D/D chapter 2 : Cursed Tea Party.

"Speech."

"Thoughts."

Al awkwardly led Lady Nyx to his home, feeling only embarrassment swelling in his chest. He had tried to prepare her for the chaos that lay ahead, but nothing could quite encapsulate the disarray waiting behind the door.

As they stepped inside, Lady Nyx took in the sight of scattered tools, dust-laden furniture, and a mountain of unwashed dishes piled high in the corner. She arched an eyebrow and turned to him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Oh my, you certainly weren't lying about your place being messy and full of 'distractions.'"

"Uh, y-yeah… It's a bit of a work in progress," Al muttered, scratching the back of his head, wishing he could just sweep the clutter under a rug. "W-welcome to my—uh, home."

Lady Nyx stepped further into the living area, her elegant demeanor creating a striking juxtaposition against the chaos around them. Al tried to put on a brave face as he ushered her in, internally cringing at the socks peeking out from under the couch and the half-eaten snacks littering the coffee table. "Make yourself comfortable," he added awkwardly.

After a moment of silence, Al felt the weight of her gaze and the need to reclaim some semblance of hospitality. "Uh, f-follow me," Al stammered, his cheeks flushing as he gestured toward the door at the end of the hall. "I-I'll show you your chambers for tonight."

Lady Nyx followed him, her elegant footsteps soft against the wooden floor. He led her into a room that stood in stark contrast to the chaos of the rest of his home—neat, tidy, and welcoming.

"This is will be your room," Al said, pushing the door open and stepping aside to let her enter.

"Oh my," Lady Nyx remarked, her eyes widening as she stepped inside. "It's surprisingly clean, considering the rest of your home."

Al rubbed the back of his neck, his embarrassment flooding back. "Uh, yeah, well… this room, it used to belong to my parents. I haven't really touched it since…" His voice trailed off, and he cleared his throat. "So, it's still, um, pretty tidy."

She gave him a sideways look. "Well, thank you for your hospitality, Alistair."

He coughed, caught off guard by her formality. "Uh, I-I'll go start dinner," he stammered, eager to escape the moment.

As he turned to leave, he could feel her gaze lingering on him, a mixture of curiosity and amusement hanging in the air. It spurred him on, though a hint of nervousness crept in as he opened the door, hoping to shift the atmosphere from awkwardness to something more comfortable.

Al stepped into the kitchen, a small space cluttered with mismatched pots and pans. The familiar scent of aged wood and lingering spices filled the air as he rolled up his sleeves, ready to get to work.

"Let's see what we can make…" he muttered to himself, glancing at the rabbit hanging from a hook. It was still fresh from his hunt the day before, its meat cool and ready to be cooked. He had traded for some potatoes, carrots, and a loaf of bread earlier, which would work well for a stew.

Grabbing a sharp knife from the counter, he set to work, skinning and cleaning the rabbit with ease. The rhythmic motions of his task were almost meditative, the sound of the knife cutting through flesh and bone filling the quiet kitchen.

Once the rabbit was prepped, he began chopping the vegetables. The knife sliced through the potatoes and carrots, the sounds echoing lightly against the walls. He tossed the chopped veggies into a pot, nodding to himself as he worked.

After everything was in the pot, he added water to cover the ingredients and placed it over a gentle flame, bringing it to a boil. The scent of the stew began to fill the kitchen, a mix of savory notes that promised a decent meal.

"Just a little salt and pepper," he said, reaching for the seasonings. He sprinkled them in and tasted the broth after each addition until it was to his liking. Remembering the herbs he had on hand, he added a generous pinch of thyme and a handful of finely chopped parsley, letting their fragrant aromas mingle with the stew.

With the pot simmering, Al leaned against the counter and glanced out the small window. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the glass. After a few more moments of careful observation, he decided the stew was finished.

He ladled some stew into a bowl and set it on the table, steam rising gently. "Dinner's ready!" he called out, prepared for the evening ahead.

The rabbit stew simmered gently on the table, its rich aroma wafting through the air as Al and Lady Nyx sat across from each other, an uncomfortable silence enveloping them. Al, hands clasped tightly around his bowl, feeling the tension coil in his stomach as he stole glances at her, anxiously awaiting her reaction to the dish.

Lady Nyx delicately lifted her spoon, her movements graceful and measured, savoring the first taste of the stew. "Oh my," she said, her voice laced with surprise. "This is rather delightful, Al. Who would have thought such culinary talent lurked beneath that rugged exterior?"

Ignoring the comment about his appearance, Al felt a warmth creep up his cheeks, though he struggled to maintain a façade of nonchalance. "I, uh, don't usually cook for anyone but myself. Just managed to throw something together," he replied, his tone attempting to downplay his efforts. It was a simple meal, and he knew it wasn't anything special, but he hoped it would suffice.

"Ah, but this 'something' is far better than I expected," she said. "Though one might wonder how it emerged from a kitchen so… chaotic." Her gaze drifted around the cluttered room, lingering on the stacks of mismatched pots and the lingering evidence of a hasty preparation.

"Uh, it's a work in progress," Al mumbled, feeling his embarrassment deepen as he shifted in his seat.

"Perhaps a little more attention to your surroundings could enhance the overall experience," she suggested lightly, her smile both teasing and perceptive. "After all, the environment has its own way of influencing the flavors we encounter."

Al focused intently on his stew, trying to mask his discomfort. "I'm not one for appearances," he admitted, the honesty slipping out before he could think twice. "I prefer things to be… practical."

"Practicality has its merits," she mused, her voice smooth as silk, "but so too does the beauty found in care and order. It is an invitation to tranquility, don't you think?"

He felt her eyes on him, searching for something deeper. "Yeah, I guess," he replied, his thoughts swirling. The last thing he wanted was to delve into the chaos of his life or to lay bare the grief that had shaped him.

The silence settled back over the room, punctuated only by the soft clinking of spoons against bowls. Al stole another glance at Lady Nyx, her expression thoughtful as she savored another bite of stew. He wondered what she was thinking—if the chaos of his home made her question her choice to descend from the heavens or if she found some charm in it, like she claimed to see in the stew.

"Do you always evaluate the ambiance while eating?" Al ventured, attempting to break the silence. "I mean, I didn't know I'd be hosting a critique session."

Lady Nyx chuckled, the sound melodic and lightening the mood. "Perhaps it's just part of my nature," she replied. "But I assure you, it's not an easy task to find beauty in every corner."

He felt a warmth spread through him, grateful for her light-heartedness. "I guess it's good practice for when I finally clean this place up," he joked, trying to match her playful tone.

The conversation lingered on light banter for a few moments before fading into another silence, this time comfortable, filled with the sounds of gentle chewing and the bubbling stew.

As they finished their meal, Lady Nyx set her spoon down and glanced at him. "Thank you for dinner, Al. It was unexpectedly delightful," she said, her voice warm.

"Glad you enjoyed it," Al replied, a hint of pride creeping in despite himself.

With a graceful nod, she stood up from the table. "I think I'll retreat to my chambers for now. The day has been long, and I could use a moment of quiet."

"Right, of course," Al said, "If you need anything, just—"

"I know where to find you," she interrupted playfully, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You'll be just a few steps away in this chaotic abode."

"Yeah," he said, scratching the back of his head. "See you in the morning, then?"

"Indeed," Lady Nyx replied, her gaze lingering on him for a heartbeat longer before she turned to leave.

As the door to her chambers closed softly behind her, Al let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. The silence of the house felt heavier now, the absence of her presence filling the room with a strange stillness. He stared at the empty bowls on the table, feeling the weight of the night settle over him.

Whatever tomorrow held, he'd deal with it when it came.

The morning light filtered softly through Al's worn curtains, casting thin beams of warmth across the floor. The stillness of dawn hung in the air, broken only by the distant chirping of birds and the faint clink of porcelain. Al blinked awake, his senses slow to adjust. Sitting up groggily, he rubbed his eyes and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, drawn to the sounds of life stirring in his home.

He followed the faint sounds to the main room, where Lady Nyx sat at the table with an air of calmness, sipping tea from a delicate cup. A small plate of what used to be his scattered snacks now rested neatly beside her. Al's eyes widened as he took in the scene—every surface was spotless. The clutter that had once defined his space had vanished overnight, replaced by a sense of order.

Lady Nyx, sensing his presence, glanced up and offered a serene smile. "Good morning, Al," she said smoothly. "I hope you don't mind—I took the liberty of tidying up a bit."

He opened his mouth to speak, but the sight of her calm demeanor and the unexpected cleanliness of his home left him momentarily speechless. "Uh… no, it's fine," he stammered, still trying to process the transformation. "I just… didn't expect this."

A playful glint sparkled in her eyes. "Tea and snacks pair quite nicely with the morning, don't you think? Why not join me for a cup?"

"Oh, uh, yeah, sure," he managed to reply, still feeling a little dazed. He shuffled over, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment, and sat across from her at the table.

As he poured himself a cup, the aroma of the tea filled the air, grounding him in the moment. Maybe this unexpected morning would turn out to be a little less chaotic than the last. He settled into the chair across from Lady Nyx, the delicate clinking of porcelain punctuating the silence.

"Uh, so… why are you traveling?" Al asked, trying to fill the quiet with conversation. "I mean, you're a goddess and all. Don't you have, like I don't know? A celestial schedule or something?"

Lady Nyx raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of amusement. "Ah, you would think that, wouldn't you?" she replied, her voice smooth and teasing. "I recently descended because I grew weary of the unchanging nature of the upper world. It felt… stagnant. I sought something different—a new experience, if you would."

Al leaned forward, intrigued. "So, you're down here for excitement? Looking for some adventure?"

"That, and..." she replied, pausing to take another sip of her tea. After a brief silence, she added, "I came down to look for someone."

Al's curiosity piqued. "Who are you looking for?" he asked.

Lady Nyx's expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face. "Oh, just someone," she replied lightly, her tone evasive. "Nothing of consequence."

His brow furrowed slightly. "Just someone?"

"Just someone," she echoed, her smile returning, though it felt a bit more enigmatic. Al's brow furrowed slightly, her vague response tugging at him in a way he couldn't quite place. As they sipped their tea, the brief silence felt heavier than before, his thoughts lingering on her words. He glanced down at the delicate porcelain cup in his hands, its warmth doing little to ease the quiet discomfort creeping into his mind.

"You seem lost in thought," Lady Nyx observed, her expression shifting from playful to something more earnest. "What troubles you, Al?"

He hesitated, the tension in his chest urging him to brush off her concern. But her sincerity felt too genuine to ignore. "Just… trying to figure out how to get through the day," he said, offering a vague response, the weight of his words hanging between them, more honest than he intended.

"One day at a time," Nyx repeated, her eyes narrowing as if searching for something deeper. "But why limit yourself? Why not think about tomorrow? Isn't there something to be gained from envisioning what could be, rather than settling for the way things are?"

Al shrugged, trying to sound dismissive. "I don't know. I just don't really care for thinking ahead. Today is enough for me."

"Ah, but tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make. To stay stagnant is to deny the potential for change," she said softly, her eyes holding his with a quiet intensity.

Al's brow furrowed. "I don't know about change. Sometimes it feels safer just to let things stay the way they are," he countered, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Why chase after something new when the present can be enough?"

"That's where you're mistaken," Lady Nyx replied, her voice softer yet filled with insistence. "To deny change is to deny life itself. Change brings growth, even if it feels unsettling. It offers opportunities for self-discovery that you might not even know exist."

Al snorted. "Growth? Sure, but growth can also mean dealing with a whole new set of problems. Why should I risk that when I've already got enough to manage?"

"Because every failure teaches us something valuable," Nyx countered. "It provides insights that contribute to who we are. You can't grow without facing challenges."

His defenses wavered. "Maybe, but I've seen how taking risks can lead to regret. What if I make a choice that ends up being the wrong one?"

Lady Nyx remained undeterred. "The fear of regret shouldn't paralyze you. It should motivate you to act. After all, learning from history is what makes us wise. Don't let your past mistakes keep you from exploring what could be."

Al clenched his fists, the pressure building inside him. "Look, I've worked hard to establish a stable life. I don't want to jeopardize that for some uncertain future. I like things the way they are."

Nyx's smile was unwavering, but her voice grew firmer. "Easier, yes, but at what cost? Staying in one place isn't safety—it's stagnation. You're locking yourself in a cage of your own making, Al. What kind of life is that?"

Her words stung, and Al felt cornered, like she was peeling away at something he didn't want to expose. "I like things the way they are," he growled, fists clenching. "I don't want change! Is that fucking hard to understand?!"

With a loud crash, Al slammed his palms on the table, making the teacups rattle violently. One tipped over, spilling tea across the table, the dark liquid staining the white cloth like spilled blood. The room fell into a deafening silence, Al's chest heaving with anger, his breath sharp and ragged. But as the echoes of his shout faded, a shiver ran down his spine—Lady Nyx wasn't smiling anymore.

He froze the moment her smile faded. The air seemed to thicken as Lady Nyx's expression shifted, the playful warmth draining from her face. She stared at him with unsettling calm, and for the first time, Al wished for that constant, unnerving smile to return. The silence that followed felt heavier than any blow he'd taken, his chest tightening under the weight of her gaze.

"If that's how you see things…" she said coldly, setting down her cup of tea with a deliberate movement. Her voice was void of the teasing lilt it once carried, and her eyes held him in place, merciless in their intensity.

Al's throat went dry as Lady Nyx slowly rose from her seat. Without breaking her gaze, she placed her hands on the table, fingers splayed and began to crawl across the surface toward him. Her movements were unnervingly fluid, almost unnatural in their grace. The tips of her fingers brushed against the tea-soaked tablecloth, the dark liquid seeping into her skin like ink, yet she moved as though the mess beneath her touch didn't exist.

Al's breath hitched—"hrk"—as she drew closer, his pulse quickening. The eerie quiet of her crawling, each movement deliberate and controlled, sent a chilling wave of dread down his spine.

She reached the edge of the table, her lips only inches from his ear. Al could feel her breath, cold and unsettling against his skin.

"Alistair Altirias…," she whispered, the sound of his full name making his heart pound in his chest. Her voice was calm, but it carried a weight that made his entire body tremble. "I curse thee…"

Her words dripped like honey, sweet yet laced with a sinister edge, curling around him like smoke. Each syllable danced through the air, weaving a spell that resonated with both allure and dread.

"Within the span of one fleeting year, thou must conquer the one-eyed black beast, a dragon of shadows that haunts this world. Shouldst thou falter in this grave endeavor, thy very essence shall be forfeit, and the cold embrace of death shall come to claim thee."

And before he could fully comprehend the gravity of this situation, she leaned closer, her gaze locked onto his. With a swift motion, she pressed her lips against his.

The moment felt eternal, and as she pulled away, a searing agony pierced through him, unlike any wound of flesh. It clawed at his very essence, a malevolent chain wrapping tight about his soul, constricting, tightening with merciless intent.

Al's vision swam, and with a gasp, he crashed from his chair to the floor, the impact swallowed by the darkness that enveloped him, his heart pounding like a war drum in the silence that followed.

Before the shadows claimed him entirely, he cast one last glance at her. That twisted smile of hers returned, turning her features into something both beautiful and terrifying.

"Until we meet again, dearest Alistair," she purred, her voice a haunting melody, lingering in his mind as the darkness took him.