The Echoes Of The Abyss
Chapter 18: Back to the Surface

After a grueling journey, Lian and Eris finally made it back to the surface. They came out of the cave at the foot of the mountain and sat on the rocks for a short break.

Lian breathed in the fresh air in relief. He felt good to be back in the world out there after being trapped inside the cave for several weeks. He also felt happy to be able to see the sky again and felt the warm sunlight on his skin.

"Eris, thank you for your help down there" Lian said with a smile.

Eris simply nodded in return. She still looked a little closed off, but Lian could see a sincere expression in her eyes.

"Let's go back to the village and tell the people that we survived" Lian said.

Eris agreed, and they walked towards a nearby village. On the way, they met a group of adventurers who were heading towards the mountain. They told the adventurers that they made it out of the cave and asked them to tell the nearby village about their whereabouts.

Upon arriving at the village, Lian and Eris were greeted with joy by the villagers. They tell their stories about the adventures inside the cave and about the new friends they meet there.

The next day, they visited the village leader and told him everything. The village leader gave them a reward for their courage and for helping to reveal the truth about the cave. He also gave them advice on how to get on with their lives and asked them to visit a nearby town if they needed further help.

Lian and Eris decide to return to the city where they met for the first time. There, they discover that the city has changed. There were new buildings and bigger streets, and many people were busy on the move.

They also meet people they have met before, including the merchants who have helped them recover their health after escaping from the creatures that attacked them in the cave. Lian and Eris were grateful to be able to meet them again, and they talked about their experiences while underground.

At nightfall, Lian and Eris sat on a small hill outside the city. They enjoyed the beautiful view of the city under the starlight. They also talk about their future and what they will do next.

"Eris, what are you going to do now?" ask Lian.

Eris shook her head. "I haven't decided Lian is looking at Eris with a confused face. "What do you mean?"

"I haven't decided whether I want to go back to the underground world or not" Eris gently repeated. "I have to think things through carefully. I have a lot of responsibilities and obligations there, but there are also a lot of menacing dangers."

Lian was disappointed to hear that. He had imagined the two of them adventuring together again, and now it seemed that it would not happen. "But I miss you" he said in a soft voice.

Eris smiled. "And I miss you too, Lian. But we can still be friends, right?"

Lian smiled back, feeling relieved. "of course! I will always consider you my closest friend."

"And I will always cherish our friendship" Eris replied. "We can always contact each other, either by mail or by magic."

The two of them hugged, and Lian felt warm in her heart. Although they may not be adventuring together anymore, their friendship will always last. And that makes him feel happy.

After separating from Eris, Lian returns to her home in the small village where she grew up. He returned to work as a carpenter, but now he feels more confident and courageous than ever before. He felt that he had experienced many things during his adventure in the underground world, and he had learned a lot about himself.

Although she misses Eris and the adventures they went through together, Lian feels that she has found peace and happiness in the place she now calls home. And he knew that, although he might never return to the underground world, he would always carry the experiences and lessons he had gained during his adventure with Eris in his heart. Finally, Lian felt that she had found her place in the world.

Lian smiled with relief. "I miss you too" he said, clasping Eris' hand. "I don't know if I can get through it without you."

Eris smiled, "You can do anything, Lian. You are a tough and brave adventurer."

Lian smiled, "Thank you, Eris. I'm grateful you were by my side during the adventure in the underworld."

They walked together along a crowded street. Lian was relieved to see the sun return. He longs for the light and the warmth of the sunshine. He also longs for the world on the surface, with all its beauty and wonder.

While they were walking, Eris suddenly stopped and looked at Lian seriously. "There's one thing we have to do before you go" he said.

Lian looked at Eris, "What's that?"

Eris smiled softly, "You should obtain something as a sign of your appreciation for our adventure together."

Lian raised her eyebrows, "What is that?"

Eris took out something from inside her robe and gave it to Lian. "This is a crystal ball that I took from one of the creatures we fight in the underground world" he said. "It contains a powerful magic power. It will help you through your next adventure."

Lian took the crystal ball and looked at it in amazement. "Thank you, Eris. It's very valuable to me."

Eris smiled, "Now, you should go and explore the world on the surface. I'll always be here if you need me."

Lian smiled and embraced Eris. "I'll always remember you, Eris."

They part ways, and Lian begins her journey to the world on the surface. He knew that there were still many adventures waiting for him, but he was ready to face them with courage and determination. He had learned a lot from his adventures in the underground world, and he felt ready to step forward into the future.

Lian felt a little relieved, but there was still worry in her heart. He wasn't sure if he could really trust Eris after what happened in the underground world.

However, as time went on, Eris proved her loyalty to Lian. He helps Lian restore power to her family and helps her restart her life on the surface. Lian also learns that Eris has a dark past, and that she has done terrible things in her quest to achieve her goals.

Despite that, Lian felt that she could not blame Eris completely for what was happening in the underground world. He knew that they were both stuck in a difficult situation and they were doing their best to survive.

A few months later, Lian and Eris reunite in a small town where Lian has started her own business. Eris seemed calmer and more excited than before, and Lian felt that she had found a comfortable place in her life.

As they walk around the city together, Eris suddenly stops at a bookstore. He picked up a book and showed it to Lian. "Look at this," said Eris, "it's about miracles."

Lian smiled. "I've always believed in miracles, because I've seen wonders in the underworld."

Eris nodded. "I am too." He gave the book to Lian. "This is a gift for you."

Eris shook her head. "I still feel like something is not right with all this" he said seriously. "When we were in the underground world, I felt that there was a greater power behind all of this. Someone or something who wants to take over the power I have."

Lian nodded in understanding. He remembered very well how they fought against the evil and mysterious creatures during their adventure in the underground world. "But what can we do?" tanyakanya.

Eris looked at Lian sharply. "We have to get ready" he said firmly. "We must learn more about magic and our own power, and we must prepare ourselves to face whatever may happen."

Lian felt a little scared, but at the same time, she felt excited by the new adventure perspective that awaited her. He nodded steadily. "We will do it" he said with determination.

And so, Lian and Eris began their intensive training. They learn about magic and their own powers, and hone their ability to fight dark forces that might threaten them.

Over time, Lian and Eris grew closer. They share many things together and understand each other more and more. Lian realizes that she has fallen in love with Eris and hopes to establish a deeper relationship with the woman.

But one night, while they were practicing magic outside, Eris suddenly fell silent and looked towards the sky. "Something's wrong" he said seriously.

Lian was tense. "What's going on?"

Eris looked at Lian sharply. "Someone is looking for me. Someone who wants to take away the power I have."

Lian felt trembling. "Who is he? And what should we do?"

Eris took a deep breath. "I'm not sure yet" he said. "But we have to be ready. We don't know what's going to happen next, but we have to be ready to deal with it."

They crossed paths among the dense forest, inhaling fresh air and enjoying the beautiful scenery around them. After a while of walking, they arrived at the edge of the vast lake, and at the end of the lake, they saw a beautiful small town.

"Then that's my hometown" said Eris, pointing towards the city.

Lian looked at the city with great admiration. The buildings there are made of brick, with beautiful red roof tiles and clean and tidy streets. There were many merchants peddling their goods by the side of the road, and people on foot were busy with their daily activities.

"They must be happy to see you back," Lian said, smiling.

Eris nodded. "Yes, I'm sure so," he said.

They walked across the wooden bridge that crossed the lake and into the city. As they stroll around the city, Eris shows Lian where she used to go when she was young. He showed me his favorite orchard, the fish market where he always bought fresh fish for his family, and the bakery where he always bought his favorite bread.

Lian felt good to see those places with Eris, and she felt like she really knew him better now. After a few hours of strolling around the city, they finally arrived at Eris' house.

"They're in there," said Eris, pointing to the front door.

Lian took a deep breath and prepared herself to meet the Eris family. He felt a little nervous, but he knew he had to show respect to the Eris family.

Eris opened the door and brought Lian into the house. Inside the house, they were greeted by a group of women who were laughing and talking happily. Eris introduces Lian to them as her friend.

"I'm happy to meet you all" Lian said, smiling.

The women smiled and greeted him warmly. They asked Eris and Lian to sit down and offer drinks and snacks.

"Can't wait to see you, Eris!" said a woman with a cheerful voice.

"We've missed you" said the other woman.

Eris smiled widely and embraced them. "I miss you all too" said Eris.

Lian felt a little set aside, but she remained seated beside Eris and enjoyed the warm and friendly atmosphere. He knew he had to make room for Eris to spend time with his family, and he also enjoyed the moment of tranquility itself.

As the night wore on, the Eris family began to get ready for bed. Eris stood up and pulled Lian aside. "Come, we go to sleep now," he said gently.

Lian nodded and they walked together to the guest bedroom. Eris gave him a blanket and a pillow, and Lian immediately felt comfortable in that bed.

"I'm glad to be able to stay here" Lian said with a smile.

Eris nodded. "I'm also glad you could come, Lian."

The two of them lay on the bed, in a comfortable silence. Lian felt calm and happy, next to the woman she loved.

But, he could not resist the thought of adventure in the underground world waiting for him. He couldn't imagine leaving Eris, but he knew he had to go and finish what he had to finish.

Lian felt a little uneasy, but Eris immediately felt a tremor in her body and woke up. "What's going on?" asked Eris anxiously.

Lian looked at his face, thinking about what he should say. "I can't stay here forever, Eris," she said in a soft voice. "I have to go."

Eris was saddened to hear that, but she also understood. "I know," said Eris. "You have to go and finish what you started. But, promise me, you'll be back."

Lian looked at his face gently and grabbed his hand. "I promise," he said.

The two of them remained silent, embracing each other in silence. Lian felt lonely and scared, but she also felt confident that she would finish her adventure and return to Eris.

Eventually, Lian and Eris fall asleep in each other's arms, leaving adventure and an uncertain future waiting in the future.