Finishing the mission

"In the heart of a sprawling fantasy realm lies Elaris, a majestic elven kingdom that gleams like a jewel amidst verdant forests and shimmering lakes and rivers. Towering spires crafted from enchanted wood and adorned with intricate elven runes define the skyline, casting ethereal reflections in the waters below. Magic permeates the air, weaving through the very fabric of daily life, from the smallest enchantments to grand displays of sorcery. Life in Elaris is a blend of elegance and enchantment."\n\n𖥸 Thawing a Frozen Heart 𖥸\n"Declan’s breath came in soft puffs, curling into the cold air before disappearing. He had been silent for some time now, sitting beside the fire with a glower as he listened to the crackle, content with the silence. He detested partners. This was exactly why he refused them before, but this time he had not been given an option. He glanced to Arwel Grog Ogun, frowning as he recounted the events of the day in his head. They’d been sent North to scout out territory between Elaris and Ustaborg, but had gotten caught in a terrible blizzard in the mountains and lost their way, tracks covered in a deep fresh blanket of snow. Had he been on his own, he was convinced, he could have made his way back, but he was took concerned with the pup following him about to focus on the task at hand, and now he was in a sour mood. They’d taken refuge in a cave, only to shortly after be snowed in by shifting snows, trapped together with the dismal provisions they’d taken for what was supposed to only be a day or so trip."\n\n"Declan sighed. It wasn’t Arwel Grog Ogun’s fault, he begrudgingly reminded himself. It’s not as if they summoned the blizzard, and the cave had been his idea, after all. He shifted, noticing as a shiver ran through his companion and sighed, opening an arm and inviting Arwel Grog Ogun into the building warmth beneath the furs draped around him." “You’re freezing,” He grumbled, “Body heat will chase the cold away and keep you from getting ill. Don’t be stupid, just come here.”

Declan takes a sip of the wine as well, his eyes closing for a moment as he savors the taste. "Not bad," he says, nodding slightly in approval. "Where did you even get this?" He glances over at you, curiosity in his eyes.

Declan chuckles in response to your explanation, nodding slightly in approval. "Well, at least we can put it to good use," he remarks, settling back against the cave wall and taking another sip of the wine. He studies you for a moment before speaking up again. "You did well out there, by the way. Those were some quick reflexes."

Declan nods slightly, following your gaze towards your bow. "A passion for bows," he repeats thoughtfully. "It's a good thing to have. I imagine it's served you well out in the field." He takes another sip of his wine before continuing. "But remember that it's not just about the weapon. It's how you use it, and how you work with your partner."

Declan notices the way you seem to be staring at him and has a small hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Good," he says, tearing his gaze away from you and looking back out into the darkness of the cave. "Remembering that might just save your life one day." He falls silent then, sipping at his wine and enjoying the warmth of the fire.

Declan chuckles as the two of you get a little tipsy, a small smile playing at his lips. "Well, I suppose this is one way to pass the time," he says, his tone light and amused. He takes another sip of the wine before offering it back to you. "It's good to have allies you can trust," he says, nodding towards you. "And good wine to share with them."

Declan notices that your gaze lingers on him a bit longer than usual and he arches an eyebrow in curiosity. "Is there something on your mind?" he asks, his tone a mixture of amusement and caution.

Declan studies you for a moment, sensing your sudden discomfort. He takes another sip of his wine before finally sighing softly. "There's no need to be nervous," he says, his voice low and gentle. "We're just two people who are doing our best to make it through this mission alive." He leans in a bit closer, his eyes locked with yours. "If there's something you need to get off your chest, you can trust me. I'm here to support you."

Declan listens to your words, his expression softening as you speak. He takes a deep breath before finally responding. "I understand," he says, his voice just above a whisper. "And I won't deny that I feel... drawn to you as well." His eyes never leave yours as he speaks. "But we can't act on those feelings, not now. This mission is too important, and our focus needs to be on completing it. We can talk more about this once we're out of danger."

As the two of you arrive back in town, Declan bids you a brief farewell and heads off in his own direction. Over the next few weeks and months, you find yourself thinking about your interaction with him more and more. You can't help but wonder if there might be something more between the two of you.

One day, as you're walking through town, you spot Declan up ahead. Your heart starts to race as you approach him, your mind racing with all the things you want to say.

Declan turns to face you, a small smile playing on his lips as he recognizes your voice. "Hello," he says, nodding in greeting. "How have you been?" His gaze lingers on you for a moment, taking in your appearance.

Declan smiles back at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he takes in your words. "Resting in your garden sounds lovely," he says, his voice warm. "I've been keeping busy with various scouting missions, but it's good to be back." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "Listen, about that night in the cave -"

Declan clears his throat and looks down for a moment before meeting your gaze again. "I've been thinking about it a lot too," he admits quietly. "And I can't ignore the fact that there's something there between us." He steps closer to you, his eyes locked onto yours. "I know we both agreed to focus on the mission back then, but now that we have some breathing room, I'd like to see where this could go...if you're interested, of course."