"Strategy? Me?" Leo's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he matched her playful tone. "You know I can't reveal all my secrets, Ms. Elly. A good strategist always keeps a few tricks up their sleeve."
Elly feigned a dramatic gasp, her eyes wide. "Oh, come now, cousin. Surely you can give me a sneak peek? I promise I won't tell a soul."
"Well..." Leo drew out the word, considering his options. "I've been thinking about our supplies. We might want to stock up on some extra provisions, just in case. You know, can't hurt to be prepared."
Nodding, Elly agreed, "It's always smart to be ready for anything. We don't want to be caught unprepared, oespecially since we're traveling light."
The sound of their fotsteps on the leaf-strewn path provided a pleasant backdrop to their easy banter, a comforting rhythm as they strolled through the academy grounds.
Leo's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the familiar sights with a hint of nostalgia. "It's been quite the journey, hasn't it? I can't believe we're already planning our next move outside of the academy."
Sighing, Elly smiled softly, remembering. "I know. It feels like just yesterday when we first started our apprenticeship. Time really does fly when you're having fun... or studying tirelessly."
Letting out a chuckle, Leo admitted, "True. I'll admit, I won't miss the strict schedules and early mornings. It's nice to have a bit of freedom to explore and set our own pace."
Their path led them beyond the academy walls, the open road stretching before them. A light breeze ruffled their hair, carrying a hint of the coming winter chill.
"Ah, freedom!" Leo breathed, raising his arms dramatically, causing Elly to laugh. "No more lessons or trainers breathing down our necks. Just the open road and our own choices."
Smiling, Elly turned her face toward the sun, relishing the warmth on her skin. "I can't wait to see what the world has to offer beyond the confines of the academy. It feels like we're truly stepping into our own adventures now."
Their steps carried them onward, a sense of anticipation and freedom filling their hearts. The weight of their packs was a comforting reminder of their preparedness, and they set a steady pace, eager to reach Greenwood City and reunite with their comrades.
The journey began uneventfully, the two enjoying the passing scenery from the comfort of a carriage. The speed of their travel impressed them both, the carriage covering great distances with each passing hour, carrying them swiftly toward their destination.
The sun had set by the time they arrived at a bustling village, the warm glow of lantern light guiding them to a cozy inn. As they stepped through the door, a cheerful innkeeper greeted them, his face bright with a welcoming smile.
"Evening, travelers!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the modest lobby. "How many rooms will you be needing this evening?"
Without missing a beat, Leo responded, "Just one, please." He shot a quick glance at Elly, his expression unreadable, before turning back to the innkeeper.
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Just the one, eh? Well, can't blame you there, young man. We've got fine rooms, perfect for... resting."
Elly felt her cheeks flush, her heart racing as she realized Leo's intentions. A playful smile curved her lips, and she looked away, feigning innocence.
The innkeeper led them up a creaking staircase to a room at the end of the hall. "Here you are, then. I hope you enjoy your stay." With a wink, he handed Leo a key and bid them good night.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Leo crossed the room in strides, a playful glint in his eyes. He turned to face Elly, his gaze intense. "It's been a long journey, and I think we deserve a bit of relaxation, don't you?"
Elly's heart pounded in her chest as she met his gaze. She nodded, a shy smile playing at her lips. "I suppose we do."
With a swift motion, Leo closed the distance between them, his hands gently grasping hers. "Then let's not waste any more time." His voice was low and husky, sending a wave of goosebumps.
Their lips met in a feverish kiss, hungry and passionate. Elly's heart raced as she responded, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. The room seemed to spin around them as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment.
As their kisses grew more feverish, Leo's hands wandered, his fingers deftly undoing the buttons of her blouse. He paused briefly, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Let me take this off you."
Elly nodded, her breath coming in short gasps as she relished the feel of his hands on her skin. The blouse slipped from her shoulders, baring her supple form, and she shivered with anticipation.
Leo's gaze darkened with desire as he took in the sight of her naked skin. He wasted no time, his hands roaming over her body, mapping every curve with eager fingers. With gentle yet urgent hands, he guided her toward the bed, their footsteps hesitant and uneven as they struggled to maintain their passionate embrace.
In a swift motion, he lifted her, settling her onto the soft mattress. His eyes burned with unspoken words as he took in the sight of her, a hungry glow in his gaze. Without breaking their locked stare, he shrugged off his own shirt, revealing his toned form.
Elly sat up, her eyes shining with a mischievous glint. Her hands reached out, tracing the contours of his chest, enjoying the feel of his warm skin under her fingertips.
Leo hissed as her touch sent shivers down his body, and he leaned into her caress. His breath quickened as her hands explored, his restraint beginning to falter.
Their lips met again, their kisses deep and urgent. Elly felt her heart pounding in her chest as Leo's lips trailed downward, leaving a trail of fiery sensations across her skin. His hands explored, his touch sending sparks through her veins.
With a hungry growl, Leo thrust himself into her with a sharp, satisfied groan. Their eyes met, reflecting the raw passion and desire that consumed them both.
Elly arched her back, a sigh escaping her lips as she relished the feeling of him within her. Her hands grasped his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as she pulled him closer, silently pleading for more.
He obliged, beginning a relentless rhythm, his thrusts paced with wild urgency. The bed creaked in time with their passionate dance, the sound joining their ragged breathing in a chaotic symphony.