At the end of the stone wall, the food exuded an enchanting glow under the candlelight. Elderly Sok and young Elwin sat beside a stone table, their faces carrying an unprecedented sense of tranquility and satisfaction. Elwin cast his gaze on the table as Sok started introducing him to various delicacies, as if he were entertaining a distinguished guest from afar.
Sok held up a golden loaf of bread, telling Elwin, "This is our unique Reikland herb bread, made from a special yellow wheat and fresh herbs, baked to a soft texture with a fragrant aroma." His eyes wide, a sense of nostalgia flickered in his gaze, as if this bread represented his past life. His words sparked curiosity in Elwin, who was eager to taste this bread and experience the flavors of Reikland.
Next, Sok picked up a piece of red meat, informing Elwin, "This is our air-dried beef. Fresh beef is sliced, then marinated with unique spices and air-dried. The taste is savory, offering both the delicious taste of meat and a unique aroma." His speech was filled with pride, his eyes ablaze with enthusiasm as if he was talking about his honor. "The warriors of Reikland are not only fighters, but also excellent cooks, prepared for unexpected situations on the battlefield," he said with a smile.
Elwin poured wine into two glasses, gently passing one to Sok, then picked up his own. He paused momentarily, gazing at the clear liquid that resembled the starry night sky, his heart filled with awe. He scrutinized the transparent liquid through the candlelight, then looked up at Sok with a curious and reverent expression, "Mr. Thorsson, what kind of wine is this?" He gently swirled the glass, his eyes revealing a deep fascination. "It's as blue as the night sky, yet as clear as lake water." Sok watched him, smiling in anticipation of his surprise and delight.
Sok held the wine glass in front of him, and through the candlelight, his gaze seemed to penetrate the pale blue liquid, reaching the distant mountains of Reikland. His eyes shimmered with deep longing and satisfaction, filled with visions of Reikland's mountains and rivers, his long-lost homeland, and his loved ones. His slightly trembling fingers caressed the wine glass, as if touching the faraway land, and the faint aroma of the wine only intensified his longing.
"This is a specialty of Reikland," he said softly, his voice filled with reverence and nostalgia. "A wine named 'Dew of the Galaxy,' made from a special blueberry found in the mountains of Reikland. These berries, called 'Green Mountain Berries,' ripen in the fall, their fruits abundant on the hills, sparkling and translucent as if stars have descended among the mountains. It's said their taste is like the radiant starlight, both sweet and slightly cool, this…"
His voice became hoarse amidst the reminiscing, as if he was searching for a long-lost feeling in his distant memories. His gaze seemed to pass through the stone walls of the prison cell, returning to his childhood, to the days he and his younger brother Albert played among the mountains and picked "Green Mountain Berries". His eyes moistened slightly, and he silently wiped away the tear from the corner of his eye, then raised his glass towards Elwin, "Let's celebrate tomorrow's victory, Elwin."
Elwin looked at Sok, his eyes shimmering with profound respect and warmth. He raised his own glass, replying with a smile, "Cheers, Mr. Thorsson." As he spoke, he clinked his glass against Sok's, the sound ringing out crisply. Their hearts were filled with anticipation and hope, looking forward to the future days, hoping that everything would get better.
Sok held his glass, the blue liquid shimmering under the candlelight. He closed his eyes and took a sip. The wine circulated in his mouth, the unique aroma accompanying the sweet liquid spreading throughout, as if in an instant it had transported him back to the long-lost mountains of Reikland, the hills full of Green Mountain Berries, the tranquil night sky, the stars... It was as if all of this was echoing in the wine. A satisfied smile appeared on his face, representing his longing for his hometown and a reminiscence of the local wine. However, just in that instant, a tear fell from the corner of his eye, rolling along his wrinkles, falling to the corner of his mouth, and mixing into the wine in his mouth. A touch of melancholy and sorrow rose quietly in his heart, but he forcibly suppressed it.
Elwin watched Sok, his eyes filled with deep sympathy and respect. This old man, facing the ravages of fate, was still tenacious. He was so strong, yet also so fragile. In him, Elwin found a long-lost warmth of his own, a feeling different from the others - that is - home.
Elwin carefully picked up another glass, gently poured in the Dew of the Galaxy, and then handed it to Sok. His fingers lightly touched Sok's hand, and in that instant, he felt Sok's hand tremble slightly. He leaned into Sok's ear and whispered, "Drink up, Mr. Thorsson, this might be my last night in this world. Let me use this 'Dew of the Galaxy' to toast to this adventure, and also to our success." His words were plain, but every word was filled with power and determination.
Sok took the glass. He looked at Elwin, his eyes shining with kindness and appreciation. He smiled faintly, then raised his glass and lightly clinked against Elwin's, "To you, brave Elwin, to our adventure, cheers." He said with a smile, his eyes flashing with determination and hope.
As the night deepened, the dungeon's stone walls and iron bars cast long shadows under the dim candlelight, shrouding the place with a mysterious aura. However, despite the daunting surroundings, Elwin and Sok's hearts were filled with a warm glow.
The two sat quietly beside the stone table, as if they were not in a prison cell, but in their own home, sharing this special night. Elwin carefully served each dish onto Sok's plate, and Sok was tasting the delicacies, occasionally praising them, his face beaming with rare satisfaction.
Although they were surrounded by cold stone walls and stark iron chains, and although they were in a world full of unknowns and danger, their hearts were full of faith and courage.
That night, they found a sense of home in this perilous situation. In each other's smiles and care, they found a courage that was no longer alone. Their voices, their smiles, their bravery, all shone brightly in the night, becoming their most profound memory in this world.