"The term is 'fiancé'," Lunise said, looking sideways at Meesei. "And I would exercise caution around the title of strongest mage in a place like this, not least of which because your fiancé may prove you wrong."

[hr]
The duel later in the day resulted in Meesei being the clear better of Lunise in almost every power of magic, save for a few of Lunise's own specialties. Lunise's pride was wounded -- to deny it would be a lie -- though she quickly rebounded, claiming that she would not let on all of her best secrets to Meesei yet.

With the most pressing business out of the way, Meesei and Lunise had a much easier time enjoying the rest of their unexpected holiday. The daytime was spent enjoying the company of each other and the Psijic monks curious enough to interact with them, while the nights were spent in each others' arms, taking advantage of every moment of intimacy, both passionate and peaceful.

With such a prolonged time together, Lunise and Meesei were finally able to experience the little details of one another's behaviours and routines. Some behaviours even emerged that were entirely new. Lunise, for instance, turned out to be much more proactive about her physical health than Meesei had experienced. Every morning, without fail, she would perform exercises to keep her body strong and flexible by holding poses on a mat on the floor. In addition, she had a almost childishly giggly personality after a few wines in the nighttime.

In turn, Lunise noted Meesei's own quirks. They were mostly born of Meesei's upbringing in a tribal community, though there were a few details that Meesei had not thought to notice until Lunise pointed them out.

If there was any grounding to their stay, apart from its limited nature, it was the growing relationship between Lunise and her estranged mother Nytala. The truth was, Nytala was a naturally more optimistic and easy going person than Lunise. There were times where their personalities caused friction between them. But what they did both share was patience and longing, and those both resulted in a newly built respect.

Lunise woke up on the final day knowing what she would say to Nytala. She was surprising energetic that morning.

Unfortunately, no amount of energy could nullify the sadness suspended in the time of their farewell. Lunise walked with Meesei hand-in-hand, wearing the same dependable dress she arrived in, now clean and fresh. With the last of their borrowed belongings handed in, they now walked to an agreed meeting place to rendezvous with Nytala in preparation to leave.

Lunise wore a relaxed smile, but did not immediately have anything to say.