Chapter 80: Forest Frolics and Naked Negotiations
"This is officially the stupidest forest I’ve ever walked through," Vuvi grumbles, stomping over a mossy root that dares block her path. "Three hours, not a single cursed mushroom or glowing vine in sight."
"You say that like it’s a bad thing," Sera mumbles as she halfheartedly flicks flint stones together near a ring of damp firewood. Sparks fizzle out before they hit the wood.
Ten feet behind her, Zora hums a little tune as he levitates a perfectly conjured obsidian firepit into place. Chairs grow out of the ground like obedient trees, and a long velvet tent inflates itself behind him with puffs of rose-scented air. A spiral of silver lanterns dangle from branches above, casting soft, romantic light.
Sera stares at the flickerless stones in her hands. "You know what? Screw it." She tosses them aside and plops onto a plush conjured seat with a theatrical sigh. "I give up. Luxury wins."
Penelo and Lula are already curled up near the fire, toasting thick slices of sweetroot over the flames. Lula hums happily, her tail swinging in rhythm, while Penelo lounges like a lizard in the sun. Pip sits behind Veena, kneading her shoulders with warm, rhythmic pulses of mechanical bliss.
Veena melts like butter on a summer stone. "Ohhh, that’s it. Right there. Yup. I might marry you."
"Line forms behind me," Penelo mutters, half-lidded as she watches the scene.
Vuvi groans, trudging to the nearest stump and slumping down beside Veena. "Nah. My turn. Hands off, hotshot, get over here."
Pip chirps cheerfully, scoots behind her, and begins the massage. Seconds later, Vuvi’s entire demeanor folds in on itself like melted dough. She sighs like a collapsing tent. "Okay... I take it back. This is the best forest I’ve ever walked through."
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It’s deep into the night when Vuvi wakes again.
