Envy's Dawn [Veralia/Stella]

Another crackling and snapping sound ripped out in the space around Stella, as this time Veralia appeared in the chair next to Stella with her plate and stuffed her face filled with the spicy food. Savoring the kick it had brought a sense of pleasure flowing down her spine as her fiery soul thrived on such hellish heat.

"This dish is to die for~"

With a smug grin, Veralia turned to the suffering redhead and saw Stella was putting on a brave face to endure the daunting punch the spicy dish had.

"I warned ya not to follow me like a helpless puppy. Not everything I do is meant to be copied."

With a victorious wiggle of her nose, Veralia's laughter filled the room, a sound that was both mocking and affectionate. Observing Stella's valiant but pained effort to keep up, Veralia extended a glass of milk towards her, a peace offering of sorts.

"Drink it. It should help wash down some of the spice. I don't want you dying before we even get to train, girl."

Her words, though teasing, carried an underlying concern for Stella's well-being.

"Of course. Spicy foods are a treat to me, but I think you'll adjust to them if you are insistent on following my lead."

An amused chortle left the mouth of Veralia; delight being reflected in her eyes as she took the last bits of her food in. After wiping her mouth with a napkin, she let out a happy sigh and moved away from Stella after patting her back.

"I'mma get dressed."

Humming a carefree tune, Veralia disappeared into the bathroom to slip into her hoodie, jean shorts, and sandals, opting for simplicity for their upcoming outdoor venture. Once dressed, she lounged on the couch, her gaze landing on Stella with a playful smirk.

"Just give me a shout when you're all set, and we can hit the road. Unless, of course, you're aching for a bit more closeness."

With a smug expression on her face, Veralia used her right hand to pat her land; as if inviting Stella to take a seat.

The blood gaze of Veralia's eyes lingered on Stella in silence for a few still seconds. But the quietness gave way to a soft chuckle as she seemed ready to call something out.

"I can see that. From the sounds of it, you've been sheltered your whole life and are looking for a bit of excitement to figure out what to even do with yourself."

With a gentle, teasing motion, she flicked Stella's cheek, adding on:

"Can't say your company has been a net negative so far, so perhaps the feeling is mutual."

Reclining comfortably, a smug smile played on her lips as she enjoyed a sip of her cola, the fizz echoing her satisfaction.

"But more to the point, with all those conflicting feelings boiling in yourself, I'm sure you are ready to cut loose, right? Lean on that when we get to training."

"Oh, someone is pouty~"

Veralia's right eyebrow rose in reaction to Stella's displeasure at her tease. Soon after, a chuckle emerged from Veralia a gentle wave breaking the surface tension of the room. As she took a few moments to reveal in her discomfort, she stood up along with the other woman and slapped her lower back in a gentle, playful manner

"I'll have to keep you guessing then if you aren't sure where you stand."

Tracing her fingers along the arm of Stella, Veralia lifted her head, stood on her tippy toes, and placed her arms behind her back as she walked toward the balcony. But this stillness would be broken by the crackling of an emerald flaming vortex before them. Despite the inferno before them, the objects around them seemed unphased as Veralia started to walk into it. Beyond its fiery grasp lay an open meadow where the two would begin the next phase of training.

But, before fully stepping into the flames, Veralia took a parting glance at Stella before gently taking her hand and leading her along.

"Coming with?"