As the group emerged from the depths and returned to the surface, a cool breeze swept through their hair. Bell, his mind still reeling from the journey, set off toward Midnight Garden with Alise close at his side.
Alise cast a glance at Bell's tense posture. "Care to explain what that was all about?"
Bell remained silent, biting his lip as memories threatened to overwhelm him. A shiver ran up his spine, his body trembling as he tried to suppress it all.
Alise, sensing his distress, gently wrapped her arm around him in an attempt to comfort him.
"I won't push," she said softly, "but I'm here if you ever want to talk about it."
"Thanks, Alise," Bell managed to say after taking a shaky breath, though he was still biting his lip suppress the emotions bubbling inside him. Bell forced a small smile and leaned into her touch, grateful for her understanding and support.
Concern flickered across Alise's face as she looked at him. Then, an idea seemed to dawn on her.
"Hey Bell, do you mind coming with me for a little bit?" she asked gently.
"Uh, sure," Bell responded, trying not to sound too eager.
"Great. Come on then." Alise reached out and grabbed Bell's hand. He immediately felt a rush of warmth and a light blush creeping up his cheeks as he followed her.
They walked through the bustling streets until Alise led them to a great bell tower that towered over the majority of the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over everything it touched. Bell couldn't help but feel awestruck by the beauty of it all.
"This is my favorite spot in the city," Alise said, her voice soft and full of wonder. "You can see everything from up here."
Bell smiled, grateful for this unexpected adventure with his friend.
Once they reached the top of the enclosed tower, Alise let go of Bell's hand and turned to face him with a small smile. "This is one of my favorite spots in all of Orario," she said, gesturing to the view in front of them.
Bell followed her gaze and was met with a breathtaking sight. The bustling streets below were filled with adventurers, merchants, and civilians going about their daily lives. The vibrant cityscape was truly a sight to behold.
"Wow," Bell breathed out, completely awestruck.
"I come here whenever I need some time alone to think," Alise said as she looked out the doors to the balcony around the tower.
As they stepped out onto the balcony, a gust of wind blew through the bell tower, causing Alise's hair to whip around her face. The sun caught her hair in just the right way, turning it into a stream of fire. Bell couldn't help but stare at her in awe. In that moment, she looked as beautiful as any of the goddesses Bell had seen walking the street. A single thought crossed his mind:
“Alise is so beautiful.”
The mere thought of Alise's beauty sent a wave of heat rushing to Bell's cheeks. He before he was able to let his mind wander further, Alise's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes turning to him.
Bell could feel his face growing even redder as he tried to play it off. "Yeah, I'm fine," he stammered, avoiding direct eye contact.
"You're blushing so much," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips. "Were you thinking something naughty just now? Maybe you are more of a rabbit than—"
“Nononononono,” Bell stammered, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. “It wasn’t naughty at all; you were just so beautiful that it took my breath away.”
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Alise's emerald eyes widened in surprise. Before she could think further, she pulled Bell into a tight hug, practically smothering him. Her own face turned the same shade of scarlet as her fiery red hair. Panic fluttered inside her as she thought, “EPP. Bell just said I was beautiful. AH. WHY is my FACE SO RED? Why does it feel so hot? Why does this always happen when Bell compliments me?”
“Hghasgha,” Bell tried to speak, only to be muffled by Alise's hug. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: “Damn this stupid breastplate. It's so cold.”
For the potion of being hugged, he couldn't help but notice the way her delicate features glowed in the soft light of the sun. As his heart fluttered, he was now grateful for the armor that prevented Alise from feeling the hammering in his chest. For a moment, they stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the world around them fading into the background.
After several minutes of struggling to regain control over her emotions, Alise finally released Bell from her tight grip. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"You know, Bell, you were quite the flirt just now," Alise said with a playful tone. "Calling a girl beautiful and saying she took your breath away. Don't you go breaking hearts and becoming a playboy now. You're on track to be a real charmer."
Bell blushed and gently rubbed his cheek where Alise had poked him. "I wasn't trying to be a playboy. I was just telling the truth.”
A warm flush spread across Alise's cheeks, but she hurriedly changed the subject. "I wanted to bring you here because it's one of my favorite places."
"I see. What makes it so special to you?" Bell asked
"I've always been drawn to high places, and this one is especially breathtaking. Not only is it elevated, but it also offers a stunning view of the entire city. Come, I'll show you." Alise led Bell around the balcony of the tower.
As they walked round the balcony, they were greeted with a breathtaking scene. Babel towered above them in all its splendor, its intricate architecture reaching towards the sky. Below, the city buzzed with life as people rushed through the cobbled streets, their colorful clothing blending together in a vibrant tapestry. The setting sun cast a warm golden light over everything, creating shadows that danced and swirled on the ground.
Alise's heart swelled with joy as she took in the view with Bell by her side. This was why she loved this place - for its ability to provide a sense of peace and beauty amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Bell's voice broke through the peaceful moment. "This is beautiful."
Alise nodded; her eyes sparkling. "It is. Sometimes, when everything feels overwhelming, coming here reminds me of the beauty in the world. It helps me find my balance."
Bell looked at her as he nodded ack. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Alise. It means a lot."
They stood there in comfortable silence, the city spread out before them, a reminder of the adventures yet to come and the bond they were forming. Alise can only smile in agreement as she gazes out over the city, her eyes practically glowing with happiness. A melody escapes her lips as she starts to hum along with the sounds of the city below.
As dawn unfolds, the city stirs,
Stone and spire, a world it conjures,
Streets alive with morning's song,
Chasing dreams where shadows throng.
Lanterns glow with the evening breeze,
Every corner holds a piece,
Of tales spun in the whispers deep,
Of the city's restless beat.
City lights, and dreams so grand,
Spire and tower mark the land,
Every heartbeat, every sigh,
City life’s a lullaby.
Through the clamor and the sound,
Find the rhythm all around,
In the beauty, there’s a spark,
City lights illuminate the dark.
Cobblestone paths and market cheer,
Gathered folk from far and near,
Inn and hall and minstrel’s song,
Beneath the moonlight, all belong.
Echoes of a bard’s old tale,
In the rush, we all prevail,
Stories written in the night,
In this vibrant, endless sight.
City lights, and dreams so grand,
Spire and tower mark the land,
Every heartbeat, every sigh,
City life’s a lullaby.
Through the clamor and the sound,
Find the rhythm all around,
In the beauty, there’s a spark,
City lights illuminate the dark.
From dawn’s first light to twilight’s gold,
The city’s tales are brave and bold,
In every square, in every lane,
Feel the pulse of joy and pain.
City lights, and dreams so grand,
Spire and tower mark the land,
Every heartbeat, every sigh,
City life’s a lullaby.
Through the clamor and the sound,
Find the rhythm all around,
In the beauty, there’s a spark,
City lights illuminate the dark.
In the city’s endless grace,
Find your moment, find your place,
Let the lights guide you tonight,
In the city’s ancient light.
Bell’s eyes widened in awe as he listened to the enchanting melody of Alise's voice. He stood motionless, completely captivated by the sound. The notes floated through the air, weaving a spell that held him entranced.
“teehee. Bell, you look positively silly right now. Were you that entranced by my singing?” Alise teased, her laughter like a gentle chime.
“Yes, I was. It was the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard, aside from my mama’s,” Bell confessed, as he smiled bashfully.
“YOU!” Alise exclaimed playfully, pulling Bell into another hug. Her own blush deepened, “We should probably head back before Alfia scolds us.”
Bell’s expression shifted to a nervous gulp at the mention of their strict familia leader. “You’re right. Thank you for showing me this place, Alise.”
With one last longing glance at the panoramic view from the bell tower, Bell and Alise descended. They navigated the bustling streets of their familia's home, their steps in sync. The day’s light gave way to the evening’s shadows, and the city’s vibrant energy surrounded them. The sounds of the street faded as they continued their journey, the promise of future adventures lingering in their minds.
