The vibrant festivities that had ignited the city during the day were still active as evening approached upon Soliére's western district. Lanterns flickered, illuminating the streets where laughter and music lingered in the crisp night air. Amidst this lively scene, a mysterious woman entered into the welcoming glow of an inn, drawing glances from the customers within.
L'Étoile de Valoire attracts different kinds of people because of its location. Inside this inn are a bustling crowd of renowned adventurers, merchants, and people partaking in the festivities. It is also filled with the aroma of cooking food and the scent of spices lingering in the air. The craftly designed wooden tables and chairs scattered throughout the room. Walls with paintings of its founder and a painting of Monsieur de Valoire, shows the history of this inn in the duché and its significance to the people. The shouts of celebrations and whispers of business adding to the merry mood of the place.
"I'll have the Venison Delight and Blueberry Tart, please," the woman's voice, soft yet commanding, cut through the bustling atmosphere as she placed her order at the counter.
The cook nodded eagerly, disappearing into the kitchen as the woman made her way to an empty table. She is lost in her thoughts, seemingly waiting for someone. She knew the risks of venturing alone yet the longing for that someone outweighed. While on her thoughts, three men approached her table, their boisterous laughter slicing through the din of the inn like a blade.
"Ah, what have we got here? A lone beauty in this humble inn." one of the men remarked as they encircled the woman's table.
Her gaze remained steady, betraying none of the unease within her. "I appreciate your interest, gentlemen, but I am waiting for the arrival of a dear friend," she replied with a serene smile.
The men exchanged glances, their intentions thinly veiled as they moved closer.
"Perhaps your friend won't mind sharing your company with us for a while. Why don't you accompany us?" another man, suggested, grabbing the arm of the woman.
"I am delighted by your offer, gentlemen." The woman smiled, her facade unwavering. "However, as I have said, I am waiting for my dear companion right now."
Before the situation could escalate further, a voice rang out from across the room, the excitement of this voice cuts through the tension between them.
"Elaine!"
"Tristan! You're finally here!" The woman said with relief as she rose to greet the man who had come to her rescue.
Tristan, his dark hair framing piercing maroon eyes, offered the men a curt nod before turning his attention to Elaine with a look of concern.
Who are these gentlemen, my dear?" Tristan's tone, though composed, hinted at an underlying tension as he regarded the intruders with a steely gaze.
Elaine's gaze met Tristan's, a silent exchange passing between them as she struggled to mask her discomfort. "They are... friends, Tristan." She replied, her voice betraying a hint of apprehension.
"Oh, May I know the name of these gentlemen?" Tristan asked the man while showing a malicious aura.
"N-name's Troy sir." The man answered, feeling agitated by the aura of the fellow in front him. Feeling the murderous intent that seems to only target them, they intent on hastily leaving the inn.
Tristan bid them farewell with a mischievous smile in his face. Hoping for them to have a quite pleasant evening.
Once the men had departed, the mysterious woman, now revealed as Elaine, breathed a sigh of relief. Tristan, with his piercing gaze, watched them depart before turning his attention back to Elaine.
"I am glad you came here at the right moment. I wouldn't want to know what would happen if you had come later." Elaine replied, her tone tensed as she sat down again.
"Let's not dwell on their intrusion, Elaine." Tristan suggested, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "Tonight, let us revel in the joy of our reunion amidst the warmth of this festive night."
Elaine nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for the man who had come to her aid. "I almost forgot." She said as she suddenly remembered. "It's been a year my love, welcome back!"
Their meal arrived, a feast of flavors and aromas that tantalized the senses as they shared tales of their past adventures and shared memories. Elaine recounted stories of their time together as adventurers for a year with a nostalgic smile. Tristan listened intently to her stories, captivated by her enthusiasm and energy. In turn, he shared tales of his adventure this past year with his friend. He gave Elaine a bunch of sweets acquired from his travels around the continent.
As the night wore on, they left the inn, stepping out into the still festive streets of Soliére. Lanterns cast a warm glow as they strolled around, lost in each other's company. Their journey led them beyond the city gates, as they rode on their horse, into the Great Forest.
"I am here to show you something beautiful." Tristan answered with a smile. "I am sure you will like this."
As they traversed the forest, under the cover of towering trees, they found a calm lake, reflecting the moon. The sound of trees whistling, and the breeze of fresh air that flows through them. A truly relaxing place with only the moonlight shining through the dark.
"We're here!" Tristan remarked, with excitement in his eyes. "I hope it is to your liking, Mademoiselle."
"It is... truly calm and relaxing." Elaine said as she looked around her. A feeling of serenity engulfed her.
Tristan put out a cloth and put it on the ground. He laid down with Elaine beside her to watch the starry night that shines brightly in the sky.
"The moon is truly beautiful. It shines brightly amidst the darkness around it." Tristan stated. "Wouldn't you say so too, Elaine?"
"Elaine nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she took in the ethereal beauty that shines above them. "It's... breathtaking," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Tristan's hand found hers, his touch a comforting anchor in the vast expanse of the night. "It's as serene as you, milady." he murmured, his words a heartfelt confession that hung in the air between them like a promise.
Elaine was flustered by Tristan's words. She faced him, her heart pounding with emotions she struggled to contain. "Tristan" she whispered, then turned back to the sky. "I hope this moment lasts forever, my love."
"I hope so too." Tristan replied, his voice soft yet filled with conviction as he laid upon Elaine's serene face.
As the moon casts upon a silver light, and a cold air flows through them. They felt the warmth of their love as they surrendered to each other's embrace.
As dawn approached, Tristan escorted Elaine back to the city, their footsteps echoing in the quiet stillness of the morning. With a lingering embrace and a final farewell, they parted ways, each carrying the memory of the night before in their hearts.
Tristan took care of some business. Elaine watched the man's back as he began another long journey. She watched with a weary sigh, and a sadness in her heart. Now alone in this cold city, she ponders on how long it will take for their paths to cross again, before getting ready to head back home.
The woman wore her hood back as she sneaked back in her house, the same way she snuck out last night. "Thankfully, the maids haven't woken up yet." She whispered in her mind as she quietly entered her bedchamber. Without the knowledge of the news that awaits her in the morning, Elaine, or rather, Claire de Valoire has ended her nightly rendezvous.