Chapter 19: Heading out
As Lysaria was pondering over her thoughts on Riku's attitude, Riku had already turned back to his desk, rifling through a set of fresh sheets.
"You mentioned a church," he said. "Any thoughts on the layout?"
She blinked, regathering herself. "I... have a few ideas. A sanctuary. A small prayer chamber. Perhaps a bell if we can cast one."
"Perfect," Riku said, and immediately began sketching.
His fingers moved like they were alive on their own — lines forming arcs, curves rising like spires, pillars shaped with both grace and functionality. Within moments, the faint lines of a modest but elegant church design filled the page.
At the center, he placed an open rotunda under a sloped dome, designed to capture sunlight at all hours. The walls would be stone and timber, but the windows — large, curved, perfectly framed — would filter in golden hues even during overcast days.
On the altar space, he drew a starburst carving behind a crystal light socket — a subtle suggestion that light itself was the offering.
When he stopped, the parchment was nearly full.
Lysaria leaned in, lips parted, unable to hide her awe.
It was... beautiful.
Not opulent.