Audrey settled into her seat, fastening her seatbelt and glancing out the window. The city lights below blurred as the plane began its journey down the runway. She leaned back, her heart racing with a blend of excitement and curiosity. Beside her, Jon adjusted his seatbelt, his expression relaxed and cheerful.
As the plane lifted off, Audrey gripped the armrests, her eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and exhilaration. This was her first time inside an airplane, though she had soared through the skies countless times before as a fairy, darting among the clouds with ease. The sensation of doing so within a vehicle, and at such high speeds, was entirely new.
Jon, seated across the aisle, noticed her astonishment and flashed a reassuring smile. “It’s something, isn’t it? I’ve always loved the thrill of takeoff.”
Audrey managed a smile in response. Her wings had carried her through the skies, but never quite this fast, nor from within a confined space like this. She watched as the city below transformed into a patchwork of lights, shrinking rapidly into a distant blur. It was a far cry from the free, agile flight she was accustomed to, and the contrast fascinated her. The stories Zelda had shared about air travel had always been vivid, but they paled in comparison to the real experience.
Jon leaned in, thinking her wide-eyed wonder was due to prior flying experience. “So, how’s it feel? Any travel stories of your own?”
Audrey blinked, pulled from her reverie. “Oh, uh. No, not really. Nothing exciting.”
Jon’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Really? Well, you’re in for a treat. Paris is amazing. I’m glad you’re coming along.”
The plane was cruising smoothly now, the initial excitement of takeoff having settled into a steady hum. Audrey and Jon had been chatting casually, their conversation ebbing and flowing as the plane gently flew through the sky.
“Besides what we’ve already gone over, not much,” she admitted, turning her attention to him with an inviting smile.
Jon leaned back in his seat, his expression becoming more reflective. “Well, as you know, I’m a marketing director. It’s a role that’s given me a lot of freedom and opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to work on some high-profile campaigns and travel to incredible places. The job can be demanding, but it’s also exhilarating.”
Audrey’s eyes sparkled with interest as she nodded for him to continue.
“Growing up,” Jon said, “I was an only child. My parents were quite well-off. My father was a businessman, and my mother was involved in charitable work. They both believed strongly in the value of education. From an early age, I was encouraged to focus on my studies and explore my interests.”
He paused for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips as he reflected on his childhood. “Being raised in that environment meant I had access to a lot of opportunities, but it also came with its own set of expectations. My parents wanted me to excel, not just academically but also in life. I spent a lot of time traveling for school to New York. Each place gave me a different perspective and helped me understand the world in a broader sense.”
Audrey nodded thoughtfully, she didn’t recognize the place he named, but she understood it held importance to the mortal realm, likely a keystone city for the human world.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind,” Jon continued, “but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The constant change and new experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until later. I learned to adapt quickly and think on my feet, skills that have served me well in my career.”
He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting toward the window for a moment before returning to Audrey. “And now, with the role I’m in, I get to channel all those experiences into something creative and impactful. I manage campaigns that span across countries, and every project is a new challenge. It’s rewarding, but it also means I’m often away from home. Even if only for a weekend or two.”
Audrey nodded, though beginning to lose understanding in Jon’s story as he begins to mention things she’s unfamiliar with.
“That’s why I value these moments,” Jon said, after a while, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. “Even though I’m frequently on the go, finding time to connect with people and share these experiences is important to me. It’s what makes the busy, hectic schedule worth it.”
Audrey nodded again, though as he spoke, she felt her eyelids began to droop. The steady drone of the plane and Jon’s calming voice combined with the soft light of the cabin created a soothing atmosphere. She fought to keep her eyes open, but the lulling sounds around her guided her towards sleep.
Unaware that Audrey was falling asleep, Jon continued, his tone softer, more introspective. “Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I love my job, but I also want something more. I want to find a partner, someone to share my life with. Someone who understands my passions and dreams, and who can be my companion through all of this.”
As he spoke, Audrey’s head gradually tipped forward, her breathing becoming slow and steady. Jon, absorbed in his own reflections, continued to talk about his desires for a shared future, unaware that Audrey was moments away from sleep.
“I’ve always imagined having someone by my side,” Jon continued, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “It’s not just about having someone to come home to after a long trip. It’s about sharing a life, building something meaningful together. I want to settle down with someone who makes me look forward to each day, who’s as excited about the future as I am.”
Jon gazed out the window, staring at the clouds as the plane flew past them. “I guess,” he said softly, “it’s about finding that perfect balance between my career and personal life. I’m ready to build a future with someone who complements me, who makes all the travel and work worthwhile.”
Audrey’s head finally rested gently against the seat, her face serene in sleep. Jon glanced over, finally noticing her. He narrowed his eyes with a soft smile, he felt he should be offended that she fell asleep during his story, but he also couldn’t help but be entranced by the sight of her sleeping. With a soft chuckle, he took the sight of her sleeping face as compensation for falling asleep on him.
As the plane continued its steady course through the night, Jon leaned back, his thoughts drifting to the future, hopeful that perhaps Audrey might be part of that journey, someone to share in both his dreams and his realities.
Hours later, the plane began its descent into Paris. The soft glow of dawn crept across the sky, casting a golden hue over the clouds. The plane touched down smoothly, the wheels bumping against the runway as it rolled to a stop. The cabin lights brightened, and the sound of seatbelt signs clicking off filled the space. Audrey stirred, blinking awake as the realization of their arrival set in. Jon gave her a gentle nudge.
“Welcome to Paris,” he said with a warm smile. “We’ve landed.”
Audrey stretched and smiled sleepily. “Sorry, I fell asleep.”
Jon chuckled and waved his hand dismissively, “It’s fine.”
They gathered their belongings, the excitement of the upcoming adventure evident in their quick, efficient movements. As they disembarked, the cool Parisian air greeted them, crisp and invigorating.
Jon led the way through the bustling terminal, their pace quick and determined. They breezed through customs, their energy picking up as they stepped into the arrival hall. A chauffeur awaited them with a sign bearing Jon’s name.
Within minutes, they were whisked away in a sleek, black car. The cityscape of Paris unfolded before them, a blur of historic architecture and modern elegance. Audrey gazed out the window, taking in the charm of the city with renewed enthusiasm.
The car pulled up to a five-star hotel. Jon and Audrey exited the vehicle, their luggage swiftly handled by the hotel staff. They walked through the opulent lobby, its marble floors and sparkling chandeliers a stark contrast to the scenes Audrey’s seen before.
Jon picked up the room key from the front desk and handed it to Audrey. “I’ve got a business deal to take care of, so you can head up and settle in,” he said, gesturing toward the hotel staff who were standing by with the luggage. “You can follow them to the room.”
Audrey glanced at the staff, who were waiting with a luggage cart. “Okay, sounds good.”
“There’s a pool, a spa, and all the amenities you’d expect from a top-notch hotel.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Enjoy your time here.”
Audrey pursed her lips as she watched Jon disappear into the distance, a mild wave of abandonment washing over her. However, she quickly shrugged off the feeling and followed the staff to her room. The room was spacious and exquisitely furnished, with a sense of decor that made the room feel like a home. Though it lacked the lush greenery she preferred, it had its own charm, as if someone had carefully transplanted a piece of their cozy home here just for her.
She spent a few minutes examining the various knickknacks and artifacts adorning the room, each one unfamiliar and intriguing. Once her curiosity was satisfied, Audrey decided to explore the hotel further. She wandered through the corridors, taking in the rich tapestries and ornate decorations that adorned the walls.
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As Audrey walked, she found herself drawn to a soft melody emanating from the distance. She followed the sound of music and soon found herself at the entrance of the hotel’s grand and luxurious spa—the very one Jon mentioned. The soothing melody and the sound of flowing water filled the space, the scent of essential oils permeating from deeper within.
As Audrey stepped inside, she was met with a line of guests dressed in bathrobes lounging on pedicure chairs, many conversing with each other and others resting with their eyes closed. As Audrey approached the reception desk, the lady behind the desk smiled and greeted her, “Morning, Miss. If you’re here for the spa, there’s plenty of services to choose from.” She says as she hands Audrey a pamphlet. “If you’ve decided on a treatment, you can go on ahead and sit down on one of the chairs and someone will be with you momentarily.”
Audrey nodded and flipped through the pamphlet, her eyes catching on a page labeled 'Hydrotherapy Bath'. She wasn't sure what 'hydrotherapy' meant, but the picture of a bubbling, steaming hot spring captured her imagination. Ever since last week, she had been yearning for a hot spring experience, and now it seemed like her wish was about to come true.
Instead of settling into one of the manicure chairs, Audrey walked back to the receptionist. "Can you tell me more about the hot spring?" she asked.
"It's a guest favorite," the receptionist replied with a warm smile. "Whenever you're ready, just let us know, and we'll prepare everything for you."
"I'm ready now," Audrey said eagerly.
"Wonderful. Follow me, and we'll get you started," the receptionist said, leading Audrey down a dimly lit hallway. The air was filled with the soothing scents of candles, and soft, relaxing music played in the background.
They arrived at a private room with rock-encased walls and a large pool of bubbling, steaming water that stretched toward the back of the room. The ambiance was serene, the dim lighting enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
The receptionist pointed to a divider and storage locker near the door. "You can change here and store your belongings in the locker," she instructed. Then, pointing to the opposite side where a curtain of water fell continuously, she added, "For the best experience, we recommend you take a quick shower before entering the spring. If you need anything, there's a button beside the door that will call a staff member."
With a polite bow, the receptionist stepped away, leaving Audrey to prepare for her much-anticipated hot spring experience.
Meanwhile, Jon had just about wrapped up his meeting and was now heading back to his room. The meeting had gone smoother than expected, leaving him with a sense of accomplishment as he walked through the hotel corridors. Upon entering his room, he noticed Audrey wasn’t present. Assuming she had ventured out to enjoy one of the various activities the hotel offered, Jon set about unpacking a few of his belongings. He took out his laptop and began inputting notes and information from his meeting, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Finishing up earlier than anticipated, Jon glanced at the clock; it was early afternoon, just in time for lunch. He gathered his wallet and dialed Audrey’s number on his phone.
At the hotel's hot spring, Audrey was blissfully relaxing. She leaned back against a smooth boulder at the center of the pool, her eyes closed with cucumber slices resting on them. The warm water soothed her muscles, and she let out a contented sigh and was enjoying herself, until her tranquility was suddenly interrupted by the sound of her new phone ringing. Startled, Audrey scrambled out of the water, grabbing a towel to wrap around herself. She rummaged through her clothes, her wet hands fumbling as she searched for the phone.
Finally, she found it buried under a pile of clothes. Squinting at the unfamiliar screen, she hesitated, trying to recall how to answer the call. In her haste, she accidentally pressed the wrong button, sending Jon’s call to voicemail. “…Oops,” she murmured to herself, realizing her mistake. Before she could dwell on it, the phone rang again. Determined not to miss it this time, Audrey carefully pressed the opposite button, and to her relief, she heard Jon’s voice on the other end.
“Hey, have you eaten yet? I’m heading out for a late lunch if you want to come along,” Jon said, his voice warm and inviting. He paused, waiting for Audrey’s response.
“Uh…” Audrey hesitated, unsure if Jon could hear her as it was her first time using a phone like this. “Hello? I have not eaten yet.” She responds, uncertain if her message got through to Jon.
“There’s a buffet, a restaurant and an outdoor grill.” Jon responds over the phone, looking through a pamphlet on his desk. “Which would you prefer?”
Audrey smiled in triumph as Jon responded, feeling proud of herself for having figured out how to use the phone with such ease. “How about the buffet?” She responded, favoring the idea of being able to eat as much as she wanted.
“Alright. We can meet up there. I’ll wait by the entrance. If you need to, you can have a staff member show you how to get there.” Jon responds before hanging up.
Audrey thought about his words as she began changing back into her dress. She had wandered around the hotel for a bit before finding the Spa, and remembered seeing a place she had believed to be a buffet. “I won’t need help getting here.” She murmurs to herself as she puts on her shoes, now fully dressed. “Because I know exactly where to go.” She then picked up her handbag and made her way toward what she believed to be the buffet.
It wasn’t the buffet. In the end, she had been led to the buffet by a staff member, a pout on her face as she finally met up with Jon. “You look hungry.” Jon joked with a grin.
“I am.” Audrey agreed with a sigh. She was disappointed, but her hunger far outweighed her disappointment at the moment.
“Good. As am I. I’ve already paid and picked out a table.” He says as he leads Audrey to their table.
Audrey’s eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sight of the buffet. Never in the fairy realm had she seen such a vast array of food. Not even during last week’s festival were there as much food as she’s seeing now. There were dishes of all kinds: vibrant salads, steaming casseroles, succulent meats, exotic fruits, and decadent desserts. Her curiosity and hunger mingled, driving her to try everything she could.
She grabbed a plate and began to load it with a little bit of everything, her movements quick and excited. She returned to their table and set the plate down.
Jon watched in mild amusement and growing surprise as Audrey returned to the table with her first plate, already brimming with food. “Starting off strong, I see,” he commented, raising an eyebrow. However, Audrey didn’t stop. She promptly turned and delved back into the buffet, another plate already in hand. She made several trips back and forth, causing Jon to chuckle in confusion, wondering if she expected him to eat all that she was bringing.
Finally, Audrey sat down upon bringing back a large drink. Audrey beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It’s not often I go to a buffet.” She explains with a slight blush.
“Besides, I’m starving.” She says as she begins to dig in.
"Are you sure you're going to eat all of that?" Jon asked, eyes wide.
She wasn’t exaggerating. As soon as she finished her first plate, she moved onto the next. Jon’s amusement turned to genuine astonishment as Audrey continued this pattern, her excitement never waning. By the time she was done with her fourth plate, Jon was staring at her in shock.
Audrey paused, a forkful of shrimp halfway to her mouth as she notices Jon’s expression. “…What?” She asked defensively.
Jon chuckled, shaking his head. “Nothing! I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
Audrey smiled and swallowed the shrimp. “I am! There’s so much food here I’ve never even seen before!”
Jon rose an eyebrow, curious. “Really? Is this your first time in Paris? I would have expected someone like you to have visited a few times at least.”
Audrey shook her head, her attention still focused on eating. “Nope. First time here.” She answers simply.
Jon grinned in response, returning to his own plate of food. “Oh, if that’s the case, then we just have to go check out the local museums!” He offers, “The museums here are one of my favorite things about Paris.”
Audrey smiles and nods eagerly. “Yes! That sounds like fun!” She agrees, “But I’m still not done eating.” She adds, digging into her fifth plate, prompting a laugh out of Jon.
“Where are you putting all of this food?” He asked, smiling wide with amusement as he watches her put away plate after plate of food.
As they stepped out of the hotel, Audrey tilted her head and looked up at the cloud-filled sky, her stomach pleasantly full, and she couldn't help but smile, the anticipation of the day ahead leaving her excited.
Jon caught the gleam in her eyes and the contented smile on her lips. "I have to admit, I didn't think anyone could eat that much," he teased, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Audrey shot him a mock glare but couldn't hold back her laughter. "Well, the food was amazing, and there were so many dishes I'd never even heard of, let alone tried." Her grin widened, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Fair point," Jon conceded with a chuckle. "You'll need all that energy, though. The museum is massive, and we're probably going to be there all day." He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "But I’m sure you’ll love it."
Audrey’s thoughts raced with excitement, she couldn't wait to get lost in the stories each piece would tell.
As they strolled through the vibrant streets of Paris, Jon pointed out landmarks, sharing stories and snippets of history. Audrey soaked it all in with rapt attention. Finally, they rounded a corner, and there it was—the museum, standing grand and majestic in the distance.