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After the intense battle against the dragon, the party collectively decided to take a much-needed break. The adrenaline still pulsed through their veins, and the weight of their victory hung heavy in the air. Jun found himself seated on a fallen log, frazzled and sore from the saga.
Brian Styles had set to work, clearing a patch of ground of slimy moss. With each sweep of his oar, the area became more suitable for resting.
Star moved closer to the dragon's massive body, surveying the situation with a critical eye. The dragon was a formidable foe, and the logistics of moving its body were a challenge. His mind worked overtime trying to think of the best approach to get the dragon into the suck hole.
Frey had assembled a semi-circle of logs for them all to sit on to save them from sitting on the slimy lake bottom. Now he sat on the log next to Jun his fingers curled around the teapot's base. He softly hummed the melody of "Polly Put the Kettle On" and as his playful tune filled the air, the water inside the teapot seemed to come to life, emitting a gentle hum in response. The water started to bubble and froth, steam rising from the spout.
As the party settled into the cleared area, Star's returned from the dragon's side. With a thoughtful expression, Star explained their plan for moving the dragon's massive body. It wasn’t a good plan, but no one could think of anything better,
Amidst the preparations, Frey's attention turned to Brian Styles. Frey's lips curled into a warm smile as he extended a cup liquid toward Brian Styles. "Care for a drink Brian Styles?"
Brian's responded with a firm shake of his head. "No thank you, Frey. I don't eat or drink."
Frey's brow furrowed slightly in confusion; his playful demeanour momentarily replaced by curiosity. "You don't eat or drink? Ever?"
Brian nodded; his expression resolute. "It's not a requirement for me."
Frey's confusion gave way to understanding, and he nodded with a friendly smile. "Ah, got it. Well, if you ever change your mind, the tea's here."
Just as the exchange concluded, Star's inquisitive nature kicked in. He turned to Frey with an arched eyebrow. "Why don’t you offer me a drink? Pink boy"
Frey's grin was quick to return, his tone playful. "Oh, Star, that's because you're a big meanie."
Star rolled his eyes with a mock exasperation. "That is not true and also not good reason!"
Frey shrugged, his tone teasing. "Well, you know, only nice people get drinks. It's in the rules."
A mischievous glint lit up Star's eyes. Without warning, he swiftly reached out and snatched the cup of tea from Frey's hand, with a triumphant grin spreading across his face, he took a big swig.
“Bleh!” he explained, throwing the cup down “What is this flowery, girly water!”
Jun watched as the tiefling plucked several stings on his lute to cast mage hand that with rapid speed catching the cup. As he retracted the cup back towards himself, with a heavy sign he closed his eyes in a moment of composure.
He turned to Star smiling “If you don’t want it just say. No need for all that song and dance.” His words where sweet but there was clear irrigation in his eyes.
“It fine you catch it.” Star retorted nonchalantly. “Maybe if you don’t want them braking, cups should not be so flimsy in the first place.”
Jun could tell that Frey was about to start arguing back, but Jun interrupt him to try and save him the effort at trying to get anything through Stars dense skull.
“Is that the teapot from the wizards tower?” Jun questioned eyeing the teapot suspiciously.
“What this?” Frey questioned gesturing to the still steaming pot his irritation clearly forgotten. “Oh no. This is one of my many teapots that I just carry around with me when I’m off defeating dragons.” His face was still cast in a pleasant smile, but his voice was laced distinctly with sarcasm.
“No need to be a dick about it. I’m just saying we shouldn’t be drinking anything Fae.” Retorted Jun with a tone like a mother telling off a child.
“I’m not an idiot you know.” A gloomy expression fell over Frey’s usually vibrant face; the sudden change in tone unsettled him slightly. Clearly, he had hit a nerve. “I used water from my water sack which is from Saltmarsh. Anyway, you’re one to talk, telling us that we all have to follow the rules when you’re the one breaking the most of them.” Frey continued in a mute and factual tone as he side-eyed Jun.
Jun’s brow furrowed as he huffed. “I haven’t been breaking any rules and if I have it’s to keep the rest of you safe. Maybe if you lot didn’t treat everything like a game, I wouldn’t have to nag you all the time. Giving Frey one final scowl Jun turned his back to him in a pout
From the silence behind him Jun heard Frey sign lightly and begin a soothing hum. Jun deepened his sulk, where did Frey get off telling him he was breaking the rules. Frey was always making noise, playing stupid jokes and just generally being a child! As his temper boiled Jun’s mind drifted to their recently won battle and his rage quickly dissipated. His mind replayed the chaotic scene: the thunderous roars, the searing flames, and the sheer terror that had gripped him as the dragon had descended on him. And then, amidst the chaos, he vividly remembered Frey's swift actions and skilful spellcasting prevented the crucial blow. Frey might have been trying to rub Jun up the wrong way, but he had been there for him when it really mattered; he’d possibly even saved his life.
The low sound of liquid being poured and felt a soft prod in his back. Turning around Jun was faces with the sight of Frey arm extended towards him holding a cut and saucer. The liquid inside was clear and gently steaming, a light floral scent drifting from it.
“It’s only water really, so it won’t really have any affect” Frey confessed his eyes glancing off to the side. “But you took a pretty big hit off that dragon, and it can maybe calm your nerves a bit.”
It wasn’t his usual flashy smile and mischievous twinkle of the eyes that Jun had become accustomed too. It was a sincere and earnest expression and Jun found himself drawn to its warmth, and instinctively reaching out to take the cup from Frey.
"Thanks," Jun murmured, his initial annoyance dissipating.
Looking into Jun’s face, Frey's lips curved into a gentle smile, the kind that reached his eyes. "Anytime, Jun. We're friends, right? And friends look after each other even when they're grumpy."
In that instant, Jun noticed the faintest hint of a blush on his own cheeks, a reaction he couldn't quite control. As he nodded, his gaze dropping to the cup in his hands, hiding his blushing cheeks as he took a small sip of the steaming liquid. As he took his first gulp the gentle taste ran over his tongue; an infusion of chamomile, lavender, and a touch of mint's. Frey had been right. Each sip brought a sense of calm and as Jun drank, the tension melted away and he appreciated Frey's thoughtfulness.
As Jun savoured the soothing flavours of the tea, he became aware of a delicate melody. Jun's gaze shifted to Frey, who sat with his lute cradled in his arms, fingers deftly plucking the strings with a skill that spoke of familiarity and mastery. Frey's eyes were half-lidded, his focus on the lute's strings as they brought the melancholic tune to life.
As the tune continued, Jun found himself stealing glances at Frey. He admired the way Frey's hair caught the light, the way his expressive eyes sparkled, and the way his smile could light up even the darkest of situations. Maybe Jun had been too hard on the tiefling, he’d wanted to protect him but now it was clear he’d gone the wrong way about it, he needed to trust Frey. With these thoughts Jun's smile was a mixture of shyness and appreciation, and he was thankful that the others seemed too engrossed in their own conversations to notice his subtle reactions.