We continued our walk towards the Snow Fairy's Tavern, our recent heroic feat creating a wave of whispers among the townsfolk. Each time we passed by a group of pedestrians, they'd halt their conversations and either inquire about the day's happenings or simply clap and cheer for us.
Teasingly, Illyanna nudged my arm, her voice tinged with laughter. "Well, look at you, our famous hero!"
Flustered, I felt my cheeks warm up. "Well, I couldn't have done it without Lucianna and Matterinna's help," I retorted, my voice slightly shaky from embarrassment.
Illyanna pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "And what about me, huh?"
Quickly, I added, "And you too, Illyanna! Your emotional support was crucial."
Her face lit up, a broad smile dominating her features. I was relieved I could cheer her up.
As we neared the familiar, homely tavern, the bright moon illuminating our path, Lucianna let out a long sigh of relief. "I've never been so happy to see this place," she admitted, her eyes softening with sentiment.
Remembering our initial agreement, I turned to her, a hint of unease in my voice. "Lucianna, about the job I owe you from when we first met..."
Lucianna frowned, her brows knitting together as she tried to recall. A moment passed before her eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, that? It can wait."
"But why?" I queried, concerned. "Wasn't it important?"
Her gaze met mine, a determined edge to her voice as she responded, "Right now, getting the Avatar of Dragon back is our priority."
My cheeks flamed up again, my heart pounding in my chest. "You're prioritizing unlocking my potential over your personal gains?"
Lucianna's head shook back and forth, her ponytail swishing in the air. "Max, the quest for the Avatar will earn us more wealth and reputation. And that, my dear boy, will bring us happiness!" Her laughter filled the air, the sound hearty and infectious.
Just as we were about to step into the warm, inviting tavern, Illyanna's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I wonder if mom will be performing tonight," she mused out loud, "I can't wait to tell her about our adventures!"
The thought brought a smile to my face, and I found myself echoing her sentiments, "Me too, Illyanna. Me too."
As we pushed open the creaky wooden door of the tavern, a rush of energy hit us. The tavern, normally brimming with chatter and clinking glasses, had been transformed into a festive spectacle. Mages were setting off magic like radiant, multi-hued fireworks, painting the ceiling with splashes of color. The bards, not wanting to be outdone, had conjured up merry tunes and sound effects, providing a rhythmic backdrop to the happy celebration.
Taken aback, Lucianna, Matterinna, Illyanna, and I halted, our eyes darting around the room, absorbing the sheer intensity of the joyous chaos. The crowd erupted into congratulatory cheers, smiles stretching across every face.
From amidst the sea of strangers, a familiar face emerged — it was our mother. A surge of warmth filled my chest as she rushed over, her arms enveloping Illyanna and me in a tight, loving hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Suddenly, the door creaked open again, and there stood our father, Antrodos, still garbed in his polished knight's armor. He stood at the threshold, panting heavily, a desperate question hanging in his voice, "Am I too late?"
The crowd turned and pointed at us, still enveloped in our mother's embrace. Recognizing the scene, a look of pure pride washed over Antrodos's face, and he made his way over, adding to the family huddle. "I'm incredibly proud of you both," he added, his voice gruff with emotion.
Our parents started fussing over us, their worried glances checking for any possible injuries.
"We're okay," I assured them, my heart swelling with happiness. We were indeed okay, surrounded by our loved ones, bathed in the warmth of a celebration that was just for us.
A confusion settled over me as I looked around at the vibrant festivity. "Why are we celebrating?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper amidst the rambunctious noise. "We... we failed to catch the thief."
My father, Antrodos, turned to me, his stern face softening into a gentle smile. "You may not have captured the thief, Max," he began, his voice rumbling like a distant thunderstorm, "but you've shown us all something far more valuable. Your willingness to sacrifice your own life for others... that's a truly incredible virtue. It's something a knight like me should strive for."
"Why... why did you do it, Max?" he asked, his gaze probing into mine.
But before I could formulate a response, my mother interjected. "Was it for the happiness of others, Max?" Laussinna asked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
I couldn't hold back my own tears, they slipped down my cheeks, tracing a warm path as I nodded. "Yes," I choked out. "And... I wanted to make you both proud as well."
Laussinna and Antrodos exchanged a glance before turning back to me, their faces softened by parental affection. "Max," my father started, his voice thick with emotion, "we're already proud of you."
"Yes," my mother echoed, her hands gently cupping my face. "We're proud that our children are heroes who stand for what's right."
The words hit me like a warm tidal wave, washing over my insecurities and doubts. I was a hero in my parents' eyes, and nothing could top that feeling.