Earl's reunion with Sheryl was abrupt and ended just as abruptly. He was soon alone with Alea once again.
"I gotta find Paula now. See you soon!"
Those were Sheryl's last words when she left.
Now, Earl and Alea were walking together through the festive streets of Artasia. There was light everywhere that seeped through the Spirit Mist. Laughter was the ambience, and smiling faces decorated the faces of strangers.
Various speciality stores littered the side of the avenue they were on. These speciality stores hosted many things ranging from games to fun activities. It was a popular spot for couples holding hands. Alea took note of this and stopped.
"Hey." Alea suddenly called.
Earl stopped and glanced back. "Yes?"
"Why aren't we holding hands?" She said seriously.
Glancing at her face, Earl wordlessly took her hand and warmly said. "Sorry."
"That's better." The princess smiled.
There was a brief moment of silence. The two of them could feel their heat being transmitted to each other. Earl enjoyed the softness of Alea's hand and her soft grip.
'This is nice too,' Alea thought and held Earl's hand tighter. 'It's so rough and... warm.'
On the way, Alea spotted something that caught her eye. "Hey. Let's do that."
"I happen to be very good at that." Earl chuckled.
Alea giggled and responded. "Okay."
They entered an archery shooting store. Inside was an expansive archery range with a sparse number of people.
"Princess! What an honour!" The owner greeted from behind the counter. He was an older elf with a friendly vibe.
Alea nodded politely and requested. "For two, please."
"Sure thing! It's on the house today. My family are big fans of you." The owner laughed as he took out two bows from the back.
"Thank you," Alea answered with a small smile. The owner's words reached her.
The owner handed the bows and quivers over and asked. "Is this your boyfriend?"
The princess nodded. "You could say that."
"Haha! Lucky guy, eh?"
"Very lucky." Earl laughed along with the owner.
The owner laughed harder and gave Earl pats on the shoulder. "Alright, have fun in there."
As they walked to their positions, Earl teased. "Look, princess, you got fans now."
"Shut up."
"We should put something on the line here." He said and pointed at the targets.
"The loser has to listen to the winner?" Alea suggested.
Earl readily agreed. "Sure."
"You can go first." Alea pointed and smirked. "You said you were good at this, right?"
"Haha." Chuckling, Earl awkwardly picked up the bow.
"Pfft." Alea couldn't help but laugh at Earl. She knew that Earl had never used a bow before. Nevertheless, she found her heart-warming at the way Earl agreed to accompany her here. "I'll teach you."
The princess made her way behind Earl and fixed his form. Her soft body pressed tightly against Earl's back. "Concentrate. Don't get distracted now." She quietly spoke.
Earl wanted to push her down the instant. He could feel all her curves pressing against him, as well as her flowery fragrance. "Easy for you to say."
Alea calmed down her heavy breathing, but she could not erase her red face. "If I can do it, you can do it too."
"Yes, princess." Earl pulled his bow back under Alea's guidance and aimed at the target.
"Go."
At her cue, he released the arrow.
Shing!
There was the sound of the arrow cutting through the air before it landed at the second ring.
"That's good for your first try." Alea praised.
Earl placed his bow down and said. "I had a good teacher."
"Really?"
"She's kind of rude, but she's a lovely lady."
A more heavy tinge of red made its way to Alea's cheeks. "It's my turn now."
The young elf expertly picked up the bow and drew it back in perfect form. Exquisite was the word one would think of when looking at her. Her green eyes focused, and all her muscles activated.
Shing!
The arrow flew and narrowly fell outside of Earl's arrow. "It looks like you're better than me." She said after purposely missing.
"Of course." Earl proudly said as he went along with her play.
"It's your turn again," Alea remarked and waited for Earl to get into position before hugging him from behind again. They repeated what they did the first time, with Alea guiding Earl's form.
When it came for Alea's turn, her arrow narrowly landed outside of Earl's again.
"It seems like I've lost." She smilingly said after they ran out of arrows.
"You didn't have to miss every arrow, you know?" Earl helplessly sighed.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, I guess I win..."
"That means I have to listen to you. Have you thought of anything?"
"No, because I thought I was going to lose."
"You better think of something soon. Punish me~" Alea winked seductively.