The day after I sent the princess home, I decided to finish the last pieces of the resort.
Systems. Infrastructure. Procedures. All the invisible things that make visible things work.
By sunset, I could finally say it - It's ready.
Well... almost.
Employees.
Yeah. That's a future problem.
By now I set the trains free.
They'd been sitting there long enough, like decorative metal snakes. So I breathed life into them. One teleport here. One there. Maybe twenty total.
Everything is on schedule, the routes align so to not have any unnecessary collision, and best of all - the train station markets finally have a purpose. Everything I produce finally has a place to go.
Cheap, too.
Not because I had to.
Because I could... And because I want...
This is my gift of ABUNDANCE!
Thank You, God, for the opportunity.
By the time I got home, I were exhausted - such a productive day.
I crashed onto the couch, gaze up to the ceiling for but a moment, before I settled forward and reflected on what I have done today.
The trains are running.
I should advertise them.
Yes - definitely. Posters, spread the word...
I stood up.
And then I heard her.
"Hey, love."
I swear that simple greeting does more damage to my composure than many other things would.
She stepped into the living room, glowing with quiet excitement.
"Look what I got!"
She held up a brown wool coat, thick and soft-looking, lined with fluff inside. It was practical primarily - just like mine.
It was adorable.
I blinked.
...Shit.
I forgot to get her what she needed.
"I- ...It's wonderful," I said, recovering quickly. "Where'd you get it?"
"The tailor you always visit," she replied proudly. Then she scratched her cheek. "I might have borrowed from your pocket a little though."
I narrowed my eyes slightly, confused.
"You never said I couldn't use the drawer." She told me.
Ah.
The drawer.
The drawer in the kitchen... Anything that fits inside it can be retrieved.
And she found a loophole.
I stared at her for a second longer, then laughed heartedly.
"You really do become like the people you spend time with. I remember when I exploited cabbage prices to fund my early builds. We really are kindred spirits."
She smiled softly at that.
Then she went quiet.
Just stood there, holding the coat.
"...Love?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you spend some time with me tomorrow? I kind of bought this for that."
I didn't even pretend to hesitate.
"You know I can't reject you. My heart doesn't have the willpower for that."
She brightened instantly.
"Maybe you could teach me like you taught Iris yesterday?"
"Anytime, Babe."
I sat back down on the couch.
Advertising could wait.
---
The morning that followed was slow.
Neither of us rushed to get up.
I've started noticing a pattern lately - she stays longer and returns quicker. Almost like she's testing the limits of what she can get away with.
Reminds me of how I used to show up later and later to school once I figured out the system wouldn't punish me immediately.
Funny how freedom expands quietly.
For a moment, I drifted. I could see it clearly - a beach. Palm trees swaying lazily. Me resting in the shade, eyes closed. Her running along the shoreline, laughing, completely unburdened.
Someday.
The image faded as reality returned - warm blankets, soft breathing, her arm firmly wrapped around my torso.
"Love…" I muttered. "C'mon. Breakfast. Then snow."
"Nooo~ ...five more minutes."
I chuckled breathlessly, not that I was out of breath.
She tightened her hold slightly, cuddling closer, smiling in that half-asleep way that makes resistance pointless.
And so... five minutes passed?
"Dear," I said gently, "the five minutes are over."
"Nooo~ Five mo-"
"You've said that five times already."
She paused.
Then sighed dramatically and pushed herself upright, rubbing one eye.
"Alright… five- ugh. Fine. I'm up."
"I should make you something to wake you up," I said, sliding out of bed. "Didn't think goddesses could be this sleepy."
"Different world. Different rules," she replied lazily.
"In that case," I said, heading toward the kitchen, "you're getting coffee."
What I made was simple. A lot of milk and less coffee.
Technically a latte. Probably. I don't care enough about classifications. Then I added some ice.
Perfect.
I poured two cups and placed one across the table where she usually sat.
She shuffled in a minute later, still quiet, and took her seat.
"Go ahead," I said. "If you like it, I'll make some for our trip."
She lifted the cup cautiously.
First sip.
Her eyebrows rose slightly.
"This is... really good."
"Yeah," I nodded. "More milk, less coffee. I don't like too bitter drinks."
I leaned back.
"So? Want some for our training session?"
"Yes, please," she said. Then after a small pause - "And... could you teach me?"
I smiled.
"Of course."
And just like that, the lesson began.
It was light and casual. I showed her how to measure, how to brew without over-extracting, how to balance ratios.
A habit I picked up when I was sixteen.
She learned quickly.
And so soon enough, she made one herself. We poured both into bottles and slipped them into my astral storage.
I should make a small coffee factory at some point.
Later.
Way later.
For now, we had snow waiting.
We boarded the private train.
With nothing more said, I activated the train's brain and let it handle the driving.
The private tram slowly rolled away from the home station. It reduced speed for a moment as another train passed along the main railway - a passenger line this time. A few people sat in the different cabins here and there.
Guess advertising won't be much of an issue after all.
I glanced back.
Eris hadn't followed me into the cockpit, which meant she hadn't been seen.
After the passenger train cleared the track, our small tram continued forward and took the left turn onto the parallel line.
That meant the ride could begin properly.
I left the cockpit and returned to the living area of the train, where Eris was waiting. I sat down beside her and leaned back comfortably.
"Funny," I said. "Most of the things I brought to this world are from my old one… though there's plenty of original stuff too."
I looked out the window.
"Man… sometimes I miss home."
In that moment, I saw a vision of sort. A memory that didn't exist. One that came from a single second in this state of mind
A distant village. Not from this world - from mine. Somewhere in Bulgaria, near a railway line. Green hills, quiet roads, houses scattered across the landscape.
The nature there was just... beautiful.
Man.
I really miss home.
I took a slow breath, letting the image fade, calming my aching heart.
Eris immediately noticed. She leaned against me gently, unsure what words could help.
She didn't need any.
"Maybe one day," I said softly, wrapping an arm around her, "I'll bring a piece of my home here."
I smiled faintly.
"There was a town I loved visiting... Tsarevo. My grandma used to live there. If I hadn't died, I probably would've inherited her house."
There was no sadness in my voice. Just quiet appreciation.
"It was the opposite of my hometown. Burgas was more industrial. But Tsarevo… that place was far more peaceful. Sea breeze, warm streets, people enjoying life."
I chuckled slightly.
"It had what my geography teacher called semi-islands. Or peninsulas. I don't remember exactly."
I paused for a moment.
"I actually dreamed of talking to myself there while we player golf. In Tsarevo. That was after the dream with the alternate version of you."
Eris tilted her head.
"What did you talk about?"
I shrugged without embarrassment. "I forgot."
She blinked.
"I tend to do that," I continued casually. "Forget the unnecessary details… but remember the lessons."
She chuckled quietly at that.
Outside the window, orange desert sand stretched across the horizon. But the sand wasn't what caught my attention.
The sky was.
Clouds drifted slowly overhead, moving gracefully and without a bother.
"Love," I said suddenly. "Look at what I did with the factories."
I turned and leaned forward on my knees, pointing toward the distance.
Far away, a cluster of buildings stood tightly packed together.
"Figured they didn't need to be this much spaced apart."
Eris laughed softly.
"From the outside, you'd never guess that produces candy," she said, pointing at the large concrete tower among them.
I smirked.
"What can I say? Depression on the outside… sweetness on the inside."
She shook her head, still amused.
"So," she asked after a moment, "what comes next after this project?"
I leaned back again.
"Honestly? No idea." I shrugged. "I'm an inspiration-driven creator."
She studied me quietly.
"Maybe that's why everything you make feels so beautiful."
My eyes softened as I looked at her.
"Then I guess there's something my creations and you have in common."
My hand gently came to cup her face. Then we sat back down.
We stayed like that for a while.
Just existing together.
---
Soon enough, we arrived at the train station of the Snowfield Resort.
The passenger train that would be bringing visitors up the mountain was on stand-by in the train warehouse a bit further ahead.
"Welcome once more!" I announced as we stepped off the tram. "Today with even more freedom."
Eris raised a hand theatrically. "Thank you, thank you."
She had dressed for the weather - the new brown coat, warm pants, boots. The fluffy lining made her look far softer than usual.
We walked forward as the gates opened for us.
I had added a few friendly features to the resort after Iris visited. Not everyone wanted to slide everywhere, after all. There was now a side walkway and a bridge above the left track, tall enough that nobody would accidentally eat bricks.
We stepped onto the bridge.
The design of the stairs was curved slightly inward so people wouldn't fall off. The texture being made so people's shoes would grip onto it.
The best part was the view.
From here you could see the water system - pipes, tanks, heating units, filtration - everything that kept the resort supplied with clean water, both hot and cold.
"Not much has changed," I said casually as we crossed. "Just added a few new things. Iris really liked it the other day."
I glanced at her.
"I hope you will too."
"I saw," she replied calmly. "But it's different from what you ride."
I shrugged.
"Skis are for people who just wanna chill. Snowboards... eh. Party tricks."
I smirked.
"If Aqua ever got on one she'd definitely pick the snowboard."
"Oh right. her," Eris muttered. "I forgot she existed."
I laughed.
"That relaxed these last few days?"
"Hey," she said defensively, "I'm a busy woman. Maintaining my work–life balance."
"mhhm-"
We continued walking down the inner street of the living area.
"You know," I said thoughtfully, "soon that probably won't be an issue anymore. But if it's happening now, there's probably a reason."
She glanced at me.
"Most of the time I don't understand the things I go through," I continued. "Then one day I realize why... and suddenly it all makes sense."
I smiled faintly.
"Boom. Pure joy. Knowing God is actively working in my life."
A quiet warmth stirred inside me as I said it. Like a second wind.
I looked back at her while descending the stairs.
She was smiling softly.
We walked the rest of the way up the hill until we reached the same ski shop from before.
Who am I kidding? It is the only ski shop.
"The first decision you have to make," I said, pushing the door open, "is your style."
She tilted her head.
"Did you see the tutorial I gave Iris?" I asked.
"No."
My smile didn't change.
So I explained it: how the system worked, how it took measures and all that.
We sat down while her equipment was being prepared.
She said her choice was based on curiosity.
I knew better.
She wanted to be equal to me in some way.
That theme had quietly followed us throughout our entire relationship.
I leaned back in the bench, feeling peaceful.
Satisfied simply existing.
Why does chasing things have to fill our entire lives?
Just as the thought formed, her skis rolled out.
"Oh," I said casually, "you can customize them if you want. Paint, designs - everything's over there."
She immediately rolled up her sleeves.
Thumbs up.
Time to draw.
"So," I said, leaning over slightly, "what do we have today?"
"Every. lucky. talisman. known. to. man."
Her tone was suddenly very serious.
I snorted.
"I don't see you in the mix."
"You already have the live version," she replied instantly.
I couldn't argue with that.
As she continued painting, I noticed something new forming among the symbols.
Vines.
They wrapped around the talismans, connecting them together until they reached the center - a four-leaf clover.
Something about it bothered me.
For a moment, it almost looked like a cross... I don't lik- ᶠᵒʳᵍᶦᵛᵉ ʰᵉʳ
The thought stopped instantly.
I sighed softly and leaned back, placing a hand on my face.
I'm sorry.
Let her mind create freely.
She wasn't burdened by the same things I carry.
Her world didn't need to be filtered through mine.
So I waited patiently while she finished, occasionally glancing over her shoulder.
When she finally leaned back, the design was surprisingly beautiful.
"Good job, my dear."
"Thank you," she said, wiping a drop of sweat from her forehead. "Now it just needs to dry."
"True."
I snapped my fingers dramatically.
The remaining moisture vanished.
Then I brushed a transparent sealing layer over the design - a wax-like protective coat so the artwork would survive.
I lifted the skis.
"Careful," I warned. "They're heavy."
"Blessing!" she declared, a light appearing around her, not blinding, but enough to be noticeable, before reaching out.
"And also careful," I added, "because they can absolutely cut you."
"Aww, come on."
I placed the two skis together and rested the bottom ends on the floor so she could take them safely.
Her eyes widened.
"You weren't kidding."
"Pure metal," I shrugged. "What can I say."
Next came the boots.
I showed her how to open them - loosening the buckles, pulling the tongue forward so her foot could slide in.
Otherwise it's basically impossible, and could cause an injury.
She managed it quickly.
"How does it feel?"
"I can't feel my legs," she said dreadfully.
"Yeah… that's normal."
I knelt down and loosened the buckles one setting.
"As much as your leg needs protection, it also needs blood flow."
I tightened things properly again.
"How is it now?"
"Still strange."
"Painful?"
"No… maybe loosen the shin area a bit."
So I did.
"Perfect," she declared.
"Alright. Stand up and walk around."
She did.
Each step made a stiff click as the heel of the boot hit the ground.
Her posture was rigid, awkward.
"Kinda like me when I started," I commented.
She gave me a look.
"Here," I said, handing her gloves and poles. "Grab your skis and meet me outside."
I pushed the door open and held it for her.
She didn't struggle nearly as much as I expected.
That was a good sign.
I smiled to myself as I stepped into my own boots and skis.
Things were about to get fun.
I slid down first, making a slow turn before bringing the front tips of my skis together to slot to a stop.
"Love, come on," I called gently. "It's alright. Just push forward a bit and press on your left foot. You'll start sliding right."
She inhaled slowly, trembling.
"Don't be afraid to accelerate," I added with a grin. "I'll catch you."
She tried to move... but her body refused.
So I pushed myself back uphill, converting mana into kinetic energy and gliding up beside her.
"Maybe we should start at the bottom?" I suggested. "Or the baby track."
"Yes... yes, I think that would be better."
"Cool," I said, crouching slightly. "Jump on."
"But won't you slide if I try? And these things are heavy." She looked down at her skis.
"Don't worry about it."
"...Okay."
She grabbed my shoulders and tried to climb on.
Instead, she pushed both of us apart and accidentally set herself sliding forward.
"No-!"
She slowly drifted toward the street from the starting area.
"Bring the front tips together!" I called.
She did just that, perfectly.
"Good job! Now keep moving. Speed up a little by straightening the boards, then bring the front tip of your left board inward while keeping the right straight."
She was still shaking, but she listened, she cordinated her legs and turned right slowly
Unfortunately... she also accelerated.
"Slow down!" - I yelled and took off behind her.
She tried, but panic had already taken over.
"Turn right and use the slope to stop! If you can't, just fall sideways and relax!"
She chose the second option.
Not because she couldn't stop, but because she was scared.
She fell gently into the powdered snow.
I slid down beside her and stopped.
"Well," I said, looking down at her, "you stopped."
"You make it look easy," she groaned.
"Yeah, nah," I laughed. "First time I tried an off-road track I was sliding on my ass instead of skiing. I'm not exactly a master."
I extended my hand.
"Now get up. We're heading to the lift so you can try the long green route."
With her pushing and me pulling, she managed to stand.
"Actually," I added, "this is a good time to teach you how to move in skis without taking them off."
I demonstrated by walking sideways down the slope.
Step. Step. Step.
Like a crab.
It was slow heavy and awkward.
"I personally hate this movement," I admitted. "But it's useful sometimes."
Then I turned, slid forward a bit, and made a wide left turn.
"This is how you start. Depending on the slope, your turns will be tighter or wider. You definitely don't want to accelerate down a red or black route."
I gestured.
"Try turning left like I did."
"O-okay."
She tried stepping around, occasionally stepping on one ski with the other and having to retreat.
The skis kept sliding and she fell a few times.
Eventually though...
She started moving.
And then-
She turned.
"Good job!"
I pointed ahead.
"See those gates over there? The lift entrance. Head there."
Then I slid back uphill again and handed her my helmet from my exo-suit.
"Wear this."
With that I rode back down and waited.
She slid forward... slowed... accelerated... slowed again...
Then failed to get past the small snow bump meant to stop people from entering too fast.
I burst out laughing.
She looked at me like I had personally betrayed her.
So I slid back behind her.
"Check this out."
Using Transmutation, I pushed both of us forward.
"Woah!"
"Very versatile skill," I said casually as we glided up the small incline. "So, how are you feeling?"
"I think I'm good," she replied.
"Any pain?"
She shook her head.
"Good. Since I didn't groom the tracks yet, most of the snow is still powder. That means you'll fall..."
I paused.
"...but gently."
"Very reassuring," she said flatly.
"I'm kidding. You'll get the hang of it."
We reached the lift gate.
"The system works like this," I explained. "Normally you buy a card or get one with a room. Insert it here, the machine checks it, then the gate opens."
I slipped my card into the slot.
Click.
The gate opened.
"I'm the owner though," I added. "So I can reopen it from the inside."
I stepped through and opened the second gate for her.
Turning around in skis was still annoyingly difficult.
"Alright," I said, facing her again. "When the seat comes behind you, just sit down and place your skis on the footrest below."
She nodded.
We slid onto the moving conveyor belt.
A moment later-
The chair scooped us up.
I pulled down the safety bar.
"Put your skis there," I said, pointing to the footrest.
She followed.
The lift began its slow climb up the mountain.
About fifteen kilometers per hour.
I smiled faintly.
"This is one of my favorite parts."
She looked at me.
"Back home... lots of people. Lots of noise. Moments like this were rare."
I went quiet and opened my ear to hear the quiet.
The soft hum of the lift mechanism, the wind brushing past, and nothing else.
"If you learn fast enough and don't get too tired," I added, "I'll let you try a red track."
She scanned the mountain from our new vantage point.
"Which one is the red track?"
I pointed.
A straight path cutting down through the winding green/blue route.
The sword through the serpent.
We sat quietly for a moment.
Then she leaned gently against my shoulder.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice muffled behind the helmet glass.
I rested my head against hers.
"Always, my love."
After a few minutes, the upper station approached.
"Alright," I said. "When we reach the slope, push yourself forward and slide to the side. We'll stop there before taking the long route."
"Okay."
"Lift your skis off the footrest."
She did.
I raised the safety bar.
The chair reached the unloading platform.
I pushed forward and slid smoothly down the small ramp, stopping at the flat area right next to it.
Eris got off...
Then immediately tipped backward.
She slid a little and stopped on her back, staring up at the sky with a wide, stupid smile on her face.
I couldn't help it.
She looked absolutely ridiculous.
And completely happy.
"Just look at you," I said as I slid uphill toward her. "You're adorable."
She didn't deny it. A soft blush colored her cheeks.
"Don't lie there too long," I added, glancing down the slope. "Your clothes will get wet if they're not hydrophobic."
The path stretched down the mountain in a long, gentle descent.
"Just so you know, there are a few steeper sections. You'll have to turn to slow down there. But don't worry - by the time we reach them, I'll teach you everything you need."
"How steep are we talking?" she asked, sitting up on her side.
"Ten degrees or so. Nothing crazy. The rest of the route is fairly flat."
She pushed herself up, placing her skis perpendicular to the slope.
"Coffee break," I declared.
I took off my skis and walked through the deep snow, sinking nearly to my shins. From my astral storage I created two simple wooden stools and pulled out our bottles of coffee.
"Want me to warm it up?" I asked, handing her one.
"Yes, please."
A small Transmutation later, the liquid gently heated.
"Not too hot," I said. "Just enough to make a difference."
She smiled warmly and took a sip.
The break was peaceful.
Half the bottles disappeared quickly... well, hers did. Once she finished, she stood up and began playing in the snow.
I took another sip.
A snowball smacked into my shoulder.
"Trying to turn my coffee into iced coffee, I see?" I joked.
I bent down, packed a snowball, and threw it back.
My aim was terrible. Absolutely terrible.
"My luck is still better than yours," she teased.
"That's why you're my lucky charm!"
She chuckled and threw another one.
"Yeah, nah."
I stood up.
She ran.
But I caught her quickly and tackled her in a way that wouldn't hurt - more of a controlled suplex than anything.
"Oof!" she grunted as we landed in the snow.
She immediately scooped up some snow and tried to remove.
I reacted instantly, transmuting the snow into mana before it touched me. The mana then flowed back into warmth, heating both of us slightly.
"It's fine," I said. "How are you feeling?"
"Good... actually." She blushed softly. "Playing in the snow like this... I never really had the chance."
She relaxed against me. I had taken most of the impact anyway.
"Thank you."
I simply held her.
The snow had soaked my coat a little, but the warmth between us made that irrelevant.
Eventually we stood up again.
Then we began sliding down the green track.
She was learning fast. Guess that's the beginner's luck.
So I decided it was time for the next lesson.
We moved to the baby track - a small training section separated from the main routes, except that the green track moves through it's entrance and exit, kind of like a gas station.
"Alright," I said. "Listen carefully. This will be your tool for surviving red and black tracks."
She stood attentively.
"You're a fast learner, so I doubt you'll struggle. When turning at higher speeds, you use both legs together," I explained. "If necessary, lean into the turn as well."
I pushed off from the top of the baby track and demonstrated.
Left leg initiates.
Right leg follows.
A smooth double turn.
"This lets you slow down much faster."
I accelerated toward her.
"Observe!" I said dramatically, turning sharply sideways and stopped right in front of her.
Then I smiled.
"Alright, sweetheart. Get on the conveyor belt and start practicing."
Her eyes widened.
"You're not coming with me?"
"I'm too old for this." I replied jockingly.
"For the record," she said flatly, "I'm older than you."
"How much are we talking?"
"A few centuries."
"Well," I said, flashing a charming smile, "you've aged like honey."
"And you're as smooth as honey," she replied, her defenses already collapsing.
I shrugged, my smile remaining.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming."
And so we headed toward the conveyor lift.
"You're actually that old?" I asked.
"Yes. Goddesses stop aging once they reach their peak."
"Neat feature."
I glanced at her over my shoulder.
"Since I invented my own form of immortality, you won't have to worry about me aging either."
She looked away shyly.
"That gesture... melted my heart."
"I'm quite the romantic." I replied.
"I know."
And so we practiced.
Unlike her though, I actually got tired.
So she blessed me as well, allowing me to continue going even if I was exhausted.
I sincerely hoped this didn't become a weird kink.
She fell a few times.
On her back.
On her side.
Thankfully it's hard to fall forward while skiing.
"Do it perfectly three times," I announced while sitting nearby and drinking coffee, "and we'll try the red track."
Her eyes lit up, determination clear in them.
So she rode down.
Back onto the conveyor.
Again.
And again.
And finally-
Three perfect runs.
I clapped, standing up.
"Good job! Good job!" I got into my own skis and turned. "Alright. Let's go."
We reached one of the crossroads where the green route(the serpent)continued winds downward while the red track(the sword) cuts straight through the mountain.
"This is your test run," I said. "If you make it down without major issues, we go all the way to the top next."
I pushed forward and accelerated down the red slope.
"I believe in you!"
I gained speed, turning sharply to control it.
Then again.
Then again.
Soon we reached the lower part of the mountain.
Instead of heading toward the street, I angled toward the fun park, which was to the left of the living area, if you are going down, and towards the big ramp at the end.
Behind me I heard her skis scraping, as she sped up.
"Love!" she shouted.
Too late.
I launched.
"Check this out!"
I attempted a flip.
My eyes widened, the sky entered my vision as time began to slow down.
I realized I might not land this. I remembered the promise I made her - to be more careful.
I'm sorry, my love... For being selfish. But right now, I don't think I could care... The world feels so, so wonderful.
I became aware of the danger.
There was only one option.
Perhaps now is the time to ask for help?
Татко... Може ли да ми помогнеш?
Знам, че нямам силата да си придам достатъчно енергия...
Затова те моля - помогни ми.
Прости ми...
Нека името ти се свети, както на небето, така и на земята.
In that moment the euphoria faded, replaced by an undebiable feeling of peace.
I tucked my legs tighter to spin faster.
And then...
I landed.
Perfectly.
I slid forward as to not fall on my back after that jump. For when you make that leap, there's no going back, you must continue.
Then I slowed down.
Eris rushed toward me.
"You scared me for a moment there."
"I won't be doing that again," I said quietly, staring at my gloved hand.
"It's not good to do things out of pride."
Then I blinked, realizing something. - "Oh. You're still standing."
"You nearly gave me a heart attack," she snapped.
In that moment I gently hug her. "I'm sorry."
She sighed. "...It's fine."
We finished the descent quietly after this.
Something inside me had changed.
My mind felt filled with peace.
With gratitude.
With Him.
Soon we reached the lift again and began heading back up the mountain.
During the ride up, I leaned forward against the safety bar, lost in thought.
Beside me, Eris looked up at the sky. Judging by the sun's position, she had realized just how much time had passed.
A quiet conflict appeared on her face.
Without saying anything, I reached out and took her hand.
I already knew what she was thinking.
"It's alright," I said softly. "One last ride for today."
She leaned against me, hugging my arm. Her expression turned sad.
"I wish I could be free... to live like a human."
I had no answer for that.
So instead, I simply stayed beside her.
"But I will remain hopeful," she added after a moment.
She looked upward at me. Even though the sunlight reflected through the helmet's glass and into my eyes, I could still see the slight tears forming.
Then, as always, she returned to warmth.
...
...
...
"You know," I said after a while, "I could show you some of the things people from my world once dreamed of. Luxury. Comfort."
I glanced down toward the resort below.
"I still haven't officially opened the place... so why not come back tonight?"
She smiled gently. "Sure."
Soon the lift reached the top.
After a bit of encouragement and playful hype, we pushed off again.
This time she moved with much more confidence.
She still fell a few times, but she didn't give up.
Turn after turn, she adapted.
And eventually, we reached the bottom of the mountain unharmed... and smiling.
She exhaled slowly, a bittersweet smile on her face.
"Well... I think it's time for me to go."
I stepped forward and hugged her, quietly using transmutation to remove the snow from her clothes while warming her at the same time.
"I'm not sending you back to the afterlife with a chance of catching a cold."
She laughed softly. "I haven't even changed back into my normal clothes yet."
"I'm not rushing you," I said defensively.
"I know."
She held onto me for a moment longer.
Then she stepped away.
After changing back into her divine attire inside one of the restaurants, Eris returned to the afterlife.
Just like that.
After spending half a day with her... Riding alone didn't feel the same.
So instead of skiing again, I decided to do something for someone else.
I climbed one of the nearby peaks.
And at its summit, I placed a cross.