It had been a long first day of classes for Lyra. She had tried to ignore it all, partake in the small take, the conversations at tonight’s bonfire. It had been quite an enjoyable evening, catching up with some old friends, and meeting some new faces. However, she decided, after roasting a marshmallow to satisfy her sweet tooth, to give herself a moment of peace. Stepping away from the lively crowd and the crackling fire, she sought a quieter spot around the bonfire. The chatter and laughter around her grew distant as she found a more secluded place to sit, giving herself a chance to unwind and reflect. The soft glow of the fire reached her, providing a comforting backdrop as she embraced the calm of the night, allowing herself a brief respite from the whirlwind of the day.
Her thoughts went to her brother, and Hayes. She couldn’t deny the lingering feeling that Hayes might know more about what happened to her brother, they were best friends. As far as Lyra knew, they had been inseparable, after all, and if anyone had insights into her brother’s last days, it would be Hayes. Yet, she knew prying such sensitive information from him wouldn’t be easy.
Despite his recent friendliness and seemingly harmless demeanor, Lyra was more than aware that these qualities alone were not enough to broach such a delicate subject. She needed more than just a casual acquaintance; she needed trust, a bridge built slowly and carefully. It was a daunting prospect, but one she was determined to face. Her brother’s memory deserved that much.
The sound of approaching footsteps broke her thoughts, and she turned to see a guy she remembered from earlier today making his way towards her. She noted his soft smile and the gentle tone of his greeting, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. “Hey,” she responded softly, a hint of a smile touching her lips. His observation about her being lost in thought made her chuckle lightly. “I guess I was,” she admitted, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
“Yeah, I’m new here,” she replied, her tone warm yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. “Enigma Stag, that’s my house indeed. It is yours too, right?” She watched with intrigue as he extended his hand toward the fire, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. His mention of being skilled in illusion sparked her interest further, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation at what he might reveal.
As he conjured a glowing orb of light in his palm, Lyra’s eyes widened in fascination. The intricate dance of the flames mirrored in the orb held her attention captive, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the display before her.
“That’s incredible,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine admiration. The subtle flicker of light reflected in her eyes as she observed the illusion, a sense of wonder washing over her. “I’ve always been fascinated by illusions; they have this enchanting quality that’s hard to resist.”
As he invited her to try the illusion, she reached for the stick she had prepared with an already roasted marshmallow, her fingers slightly sticky to the touch from the marshmallow. In an impulse, she bit off the treat she had prepared for herself. What she didn’t realise in her excitement to try roasting a marshmallow above his illusion, was that part of the marshmallow had been stuck on the corner on her cheek.
She added an unroasted marshmallow to the stick, and with a small, eager smile, she lifted the stick, ready to roast the marshmallow above the shimmering orb. However, as she leaned closer to the illusion, a slight tickle on her cheek distracted her. At first, she brushed it off, assuming it was just a stray hair the wind was blowing. But when the sensation persisted, she paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. With a gentle touch, she reached up to her cheek and discovered the culprit - a small smear of marshmallow clinging to her skin.
Blushing furiously, Lyra giggled nervously, feeling the warmth of embarrassment creeping up her neck.“Oh!” she exclaimed softly, “How did I miss that?” She laughed lightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at her oversight. “Looks like I got a little carried away with the marshmallow excitement.” She glanced apologetically at Atlas, hoping he found her mishap more endearing than clumsy. With a sheepish smile, she finally removed the bit of marshmallow, popping it into her mouth with a playful grin.
Now, once again she lifted the stick, ready for the illusion to do it’s work. As Lyra did so, a determined glint sparkled in her eyes. “Here goes nothing,” she murmured with a smile, her voice laced with a hint of excitement and anticipation.
Atlas - @idiot.exe
Mentioned:
Hayes - @astxrism