While speaking to Gaia, Drax's eyes revealed a trace of tiredness, and his tone was polite yet commanding. Drax, "Miss, it would be to everyone's advantage if you would just let us go on with our journey. Our destinies no longer need to be intertwined anymore."
Gaia's eyes fluttered, and for a split second, her act of fragility collapsed. However, she quickly recovered and hid it with stubborn determination. "I have just as much right to be here as anyone else," Gaia said in a belligerent tone. "I won't let myself be sidelined."
Lyra, who is extremely perceptive, appeared to have almost fallen for Gaia's play as her expression gradually grew more sympathetic. In a low voice, Lyra suggested, "Perhaps we could let her travel with us for a while, Drax, If you catch my drift." It's possible that she'll end up being helpful as she belonged to the said party. Before Drax could reply, Lyra's twin appeared in front of him. In both appearance and demeanor, he was an exact replica of his sister, except for the muscular body tone. He bowed modestly in front of Gaia, his eyes displaying an expression of humility towards the goddess.
"Your grace, please excuse our tardiness in recognizing you earlier. We were unaware that the Magistrate of the Hunter-less Pantheons was in the room with us until it was too late."
As her twin's comments continued to sink in, Lyra's eyes widened, and her prior skepticism began to dissipate. The most unanticipated consequence could have been drawn from Gaia's attempt to play the hapless victim role.
"We have heard stories about your grace's enlightenment and authority. It was a mistake on our part to cross your path, and for that, we offer our sincere apologies."
The look on Gaia's face slightly changed, revealing a mixture of astonishment and fascination in place of her previous determination. The recognition that she saw in the eyes of those who stood in front of her carried with it a sense of gravity that combined realisation and reverence.
Gaia ,in a seemingly amused, "I admire your forthrightness. What gave it?"
"My Liege, your essence's purity is as pure as the essence of the earth itself, please ignore us."
Zephyr, in a courteous tone, "May we excuse ourselves?"
Gaia accepting she was caught in her act, said, "No, as of now, it's Princess. How are will you to pay for your freedom?"
It appeared as though the power dynamic in the clearing had shifted as a result of the twins' acknowledgement of Gaia's authority.
The twin who had shown reverence to Gaia by bowing low before her had a sneaking suspicion that there was more to her request than initially appeared. He turned his attention back to Drax, a flash of comprehension passing over his features as he did so. It looked as though Gaia wanted more than just a recognition of her dominance from those around her.
"There's more to this, isn't there?" Zephyr asked Drax in a hushed tone.
As he responded, Drax's eyes conveyed a sense that was equal parts comprehension and a trace of humor.
Recalling the fact that she had called herself a princess, he couldn't help but think of trying to trick her. He couldn't buy her through wealth as she owned the planet, and he couldn't power through as well. She was currently playing the role of a damsel. Let's not overthink this and just go for it.
Drax, smirking, said, "It would appear that our gracious princess has a penchant for sweet things."
After learning the information, Zephyr couldn't help but have a good laugh at himself. The fact that Gaia required something sweet as payment for her pardon caught everyone off guard, but it also seemed oddly appropriate.
Zephyr smirked and said, "Well, we wouldn't want to displease her any further."
Both Zephyr and Drax were of the same opinion, so they shifted their attention back to Gaia. Gaia was standing there with a mixture of astonishment and a touch of enjoyment as she saw that her bluff had been called.
Gaia in a playful tone, "Alright, you've got me. A touch of sweetness wouldn't go astray, that's for sure."
As Zephyr got closer to Gaia, his grin became wider, and a spirit of friendship began to spread around the area. He made a gesture of reaching out his hand to her.
Zephyr, "Permit me to offer you a token of our apology and appreciation for everything you've done for us."
A little, intricate box materialised from Zephyr's cloak as he spoke. When he opened it, he found a variety of lovely confections inside, including chocolates, candies, and other treats of various kinds.
Zephyr says, "May this humble offering bring pleasure to your journey."
As Gaia accepted the package of treats that Zephyr had extended to her, her eyes lit up with a mixture of amusement and genuine gratitude.
"Thank you, Zephyr," Gaia said with a grateful tone in her voice. "You have successfully exposed one of my vulnerabilities."
They were beginning to feel a sense of camaraderie and connection to one another as Zephyr laughed, and so did she. The moonlit clearing echoed with Gaia's laughter, a moment of levity that seemed to bridge the divide between the two groups. However, that laughter became a chilling scream that disrupted the night's tranquilly. The sound sliced through the air like a blade, causing everyone to take action.
Due to the bond they had developed, their party moved right away. Kyn, Bertha, and Chris exchanged alarmed glances before rushing forward, their instincts overcoming their reluctance. The party of Drax also responded with swift determination, narrowing their eyes as they moved in the direction of the shriek.
As the two groups converged, the clearing exploded with activity and tension. As he took in the scene before him, Kyn's pulse raced, and his divine revolver pistol was already drawn. Once an ethereal and potent presence, Gaia now stood with a terrified expression on her face. She was surrounded by Drax, Zephyr, and Lyra, who displayed a mixture of astonishment and concern on their faces.
Kyn glancing towards Gaia's side, "Come to this side!"
Before Gaia could respond, Drax's commanding voice sliced through the air.
Drax exhorted, "Explain yourself, your grace."
Gaia's voice trembled as she mumbled an explanation, her pupils wide with fear and desperation.
Gaia, trembling, said, "I-I wandered away from the group and ran into them. The assassins appeared benevolent, and I thought I could use their assistance, but they turned on me!"
Lyra's eyes narrowed as she exchanged a gaze with her twin, her scepticism evident. Zephyr's expression mirrored that of suspicion.
Sarcastically Lyra said, "So the Assassins who have suddenly decided to help you?"
"There's more to this, isn't there?", Kyn started to suspect.
Gaia's voice shook as she continued her story, disclosing that she had exploited their generosity only to find herself in a dire situation.
Props to her acting coach, never has there been such a bad acting orchestrated by a being on this earth except for the earth itself.
Gaia, "I did not intend for things to turn out this way. Please, you must save me, Sir. Knight."
Kyn tightened his grasp on his pistol, torn between Gaia's distress and the hunters' suspicious expressions. The radiance of Bertha intensified as if to reflect the heightened emotions of the moment.
"And CUT!!! " ,Bertha, looking back at Kyn, said, "I'm calling it quits. I'm leaving our darling Clone wannabe princess to her ways."
"I pretty much figured it out from the sweats," Kyn said. "You could have at least hidden the evidence."
"So what's next? "
Once a scene of camaraderie and shared mirth, the clearing was now charged with tension and unease. Each member of the group struggled with their own suspicions and desires to assist as the moonlight cast lengthy shadows over them.