The night was dark and gloomy. Stars are hidden behind the cloudy sky while the kingdom sleeps in peace. Elric and Arson are sitting together watching the clouds pass by. His mind drifted along with the cloud.
"Do you ever wonder what lies beyond those clouds?" Elric asked, breaking the silence and gazing up with a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "Sometimes, I wish. I was a cloud."
Suvain is fast asleep after the assurance of his crown prince that he will be on alert.
Arson hums delicately. "So, you could travel and see the world?"
Elric giggled, showing his teeth. "Yes, it would be wonderful, and I would see how our land looks from the sight of a flying bird." He glanced at Arson. "Do you believe that it would be beautiful?"
Arson crossed his arms, watching the sky tenderly. "If we could believe the sky is beautiful, then perhaps the sky would feel our land is beautiful."
Arson glanced at the beautiful eyes watching him. "After all, beauty is felt in the eye of the beholder."
Elric's eyes flicker around, avoiding Arson's gaze. He understands what the man is pointing out.
Perhaps this is the right moment to tell him the truth.
"I have a very important matter to discuss with you," Elric whispered, pulling his chair closer to Arson. The man nodded. "Yes, Your Highness, you can tell me anything."
Elric fumbles over his white robe, gulping to calm his nerves. He cannot think; how will Aaron react after knowing the truth that all this time it was he who was writing the letter in the name of Tiana? Perhaps the boy will not hesitate to complain about him to the king, or, worst case, he will regret being his friend.
Elric's lips wobbled; his tiny fun activity or prank could only result in failure and heartaches.
"Your Highness, you wish to tell me something." Arson reminds the young prince, who subtly blinks his eyes.
"It's about Father—His Majesty—knowing about our sparrow." Elric found something worthy to tell.
"Oh, that is good news, your highness." Arson smiles, "You can show the little bird to a proper physician now."
Elric nodded, turning his attention back to the sky.
"Aaron, assume someday a very horrible incident happened and the reason is me." Elric looks at Arson. "Would you regret being my friend?"
Arson furrowed his eyebrows. This question feels different. "Your Highness, I would never regret having you as my friend. You are truly one of a kind. After today's incident, even if my mind tells me to regret it. My heart would never agree." Arson got the urge to touch Elric's hand.
Elric noticed Arson looking at his hand. He raised it from his lap and placed it over Arson's hand.
Arson quickly holds it between palms. A radiant smile formed on his face. It looked similar to a crescent moon.
"Because, to this day, no one has ever stood in front of me with an attempt to protect me," noticing the confused gaze of Elric, Arson continues, "Perhaps I am expected to be good and strong in everything, which makes others believe that I can withstand any hurdles."
Elric looks into Arson's eyes. There are raw emotions in them, from happiness to worry. "But you are human like them."
Arson breaks into a wide smile. "Your words, your kindness, your gestures—I wish your sister have the same kindness too." Arson smiles, looking at the sky while holding Elric's hand. "I wished to tell her before anyone. But, Your Highness, I have--"
The bird sleeping on the table starts chirping loudly.
Arson swiftly runs to the tiny creature, whereas Elric sits frozen in his place. He can very well complete the unfinished sentence by Arson. He understands what he is trying to say, and he knows he has ruined their friendship now. Arson has fallen in love with the ghost human all by writing letters. As far as Elric remembers, he has never shown his face to the merchant. Then, how did Arson fall in love?
Doesn't a person's visuals, looks, and beauty matter while seeing a partner? He has seen his elder brother rejecting numerous princesses just by seeing their portraits, and here, this man claims to be in love without seeing the lady's face.
Elric has sinned now. His curiosity and fun have blossomed into a beautiful feeling in Arson, where he knows there is no return. Arson will reach his destination, which is hurt, betrayal, regret, and sorrow.
"Here," Arson placed the bird in Elric's hand. "Your bird got a nightmare, perhaps. Talk with it; your voice is familiar to it. It will find comfort and calm down."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Kids ran through the big field, playing games and giggling while tackling each other. A new set of clothes is being worn by them, and jewels; they could afford to include earrings, necklaces, and waistbands of beautiful threads.
Elders are sitting in a corner of the ground, watching the young people working through the area.
"What is happening here?" Arson's voice brought Elric back to the palace balcony.
Elric smiles. "Tonight, we will pray to the stars for guidance and prosperity. It's a tradition that brings everyone together, reminding us of our roots and the strength of our community." He gestures toward the festivities below, where laughter and music blend harmoniously under the twilight sky.
Arson nodded, his expression softening as he took in the vibrant scene. "It truly is beautiful," he said, "a reminder that even in our darkest times, we can find light in each other."
Elric smiles. "Perhaps you are missing your kingdom."
Arson smiles back. "Indeed, I am. Your Highness."
Elric chuckled lightly, appreciating the jest. "Well, maybe one day you can invite me to see this kingdom of yours, and I can show you how I celebrate our shared victories." The warmth of camaraderie filled the air as they both watched the festivities unfold.
Arson glanced at Elric, turning his attention back to an old lady swaying her body while singing a song. "What is she singing, your highness?"
Elric smiled, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "That's a traditional folk song about the harvest; it tells the story of our ancestors celebrating the bounty of the land and the friendships forged in times of plenty."
Oh, the land is so rich,
the grain is so tall, beneath the wide sky.
Our men toiled, our mothers sang, and their laughter could be heard across the fields.
The harvest moon would brighten the night,
and hands would come together in pure ecstasy.
We reaped the harvest together,
and a kinship was formed in every field.
Through the seasons, through the years,
through the joy and sorrow,
the harvest returns us home.
These morning beams are the product of our hard work.
The joy of the children permeates the air as they skip around the neighboring meadows.
Arso scans the complete area with curious eyes. This feels so different from his kingdom. Here, in Elysia, people celebrate even on inane things. Perhaps this is what keeps the people happy.
"What are you thinking?" Elric asked, crossing his arms, silently trying to calm the chills. "The temperature shall increase in the coming days. It would be too hot to even tolerate."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
When the sun dipped into the mountains and darkness filled the sky.
The young prince wore white floral prints embroidered on the softest fabric. A crown sits with grace on his head, complementing the long black hair, which is being carefully combed by Fawther.
A hairpin made from gold is stuck on the back of his head. Fawther dips his fingers in crushed ripe red fruits. It tints the prince's lips a light shade of red. A black stone grinded to thin powder is carefully applied under the prince's eyes.
Fawther held his breath when the prince tenderly opened his eyes. His breath hitched, unable to stop himself from staring at the prince longer than required.
"Your highness," Fawther whispered, turning his attention to fixing the dressing table. Elric hums, fixing his sleeves with a smile.
"Your highness, you are looking so..." Fawther furrowed his eyebrows, trying to find the right word. Yet, he's unable to say anything. "Your highness, you look just like a prince. No one can look at something so beautiful and compare it to you."
Elric laughs, "I can assume, my friend, that he is attempting to fall in my good books. Perhaps you wish to receive some rewards?"
Fawther smiles, "If there was a day I did not know you. I would have taken your words as an offense."
Elric smiles and pushes himself from the stool. He steps on the jute shoes. Fawther was quick to duck down before Elric could. "Your highness, you are wearing the crown. Please do not bow down."
Elric huffs, allowing Fawther to tie the aglet. "This is going to be the last time, Father." Elric whispered, watching Fawther tie for the other foot.
"I shall wear the crown after tying my shoes." Elric further added, fixing his outer robe and checking the belt, which was the lotus crest.
Elric steps out of the room, followed by Fawther and a guard. He kept looking around to get a glimpse of his merchant friend. "Fawther, could you perhaps inquire where Aaron, my friend, is?"
Fawther nodded with a bow and swiftly picked up his robe and ran through the hallway, going towards the merchant's room.
Elric took a deep breath as the guards opened the big door of the balcony. He carefully took a step towards his father, standing with his brother on the right.
The king smiled big, turning his head back to his subjects.
"Dear people of our kingdom," the king's eyes look at every face present in front of the palace. Kids are sitting on their father's shoulders; some are standing on their tiptoes while others are sitting on top of trees.
The king smiles while adding, "We are aware that this festival marks the harvest, and this year Mother Earth has blessed us abundantly with crops. We shall thank our creator and pray for next year to be prosperous too. I shall officially declare this ceremony to start."
Elric's eyes scan through every face, smiling at the ones waving at him. He looks from the left to the right corner, from the top of the tree to the people sitting on the large stones. He cannot see him.
His restlessness was noticed by his brother, whereas his father tilted his head lightly and whispered to Elric. "You will meet your friend soon, young prince."
Elric widens his eyes, watching the king chuckling at his reaction. "Also, no sneaking from the palace." The king orders me "I have ordered someone to take care of you."
Elric shook his head. "No, father. I do not wish to stay with guards around me. I swear, I will take care of myself."
The king shook his head. "Either, you stay in the place and watch everyone enjoy the festival or go with the person as I said."
The king looks behind Elric. "Oh, the escort is here."
Elric turns around to scold whoever it is.
Arson walks towards Elric with grace. Each step showing power and grace. The black soft fabric is embroidered with golden threads, creating large flowers. A waist belt made from fur. His hair is tied up with a few strands fluttering around his temple. Phoenix's eyes focused on Elric.
"Greeting, your majesty." Arson said, bowing to the king, and turned to bow at Elric. "Greeting to his highness and crown prince too."
The crown prince felt the formality in Arson's tone. He turns his head, pretending he did not listen because of the happiness of the kingdom.
"Aaron," the king calls, "You must not be aware of the festival. The young prince shall explain everything to you. He enjoys and understands these festivals more than any of the royal members."
Elric looks away with a tender gaze. Why is his father saying all this to Aaron?
"Alright, I shall leave the young people to enjoy the night with happiness." The king pats Arson's back, who bowed again, whispering, Thank you.
Elric beams a smile, showing his teeth. His feet are a finger distance from Arson.
"Shall we, your highness?" Arson asked,
Elric's lips stretched wide with a nod; he pulled Arson to follow him. The male smiled, allowing the boy to drag him wherever he wished. His eyes locked with the commander and a nod to Suvain, who bowed his head.
"You would surely love this festival." Elric says with a giggle. He pulls Arson through the corridor. "You know, when I was a kid. I would be in awe watching the festival. The colors, happiness, joy, and the divine feel of the presence of a celestial being. It feels very mesmerizing."
Arson hums, watching his hand clasped with Elric. For some reason, he is unable to stop himself from imagining Elric to be the princess, holding his arm and expecting him to see her kingdom through her eyes.
The white robe fluttering around her as though white rose petals, the long hairs gliding beautifully in them, and those beautiful eyes behold his heart. When shall he meet her?
The kingdom's shine in the night took Arson's breath away. It looks so similar to Amorite. People are walking around the market with specially selected items for the day being sold.
Arson recognized one shop owner. He quickly marched towards the shop, leaving Elric's hand. The boy flinched when Arson released his hand and walked towards a shop. He quickly follows with narrowed eyes.
Unaware of three figures keeping eyes on them.
"Greetings, dear customer." The shop owner said, showing his shop with wide arms. Then the shop owner narrowed his eyes. "I have seen you before?"
Arson nodded, "When I came here for the first time." He whispered, scanning through the accessories displayed.
The shop owner laughs. "Oh, yes! I recognize you. You are the merchant who bought those earrings. Did you give it to your queen?"
Elric stood next to Arson.
The shop owner quickly said, "Greetings, your highness."
Elric smiles, "Greetings, how are you enjoying the festival?" Elric asked, standing straight with a tender smile.
"You have blessed us with your presence, for sure; we shall have this festival full of joy yet again."
Elric smiles, turning his attention to Arson, who is searching for something. "What is troubling your mind?"
Arson shook his head. "First, I gifted earrings. Since today is a festival, I wish to buy something for..." He stops himself, peeking at Elric, and clears his throat. "Is there anything special or beautiful that I can..." Arson spoke, glancing at the shop owner.
The owner smiles, "Yes, indeed. I do have something. Although, it is going to cost a heavy price."
Arson shook his head. "You do not worry about the price. For anything is priceless in front of those beautiful eyes."
Elric's breath wavered, realizing what Arson was saying and to whom he was referring. Perhaps he has committed a grave sin and is unable to undo it. He fidgets with his sleeve, feeling his chest tightening whenever Arson smiles, talking about the ghost human.
Arson waits for the owner to get something out of the boxes he is picking on the table.
"There you go." The owner placed a small box towards Arson.
Arson and Elric shared a glance, looking at the box with curious eyes.
Arson took the box in his grasp and opened it tenderly. His eyes lock with the locket. The gold is embracing a jade stone, which is cut in the design of a lotus. Elric gasped, noticing the details and a tiny scripture.
"This is brought from the faraway land. The land is known for being the most resourceful, modest, and strong king, the people always loyal to their king and ready to sacrifice themselves for the kingdom." The owner explained, glancing at Elric and Arson.
"Amorite: The lion kingdom." Arson spoke unconsciously while admiring the stone.
"Absolutely, this merchant is intelligent." The owner praised him, wishing it would boost the price of the locket. "So, would you like to buy it?"
Arson looks at Elric. "Do you like it?"
Elric blinks, unable to decipher.
Arson further added, "I mean to say, do you think she will like it?"
Elric gave it a thought. This gift is for the disguised version of him. This is the right moment to tell him the truth. Yet, his voice is struck in his throat with a blank mind. He nodded his head.
"I shall buy this." Arson said, taking a small bag of coins under his long sleeve.
"It would be 100 miyan." The owner smirked, watching Arson contemplate whether to buy it.
It sounds expensive, and he needs money to buy basic needs when he plans to return Amorite. He cannot use all the money now.
Realizing Arson's dilemma. Elric takes his hairpin and gives it to the shop owner. "My friend likes the gift very much. Can you accept this jade hairpin and give the gift to him?"
The shop owner didn't hesitate and took the pin. "It is wrong to take things from the kind prince. However, I am a poor shop owner who needs to take care of his family."
Elric smiled with a nod. "I do understand." He turns back to Arson, "Shall we go? The festival is going to start."
Arson contemplates whether to take the gift on the hairpin of his friend. The kind prince did not hesitate to remove it. The hairpin showcased his beautiful hair, and now it looks dull.
"Yes, your highness. Give me a moment. I will ask the owner to wrap it properly."
Elric smiled with a nod. "That would be best. I shall wait for you."
Arson shook his head. "Your highness, please lead the way; I shall follow you."
Elric did not question further, understanding perhaps that Arson needs some time to himself.
Arson turns his attention to the shop owner, who is inspecting the hairpin, analyzing the cost and profit he would earn.
Arson swiftly snatches it from his hand. "Here are your 100 miyan." He placed the money on the table and turned around before the owner could speak. "I shall inform the crown prince that you were planning to sell his brother's possession to a commoner."
That shut the shop owner up, who took the money without another word.
Arson followed Elric, matching his steps with the prince.
Arson wishes to give the hairpin back to the prince. However, the boy looks so happy with everything around that Arson is scared that the crown might fall. However, he is so happy to notice anything.
"Aaron, would you like to write something to appreciate someone or something?" Elric asked, pointing at the large bowl placed on a table with scrolls and a quill next to it. A soldier assisting those subjects who are unable to write yet wishing to express themselves.
Elric and Arson reached the table where the guard quickly bows his head to Elric and gives a tiny scroll to him.
"Your highness," he dips the quill and presents it to Elric.
"Thank you," Elric takes the quill and takes a moment to think and swiftly writes it down and gives the quill to Arson.
Arson doesn't need to think much because he knows who he is appreciating currently and will remember these moments forever. He smiles, writing down his words along with his thoughts.
"This is followed to make each other feel special. If someone fought with another and they wrote about their happy moments. They will forget and forgive each other." Elric explained, gesturing for Arson to follow him through the crowd.
The three figures follow the duo, spread across the area with disguise. Although their eyes linger on the specific person.
Eyes glancing at their team and nodding while quietly following them.
The crowd is stopping them from executing the task on time. They shall not see a better opportunity than this to earn lots of gold and live in luxury.
There was a bonfire being created.
Arson looks at Elric with confusion. Elric chuckled because he can read Arson's eyes too.
"This is the important part of the festival. These are the paddy straws. They are used to make a mountain of human length. Later, people write about the things they would prefer to overcome, such as fear, poverty, and ill health, and then they will burn it in this flame." Elric explained, taking a paper and writing it down about his most fearful thing. His eyes peek at Aaron as he scribbles his fear.
Arson gave a good thought and wrote about fear of losing his kingdom to bad hands and also his kind friend too.
Soon, all the people gathered around the fire and started throwing their fears in the flame, wishing to get over it.
Elric glanced at Arson and nodded as they both threw the paper together.
Arson noticed two people holding hands and circling the flames as the subjects admired them.
"What are they doing?" Arson whispered to Elric.
"They are going to marry each other. This flame also states that will always stay together and face any hurdles without fear."
Arson crossed his arms with an impressed face. So far, he can see the people of Elysia respect and love a bond between people; it could be friendship or even love. One way or another, these festivals bond people together to stay together.
"I shall apply some of these in Amorite too." Arson mumbles to himself and swiftly turns around, feeling someone watching him.
He could feel a lurking shadow following him. Previously he ignored believing it's the crowd. But he is unable to restrain himself.
"What happened?" Elric asked, looking at Arson's line of sight. "What are you looking for?"
Arson frowns, taking a step towards the trees, believing somebody could be hiding behind it.
"Aaron," Elric held his hand. "What is bothering you?"