Chapter 10 – About us: Vacation
Aether's thoughts about Navia
I didn't realize how much I needed this—time away from it all. No commissions, no fights, no endless journeys through unknown lands. Just… the sound of the ocean, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and her laughter echoing across the beach. It's so rare to hear her laugh like that, unrestrained and carefree. I catch myself smiling more than usual, just watching her, letting the calm wash over me.
We've been exploring for what feels like forever, but this? This feels different. No pressure, no destination, just wandering for the sake of it. Watching her splash in the shallow waves, chasing after the shells that wash ashore, it's like seeing another side of her. She's always been strong, focused, determined—but here, she's just… free. I find myself running after her, getting caught up in the simple joy of it all. Who knew we could have so much fun doing nothing?
We tried to build a sandcastle earlier. Well, I tried. She laughed at my complete lack of skills, and I admit, it was a disaster. She took over, and in no time, we had this intricate little fortress by the shore. I couldn't stop teasing her about it—how even on vacation, she's got to be perfect at everything. But truth be told, it's one of the things I admire most about her. Even when we're playing around, she pours her heart into everything she does.
And then there was the sunset. We found this little spot tucked away from the rest of the world, just us and the sound of the waves. I don't think I've ever felt more at peace. We sat there, her hand in mine, watching as the sky turned from gold to pink to deep blue. The world felt so big and small at the same time, like all that mattered was this moment, right here.
It's funny. I've been to so many places, seen things most people couldn't even imagine, but this—just sitting beside her, the sand beneath us and the ocean stretching out into forever—this feels like a journey I never want to end.
Navia's thoughts about Aether
I never thought he'd agree to a vacation. He's always so focused, always on the move, like there's another quest just waiting around the corner. But when I suggested it, he didn't hesitate. And now, here we are—sun, sand, and nothing but time stretching ahead of us. It's a strange feeling, having nothing to do, no responsibilities pulling at us. But watching him unwind, watching the tension leave his shoulders—it's worth it.
He tried so hard to pretend like he knew how to build a sandcastle. I didn't have the heart to tell him he was doing it all wrong, but when the walls kept collapsing, the look on his face was priceless. We ended up covered in sand, laughing like we hadn't a care in the world. It was one of those moments you want to capture, keep with you forever—his eyes sparkling in the sunlight, his smile unguarded, completely at ease.
And then there was the boat ride. We found this little guy offering rides to a hidden cove, and I practically dragged him onto the boat. He looked skeptical at first, but when we got there—wow. Crystal-clear water, white sand, and not a soul in sight. He looked at me like I'd just discovered a new world, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in existence. We swam, we explored the caves, but mostly, we just enjoyed being together, away from everything.
By the time the sun started setting, we were both exhausted, but in the best way possible. He found this perfect little spot to watch the sunset, and as we sat there, his hand in mine, I couldn't help but think about how far we've come. All the battles, all the chaos—it feels so distant here.
I'm glad we did this. We both needed the break, more than we realized. And even though I know we'll have to go back eventually, I'll hold onto this. This little slice of peace, of happiness, where it's just the two of us, making memories that belong to no one but us.