(On the very morning Decimus embarked on his journey to find the Labyrinth)
In the cozy tavern, the evening started with the promise of sunny breezes and a cheerful atmosphere, but the mood swiftly shifted.
The sky turned overcast, and rain hammered against the windows, sending a clear message to those seeking shelter indoors.
Work came to a standstill as people sought refuge from the deluge outside.
Amidst the abrupt weather change, Lilian, a diligent and graceful server, continued her tasks with practiced grace.
She glided between the elegant wine glasses, expertly wiping them clean, her movements resembling a well-coordinated dance.
As she worked, her thoughts meandered through the corridors of her mind, contemplating various matters that filled her daily routine.
The dark and somber sky outside the tavern set a stage for an eerie and tense ambiance.
The rain relentlessly pelted the windows, creating an unsettling rhythm that echoed the pounding of Lilian's heart.
In the softly lit interior of the bar, she was fully absorbed in her work, meticulously polishing glasses and arranging them with precision.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the surroundings, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
The subsequent thunderclap boomed, rattling the building's very foundation. Yet, Lilian remained unfazed by the outdoor spectacle, her attention solely devoted to her tasks.
In response to the storm's theatrics, the doorbell chimed, announcing the arrival of an unexpected guest. Still deeply engrossed in her work, Lilian briefly glanced towards the entrance without missing a beat.
Expecting a regular customer seeking refuge from the rain, she offered a warm smile, poised to offer her customary attentive service.
"..." Yet, to her astonishment, there was no one there.
Puzzled, Lilian paused for a moment, her smile fading. Had the sound of the bell been a figment of her imagination? Or was someone playing a prank? She looked around, scanning for any signs of a customer, but the bar remained vacant.
Dismissing the odd occurrence, Lilian shook off her unease and returned to her tasks, attributing it to a mere quirk of the storm.
She continued her work with the glasses, losing herself in the repetitive, soothing motions as time slipped away.
The minutes flowed by, marked only by the rhythmic drumming of the rain against the windows.
Lilian's attention was consumed by the polished surfaces of the glassware, the world around her fading into a gentle blur.
"Quite a heavy downpour we're having lately!"
The sudden voice shattered the tranquility, causing Lilian to startle. Her heart raced as she turned abruptly, seeking the source of the unexpected sound.
Her gaze fell upon a figure standing just behind her, positioned by the counter. An involuntary shiver ran down her spine as she took in the stranger's appearance.
What struck her most were his eyes – deep, penetrating pools of red that seemed to emit an otherworldly radiance. They bore into her with an intensity that sent a chill through her veins.
The lighting in the tavern played tricks on the shadows cast by his features, lending an almost ethereal quality to his presence.
His face, elegantly chiseled, was an enigmatic mask that both intrigued and unsettled her. Its sharp angles and defined lines held a sense of mystery, as if he carried secrets etched into his very features.
His frame exuded strength and a commanding air, casting a long, almost looming shadow in the room.
Lilian found herself captivated, drawn to this stranger in an inexplicable way. It was as if an invisible thread tugged at her, urging her to unravel the enigma standing before her.
Her own reflection stared back at her from his crimson irises, mirroring her curiosity and apprehension.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift, the ambient sounds muted as if to create a space solely for them.
The rain's percussion against the windows faded into the background, leaving only the man and Lilian in a suspended moment of connection.
For a fleeting second, she wondered if he had been the phantom source of the earlier doorbell sound.
But that thought evaporated as quickly as it had formed, lost in the labyrinth of her emotions.
His exquisite allure left Lilian flustered, a soft gasp escaping her lips as her heartbeat quickened.
She couldn't help the swirl of emotions that bubbled within her – a mixture of curiosity, fascination, and an undeniable attraction.
It was as if an invisible force had woven a spell around her, compelling her to inch closer to this enigmatic stranger.
The tavern, usually a bastion of familiarity and routine, now crackled with an unexpected vitality.
Time appeared to stretch, each second elongated as she absorbed every detail before her.
The presence of a man like him, manifesting in this unassuming bar and precisely at this juncture, was nothing short of miraculous.
His smile, like a soft ray of sunlight piercing through storm clouds, elicited a skipped beat from her heart.
"Good evening," his voice, a velvety timbre, cascaded over her like a gentle waterfall. "I hope I'm not intruding. I simply sought refuge from this unrelenting downpour."
Lilian found herself nodding, momentarily losing her words. She managed to regain her voice, offering him a friendly smile.
"Sure, you're welcome here. The rain outside is really pouring, isn't it?"
He let out a soft chuckle, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"Yeah, it sure is. But being here feels like finding a nice spot in the storm."
Her cheeks warmed with a bashful blush, his compliment having an almost enchanting effect on her. It was as if his very presence had cast a spell upon her surroundings, making them feel surreal and captivating.
"What can I get you, Sir?" Lilian asked, her voice trembling slightly as her heart raced with excitement and nervousness.
Her usual calm demeanor had disappeared, replaced by the anticipation of serving this mysterious stranger.
He leaned gracefully against the counter, a hint of mystery twinkling within his captivating red eyes. "Well... I have a hankering for some wine," he mused thoughtfully, his words igniting a delicate tingle down Lilian's spine.
"Though indulging in that might leave dear Kathrynne vexed. She's quite the creative mind when it comes to retaliation. Poisoned tea, perhaps? Let's opt for a less treacherous choice."
His words were accompanied by a playful smirk, an expression that seemed to mirror the allure of his character.
Lilian found herself nodding in agreement, her mind still awash with the realization that she was serving someone of extraordinary charm.
Absolutely, Sir," she replied, trying to steady her hands that had started to tremble. "We've got a nice range of ales and spirits. Any preference on what you're in the mood for?" He chuckled softly, leaning in a bit closer. "How about you surprise me?" he suggested, his voice low and velvety.
Lilian bit her lower lip nervously, her heart racing. There was an unexplainable urge to impress him, to find that perfect drink which would utterly captivate him.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to the array of bottles behind her, scanning the assortment of spirits.
Her eyes settled on a bottle of well-aged whiskey, its deep amber hue drawing her in. Without second thoughts, she reached for it, pouring a generous measure into a glass.
Placing it before him, she managed to offer a composed smile.
"Here you go," she said, her voice more composed now. "A special aged whiskey, one of our finest."
He arched an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Ah, excellent choice," he complimented, a smug grin playing on his lips. "You do have a discerning taste."
His gaze held a mix of insight and empathy, as if he could see into her very soul. It made Lilian's heart tighten, as though he could read her thoughts and feelings like an open book.
"It must have been quite a struggle, all things considered," he continued in a gentle and calm tone, his words striking a sensitive chord.
"After the devastating 'Monster Stampede,' it's only natural to find life a challenge."
Lilian took a moment to absorb his words, memories of the calamitous event flooding back.
The Monster Stampede had left destruction and sorrow in its wake, claiming lives and tearing apart the peaceful fabric of her community.
It had been a time of fear and uncertainty, a period where she had witnessed the pain and loss that had gripped her people.
With a hand placed over her chest, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding.
"Seeing the experiences of others that were even more challenging than my own," she began, her voice slightly quivering, "filled my heart with gratitude. It made me treasure the fortunate moments in my life even more."
As Lilian spoke, a sense of catharsis washed over her, as though she were releasing a burden she had carried for far too long.
The man listened intently, his expression marked by a deep understanding.
"I apologize for stirring up painful memories," he said gently, his eyes reflecting his empathy. "Sometimes, sharing our burdens, even with a stranger, can help."
Lilian nodded, feeling an unexpected lightness in her heart. It was as though this enigmatic man had an uncanny ability to alleviate her pain with his words alone.
In his presence, she found herself revealing parts of herself she hadn't planned on, sensing a connection that surpassed casual conversation.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes moistening with gratitude. "Thank you for listening."
He reached out and gently touched her hand, his smile comforting. "The pleasure is mine," he replied earnestly. "Sometimes, a sympathetic ear can make a world of difference."
His words lingered in the air, evoking a mix of emotions within Lilian. His understanding of her past and the weight she carried took her by surprise, yet his words also provided solace and assurance.
"You've fought valiantly, I can sense that," he continued, his hand resting on his chin as he met her gaze, his red eyes locking with her beautiful blue ones.
"Hiding your heart's contents from us isn't a possibility."