Since that day, Kaelith and I have made it a point to see each other often, and before I knew it, winter had arrived.
The first snow marked the day I closed the shop for the season. Even so, I still held lessons—now with Kaelith joining in. He's become a natural teacher. The kids can't get enough of him. There's something about the way he speaks—his perspective of the world beyond Elos—that I just can't replicate.
Even though he admits he's never been to Elos outside of the capital or this town, he somehow knows so much about not only Elos but also Monfort and Styliveria. Rimor, though… Well, that's understandable.
Lately, I've been planning something to repay him for everything he's done. And today's the day.
I mount the wagon, hook Buttercup, and head straight to the inn. My heart is practically racing by the time I burst through his door.
"Are you ready to go?" I ask, grinning like an idiot.
He glances up, already half-dressed for the cold, and smirks. "I'd be more ready if you told me where we're going."
He grabs his belongings.
I grab his hand. "Where's the fun in that?" I laugh, tugging him toward the stairs.
We rush outside, and I motion for him to hop into the wagon. Once he does, I hand him a steaming mug. "Hot chocolate. To keep you warm."
He nods his thanks, eyes softening as the snow starts to fall.
I pull my black jacket tighter over my white long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. "You're not cold?" I ask.
He shakes his head, wearing only his usual long-sleeved shirt and jeans—those black metal bands still wrapped around his wrists, knees, and elbows.
"I'll be fine. That's why I have this." He gestures at the hot chocolate I just gave him.
I stare at him. He's not even shivering. "...Okay".
We travel through the countryside, making idle chatter as snow blankets the world around us. It takes most of the day, but eventually, we reach the woods—and beyond them, our destination.
When the resort comes into view, Kaelith's eyes widen.
"Welcome," I announce proudly, "to Mary's Hot Springs."
He blinks. "Hot springs?"
I nod. "You're getting the full VIP treatment this weekend. It's all ours—just the two of us."
Buttercup trots toward the stable beside a cozy cottage. I hand the reins to the stable boy and jump down—just in time to hear a familiar voice.
"Hey, Nyra!"
"Mary!" I practically squeal, rushing to hug her. "Thank you so much for this!"
"Oh, please," she laughs. "After what you did for me, this is nothing."
"All I did was lend a hand," I say.
"That 'hand' made my business what it is," she insists. "Who knew your salves and that cozy layout would turn this place into a hit?"
Smiling, I realize Kaelith's been quietly standing behind me the whole time. He looks unsure what to do. I reach back, take his arm, and say, "Kaelith, this is Mary—the owner. Mary, this is Kaelith, a good friend of mine."
He flinches slightly but extends his hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Mary's eyes sparkle. "Oh, my goodness, look at you—rough hands, tired eyes—have you even slept properly?" She grabs his cheeks. He freezes.
I giggle behind my hand as he shoots me a desperate look for help.
Mary finally lets go and laughs. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll have you right as rain before you leave."
She hands me a key. "Here you go, Nyra. The boy will take care of Buttercup."
"Thank you, Mary."
Kaelith picks up our bags. Mary grins. "And a gentleman too? You've got yourself a keeper, Nyra."
My face burns bright red. "U-uh, I'll show you to your room!"
Mary chuckles behind us as I drag him toward the cottage.
Once inside, I glance down at the single key in my hand—and my heart sinks. There's only one.
Maybe it's a two-bedroom suite, I tell myself. She must've renovated it since I was last here.
But when we open the door, reality hits. One bed. One bed. A big one.
Kaelith looks around calmly. "So… where's your room?"
I freeze. "Umm…well…about that…"
He sighs and gently takes the key from my hand. "Ah, I see. Only one key."
I nod weakly.
"Alright," he says with that calm smile. "Left side or right side?"
My eyes widen. "What?!"
He chuckles. "Nyra, I know you're too prideful to ask for another room. And I know you won't let me sleep on the couch. So—" he shrugs—"we'll just share for the weekend."
I want to argue… but he's right on both counts.
"Fine," I mumble, crossing my arms. "I don't care. You choose."
He grins. "Then I'll take the right."
And just like that, our first day together begins.