Reiji saddled the Faifi, running his hands over the soft contours of its feathers along its neck and body. As he settled onto its back, he couldn't help but grin.
"Animals here are so fluffy!" he exclaimed loudly.
Lyrien, already mounted on her own Faifi, turned to him with a raised brow. "Reiji, she's not an animal. She's a tamed beast."
"Animals are food; tamed beasts are friends," she added with a playful tone, patting her steed affectionately.
Reiji shrugged, his grin widening as he leaned forward, burying his face in the Faifi's plumage. "They're all animals to me," he said nonchalantly.
"Eugh!" Lyrien exclaimed, feigning shock. "You mean to say you'd eat this beautiful creature?"
Reiji leaned back lazily, his tone casual. "For emergency food? Sure."
Lyrien gasped, her voice dropping to a mock-serious tone. "You do realize there's a Beastfolk race, right?"
Reiji suddenly straightened on his steed, a look of realization crossing his face as he remembered the Felinials.
Lyrien noticed and tilted her head, smirking. "You took it upon yourself," she said, her tone teasing.
The two continued their playful banter while Lyra turned her attention to Cornelius. Though unresponsive, she made sure he was securely tied to his steed, checking the straps carefully.
After securing her own mount and tying Cornelius' Faify to hers, Lyra turned back to the others. "We should reach Bellatoria by tomorrow afternoon if we keep moving. There are still a few hours of sunlight left, so let's get going," she said, her tone firm, cutting through Reiji and Lyrien's antics.
To emphasize her point, she tossed a small pouch to each of them. "Some of the Faifis still have their riders' rations. Eat while we travel—I want to get home as soon as possible."
"Yes, ma'am," Reiji responded with a mock salute, earning a grin from Lyrien.
Mounted on the Faifies, the group resumed their journey. The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and purple before finally giving way to the stars.
"Maybe we should camp for the night?" Lyrien suggested, breaking the quiet.
Lyra nodded, guiding them toward a nearby clearing. "You're right. We have a good spot here."
Reiji stayed silent as they dismounted, his thoughts swirling. "No sign of those stone-monsters. It's strange. And Tati… and the Felinials… where are they?"
Noticing his distant expression, Lyrien approached him. "You're giving a curious facial expression. What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"I was just thinking about the townsfolk of Caitstown," Reiji replied, his voice soft and distant.
Lyrien gave him a knowing nod, her expression saying 'I see', without pressing further.
She turned to collect some firewood, sensing he wasn't ready to share more.
Reiji joined her, and together they gathered enough wood to build a decent campfire.
Once the pile was ready, Lyrien raised her hand, murmuring a spell. A small flame erupted from her fingertips, igniting the wood.
As the fire crackled to life, Lyra busied herself checking on Cornelius and their supplies. She rummaged through one of the pouches, pulling out some food and fur pelt blankets.
After ensuring Cornelius was warm and settled, she joined Reiji and Lyrien by the fire, sitting down beside her sister on a rocky outcropping.
The campfire's warmth cast a cozy glow over the clearing, and the group sat in companionable silence.
Lyra tossed a blanket to Reiji and draped another over herself and Lyrien.
Breaking the quiet, Lyra's gaze remained fixed on the flames. "Reiji, would you mind taking the first watch tonight?"
Reiji looked at her, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Are you sure you want to leave your safety in my hands?"
Lyra smirked, her face was a mask of calm, but a hint of firmness seeped through her expression. "I don't have the right to question your trustworthiness, Reiji."
Before Reiji could respond, Lyrien butted in, her tone mock-serious. "Oh, if only you knew…"
Reiji's gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto Lyrien.
Lyra glanced between them, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Lyrien smirked, the mischief in her eyes breaking the tension. "Come on, you two are way too stiff and serious."
Lyra rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. She pulled Lyrien into a playful hug. "You little jest. Let's spare Reiji from our nonsense and get some sleep."
Lyrien laughed, untangling herself. "Yeah, yeah. Goodnight, Reiji."
Lyra added warmly, "Goodnight, Reiji. And thank you."
Reiji gave them both a small smile. "You guys get some rest. Goodnight."
"Lyrien's jokes… they're hitting a little too close to reality," Reiji thought with a faint grin.
Stepping away from the warmth of the flames, he gave the sisters their quiet time to rest.
Reiji busied himself with checking on the Faifis, scanning the surroundings for any potential threats, and occasionally glancing back at Cornelius and the two sleeping figures.
When Lyra eventually woke to take over the watch, Reiji silently passed her the mantle before settling down to rest.
Not long after Reiji drifted off, Lyrien stirred.
Rubbing her eyes, she noticed her sister standing guard, her silhouette outlined against the faint glow of the dying fire.
She approached softly. "Lyra, would you like to get more sleep?"
Lyra shook her head, her gaze fixed on the surrounding darkness. "No, I'm fine. You can rest more if you need to."
"I've had enough," Lyrien replied, standing beside her.
After a brief pause, she asked, "What do you think of Reiji?"
Lyra turned to her, surprised. "That's an interesting question coming from you."
"I mean, isn't he… too good to be true? Especially considering how strong he is." Lyrien's voice was thoughtful, her gaze drifting toward Reiji's sleeping form.
Lyra considered the question for a moment before responding. "If I'm being honest… I think he's fascinating. But more than that, I think he's kind. The way he risked his life for us, the way he speaks, and his entire demeanor—it shows he has a good heart."
Lyrien nodded, her gaze lingering on Reiji. "I feel drawn to him, but… I'm also wary. I can't figure out his intentions. It's like there's a part of him he's hiding."
Lyra raised an eyebrow, surprised by Lyrien's candidness. "Lyrien… are you interested in him?"
Lyrien's cheeks flushed, and she quickly shook her head. "Don't put it like that, Lyra! I'm just intrigued by his mysteriousness, that's all."
Lyra smirked knowingly. "Whatever you say. Mysterious yet endearing, right?"
Lyrien shot her a pointed look. "Oh, and don't tell me he hasn't piqued your interest."
Lyra chuckled softly, her gaze meeting Lyrien's. A silent understanding passed between them—a shared sense of curiosity and connection toward the enigmatic man who had entered their lives.
In the quiet of the night, as the campfire cast soft, flickering shadows, both sisters felt it. Reiji wasn't just a stranger who had come to their aid.
He was someone whose presence stirred something deeper—a feeling that perhaps their paths crossing was no mere coincidence.