When evening fell and the city lights reflected on the marble streets, the two headed to an inn. The place, with its dark wooden walls and cozy atmosphere, seemed the perfect refuge for a restful night. Behind the counter, the innkeeper greeted them with a smile and asked what they needed.
Zelodio turned to Amara with a question that seemed lighthearted but carried a certain thoughtfulness. "Amara, would you like a room all to yourself?" he asked, watching her expression intently. "Or would you mind sharing a room with me? Of course, separate beds, if you prefer."
Amara looked at him, pondering for a moment. She didn’t want to be a burden, and although she wasn’t accustomed to sharing a room with a man, she decided to save some coins, aware that Zelodio’s finances weren’t limitless.
"If you don’t mind," she replied with a shy smile, "I’d prefer to share the room, maybe even the same bed. I don’t want to trouble you too much."
Zelodio showed no hesitation; in fact, he smiled with a hint of satisfaction and turned to the innkeeper. "A room with one bed for two, please."
The innkeeper nodded and led them up the stairs to one of the simpler rooms, which was nonetheless clean and welcoming. Once inside, Amara busied herself with arranging the luggage, while Zelodio, after dropping his backpack, collapsed onto the bed with a look of pure bliss.
"This mattress is a wonder!" he exclaimed, stretching out with a satisfied smirk. "After a day like this, it’s just what I need."
Amara smiled, watching him relax. It was clear that, despite his always composed and tranquil demeanor, he too allowed himself to enjoy life’s small pleasures. She approached the table, organizing her clothes and the tail she carried, but her thoughts wandered to how kind he had been to her at every turn. They hadn’t known each other long, yet she already felt as though she had shared a lifetime with him.
With a deep breath, Amara sat on the chair, gazing out the window. She had never imagined she would find herself in a world like this, surrounded by such extraordinary people and places. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that, despite the differences, the world of Vindantia had, in a way, become her world too.
Dinner had been delicious and relaxing, with dishes that continued to amaze Amara and laughter that finally melted the tension that had, for a while, weighed on her thoughts. But now, after a long day, the weariness was setting in, and the desire for rest drew them both back to their room. The inn was quiet, and the warmth of the room contrasted with the crisp air that seeped in through the slightly open windows.
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They took turns in the small bathroom to change, and Amara felt an unusual sense of intimacy, as though, despite the physical distance, they were sharing something beyond appearances. Zelodio hurriedly undressed and donned his usual flamboyantly colorful pajamas. Amara, on the other hand, preferred simplicity, and her plain, dark, almost monochromatic pajamas seemed more in tune with her nature.
When they emerged, one after the other, from the bathroom, they made their way to the bed, reflecting on the day that had just passed. The blankets were soft, but the cold of that evening, carried by Sinchero’s biting air, seemed to seep into their bones. They slipped under the duvet, both silent for a moment, as if savoring the peace settling between them. The muffled creaks of the room, softened by the warmth of the bed, made the atmosphere even more intimate.
Zelodio, as though unable to resist breaking the silence, turned toward her. His voice, gentle but filled with curiosity, broke the calm air of the room.
"So, Amara," he said, "what do you think of Corvintia and the people who live here? Are you enjoying your time here with me?"
Amara turned to him, her face slightly flushed from the unexpected question. She hadn’t meant to offer compliments, but the words came out naturally. "I’m loving this city," she answered sincerely, her voice softer than she intended. "The people are so... welcoming, and everything here is so alive. And, well, you too," she added, blushing more. "I’m loving you too, Zelodio."
Zelodio smiled, a genuine and affectionate smile, as if her words weren’t surprising but certainly welcome. He leaned slightly toward her but not too much, always respecting the boundary he didn’t want to cross without her consent. His voice, warm and friendly, resonated in the tranquil air of the room.
"I’m glad to hear that, Amara," he said, "because I... well, I’m loving you, your company. And Corvintia is even more beautiful with you by my side."
Amara felt her heart beat faster, but this time it wasn’t just from emotion. There was a sense of safety in that moment, as though everything was exactly as it should be. With a small smile, she nestled deeper under the blankets, trying to relax, and closed her eyes, ready to face the night with someone she already felt she never wanted to part from.
The crisp air of Sinchero faded into the distance, and the only thing that mattered at that moment was the warmth they had created together, even in silence.
The next morning, after a simple breakfast and a quick walk through the streets of Corvintia, where the buildings sparkled under the first rays of sunlight, Zelodio and Amara prepared for the day’s big event. The capital, already vibrant with life, seemed even more radiant in the golden morning light, and the elegance of the upcoming event only heightened the anticipation.