After yesterday's performance in the arena, I was exhausted, so the moment we arrived at the inn, I collapsed onto the bed like a log.
Early in the morning, the first light of dawn shone through the window.
I turned to my left—Lamia was hugging me tightly, as if she were afraid I might leave. Honestly, if someone had saved me from torment, I'd probably act the same. I understand her. If it were anyone else, I'd probably say, "fuck off."
As I moved, Lamia stirred and opened her eyes to look at me.
"Good morning, Lamia," I said.
She yawned and got out of bed.
"Good morning to you, too, Arthur. Do you have any plans for today?"
I squinted at her, suspicious. "No. Why?"
She smiled a little. "Then you're with me today. Let's have some fun in Athens before heading to Minos."
I gave her a curious look. "Alright. I'm yours for the day."
A harmless yet mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Perfect!" she chirped. "Then get ready. There are all kinds of events in Athens today. A festival has just started—people are dancing, drinking, and with bards playing. Maybe we'll eat a little, maybe even dance."
There was a moment of silence. Her excitement caught me off guard.
I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips. "Dance? Are you serious? I've never danced in my life."
Lamia jumped off the bed. "Yes, but you're just a kid. Today, you'll live like an ordinary human, Arthur."
"Is that a threat?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Depends on how you see it," she replied with a giggle.
I put on my usual black-and-gold cloak. Lamia dressed differently today—it suited her well.
She grabbed my hand as we left the inn together, walking through the streets of Athens. We probably looked like siblings.
Surrounded by flowers, music, and human chatter, Lamia's joy was contagious.
At one point, she stopped and bought an apple from a street vendor. She handed it to me with care, as if she had chosen it just for me.
"Sweet, isn't it? Just like life," she said, smiling.
I smiled back faintly, the tired child inside me stirring once more.
Soon, we arrived at the carnival.
Colorful flags, spinning wheels, and music filled the air. People danced joyfully, singing songs. Lamia looked at me and said, "Look at them! So happy. Sometimes we need this too."
"Maybe I should give it a try," I muttered. Lamia's eyes lit up.
"That's the spirit!" she exclaimed.
With some hesitation, we joined the crowd.
Live music echoed through the streets in waves—drums thumped, lyres chimed cheerfully, and flutes played wild, dancing melodies. People raised their hands, moving with the rhythm, while lanterns glowed in vibrant colors.
*Under the sun, there's a festival,*
*Flowers scattered across every path!*
*Olive branches over our heads,*
*Run child, dance, lose your breath!*
*Mother baked bread,*
*My sister picked flowers.*
*The sky is blue, full of swallows,*
*Today, everyone should smile!*
*Hey! One step left, one to the right,*
*Hands up high, jump to the sky!*
*Hey! Let our song rise high,*
*Even stones and trees join our cry!*
The song went on joyfully.
Lamia's eyes sparkled. "Ready, Arthur? Today we forget all our troubles!"
"Let's give it a shot," I replied, smiling.
Honestly, it was a bit embarrassing.
Suddenly, the drums picked up, and the flutes soared. Lamia raised her hands and started hopping with joy.
I took a few shy steps, but the joy around me swept me up. My feet moved on their own, my body surrendered to the rhythm.
Other young people dancing nearby joined me. A few kids pulled at my arms, trying to get me to join more fully.
Lamia spun me around. "Faster, faster!" she shouted.
My feet lifted off the ground—I spun, jumped.
People held hands and formed a circle, turning with the beat. The music intensified, my heartbeat quickened.
For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt truly joyful.
Suddenly, a flutist winked at me, and an even livelier melody began. Lamia and I danced in the middle of the square, hands raised, laughing.
Everyone joined in. Within that colorful crowd, time slipped away.
"That's it!" Lamia said, breathless but happy. "This is real joy, right in the heart of Athens."
As the music slowly quieted down, Lamia and I looked at each other—tired but smiling wide.
In that moment, life actually felt worth living.
People were tired but happy; smiles on faces, peace in their hearts. Lamia and I held hands, waiting for the crowd to disperse.
"How long do you think this happiness will last, Arthur?" Lamia asked, resting her head on my shoulder.
"I don't know," I answered honestly. "But moments like this… they're like a breath between wars and curses. At least for today, you reminded me that life can still be beautiful."
Lamia lifted her head and looked at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"That's how I feel when I'm with you," she said.
I chuckled softly—her words managed to make me smile.
As we walked back together, darkness slowly crept over the streets.
We returned to the inn and entered our room. The bed was already big enough for two, so we never had any issues. And since the room had a changing area, we never caught each other in an awkward moment.
After changing clothes, I lay down on the bed. Lamia sat at the edge, wearing a simple black nightgown.
I stared at the stone ceiling, lost in thought. I hadn't noticed Lamia watching me.
"Arthur, what's wrong?" she asked.
I turned my head toward her. "Just wondering what will happen in the arena tomorrow… Will I be able to win?"
Lamia placed her hands on mine.
"Have faith in yourself, Arthur. I've never seen anyone your age this powerful. Actually… I never asked your age. How old are you, anyway?"
I smirked as I looked at her.
"If you tell me yours, I'll tell you mine."
She puffed out her cheeks.
"Hmph. Idiot. Never ask a lady her age. You'll stay single forever if you do."
"Hahahahaha, me? Getting married? No thanks," I said with a laugh.
Lamia's face turned into a complicated expression at that.
I closed my eyes without saying anything else.
And once again, in my sleep, I found myself alone—with only my thoughts to keep me company.