Relationship progress

(3rd Person POV)

As Firfel looked at Arthur, her mind raced with possibilities. With his status as a famous filmmaker, he most definitely has enough influence to be invited by Alicorn Auction, she concluded.

Feigning ignorance, she tilted her head. "Alicorn Auction? Can't say I've heard of it." She paused, then added, "What sorts of things do they auction?" Her question was a careful probe, an attempt to discern whether Arthur had indeed received an invitation.

Arthur confirmed her suspicions with his next words. "I hadn't heard of them before either," he admitted, "but I recently received an invitation. Apparently, they're quite an influential auction house, known for being highly selective in their guest list. Only those with significant power and influence make the cut."

He continued, "From what I gathered, they specialize in auctioning off creatures suitable for forming pacts, like wyverns."

Firfel schooled her features into an expression of surprise, as if this were the first time she'd heard of such a thing. "Hmm... They do sound like a big deal."

Nodding, Arthur took a bite of his fried rice before responding. "Definitely. And get this—they only hold auctions once every three years. That's how exclusive they are."

Humming thoughtfully, Firfel speared a piece of tender Japon beef, savoring the rich flavor before posing her next question. "So... Are you planning to attend?" She kept her tone casual, despite already having a strong inkling of what his answer would be.

"Absolutely," Arthur confirmed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "How could I pass up the opportunity to potentially own a wyvern or maybe even..." He paused for dramatic effect. "A dragon?"

This time, Firfel's surprise was genuine, her eyes widening. "A dragon? They're actually auctioning off those magnificent creatures?"

Arthur sighed, a mix of excitement and concern in his expression. "Yes, unfortunately." He elaborated, "As much as I'd love to have a dragon of my own, I recognize them as intelligent, noble beings. Part of me wants to attend the auction simply to purchase one and set it free."

Firfel furrowed her brow. "But then how would you be able to call it your own?"

"Well," Arthur explained, "I would let the dragon choose. If it wished to stay with me, I would be honored. But if it desired freedom, I wouldn't stand in its way."

A warmth blossomed in Firfel's chest at Arthur's words. As an elf, she had always held a deep affection and respect for all creatures, and Arthur's compassionate approach resonated with her own values.

Her mind drifted back to the incident three years prior when Arthur had gone out of his way to liberate a herd of elephants from the clutches of marauding orc tribes. His kindness and bravery had only served to deepen her admiration for him.

Firfel's smile radiated warmth as she reflected on Arthur's kindness towards creatures like elephants and even the formidable dragons. She was so lost in her thoughts that she barely registered the sound of a camera shutter clicking.

Click! Flash! The bright burst of light snapped Firfel out of her reverie. She blinked, realizing that Arthur had just captured a photo of her. The polaroid slowly emerged from the camera, and Arthur plucked it out, holding it delicately as the image gradually came into focus.

In the picture, Firfel's smile was captured in all its radiant beauty, her eyes sparkling with a mix of admiration and affection. Arthur couldn't help but grin as he gazed at the photograph. "You look absolutely stunning when you smile like that," he said, his voice genuine despite the playful undercurrent.

Firfel felt a blush creep into her cheeks. "Hey! Give me that!" she demanded, leaning across the table and reaching for the photo in Arthur's hand.

But Arthur was too quick, holding the picture just out of her grasp, his smile widening as Firfel struggled to snatch it back. The table shook precariously as they playfully wrestled for control of the photograph, their laughter echoing through the room.

In a last-ditch effort, Firfel stood up, Arthur mirroring her movements as he continued to keep the photo tantalizingly out of reach. They were so caught up in their game, giggling like carefree children, that they failed to notice just how close they had gotten to each other.

It wasn't until Firfel felt her amulet necklace tremble against her chest that she realized the proximity of their bodies. Arthur, too, seemed to become aware of their closeness at that moment, a flicker of realization crossing his features.

Suddenly, the air between them grew charged with a different kind of energy, a palpable tension that had nothing to do with their lighthearted game. Firfel felt her face grow hot, a deep blush staining her cheeks as she became acutely aware of every point of near-contact between them.

In a flustered attempt to regain her composure, Firfel gently pushed Arthur away, creating a more respectable distance. Arthur, for his part, seemed equally affected, scratching the back of his head sheepishly as he held out the photo to her. "Here," he offered, his voice softer than before.

Firfel's gaze fell on the photograph in his hand, a mix of emotions swirling within her. After a moment's hesitation, she shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's alright," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "Keep it. It's yours now."

Surprise flickered across Arthur's face at Firfel's response. With a gentle smile, he reached for her hands, pressing the photograph into her palm. "It's a picture of you, so it rightfully belongs to you," he insisted.

Firfel's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she tried to refuse. "What are you doing? I don't need it," she protested, her voice wavering slightly.

Undeterred, Arthur persisted, but seeing Firfel's continued reluctance, he sighed and changed tactics. "Well, if you don't want it, I suppose I'll just have to display it in my office—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Firfel snatched the photo from his hand. "On second thought, I think I will keep it after all," she declared, her tone a mix of embarrassment and resignation.

Arthur couldn't hide his smile at her sudden change of heart.

Firfel studied the colorful polaroid, marveling at the quality of the image. "It's hard to believe that just four years ago, photographs were still black and white," she mused, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "Now, not only are they in color, but the quality is remarkable."

With a playful grin, Arthur raised his hand. "And none of it would have been possible without my contributions," he reminded her.

Rolling her eyes, Firfel shook her head. "Yes, yes, I'm well aware," she acknowledged, her gaze settling on the camera in Arthur's hand, the Hellfire and Impact logos prominently displayed.

It had only been a few weeks since Arthur's company, Hellfire, had entered into a partnership with Impact, solidifying their presence in the camera industry.

Almost unconsciously, Firfel voiced her thoughts aloud. "It's no wonder you've been invited to such a prestigious auction house. With the wealth you're accumulating from your various business ventures, they're undoubtedly eager to secure a chunk of your fortune."

Arthur chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I couldn't agree more." Then, catching Firfel off guard, he added, "Speaking of the auction, I'm planning to attend, and I'd love for you to join me. What do you say?"

Firfel's eyes widened in surprise. "What? You want to invite me?"

"Absolutely," Arthur confirmed with a nod.

Hesitation crept into Firfel's voice. "I'm not sure I have the funds to participate," she admitted.

"Don't worry about that," Arthur assured her, his smile warm and genuine. "I'll cover the expenses for you." Seeing her uncertain expression, he added, "I might even buy you a unicorn while we're there if you'd like."

A soft laugh escaped Firfel's lips. "I hope you won't come to regret that offer," she teased.

Arthur's smile only grew. "Never," he promised. "The auction is set to begin in a few days, so make sure you're prepared."

Firfel nodded, a thought suddenly occurring to her. "If it's alright with you, could I invite Shafel to join us as well?" she asked, hoping to use her friend's presence as a buffer for her own conflicting emotions.

Stroking his chin, Arthur considered her request. "I was hoping it could be just the two of us, but if it would make you happy, then by all means, invite him along."

"Thank you," Firfel said, her smile genuine and appreciative.

With their plans settled, Arthur and Firfel bid each other farewell, Arthur driving her home before returning to his own mansion.

As he settled into his room, Arthur's thoughts turned to his followers, particularly the filmmaker Levi Strauss. He had recently learned that Levi's film had been accepted into an indie film festival, a development that pleased him greatly.