At the column's head, Nephis advanced with her characteristic grace, every bit as luminous as Sunny remembered. Filtered sunlight pierced the clouded veil above, catching her silver hair in its gentle rays. Her slender form moved with fluid elegance, softly draped in a pristine white tunic that caught the breeze.
Sunny's eyes widened in surprise.
«She really meant it...»
True to her word, she had abandoned her usual attire. Gone was the gleaming steel armor that had made her look so valiant and knightly, replaced by the simple tunic and leather sandals. The change lent her an air of approachable beauty that drew even more attention than her martial appearance had.
Not that Sunny minded the change.
Behind her, the Fire Keepers trudged wearily, clearly worn down by the oppressive heat of their journey. Yet Nephis appeared remarkably fresh, as though she hadn't spent days traversing Godgrave's treacherous landscape. Sunny noticed curious droplets of water still clinging to her hair.
«How does she manage to look so immaculate?»
The mystery would have to wait.
While the crowd erupted in jubilant cheers around him, Sunny remained silent, drinking in her presence. Perhaps sensing his gaze, Nephis turned, her eyes finding his among the masses.
Her lips curved into a smile that stole his breath.
The crowd's cheering intensified.
A rough hand suddenly gripped Sunny's shoulder as an overexcited voice bellowed in his ear:
«Did... did you see that?! She smiled at me!»
Another voice immediately contested from his other side:
«Are you daft? Why would Lady Changing Star smile at you of all people? That smile was clearly meant for me!»
A third voice joined the fray:
«You're both wrong — it was obviously for me!»
The soldiers' enthusiasm bordered on hysteria.
A Memory would have been perfect. The oversight stung now that it was too late. Shaking off his self-recrimination, Sunny ransacked the Brilliant Emporium's pantry before using Shadow Step to transport himself to the Ivory Tower. At least he could still prepare a proper feast.
After weeks of field rations and the sparse fare during their march to Vanishing Lake, she deserved something special. The thought made him chuckle as he worked.
«Speaking of taste... I'm quite the delicacy myself.»
The observation wasn't mere vanity — countless Nightmare Creatures had attempted to devour him despite his unimposing frame. Surely his exquisite flavor explained their persistent interest?
So absorbed was he in his cooking that he missed the soft footfalls behind him. A familiar voice made him start.
«What has you so amused?»
Sunny went still before slowly turning.
Nephis stood there, wearing that subtle smile he adored. Up close, her beauty was even more devastating than it had been at the gates, sending his pulse racing.
Though perhaps his racing heart owed something to the awkward timing of her question.
He swallowed hard before deciding honesty was his only option:
«I was just thinking that I must be quite delicious... you know, taste-wise.»
Her smile grew, gray eyes sparkling with warmth.
After a moment's contemplative silence, she replied in her characteristic measured tone:
«I suppose I'll have to verify that claim.»
Then her hands found his shoulders, drawing him into a kiss that left no room for doubt.
His arms encircled her waist as he silently congratulated himself on his response.
«Well, I guess that settles it...»
They were clearly resuming where they'd left off before Anvil's untimely interruption at the Vanishing Lake.
And Sunny couldn't be happier about it.