The central clearing of the Dark Elf village glowed warmly under strings of glowing lichen lanterns and floating motes of pale blue light. Long wooden tables had been dragged out and laden with roasted cave boar, spiced shimmering mushrooms, flatbreads from underground grains, and jars of sharp-sweet fermented berry wine.
Laughter, bone flute music, and the crackle of bonfires filled the air. After narrowly escaping annihilation, the celebration felt almost desperate, a fierce reclaiming of life.
Adam sat at the head table with his companions, the place of highest honor. His humanoid form still felt light after the intense battle.
Ignis was in heaven.
"Adam, Adam! This one tastes like fire and honey!" she exclaimed, cheeks stuffed as she devoured a massive drumstick. Golden flames flickered excitedly around her shoulders until Lilith calmly flicked a silver thread to snuff them out.
"Slow down or you'll choke," Lilith said dryly, sipping her wine with elegant poise.
