Lyra met Atlas’s welcoming smile with a soft one of her own, grateful for his friendly demeanor amid the newness of Ninth House. She appreciated his effort to make her feel at ease, especially considering her initial nerves about starting in a new environment. “Thank you, Atlas,” she replied warmly, her voice tinged with genuine gratitude. “It’s been a bit overwhelming, but I already feel like I’m in good company here. Everyone has been so welcoming.”
She glanced around the flickering fire, taking in the comforting glow that illuminated the courtyard. The warmth of the flames matched the warmth she felt from Atlas’s words and presence. Despite her reservations about starting at a new school, his warm welcome in Enigma Stag reassured her that she had made the right choice. Her tone eased into a more relaxed rhythm. “I’ve heard good things about Enigma Stag. People say it’s like a family here.” She chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “I hope I won’t be the odd one out.”
As she spoke, she noticed the way Atlas’s expression softened, his eyes reflecting the gentle dance of the fire in his hand. It made her wonder what stories those eyes held, what experiences had shaped him into the figure before her. Despite her curiosity, she knew it was too soon to delve deeper into personal matters. For now, she focused on the pleasant exchange unfolding between them, appreciating the genuine connection that was beginning to form.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Enigma Stag has to offer,” she added sincerely, her gaze returning to meet his. “And maybe getting to know everyone a bit better.” Her words carried a genuine optimism, a willingness to embrace the new chapter unfolding before her. She hoped that her time Ninth House would indeed be filled with the creation of friendships and enriching experiences, starting with the first conversation she’s had with Atlas.
Lyra listened intently as Atlas spoke about his fascination with illusions, his words revealing a depth of passion that resonated with her. She admired his enthusiasm, sensing a shared interest in the artistry and creativity that illusions offered. “That’s really intriguing,” she replied, a spark of genuine interest in her eyes. “I’ve always wondered about the creativity behind illusions. It’s like painting with light and imagination, isn’t it? To make something appear that isn’t really there.”
Her voice carried a quiet enthusiasm, a reflection of her genuine admiration for Atlas’s skill and his thoughtful perspective on illusions. She found herself drawn to his passion, appreciating the way he spoke about his craft with both humility and confidence. It was a rare combination that intrigued her, sparking a desire to learn more about his experiences with magic and illusions specifically. “I can see why you find them so captivating,” she added, a small smile playing on her lips. “It must be amazing to create something that surprises and delights people, even if it’s just for a moment.”
Lyra glanced up at Atlas with a mixture of gratitude and amusement. His chuckle was warm and genuine, and his easygoing nature put her at ease. She couldn’t help but smile back at him, feeling a bit more relaxed despite her earlier fumbling. “Thanks,” she said, her voice soft and appreciative. “I guess I got a little too excited.” She laughed lightly, adjusting the marshmallow on her stick with more care this time. His assurance that he could hold the illusion all night made her feel less rushed and more comfortable in the moment.
As she positioned the marshmallow over the illusionary flame, she couldn’t help but be impressed by the skill he exhibited. The fire in his palm looked so real, and the way he controlled it effortlessly was mesmerizing. She felt a sense of awe and curiosity building inside her. “This is really amazing,” she admitted, her eyes flickering between the marshmallow and the illusion in his hand. “I’ve never seen anyone do something like this before. It’s like magic in its purest form.” She paused, her eyes meeting his. “You must have practiced a lot to get this good.” Her thoughts wandered briefly, wondering about the effort and dedication it must have taken for Atlas to master such a skill. It made her appreciate his talent even more. She felt a connection forming, a shared appreciation for the art of magic, even if her own skills lay in different areas.
With the marshmallow now in the process of toasting, she smiled up at him again, feeling a bit more confident. “Alright, let’s see how this turns out,” she said, a hint of playful determination in her voice. “I’m counting on your magic to make the perfect marshmallow.” Once it was finished, she took a cautious bite, expecting the warm, gooey texture of a perfectly roasted marshmallow. Instead, she found it unchanged, a testament to the pure illusion Atlas had created. She laughed, the sound light and genuine. “That was incredible,” she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration and amusement. "I should’ve known it was too good to be true. But it’s still the best roasted marshmallow I’ve never had.”
Lyra took another small bite of the marshmallow, still laughing softly. She savored the moment, not because of the taste, but because of the unexpected twist Atlas had introduced. It was clear to her that he was someone who enjoyed surprising people, making them see the world a bit differently, and she found herself appreciating a fondness for him already. “Looks like you’ve already given me my first positive experience her,” she said, her voice warm and light. “I have a feeling this place is going to be full of surprises.”
Atlas - @idiot.exe