The princess wandered through the bustling city center, her steps unhurried as she soaked in the vibrant energy of the day. People quickly noticed her presence, gathering around her with smiles and greetings, eager to share their stories or simply bask in the aura of the princess. She listened, offering kind words and genuine interest, her charm drawing them closer.
A cluster of cats caught her eye near a shaded corner, their playful antics pulling a rare smile to her lips. She knelt down to pat their soft fur, her worries momentarily forgotten in the innocence of the moment. The smallest of the cats meowed and curled up against her hand, and Lilith chuckled softly.
The marketplace stretched ahead, colorful stalls overflowing with wares and goods. Lilith took her time exploring, her eyes drifting over the fabrics and trinkets. She eventually purchased a few new clothes—a simple yet elegant selection, perfect for blending in while retaining a touch of her regal essence.
For now, there were no pressing decisions, no battles of will, no strained conversations. The city center was her refuge this time, a space to breathe, to reflect, and to let the weight of her thoughts settle. She wasn't ready to face the mountain again, not yet. But when the time came, she would walk its trails with clarity and purpose.
The gentle hum of life around her gave her a brief reprieve from the chaos brewing within and around her. At least for today, she allowed herself to relax.
As Lilith strolled through the lively streets of the city center, her sharp eyes caught sight of two familiar figures walking among the crowd. Her heart leapt as she recognized them—it had been ages since she had last seen any of her old friends from college. Life had pulled them all in different directions, each focused on carving out their own paths, but the memories of their shared laughter and camaraderie lingered.
The first was Lucas, a tall, muscular man with short black hair and an easygoing presence that seemed to draw people in effortlessly. Despite his imposing stature, his warm smile was disarming, and Lilith had always admired his steady nature and loyalty.
Beside him was Mina, a strikingly beautiful woman with long, curly red hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of fire. Mina's elegance and fiery wit were qualities Lilith had always appreciated, and seeing her now brought a rush of nostalgia.
Lilith's lips curved into a smile, and she quickened her pace, weaving through the crowd to meet them. "Lucas! Mina!" she called, her voice carrying over the hum of the bustling marketplace.
The two friends turned in unison, their faces lighting up with recognition. "Lilith?" Lucas exclaimed, his grin widening as he took a step forward. "By the stars, it's been too long!"
Mina's eyes sparkled with delight as she hurried toward Lilith, her curls bouncing with each step. "Look at you!" she said, enveloping Lilith in a quick, affectionate hug. "You're as radiant as ever. We've missed you!"
Lilith felt a warmth she hadn't realized she'd been missing. "I've missed you too," she said earnestly, her smile widening. "It feels like a lifetime ago since we last talked."
The three of them fell into easy conversation, the years of separation melting away as they shared updates on their lives and reminisced about their time at college. For the first time in what felt like ages, Lilith felt a sense of normalcy, a reminder that there were still pieces of her life untouched by the shadows creeping around her.
As they strolled through the lively city streets, Lilith turned to her old friends, her curiosity piqued. "So, what are you guys doing here?" she asked, her voice warm and bright.
Lucas grinned, his easygoing nature shining through. "We're getting married," he said casually, though there was a hint of excitement in his tone. "Mina wanted a dress that's only sold here. Apparently, it's legendary."
Lilith's eyes widened in shock and delight, her face lighting up with genuine happiness. "What?! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "I'm so happy for you both! Don't forget to invite me to the wedding."
Mina laughed, her curls bouncing as she nodded enthusiastically. "Of course we won't forget! You'll be our bridesmaid," she said, her voice full of warmth.
Lilith's smile grew as she thought about the future celebration. It wasn't often that she could share in such joyful moments. For a fleeting second, her worries melted away, replaced by the happiness radiating from her friends.
Mina turned to her with a thoughtful expression. "How about you, Lilith? How's life treating you?"
Lilith hesitated for a moment, her smile faltering slightly. She didn't want to dampen the mood by delving into the turmoil she had left behind at the castle—the tension with Azareon, the mystery of the mountain, the changes she didn't yet understand. She chose her words carefully. "It's been… eventful," she said vaguely, her tone light enough to avoid drawing concern. "But I'm glad to be out and about today. Seeing you both has made everything better."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing there was more to the story, but he didn't press her. Instead, he offered a reassuring smile. "Well, whatever's going on, you know we're here for you. Just say the word."
Before Lilith could respond, Mina's enthusiasm bubbled over again. "Would you mind going shopping with us?" the red-haired beauty asked, her excitement evident. But her eyes flicked to Lilith's hands, noticing the bags she was already carrying. "Oh—you're already loaded with your own shopping. We don't want to drag you into more."
Lilith chuckled softly, waving off Mina's concern. "Don't worry, I can go with you! Even if it's just to see your dress. I want a spoiler—just a small one, I promise!" she teased, her tone playful.
Mina gasped dramatically, a playful smirk on her lips. "A spoiler? Are you kidding? You're lucky I trust you, Lilith, because I was this close to banning you from the shop," she joked, her hand gesturing a narrow gap.
Lucas laughed beside them, shaking his head in amusement. "Good luck keeping it a surprise. Mina's going to end up showing you every detail of the dress anyway. She can't resist."
"Don't listen to him," Mina said, rolling her eyes but laughing. "He has no idea how hard I've worked to keep this dress under wraps. You're lucky I like you, Lilith!"
Lilith grinned, her earlier tension forgotten in the lighthearted banter. "I'll try my best not to ruin the big reveal. But I can't promise I won't beg for clues while we shop," she teased.
As the three of them made their way to the marketplace stalls, the energy of the city wrapped around them like a comforting embrace. Mina's enthusiasm was contagious, and Lucas's calm, steady presence balanced it perfectly. For a while, Lilith let herself get swept up in their world—a world of joy, love, and anticipation for the future.
She knew her own journey was far from simple, but moments like these reminded her of the beauty in life, even amidst its challenges.