Chapter 266: Second Lifetime, Freya. (12)
Seconoria.
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It was a rare and welcome reprieve as today the night sky was speckled with stars that twinkled like distant jewels and the moon was full different from the relentless rain that had besieged the kingdom for months, and the crisp, clean air was a refreshing change.
Nestled in a secluded corner of the camp, away from the flickering flames of the main fire, Theodore and his best friend, Connor, sat together at a small, wooden table. The table was cluttered with half-empty mugs and a bottle of dark, rich ale. The wooden surface was worn and polished from years of use, and the gentle clinking of their mugs punctuated their conversation.
The pair leaned back in their chairs, their faces illuminated by the soft moonlight and the occasional flicker of a nearby lantern.
Theodore, his usual armor replaced by a simple tunic, looked relaxed and contemplative. His dark hair, tousled by the wind, fell across his brow, and his eyes, usually so intense, were softened by the ease of the evening. Connor, his loyal friend, was in a similar state of comfort, his once neatly trimmed beard now a bit disheveled from the long days on the road.
Connor took a swig from his mug, the rich ale warming his insides. He leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "You know, Theo, things are getting a bit dicey back home. There is talk of a small war brewing between our kingdom and the one to the east. Seems like tensions are rising every day."
Theodore nodded, his gaze drifting toward the horizon, where the moonlight mingled with the shadows of the night. "I have heard the rumors. It is been a while since we had a decent peace, has it not? What is the cause this time?"
Connor shrugged, his eyes flickering with a mix of concern and exasperation. "From what I gather, it is over some disputed territories." he sighed, "Nothing new, really. But the way things are going, it might escalate into something more serious. The nobles are already up in arms."
The conversation shifted as Connor took another gulp of ale, his tone lightening. "Enough about politics. Let’s talk about something more enjoyable." he held Theodore’s gaze with his light brown ones, "Have you met any interesting girls lately?"
Theodore chuckled, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Actually, yes. There is this girl I have been spending some time with." he licked his lips, "Mysterious, beautiful, and she is all I have ever wanted. But, of course, I can not say much more about her."