The sun was beginning its slow descent when Ignis and Lilith returned, arms laden with cloth-wrapped bundles and paper parcels that gave off the most enticing aromas—fresh-baked bread still warm from the oven, honey-glazed pastries, spiced meat skewers, small jars of preserved fruits, and wheels of soft cheese wrapped in leaves.
Ignis bounded up the porch steps first, cheeks flushed with excitement. "Adam! You won't believe how many amazing things they have here! The baker gave us extra because I helped carry flour sacks!"
Lilith followed more sedately, but even her crimson eyes held a quiet sparkle. In her elegant hands she balanced a basket of delicate berry tarts dusted with sugar.
Adam rose from the steps, smiling at the sight of them. "Welcome back. Did you two have fun?"
Ignis beamed. "It was incredible! Everyone was so nice—they smiled, they talked, they didn't even scream once!"
