"I...I have something to tell you," I stuttered out, my heart pounding with anticipation. My parents turned their attention to me, their eyes wide with curiosity. "I've been chosen to walk the Dragon's Road. My task is to retrieve the Avatar of Dragon."
Their reaction was instantaneous; eyes wide, mouths agape, they stared at me, shocked into silence. Antrodos, a hardened warrior, was left speechless while Laussinna's hand flew to her mouth.
"I know, it's unbelievable, right?" I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. "I could barely believe it myself."
Casting my gaze aside, I continued, "But I won't be alone. Matterinna, Illyanna... they'll be there with me."
As I spoke, my hand reached out, pulling Lucianna towards me by her arm. She stumbled a little, her face reddening as she found herself in the spotlight.
"Meet Lucianna Whiteheart," I introduced her, gesturing towards the Aasimar girl. "She's the one who brought me back to life."
As Lucianna bowed gracefully to my parents, Antrodos leaned over, whispering to Laussinna, "Isn't that the Aasimar girl you mentioned last time?"
Laussinna jabbed her elbow into Antrodos' side, a soft 'shush' escaping her lips. They then turned their attention back to Lucianna, their faces filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Lucianna," they spoke in unison, their voices brimming with heartfelt appreciation. "Thank you for being there for Max."
"Truth is," Lucianna confessed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she nervously toyed with a strand of her hair, "I'm just... doing what's right." Her gaze dropped, her fingers winding and unwinding around her locks.
"Isn't she adorable?" Laussinna commented with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "She would make a perfect daughter-in-law."
My face instantly heated up, matching the bright red hue of Lucianna's cheeks. Laussinna's laughter only increased as she waved off our embarrassment. "Just kidding," she assured us, a playful smile gracing her lips.
"Mom, please," I begged, my hands raised defensively. "We can't handle any more teasing."
Laussinna just laughed harder, her shoulders shaking with mirth. Eventually, she stood, brushing down her dress. "Forgive me, kids," she said, struggling to keep the amusement out of her voice. "I have a shift to attend. Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'll be playing a melody to soothe your weary souls."
As Laussinna made her way to the stage, my siblings and I shared excited looks.
Antrodos, however, seemed to have a more somber expression. He stood from the table, his heavy armor clinking. "I must return to my duties," he told Laussinna. "The king would be furious if I'm late."
Laussinna turned to him, her eyes filled with longing. "Could you not stay for just one song?" She asked, but her smile seemed forced. I knew my mom too well to miss that.
"Dad, come on," I jumped into the conversation, "Just one song. Consider it a part of the celebration for our heroics today."
Antrodos grumbled, his brows furrowed in a frown, but I pushed harder, pleading with my eyes. Finally, he sighed, defeated. "Alright. One song," he conceded, taking his seat again and ordering for food and booze.
Cheers filled the air from the rest of the Fiora household, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lucianna sitting alone at a table, her smile fading into a sad, faraway look.
Inhaling deeply, I navigated through the crowded tavern, making my way to Lucianna's solitary table. I took the seat beside her, stealing glances at her melancholic expression, my mind wrestling with a whirlwind of thoughts.
Would asking her about her gloom seem too invasive? Or was it a friendly gesture of concern? How do I even begin the conversation without sounding awkward?
Time and again, I tried to muster the courage to speak, only to deflate under the weight of my insecurities. Just as I was about to drown in my sea of uncertainties, a nugget of advice from my mother surfaced in my mind - "always wear your smile, Max". I remembered Lucianna's words about my smile being infectious. A soft exhale escaped me, and I knew my course of action.
Ever so gently, I tapped Lucianna's hand to catch her attention, then beamed at her. "Do you want anything?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light. "My mom can cover the costs." I added with a wink.
Polite as always, Lucianna declined my offer. Unfazed, I decided to keep the playful vibe alive. "Well, in that case, I'll order something for myself."
Soon, a hefty spread of food and drinks adorned our table. With a feigned look of surprise, I exclaimed, "Wow, I think I might've ordered too much. There's enough food here for two!" I chuckled, blaming the 'misunderstanding' on the waitress. Catching her eye, I winked at her, receiving a clandestine thumbs-up in return.