Sometimes the quest would change the day to night and night to day to advance a scene.
Ren was sure that this was it, and he dreaded the following event that would surely follow. That was what his gut feeling had been telling him.
The village took on a new life when the sun was beginning to set. The buildings and bridges glow in the warm hues of the sunset, casting a soft, magical light over the village. The frogfolk gather together, sharing stories and songs and enjoying the simple pleasures of life in their little corner of the ocean.
"Ah! There you are!" the mayor trotted towards them and grabbed their hands. "Come. Come. You must dine with us. There is an ongoing party in your honor!"
Ren pulled his hand back and uttered, "No, thank you. We're only here to get our rewards."
The mayor's brows crumpled. "It's getting dark, and can you spare a night with us until you leave for the morrow? Besides, your lady friend seemed like she wanted to stay the night."
Ren's eyes flickered at Elena and found that the latter was already staring at the song and dance in the distance.
He forgot . . . the Princess was weak to the word 'Party.'
Great.
Ren pursed his lips, unable to say anything to sway the Princess's mind, but when Elena looked at him with her doe-like eyes, he knew the battle was lost, and he could only give in.
"Fine," Ren agreed with a wry sigh.
Elena and the Mayor both jumped from their toes with glee.
The beach was alive with excitement as the sun began to set over the horizon. A large bonfire had been built in the center of the beach, and as the flames grew higher, so did the spirits of the frogfolk who had gathered around it.
The smell of saltwater and roasting seafood wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the gentle strumming of a guitar. The frogfolk gathered around the fire, some sitting on blankets and others dancing to the beat of the music.
As the night grew darker, the fire illuminated the beach, casting flickering shadows across the sand. The frogfolk sang old songs, their voices harmonizing together in a chorus of joy. The guitar and drum player strummed faster, and the dancing grew more energetic.
People began to join in, clapping and stomping their feet to the rhythm of the music. The sound of the waves crashing onto the shore mixed with the music, creating a symphony of sound that filled the air.
As the Frogfolks gathered around the bonfire on the beach, the air was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly cooked seafood. The frogfolk, known for their culinary expertise, had prepared a variety of delicious seafood dishes for the party.
A platter of grilled shrimp seasoned with a blend of spices and served on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. The shrimp were succulent and perfectly cooked, with a smoky flavor that complemented the salty ocean air.
A large bowl of seafood gumbo, a rich and spicy stew made with a variety of seafood, including crab, shrimp, and oysters. The broth was thick and flavorful, with a complex mix of spices and herbs that tantalized the taste buds.
For those who preferred something lighter, the frogfolk had prepared a platter of ceviche, a dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices. The fish was tender and flavorful, with a tangy citrus kick that refreshed the palate.
Another favorite dish was the seafood paella, a hearty rice dish made with a variety of seafood, including mussels, clams, and shrimp. The rice was infused with saffron and other spices, giving it a rich and earthy flavor that complemented the seafood perfectly.
Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, the frogfolk had prepared a decadent seafood-inspired dessert. A platter of chocolate-covered strawberries was served with a twist - each strawberry was stuffed with a fresh oyster. The combination of sweet and salty flavors was unexpected but surprisingly delicious.
Ren got all of their recipes though he doubted he would ever find himself cooking these days. He was planning to sell the recipes since it was already stored in his compendium. No need to hold on to them.
As the night wore on, the fire burned lower, but the merry atmosphere continued. People shared stories and jokes, passing around bottles of wine and plates of food. The smell of grilled seafood filled the air, and the laughter never seemed to stop.
Children ran around the fire, playing games and chasing each other, their faces illuminated by the glow of the flames. Some of the older folk joined in, showing off their dance moves and teaching the younger generation how to have fun.
The Frogfolks danced and sang, and everyone was just having a great time, except for Ren, who really didn't like to party at the moment.
In fact, the noise was getting into him, and he quietly went outside to take a breather while Elena danced with the Froglings.
Ren went to the raft and sat on its wooden planks.
The moon rose high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the water, and the beach came to life with the twinkling of countless fireflies. The sound of waves crashing onto the shore providing a soothing rhythm that added to the magical atmosphere.
At this moment, Ren thought of Evie. Come to think of it. There wasn't a day that he wasn't thinking about her and his parents.
He missed them so much. It felt like an eternity. Maybe it was the game. His sense of time was altered, and he felt like a year had already passed.
Now that he thought about it, he would be logged out soon.
"Ren."
A soft, gentle voice called out to him. It was like a brush of soft petals on his ears.
Ren didn't have to look to know that it was the Princess. He felt her presence beside him, but he didn't look, eyes never really seeing anything.
"What are you doing here? Don't you like the party?"
"I just wanted to take a breather."
