As they stepped out of the castle and into the gentle glow of Helia’s twilight, Lorian hesitated, glancing at Caelus before finally catching up to him. He lingered at Caelus’s side, fiddling with the strap of his pouch as if steeling himself. Then, with a sudden burst of courage, he reached out, giving Caelus’s arm a gentle tap.

“Caelus,” he started, his voice soft but bright with barely-contained excitement, “I was thinking… if it’s alright with you, wanna rent a place together? Maybe be roommates?” His face lit up, his brown eyes wide with eagerness. “I’ll even take care of Cheese,” he promised, glancing down at the little slime who perked up at the sound of its name, wobbling enthusiastically between them. “And of course, I’ll chip in. We’ll split the cost evenly—no freeloading here,” he added with a grin, a hint of nervous laughter in his voice.

Caelus blinked, a little taken aback. He hadn’t considered getting a place with anyone, especially not someone as lively as Lorian. Yet, as he looked at the young mage’s hopeful expression, he couldn’t help but want to accept the offer. There was something endearing about the offer, a kind of kinship he hadn’t expected. And the thought of having company, of sharing a roof with someone… it didn’t seem so bad. Caelus finally nodded.

“I suppose I don’t mind,” Caelus said, trying to sound casual despite the hint of unexpected surprise that tingled in his voice.

Lorian’s face lit up, a boyish enthusiasm sparking in his eyes, and Cheese gave an eager hop, glowing a bright, warm yellow as it seemed to bounce along in agreement. The little slime even let out a squeak of approval, rolling between them as if it, too, were part of their newfound bond. Together, the trio strolled through Helia’s lively streets, taking in the scene as twilight deepened into night.

The evening lanterns cast a soft, golden glow over the cobbled pathways, illuminating the elegant architecture of the old buildings and giving the entire city a welcoming warmth. The shops and market stalls were still alive with activity—merchants peddling their goods, street performers drawing small crowds, and the savoury scent of roasted meats and spices filling the air. Children darted past, laughing as they chased each other through the alleys, while travellers and locals alike gathered outside bustling taverns, their voices carrying notes of laughter and excitement as they shared the day’s tales.

Caelus glanced around, noticing the small, intricate details of Helia’s culture. Banners decorated in the kingdom’s colours hung from doorways, artisans displayed wares crafted with delicate care, and musicians strummed gentle tunes that mingled with the distant chatter. The energy of the city was vibrant, yet comforting—a lively pulse that reminded him of what was worth protecting.

They eventually paused near a quaint inn on a quieter street corner. Lorian looked up at the creaking wooden sign above the door, etched with a name in Helian script. “The Hearthstone Rest,” he read aloud, his voice filled with wonder. A pause followed, his brows knitting together as he looked at the sign again. “Wait—how do I know how to read that?”

Caelus blinked, surprised by the question himself. The script, though intricate and unique to Helia, had been almost second nature for him to read, just as it seemed to be for Lorian. Thinking back, he realised he’d never had to question it; the words and letters had been as familiar to him as any memory from his former life.

“Maybe it’s part of... coming back here,” Caelus suggested, the answer sounding almost as uncertain as the question. “It’s like the language was just… placed in our minds.”

Lorian nodded slowly, his expression shifting from confusion to a fascinated curiosity. “It’s strange, but... kind of cool too.”

“Yeah,” Caelus said, feeling that sense of connection stir within him. “It’s as if we’ve always known this place, like some part of it never left us.”

The dim light spilling from its windows offered a warm invitation. Inside, a stout, elderly dwarf woman manned the counter, her gaze sharp as she eyed them from beneath her bushy brows. Her apron was dusted with flour, and her sleeves were rolled to her elbows, hinting that she’d just stepped away from the kitchen. Her gaze travelled between Caelus, Lorian, and the little slime at their feet with a discerning look. “Lookin’ to stay the night, are ye?” she asked, her voice gruff but kind. Her attention lingered on Cheese, who blinked innocently up at her, a wide-eyed blob of curiosity.

“We’re hoping for something a bit longer than just a night,” Caelus replied, and she nodded knowingly, setting the glass down.

“A room for two, then,” she mused, tapping a finger against her chin. “That’ll be six gold a month, and mind you keep the place tidy.” She shot a stern look at Cheese, who wriggled, somehow managing to look bashful.

After they paid, she handed them a brass key, her eyes still glancing suspiciously at Cheese. “Second floor, down the hall. Room’s simple but cosy—just don’t be keepin’ any odd creatures up there without permission.”

Lorian chuckled, nodding gratefully. “Cheese will behave. He’s harmless, promise.”

With the key in hand, they ascended the creaky stairs, the wooden steps echoing underfoot. The door to their room creaked open, revealing a cozy, inviting space. The room was modest yet comfortable, with two neatly made beds adorned with soft, faded quilts. A simple wooden desk sat against one wall, its surface decorated with a candle. A small window beside it framed a view of the lantern-lit street below, casting a soft golden glow across the room. In the corner, a tiny kitchen nook with a small hearth and a simple washroom completed the space, offering all the basics they’d need for their stay. The quiet charm of the room provided a welcome contrast to the bustle outside, offering a sense of warmth and solitude. Meanwhile, Cheese wriggled out of Lorian’s bag, hopping onto the desk, exploring its new home with little squeaks of curiosity.

As Lorian set his bag down, he let out a sigh of contentment, throwing himself onto one of the beds with a satisfied grin. “Now this,” he said, stretching out his arms, “this feels like a proper adventure.”

Meanwhile, Cheese hopped onto the bed beside him and watched Caelus with its simple black-dot eyes, as if fascinated by his every movement.

Lorian grinned, scratching Cheese’s “head” gently as the slime let out a soft squeak of happiness.

Caelus cast them a sidelong glance, feeling an unexpected ease settle over him. It wasn’t much, but it was theirs for now—a place to rest and regroup, a brief haven in their journey. And for the first time in a long while, he felt the faint stirrings of belonging.

Caelus chuckled, feeling a sense of peace settle over him as he looked around their new home, however temporary. He leaned his sword against the wall beside his bed, its weight echoing faintly as it settled, before turning his attention to his black armour, worn and battered from the day’s trials. Fumbling with the straps, he began to remove each piece with a quiet satisfaction, grateful to shed the heavy metal for the night.

As they settled in, Caelus found himself glancing at Lorian, a question weighing on his mind. Eventually, he broke the silence, his voice gentle. “Was there a particular reason you wanted to be roommates? I mean, the cost can’t be much different if you’d rented alone.”

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Lorian’s playful grin faded, and he looked down, a shadow crossing his face. His fingers absentmindedly stroked Cheese, who nestled closer, sensing his shift in mood. After a moment, he spoke, voice quieter than usual. “Back when I was in our world… I had a big brother.” He paused, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. “You remind me of him a little.”

Cheese, ever in tune with Lorian’s emotions, turned a deep shade of blue, its little eyes reflecting the sadness in Lorian’s own gaze.

A pang of empathy struck Caelus, and he felt a deep sense of understanding. Despite Lorian’s cheerful demeanour, the loss and loneliness he must feel were suddenly all too clear. Here he was, a young soul in an unfamiliar world, trying to be strong when everything he’d known was left behind. For all his courage, he was still just a kid, and this afterlife must be both overwhelming and terrifying.

Caelus’s gaze softened, and an unexpected warmth rose within him as he looked at Lorian, who still clutched Cheese close to his chest like a small, wriggling charm. “I may not be your brother,” he murmured, his voice both gentle and steady, “but I’m honoured if I can bring you even a little of that comfort.”

Lorian’s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, a hint of sadness tempered by something warmer. For a moment, he looked almost vulnerable, but then he smiled, a genuine, open expression. “Thank you, Caelus,” he said quietly. Cheese, sensing the change, shifted to a bright, contented yellow and nudged both of them with a tiny, hopeful squeak.

For a brief moment, there was nothing but quiet understanding, the two of them connected by a shared sense of purpose and newfound trust.

Caelus leaned back, watching Lorian with a softness in his gaze as he laid sprawled on the bed, his small frame curled up slightly as he spoke. “My brother… he was kind and strong, and everyone loved him,” Lorian began, his voice soft, almost fragile. He curled his arms tighter around Cheese, who had nestled comfortably in his grasp.

Caelus nodded, unsure of what to say, but his eyes conveyed a deep understanding. “I see,” he whispered, his voice gentle. It was a familiar pain he heard in Lorian's voice—the ache of lost family, of a life left behind.

After a quiet pause, Lorian’s gaze drifted to Caelus, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “How did you die, Caelus?” he asked, his voice barely more than a murmur.

Caelus shifted in his seat, the wooden chair creaking softly beneath him. “I died while saving a boy from a traffic accident,” he replied simply, though the memory stirred feelings he hadn’t yet fully processed.

Lorian turned to face him, his eyes wide with something close to admiration, even as he hugged Cheese a bit tighter. “That’s very heroic of you,” he murmured, a small, sincere smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “That’s just like you, I think.” He let out a soft, almost shy laugh, as if the thought made him happy.

Caelus managed a small smile, though a shadow of melancholy lingered in his gaze. After a moment, he found the courage to ask, “How about you, Lorian? Do you… want to talk about it?”

Lorian’s expression faltered, his smile fading. He hesitated, as if summoning up the memory took more effort than he wanted to admit.

“I passed away from illness,” he said quietly, his eyes avoiding Caelus as he gently stroked Cheese, who gazed up at him with simple, comforting concern.

Caelus swallowed, feeling a pang in his chest, wishing he had the words to offer comfort but knowing none would truly ease the pain of loss.

But after a long silence, Lorian lifted his head, a glimmer of resilience returning to his eyes. “But that’s all in the past,” he said with a hint of forced brightness, glancing at Cheese and giving his squishy cheeks a playful pinch. “What matters now is that I’ve got awesome new friends. Right, Cheese?”

Cheese’s cheeks flushed a soft pink as he wriggled happily in response, letting out a cheerful sound that made both Caelus and Lorian laugh.

Caelus watched as Lorian’s smile faded, replaced by a distant, sombre expression. The young boy sat quietly on his bed, clutching Cheese to his chest as if drawing strength from the tiny creature. Caelus felt a pang of empathy, recognizing the depth of Lorian's sorrow masked beneath his cheerful facade.

Taking a seat on the bed across from Lorian, Caelus spoke softly. "You know, Lorian, sometimes life gives us things we don’t want or understand, and we’re left trying to figure out what to do with them." Lorian’s gaze drifted up, his eyes filled with questions he didn’t quite know how to voice.

“Yeah. I guess... I just miss everything," Lorian admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "My family, my friends, even the parts of life I used to think were boring. Sometimes, I feel like I’ll never feel whole again.” He swallowed hard, hugging Cheese a little tighter.

Caelus nodded, choosing his words carefully. “It’s alright to miss them. It’s alright to feel that ache, even if we can’t change what happened. You can carry those memories with you, and still find room for new ones, new experiences that help you grow.” He paused, a small smile softening his face. “It’s all a part of life. Accepting those circumstances doesn't mean we let go of the things that mattered to us; it just means we keep living, taking those we’ve lost proud in the process.”

Lorian looked down at Cheese, then back up at Caelus, his eyes glistening. “Do you think... they’d be proud of me? Even with everything that’s happened?”

“For sure,” Caelus said firmly, reaching over to place a reassuring hand on Lorian’s shoulder. “They’d be proud of your strength, your kindness, and how much you care for others. You’re carrying their memory forward in everything you do. That takes courage, more than most people ever realise.”

Lorian’s lips curved into a small, tentative smile, a bit of the tension in his face easing. "Thank you, Caelus. I... I think I needed to hear that."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling over them like a heavy blanket. The quiet was not uncomfortable, but reflective, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Caelus stood, rolling his shoulders and letting out a tired sigh. “Alright, how about we clean up and call it a night? Tomorrow’s not going to wait for us, and we’ll need our energy.”

Lorian chuckled, setting Cheese down on the bed, where it happily jiggled before settling into a rounded shape. “Yeah, I’m definitely overdue for a hot shower after today. Feels like it’s been a week in one day.”

He turned toward the bathroom but suddenly froze mid-step, a look of realization dawning on his face. Slowly, he pivoted back, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “Uh… slight problem,” he admitted, avoiding his gaze. “We don’t exactly have spare clothes. Or towels. Or… anything.”

“We should’ve thought of that.” Caelus sighed as he glanced out the window, noticing the shops below were already closed, their signs dim against the warm city lights. “Are we out of luck, then?”

Lorian glanced out alongside him, the wheels in his head visibly turning. A spark of excitement lit up his eyes. “Wait a second… I think there’s a spell for this!” He scrambled to grab his battered spellbook, flipping through the dog-eared pages until he landed on one he recognized. “Prestidigitation!” he exclaimed, tapping the page. “It says it can clean things. Let me give it a shot.”

Placing a hand on his grime-covered shirt, he whispered the incantation. A faint shimmer of magic spread across the fabric, and in an instant, the dirt, sweat, and dust of the day disappeared, leaving his clothes pristine, as if freshly laundered. Lorian grinned with delight at his success, practically bouncing on his feet. “It worked!”

Without waiting for a response, he turned to Caelus, who barely had time to raise a questioning eyebrow. Lorian waved his hand and muttered the spell again. A soft glow enveloped Caelus’s clothes, and the stains and wear melted away, leaving him looking as though he’d just stepped out of a tailor’s shop.

Caelus let out a low whistle, brushing a hand over his now-spotless sleeve. “Well, color me impressed. You’re starting to make magic look easy.”

Lorian beamed at the compliment, tucking the spellbook back into his bag. “What can I say? It’s all about the flair.”

The two made quick work of washing up, the warm water and newfound cleanliness a welcome reprieve after the day’s trials. The tension in their bodies eased, and the subtle glow of the magical lights in the room added a soothing ambiance.

As Caelus turned to speak, Lorian let out a deep, contented sigh and promptly flopped onto his bed, limbs sprawled in all directions like a starfish. His eyes drifted shut almost immediately, exhaustion catching up with him. Cheese, nestled in his arms, pulsed softly with a tranquil blue light, mirroring the calm that had finally settled over the room.

Caelus quietly walked over to Lorian's bed, pulling a warm blanket over him and tucking Cheese in beside his friend. He watched for a moment as Lorian’s breathing softened, his face relaxed in sleep, and even the tiny slime curled into a resting shape.

“You earned it, kid,” A small, content smile tugged at Caelus's lips as he stepped back to his own bed.

Settling down, he let his head sink into the pillow, feeling the weight of the day's journey start to drift away. The room was bathed in the gentle glow of a single candle, casting soft shadows that danced on the walls and ceiling. The silence deepened, filling the space with a tranquil calm that Caelus hadn’t realised he needed. He breathed in, a sense of peace settling over him that felt rare and grounding.

For the first time in a long time, Caelus felt... at home.