The Married Life Of Immortals

Lysia's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. "Are you trying to say that we can't destroy the tree without letting the beasts free? Why is that a problem for us? Is this place not sealed off?"

Mizuage shook his head solemnly. "The barrier that seals this realm isn't foolproof. If we disturb the Nexus Tree and release these creatures, they could potentially breach the barrier and wreak havoc on our world. We have to be cautious."

Lysia shook her head. "Our current problem has nothing to do with this realm. Even if the beasts break free, whoever placed this Nexus Tree here will be at fault. Our job is to protect our home, not the other realms. The point of this all is to seal ourselves off completely, and I did not bring any of you to have a choice in the matter."

Bane listened to the tense exchange between Lysia and Mizuage, weighing the implications of their discovery. He glanced around the clearing, taking note of the tree spirits watching them with an eerie stillness. The air buzzed with an unsettling energy, a reminder of the delicate balance they were treading upon.

"Lysia, Mizuage has a point," Wei Nam Lee interjected calmly, his voice cutting through the tension. "Disturbing the Nexus Tree could have unforeseen consequences. We need to proceed with caution."

Lysia's eyes flashed with determination as she listened to Wei Nam Lee's cautious counsel. She understood the risks involved, but her resolve remained steadfast. "We came here to neutralize the power source of this portal, and that's what we're going to do. If there are risks, we'll handle them. But leaving this Nexus Tree intact is not an option."

Mizuage scowled, his pride wounded but his concern genuine. "You're being reckless. This isn't just about our world; it's about the balance of these realms. Do you understand what could happen if those creatures are unleashed?"

Lysia met his gaze evenly. "I understand perfectly well, Mizuage. But our duty is to protect our home. This tree and whatever it guards pose a potential threat to our island. We cannot afford to leave it unchecked."

Bane, torn between the arguments of both, spoke up tentatively. "Is there no way to disable the tree without freeing the creatures? Maybe some kind of containment or a way to divert its energy?"

Wei Nam Lee nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible that we could create a temporary barrier or containment spell to neutralize the tree's energy without fully destroying it. That way, we can disrupt its function without risking a catastrophic release."

Mizuage looked relieved at the suggestion. "That could work. We could contain the energy flow and prevent any immediate danger."

Lysia considered their options, weighing the risks and benefits. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. Let's proceed with Wei Nam Lee's plan. Bane, help me gather some materials from the forest. Mizuage, assist Wei Nam Lee in preparing the spells we'll need."

With a plan in place, the group set to work. Bane and Lysia gathered specific herbs and crystals while Mizuage and Wei Nam Lee began inscribing complex runes and casting intricate spells. The forest hummed with magical energy as they worked, the air thick with tension and anticipation.

"If this doesn't work, I am destroying that tree, and we are leaving," Lysia growled as she walked with Bane, and he nodded.

"I agree with you. Something like this doesn't really seem like a way of dealing with things, and I am also not much for wasting time with long-winded plans that can be accomplished in a short amount of time," Bane agreed, not liking how much time they were wasting on this when he should be training.

"Thank you. At least you seem to understand that this is a waste of time," Lysia groaned, making Bane smile.

"We should just send the two of them back to the village for the next one, right?" Bane asked curiously, but Lysia groaned again, flopping forward defeated.

"Bilgarth told me I had to take people that were remotely responsible with us so we don't cause too many problems for the other realms!" Lysia growled, and Bane burst out laughing.

"So, you just like to play the tough one?" Bane teased, but then flinched back at the death glare Lysia gave him. "I mean, I do understand where you are coming from. I am more concerned about keeping the island safe as well. I will be coming out here in a few years, so whatever shit we cause now, I will just deal with it in the future."

"Oh? You are going to be the valiant hero that saves everyone?" Lysia asked with a grin. It was now her turn to tease, but Bane just rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, sure, but valiant? Nah. Save everyone? Have you met most people? I mean, this village we live in now is great, but these are like the best of the best at what they do, so that isn't a good comparison. I will save this world, or try to, but I promise you here and now that I will not be saving everyone. Hell, I hope no one calls me a hero because I am not one. I am just a guy that is going to try and fix things, in my way!" Bane declared, making Lysia laugh. Seeing her smile like that made Bane smile, and he almost grabbed her hand to pull her along, but then stopped himself, not wanting to be weird. "Let's go. I am sure they are waiting for us."

Lysia nodded and followed along, but a couple of steps back so she could scold herself for almost getting excited when she noticed Bane going for her hand. Lysia, an elf of 12,000 years, had always distanced herself from others, especially short-lived races like humans. Her long life had made her wary of forming attachments, knowing that those she cared for would inevitably fade away while she endured. This isolation had hardened her, shaping her into a formidable warrior and leader in her village.

When Bane, a human with a roguish charm and a penchant for trouble, arrived in their village, Lysia's initial reaction was tinged with annoyance and distrust. Humans were transient, their lives fleeting compared to her own. She had little patience for their impulsive nature and short-term perspectives.

However, as she started to train him, Lysia found herself increasingly drawn to Bane's resilience and determination. His irreverence towards authority and his willingness to confront danger head-on sparked a reluctant admiration in Lysia, one that she struggled to reconcile with her ingrained prejudice against humans.

As they delved deeper into the mysteries of the Nexus Tree and the dangers it posed, Lysia's initial annoyance evolved into something unexpected: admiration mixed with a growing attraction. Bane's ability to adapt and his unique perspective on their mission intrigued her, challenging her preconceptions about humans.

Yet, Lysia fought against these feelings, knowing the inevitable heartache of loving someone whose lifespan was but a fraction of her own. Her pride as an elf, with centuries of experience and wisdom, clashed with her newfound vulnerability to emotions she had long suppressed.

Her decision to augment Bane's abilities with mana was not solely driven by a desire to ensure his survival for his goal’s success. It was also a selfish act born from a longing for companionship that she had denied herself for millennia. The realization both emboldened and troubled her, as she grappled with the implications of her growing affection for a human.

Despite her inner turmoil, Lysia remained steadfast in her duty to protect her home and maintain the balance between realms. Her resolve to safeguard their island and its people was unwavering, even as her heart wrestled with conflicting emotions toward Bane.

As they prepared to confront the Nexus Tree and execute their plan, Lysia pushed aside her personal feelings, focusing on the task at hand. The fate of their world hung in the balance, and she could ill afford distractions, especially those stemming from her own heart.

Thus, as they approached the Nexus Tree, Lysia steeled herself against the uncertainties that lay ahead, her mind clear and her determination resolute. Whatever path they took, she knew that her decisions would shape not only their immediate future but also the course of her own conflicted heart.