Chapter 103: First to wake up
In the center of Sunhold lies the fabled Private Area, a cherished enclave within the bustling city.
Picture a grand stained glass window, its frame intricately carved from aged oak.
Sunlight streams through, catching on the colored glass and transforming the scene within. Deep ruby reds become molten lava, glowing with an inner fire. Sapphire blues morph into a vibrant summer sky, flecked with wisps of golden sunlight. Emerald greens shimmer like a sunlit forest, dappled with light and shadow.
The figures depicted in the glass seem to come alive. An angel, its wings a cascade of sapphire and gold, reaches out towards the viewer. A saint, cloaked in a robe of ruby red, gazes serenely upwards. The details, painstakingly crafted by a long-gone artist, are brought to life by the vibrant sunlight.
As the sun moves across the sky, the colors dance and shift. The scene within the window becomes a mesmerizing interplay of light and color, a testament to the artistry of both the window's creator and nature's light show.
This is beautiful mansion is Arion most pized possession.
Sunlight, filtered through the magnificent stained glass window described, paints a kaleidoscope of colors across the plush carpeting of the bedroom. The centerpiece of the room is a queen-sized bed, beckoning with luxurious comfort. A high, carved mahogany headboard sweeps upwards, adorned with delicate floral designs that echo the stained glass motif.
Crisp, white linens, embroidered with a subtle silver thread, are piled high on the mattress, inviting a restful night's sleep.
Beside the bed, a chaise longue upholstered in a rich emerald velvet – the same shade as the sunlit forest in the window – sits bathed in sunlight. A pile of silk cushions in complementary jewel tones like sapphire and ruby are arranged invitingly, perfect for curling up with a good book or enjoying a cup of tea.
Opposite the bed, a large antique armoire stands proudly, its polished wood gleaming with age. Hints of gold detailing on the armoire's hinges and keyhole catch the dancing light from the window, adding a touch of opulence. Flanking the armoire are tall windows draped in heavy silk drapes, the same emerald green as the chaise longue.
When pulled back, they offer a breathtaking view of the mansion's manicured gardens, further blurring the lines between the vibrant artwork and the beauty of nature outside.
The air in the room is subtly scented with the delicate fragrance of lavender, emanating from a small crystal vase filled with dried flowers on the bedside table. Every detail, from the luxurious fabrics to the thoughtful touches like the calming scent, contributes to the creation of a haven of tranquility, a perfect escape within the grand mansion.
Nestled amidst the plush white linens of the queen-sized bed lay Lilith, a vision of serene beauty. Sunlight, dappled with vibrant hues from the stained glass window, danced across the room, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon her. Her white hair, once meticulously styled, now fanned out in a glorious disarray, a testament to the depth of her sleep.
Even in slumber, Lilith exuded an air of regality. Her features, sculpted as if by a divine hand, were softened by the peace that washed over her face. The worry lines, etched by the burdens she carried, seemed to fade away, replaced by a profound tranquility. The beauty that was always present in her awakened state was somehow amplified by this slumbering serenity.
It was as if, with her defenses down, the raw perfection of her form was laid bare.
One could almost picture the gods themselves, consumed by awe and inspiration, as they crafted her visage. The sharp arch of her brow, the delicate curve of her cheekbone, the perfect symmetry of her lips – all seemed to be the work of a master sculptor.
This tranquil beauty, however, wasn't without a hint of power. Even in sleep, Lilith possessed the air of a queen, a majestic slumberer who commanded respect and admiration. Here, on this luxurious bed bathed in sunlight, she was more than a beautiful woman – she was a captivating masterpiece, a testament to both the power and serenity that resided within her.
It has been two days since the incident unfolded. Lilith, consumed by rage, went on a relentless rampage, leaving no one unscathed before succumbing to unconsciousness. Since that fateful day, none of them have shown any indication of waking up. In light of this, Arion, the guild master of the Sun guild, made the decision to grant both Noah and Lilith access to this secluded sanctuary.
Right on time, an hour passed, and sunlight streamed through the window from a different angle. Lilith's eyes fluttered open, momentarily captivated by the remnants of the dreamlike light display dancing on her eyelids. However, her usual indifference quickly returned, masking any trace of vulnerability that sleep may have brought.
A grimace briefly crossed her face, a sharp contrast to the peaceful slumber she had just experienced. The lack of a proper bath for several days gnawed at her. Discarding the emerald green covers, she gracefully rose from the bed, hinting at a warrior's discipline beneath the opulent surroundings.
Without a second thought, she directed her attention to the most alluring feature of the room – the lavish bathroom. The promise of hot water, cleansing steam, and the opportunity to rid herself of the dirt and grime of travel offered a much-needed chance to regain her usual composure.
Pushing open the magnificent doors of the grand bathroom, Lilith couldn't help but be genuinely appreciative for a brief moment – a rarity for someone who usually wore indifference as if it were her second skin. The opulent space before her was undeniably stunning.
As sunlight poured through a large picture window, it transformed the steam into a mesmerizing prism of colors. The view it revealed was nothing short of breathtaking. It could have been a sprawling garden bursting with vibrant flowers, or a majestic mountain landscape painted in hues of blue and green. Whatever it was, the scene outside rivalled the artwork found within the walls of the mansion.
In that fleeting moment, the tension in Lilith's shoulders seemed to dissipate. She allowed herself a small indulgence, allowing her gaze to linger on the panoramic beauty before her. It was a small gesture, a silent acknowledgement of the magnificence that surrounded her. But even as she savored the sight, practicality swiftly returned.
With a determined gleam in her eye, she tore her gaze away from the view, shifting her focus to the rejuvenating power of the awaiting bath.
The opulent bathroom became Lilith's personal sanctuary for the next couple of hours. She surrendered to the comforting embrace of the water, allowing the steam to release the tension that had coiled within her muscles like a serpent. The weariness of her travels washed away, replaced by a tingling sensation that revitalized her entire being.
Unlike her fleeting appreciation for the view, Lilith found solace in the bath. It was more than just a cleansing ritual; it was a calculated retreat. Within the confines of the warm water, she could momentarily shed her facade of indifference. Perhaps she delved deeper into the memories that the journey had unearthed, or perhaps she simply reveled in the sheer bliss of pure relaxation.
Whatever the internal voyage, it unfolded gradually over those two hours. When Lilith emerged, enveloped in a luxurious towel, she was a transformed woman. The indifference still lingered, a shield she wielded with expertise. But beneath its surface, a glimmer of rejuvenation flickered – a spark of renewed determination and a serene strength that only a truly restorative experience could ignite.
"I wonder how Noah is faring?" Lilith's concern for Noah's well-being weighed heavily on her mind. She tried to rationalize that he must be fine, perhaps still asleep after enduring such a horrific ordeal. Lilith vividly remembered the events that unfolded after she was awakened by the Jester's haunting melody.
It was as if she had become a mere spectator in her own body, witnessing everything unfold before her eyes.
She couldn't believe that her older self possessed such a mastery over the element of space, almost to the point of bending reality. It felt almost like cheating, combining her newfound abilities with various other elements to create such devastating power. For the first time, Lilith felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins.
The possibilities of what she could achieve with this power raced through her mind. She envisioned countless applications, each more powerful and destructive than the last. She was determined to ensure that the tragedy that befell Noah, the torment he endured even if it was short-lived, would never happen again.
There was something that troubled Lilith, a lingering feeling of unease stemming from her mature self's final act. Her vision had been obscured, and she had experienced the sensation of something smooth brushing against her lips. This sent a chill down her spine, leaving the perplexed Lilith wondering what had transpired in that moment.
The enigmatic words spoken by her mature self echoed in her mind, "Be more pushy if not your relationship will still stay the same in five years!"
These words left Lilith with a sense of confusion and curiosity. What did her mature self mean by being "pushy"? And how would it impact her relationship in the coming years? Lilith couldn't help but ponder the hidden meaning behind those cryptic words, wondering if there was some profound truth or advice embedded within them.
She knew that she would need to unravel this mystery in order to fully understand the path she was destined to take.