Chapter 44: Waterfall Vacation
**A Rest Day Decision:**
**Captain Elara:** (with a mischievous smile) "So, it's our rest day. What should we do, Synoh?"
**Synoh:** (smiling back) "I'm not sure, it's my first time. Maybe you can show me what you do on your rest days."
**Captain Elara:** (brightening up) "Hmm, well, there's a festival in the capital if we want a longer break. But if we're looking for a quick getaway, there's a charming waterfall village not too far from here. What do you think?"
**Synoh:** (considering) "Both ideas sound great, but let's start with the waterfall village first." (smiling)
The playful banter between Captain Elara and Synoh didn't go unnoticed by their fellow knights. As they overheard the conversation, laughter and teasing ensued, adding to the light-hearted atmosphere.
**Knight 1:** (teasingly) "Ooh, a romantic getaway, huh?"
**Knight 2:** "Looks like Captain Elara's showing Synoh the ropes!"
**Meth:** (grinning) "Enjoy your day off, you two!"
**Aloy:** "Just don't get into too much trouble, Captain!"
Amidst the friendly teasing, Captain Elara and Synoh shared a knowing glance, both amused and slightly embarrassed by the attention. With plans set for the waterfall village, they looked forward to a day of relaxation and perhaps some unexpected adventures.
**Journey to the Waterfall Village:**
**Synoh and Captain Elara** embarked on their journey to the Waterfall Village, expecting a quiet retreat. However, to their surprise, **all the members of Division 10** decided to follow them.
**Dred:** (apologetic) "Sorry to disturb you guys, but we don't have anywhere else to go."
**Meth:** "Yeah, and the Waterfall Village sounds like the perfect place for a little relaxation."
**Aloy:** (chuckling) "Can't argue with that! Plus, we can't stray too far since we're still on duty."
**Other knights:** "Exactly! Waterfall Village it is!"
**Synoh:** (smiling) "It's alright, guys. We understand."
**Dred:** "Don't worry, Synoh. No tears now!" (teasing)
**Synoh:** (playfully) "Very funny, Dred."
**Dred:** (quietly) "Shh, Captain Elara looks a bit upset."
Sensing Captain Elara's disappointment at not having their alone time, Synoh approached her to address the situation.
**Synoh:** (softly) "Captain, I know this wasn't what we planned, but let's make the best of it. We can enjoy this time with everyone."
Captain Elara, touched by Synoh's words, decided to lighten the mood.
**Captain Elara:** (raising her voice) "Alright, everyone! Let's turn this into a party!"
**Everyone:** (cheering)
---
With Captain Elara's initiative, the atmosphere turned festive as they continued their journey to the Waterfall Village. The unexpected turn of events brought laughter and camaraderie among Division 10, making their rest day a memorable one filled with shared moments and joy.
Certainly! Here's a continuation focusing on Synoh and Captain Elara's interaction after their encounter with the mystery man:
**Journey to the Waterfall Village: Continued**
Despite the initial disappointment of not having their anticipated alone time, Synoh and Captain Elara found solace in the camaraderie of Division 10. As they journeyed towards the Waterfall Village, the atmosphere gradually lightened with laughter and shared stories among the knights.
**Synoh:** (smiling at Captain Elara) "Looks like everyone's in high spirits now."
**Captain Elara:** (returning the smile) "Yeah, they always find a way to make things lively."
**Synoh:** "I guess that's the charm of our division."
**Captain Elara:** "Indeed. And you know, I'm glad we're all together. It's not often we get to relax like this."
**Synoh:** "True. We've been through quite a bit lately."
**Captain Elara:** (nodding) "That's an understatement. You know, Synoh, I wanted to thank you."
**Synoh:** (curious) "For what?"
**Captain Elara:** "For being there when that mystery man attacked us. You took a serious risk to protect me."
**Synoh:** (softly) "It was instinct, Captain. I couldn't let anything happen to you."
**Captain Elara:** (gratefully) "Well, I appreciate it. You're a reliable partner, Synoh."
Their conversation continued as they walked, enjoying the scenery and the company of their comrades. The Waterfall Village soon came into view, its cascading waters and serene surroundings offering a peaceful respite for the weary knights.
**Synoh:** (pointing ahead) "Looks like we're almost there."
**Captain Elara:** "Finally, some relaxation."
**Synoh:** "What's the plan once we arrive?"
**Captain Elara:** "I was thinking we could explore the village, maybe enjoy a meal together. And of course, take in the beauty of the waterfall."
**Synoh:** "Sounds perfect."
As they approached the village, the sounds of laughter and celebration greeted them. Division 10 had already begun to settle in, eager to unwind and enjoy their rest day to the fullest.
**Captain Elara:** (smiling) "Let's make the most of this, Synoh."
**Synoh:** "Absolutely, Captain."
With renewed spirits and a sense of camaraderie, Synoh and Captain Elara led Division 10 into the Waterfall Village, ready to embrace the peace and tranquility of their well-deserved break.
**Arrival at the Waterfall Village:**
As Synoh and Captain Elara arrived at the Waterfall Village, nestled amidst lush greenery and cascading waters, they were greeted by the serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with their recent battles. Captain Elara wasted no time in seeking out the village chief to offer their assistance during their stay.
**Captain Elara:** (addressing the village chief) Good day, Chief. We are knights from Division 10, here to rest and lend our aid if needed during our stay. Is there anything we can assist you with?
**Village Chief:** (regarding them calmly) Welcome, knights. We have no immediate issues, but should anything arise, I will be sure to inform you. Enjoy your time in our village.
With assurances given, Captain Elara gathered her team and briefed them on enjoying their downtime responsibly, outlining meeting points for emergencies. The knights dispersed, each finding their own way to relax and explore the village.
**Captain Elara:** (to the group) Enjoy yourselves, but remember our responsibilities. We meet back here if anything urgent comes up.
Synoh and Captain Elara, having decided to find lodging together, soon discovered that the village inn had only one room available.
**Innkeeper:** (apologetically) I'm sorry, but due to the festival preparations, this is the last room available.
**Captain Elara:** (glancing at Synoh) Well, it seems we'll have to share. That's alright with you, Synoh?
**Synoh:** (smiling warmly) Of course, Captain. It's no problem at all.
They settled into their room, grateful for a moment of peace amidst their ongoing duties. The soft sounds of the village outside and the distant waterfall provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
**Captain Elara:** (relaxing) It's nice to have a moment like this, away from the battlefield.
**Synoh:** (nodding in agreement) Definitely. We've been through a lot lately.
As they shared stories and plans for the days ahead, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect grew between them, deepening their bond beyond their roles as knights.
**Captain Elara:** (smiling softly) Thank you, Synoh, for always being there.
**Synoh:** (gently) Likewise, Captain. We make a good team.
Their evening continued in peaceful conversation, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's company, grateful for the respite before they would once again face the challenges awaiting them in their duty to protect the realm.
**Awkward Night at the Inn:**
After settling into their shared room at the village inn, Synoh and Captain Elara found themselves in an unexpectedly awkward situation. The inn's last available room had a large double bed, prompting a nervous exchange between the two knights.
**Synoh:** (awkwardly) It's a double bed, but I'll sleep on the floor.
**Captain Elara:** (blushing) The bed is too big for me to sleep alone. You can sleep beside me on the bed.
**Synoh:** (embarrassed, staring at Elara) Uh...
**Captain Elara:** (noticing his stare) What's with that look? Just sleep here. And promise you won't do anything inappropriate.
**Synoh:** (flushing) If you say so... I'll still sleep on the floor. I don't trust myself next to such a beautiful girl.
Captain Elara blushed even deeper at his compliment. Despite her insistence, she eventually convinced Synoh to share the bed with her, albeit with clear boundaries.
**Captain Elara:** (firmly) Just sleep, okay?
**Synoh:** (nervously) Okay...
Throughout the night, neither Synoh nor Captain Elara could find rest easily. The awkwardness of their close proximity and unspoken feelings kept their minds awake, despite their physical exhaustion from recent battles and travels.
Their night in the peaceful Waterfall Village turned out to be anything but restful, as they navigated the delicate balance between duty, friendship, and the undeniable chemistry that simmered between them.