A Few Months Later...
In the quiet corners of the cave where Akira sat, enjoying his rest, he sensed something different today. The atmosphere was serene, the tongues of flame in the small pit radiating a gentle warmth, while Velzard busied herself organizing her belongings near one of the corners. This familiar space, which Akira shared with Velgrynd—and which Velzard had recently joined—held an unusual air.
As Velzard rummaged through her bag, Akira noticed her serious expression as she searched meticulously for something. Then, after a moment, a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Aha..." she murmured softly, pulling from her bag a bottle veiled in an icy aura.
"This is Frost Wine. Not many drink it. It's exceedingly rare, and I don't usually share it with anyone," Velzard said, her tone indifferent, yet a glint of pride flashed in her eyes as she slid the bottle toward Akira.
Akira examined the bottle closely: it shimmered with a cold brilliance, as if the very snow from distant mountain peaks had been gathered to craft this wine. The glass was elegant, etched with intricate carvings that revealed their secrets only upon close inspection.
"If it's so rare, why not share it with Velgrynd?" Akira asked, wondering why she wouldn't offer it to her sister.
Velzard smirked, then replied nonchalantly, "Even Velgrynd doesn't get it so easily. This is... something very special. I only share this wine on exceedingly rare occasions." She added, "And not everyone is worthy of tasting it."
Though accustomed to Velzard's cryptic manner, Akira couldn't suppress his curiosity. "Does that mean I... might be worthy?"
Velzard studied him for a moment, then lifted the bottle with a faint smile. "I don't give things without reason. But since I've offered you a taste, you should be grateful."
As Velzard poured the wine into a small cup, Velgrynd entered from one of the cave's inner passages. She took in the scene, and her heart skipped a beat. "Ah, so you've started drinking it again?"
Velzard jerked her head in surprise, pulling the cup slightly away from Akira, then answered sharply, "You misunderstand. This isn't for ordinary people." Yet something in her eyes betrayed a flicker of sentiment. "But since you're here... you may join us if you wish."
Velgrynd grinned broadly and settled beside them. "I've had this wine before. It's... not easily drunk, but not as you imagine."
She continued, "Do you remember my first time tasting it? It was... an unexpected awakening. I thought I disliked frozen flavors, but I was wrong."
Velzard gave her a puzzled look. "But you don't always have to partake. We both know this isn't for ordinary guests."
Akira, holding his cup, interjected, "Yet it's more than just flavor, isn't it?"
Velzard let out a quiet laugh. "Indeed. It's special—but not for everyone. I rather like being the sole one to enjoy it."
Velgrynd chuckled. "You've always been stingy with it."
Then she took the cup from Akira's hand and added, "But, as you said, I've had it before. And I suppose I'll have it again, even if you hate sharing."
Velzard regarded her as if weighing the thought, then said softly, "I never said I minded. Just don't expect me to make a habit of it."
After taking a sip, Velgrynd smiled gratefully. "It's as exquisite as I remember—though I think it's best enjoyed in shared silence."
Akira, observing the scene, sensed something peculiar in the air: beneath their banter, Velzard and Velgrynd shared a bond laced with unspoken respect and camaraderie. Even if Velzard hoarded the wine, Velgrynd understood its worth perfectly.
"If you two are going to argue over wine," Akira remarked, "I suppose I should be more cautious next time." He smiled, taking another sip. "Still, this truly is exceptional. I'll always be grateful."
Velzard gave him a thin smile. "Good. You understand."
She exhaled deeply, returning the bottle safely to its place. "No one tastes this wine lightly. But for you... perhaps I'll make an exception." Her words carried the weight of a rare concession.
Meanwhile, Velgrynd let out a long breath and leaned against Akira as they sat near the fire. "Well, I must admit—this wine is truly unique. It resonates with the drinker's soul, driving them mad with craving. But the best part is... you can't have it whenever you wish. If it were always available, it'd just be ordinary."
And so they sat together in the comfort of the cave—a tranquil moment, despite the faint tension lingering now and then. Each experienced something different in that space, yet they shared one thing: the fleeting pleasure of Frost Wine, a rarity that bound them in quiet understanding.
...
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