether all the way back.''
Vienna, licking cinnamon sugar from her fingers, gave a small laugh. "Fair enough. These are amazing, I'll give you that."
Even Caspian nodded in agreent as he tore into his bun, the group's earlier tension now a distant mory. Drusilla, flitting a few feet above the ground, spun in a playful circle, her scone already half-gone.
''Rae, you've got to get these every ti we stop at Jason's! My tongue's not fuzzy anymore, it's happy!''
Her infectious giggle echoed across the quiet road, and the group's laughter followed, blending with the soft rustle of leaves as the sun sank lower, casting long shadows that danced alongside them on their way to Drakenwood.
Following that, the group made their way back, their footsteps echoing softly on the road. It had been a long hour's trek, filled with laughter and chatter, but as they approached the iron gates of the school.
The gates creaked open as the guards spotted them, admitting the eight back into the academy grounds. As they gathered in the courtyard, the group began to disperse, exchanging farewells.
Selene, Dominique, Zahara, and the others offered warm smiles and waves after planning to et in the morning before classes. But just as the group began to part ways, Drusilla darted forward with a flutter.
She slipped into Raegar's coat pocket, nestling herself comfortably within the fabric. Selene, ever quick to seize an opportunity for teasing, arched a brow and flashed a sly grin. ''Getting a head start on the competition, are we, Dru?'' she quipped.
Her erald eyes sparkled with amusent as she leaned forward, clearly delighted by the fairy's bold move.
Drusilla, peeking out from the pocket with a mock-indignant huff, crossed her tiny arms, her delicate features scrunching in confusion. ''Competition? What's that supposed to an?'' she chirped, her voice a lodic trill that carried a hint of defiance.
Dominique and Zahara, standing nearby, turned their attention to him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise. The Vampire tilted her head and remarked, ''You know, Rae, girls aren't allowed in the boys' dormitory. Not even tiny ones like Dru.''
Raegar, unfazed by the scrutiny, shrugged casually, his hands tucked into his pockets as if the matter was of little consequence. ''She's my bonded fairy,'' he said matter-of-factly. ''It's not like we're sneaking off for sex like the older students.''
''Yet,'' the Dark Fairy added wood to the fire, giggling.
Those words hung in the air for a mont, and the girls froze, their faces flushing a shade of crimson. Selene's grin faltered, replaced by a wide-eyed look of shock, while Dominique's hand flew to her mouth to stifle a gasp.
Zahara's grey eyes widened, and the others exchanged flustered glances, clearly caught off guard by Raegar's remark.
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