Raelyn turned just in time to see Hovan, Danio, and Thomrik standing up from their seats, slowly making their way over.

Hovan was smiling, a rare sight, his usually sharp expression softened in the presence of the elves, Sylvy's in particular. Thomrik followed with measured curiosity, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he took in the newcomers. But it was Danio who reached them first.

Any trace of his earlier unease had vanished, replaced by his usual swagger and charm.

With a dramatic flourish, he spread his arms, as if welcoming royalty into his court. "By the gods," he began, his voice smooth, rich with theatrical charm. "I must have died and gone to Celestia—for how else could two such divine creatures exist in this world?"

Raelyn blinked at him. The worry she had felt earlier about his strange behavior flickered briefly in her mind, but now, he seemed like himself again. Whatever had been troubling him before was gone, replaced by his usual unshakable confidence.

He gave an exaggerated bow, one hand sweeping across his chest, his dark, wavy hair falling slightly into his face before he straightened again. His sly, twinkling eyes gleamed with mischief, fixed on the twin elves as if he had just spotted a rare treasure.

Sylvy and Lira exchanged looks—amused, yes, but far from impressed.

Danio, of course, was undeterred.

He took a half step forward, adopting his most winning smile. "Danio," he introduced himself smoothly, his voice rich with effortless charm. "Adventurer, seeker of fortune, and, on rare occasions, conqueror of hearts." He placed a hand over his heart, as if already smitten. "I must warn you both, my dear ladies—I am terribly susceptible to enchantment, and I fear your beauty has ensnared me completely."

Lira giggled softly, shaking her head in mild amusement, her emerald eyes twinkling with mirth.

Danio noted the reaction immediately, his confidence swelling.

"Ah, a laugh! A melody sweeter than any elven ballad," he mused, placing a dramatic hand to his temple as if struck by divine revelation. "And here I thought the stories of elven beauty were exaggerated."

He let the moment settle, his gaze flicking between them as if appraising something truly exquisite. Then, after a beat, he leaned in ever so slightly, his voice turning velvet-smooth.

"I must ask... It's rare to meet such divine creatures on the road, let alone two at once." He exhaled, shaking his head as if he were already lamenting fate. "It seems cruel—unforgivable, even—to let such a meeting pass without making it truly... memorable."

His eyes gleamed with playful mischief as he lifted his hands in a casual, inviting gesture, as if the very idea was purely logical.

"Now tell me," he purred, "are either of you—or both—so inclined toward a night worth remembering?"

Raelyn nearly choked on her own breath, and Benji's jaw dropped.

Lira, for her part, laughed again, a delicate, musical sound—but this time, there was something knowing in her smile, something that told him she enjoyed the game, even if she would never play along.

Danio took this as encouragement. His chest puffed slightly, certain now that he had them right where he wanted.

Then Sylvy stepped forward.

Danio's smile widened, his eyes gleaming as he straightened. Victory.

"Ah, Sylvy," he murmured smoothly, lowering his voice to a velvet purr, "I knew you were the daring one."

She was close now, her sharp green eyes locked ahead. Danio prepared his next devastatingly clever line, one that would no doubt solidify his success—

—until she walked straight past him.

Danio froze mid-smirk, his hand still hovering over his heart.

His expression faltered for the first time.

Raelyn bit back a laugh.

Benji had to turn away, his shoulders shaking in silent amusement.

Sylvy bypassed Danio entirely without so much as a glance, stepping right up to Hovan instead.

"You're looking good."

Hovan, pleased, crossing his arms over his chest in a mirror of her stance. "You too."

Sylvy tilted her head slightly, studying him with playful scrutiny. "And how have your travels been?" she mused, her green eyes glinting. "Miserable without me, I imagine."

Hovan let out a low, amused hum. "Not entirely miserable." He paused just long enough to make her narrow her eyes before adding, "But I can't say they wouldn't have been better with your company."

Raelyn blinked. That was... unexpected.

Hovan had always been embarrassed or awkward whenever Sylvy flirted with him before—stiff, dismissive, quick to change the subject. But now? Now he was meeting her stride for stride, no hesitation, no awkward fumbling.

Sylvy quirked a brow, lips parting slightly in surprise—before her grin returned, pleased.

"Oh?" she mused, stepping in closer. "Now that's new. I thought you preferred suffering in silence."

Hovan didn't flinch. If anything, his smirk deepened. "Maybe I had some time to think."

Sylvy watched him for a moment longer, something unspoken passing between them, their usual banter laced with an edge that hadn't been there before.

Then, without hesitation, she leaned in and embraced him.

Hovan didn't hesitate to return the gesture.

His arms wrapped around her with an ease that surprised Raelyn. There was no stiffness, no awkwardness—just undeniable familiarity.

Sylvy exhaled softly against his shoulder before pulling back, her smile gentler now. "Good to see you again, Hovan."

Hovan's hands lingered at her waist for just a second longer than necessary before he released her. "You too, Sylvy."

Danio, who had been watching this entire exchange like a man witnessing the unraveling of reality itself, turned slowly, blinking between them as if trying to process some great cosmic joke.

"...Wait. HIM?!"

He threw up his hands, exasperated. "Hovan? Really?"

Sylvy pulled back, throwing Danio a sideways grin. "What can I say?" She gave an exaggerated shrug. "I like my men strong enough to hold me up—not ones who'd trip over their own ego."

Danio's eye twitched.

Thomrik let out a deep, amused chuckle, shaking his head. Benji covered his mouth, failing to suppress his grin.

But Danio, ever the opportunist, was nothing if not adaptable.

He turned swiftly on his heel toward Lira, pasting his charm back into place. "Well then," he said, recovering smoothly, "that leaves the two of us. What do you say, beautiful? Should we warm up together upstairs?"

Lira's laugh was soft and lilting as she stepped closer. Her emerald-green eyes gleamed, but there was kindness in her expression.

"You're funny, Danio." Her voice was gentle, almost sweet. "Cute, even."

Danio's smile widened. "That's what I was hoping you'd—"

"But," Lira added, cutting him off smoothly, "I'm looking to be someone's only one, not just their latest."

She patted his arm lightly before gracefully passing him by to greet Hovan.

Danio stood frozen, his lips parting slightly as if to argue, to protest—anything to salvage his pride. But instead, he slowly exhaled through his nose and slumped just a little, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to process what had just happened.

Benji and Raelyn approached him, the amusement clear on their faces. Benji clapped a hand on his shoulder, the gesture equal parts sympathetic and teasing.

"Better luck next time, friend."

Danio's wounded pride flared as he glanced between them. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, locking onto Benji first before flicking to Raelyn. Then, with a slow, deliberate smirk, he let out a sigh and muttered, "At least I have the guts to go for what I want."

Benji blinked, looking mildly alarmed. His mouth opening as if to say something before snapping shut. A faint blush crept into his face.

Danio's smirk deepened.

Raelyn tilted her head slightly, catching the shift in Benji's expression, but before she could say anything, he abruptly turned on his heel and strode toward the others.

"Come on, Raelyn," he muttered, clearing his throat.

Raelyn hesitated for only a second before falling into step beside him, throwing one last glance over her shoulder at Danio.

While Sylvy had all but draped herself over Hovan, Lira had taken a more measured approach, turning to greet him properly.

Hovan welcomed her with an embrace, though it was far different than the one he had shared with Sylvy. Where his arms had lingered around Sylvy's waist, his embrace with Lira was brief, polite, respectful.

Still, his tone was warm when he spoke. "I was starting to wonder if something had happened to you two."

"We ran into some difficulties." Lira admitted.

"Nothing we couldn't handle. You should know that." Sylvy cut in, her smirk returning. "But I do appreciate the patience. Not like you, Hovan."

Hovan shook his head. "It wasn't me you have to thank for that."

Sylvy arched a brow, following his eyes as they landed on Raelyn.

Lira turned to her as well. "Thank you, Raelyn." She touched her arm lightly, a small gesture of gratitude. "For believing in us."

Raelyn waved it off with a shake of her head. "You don't have to thank me. I never doubted you."

Lira's smile deepened. "Even so... I apologize for the delay."

"You're here now. That's all that matters."

Raelyn turned toward Thomrik, placing a hand on the sturdy dwarf's shoulder as she addressed the sisters. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Lira and Sylvy's attention shifted toward Thomrik, who stood slightly straighter under their gaze, though his expression remained impassive.

"This is Thomrik Shieldthane," Raelyn said, her tone filled with genuine appreciation. "He's the one who guided us to the dwarves, and... he's saved my life more than once."

The elves exchanged a look before Sylvy smiled, nodding approvingly.

"So, you're the one who's been keeping our girl safe."

Lira smiled warmly, inclining her head slightly. "Thank you for looking after Raelyn."

Thomrik scratched the back of his head, shifting slightly. "Bah, don't mention it. She's gotten me out of a bind or two as well."

Danio suddenly stepped forward, arms spread. "And what about me?"

Sylvy turned her gaze on him, unimpressed. "What about you?"

Danio blinked. "I was there too, you know."

Sylvy arched a brow. "You saved Raelyn?"

Danio paused, opening his mouth, then closing it again. He thought for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line as he reflected.

After a beat, he exhaled heavily. "...Not really."

Raelyn fought a laugh, and even Benji grinned.

Thomrik, however, came to his defense. He leaned forward slightly, arms crossed. "To be fair, Danio's been useful. Beyond battle. But it's a long story."

Lira seemed pleasantly surprised by the comment, turning back to Danio with arched brows. "Then I suppose we should thank you as well."

Danio perked up immediately, straightening his shoulders. "You hear that? 'Thank you, Danio,'" he repeated dramatically, grinning at Benji, who simply shook his head.

Lira, amused, knelt beside Rakz, who was still contentedly gnawing on his chicken bone, entirely uninterested in the conversation. She reached out, gently running her fingers over the smooth scales on his head.

"You've grown," she murmured with a soft smile, scratching behind his frilled crest.

Rakz let out a pleased trill, tilting his head slightly into her touch, but never once pausing his chewing.

Raelyn, still smiling, glanced toward Lira. "How was your journey?"

Lira's smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful look. "It was... troublesome, but I'd rather hear about yours."

Raelyn was about to start talking when Hovan's voice cut in. "We'll have time to talk later. First, we need to discuss our plans."

Sylvy sighed dramatically, slinging an arm around Raelyn and pulling her close. "I love it when he gets all serious."

Raelyn chuckled.

Hovan shook his head, but couldn't hide a smirk. "Let's talk in our room. Away from prying eyes."

Sylvy grinned, nudging Raelyn toward the stairs. "Come on, let's go talk strategy."

Rakz followed after them, and soon the entire group was making their way upstairs. Their reunion had been long-awaited, but the mission was far from over.