After leaving the East, Soth will always walk a long way home. He would walk through the streets of the East and look at all the friendly faces that waved back to him whilst they never dropped their smiles. From the houses designs to the bright colours that brightened the street. The East was doing something right, and to Soth, he could only hope to emulate it.
Of course, since he was royalty, he didn't walk alone. He was followed secretly by several guards that made sure he was safe at all times. Even as his inky hair illuminated the sun and gave it new life, he could only hope to drag out returning home for as long as possible, seeing every aspect of the East for the thousandth time in his life.
When he arrived at the border between the two, he was reminded of the contrast. The rich cities of the East were the light whereas the West which was stuck in poverty was its night. Buildings that can hardly stand and shops that have all closed down. Even if the streets were paved with rows of houses and buildings, there was never enough people to occupy the ghost town. Even with the help being given from the East, the West couldn't stop the poverty and struggles they faced. And at night, when sitting by himself in his room that was no bigger than a normal person's bedroom, Soth couldn't help but blame himself for the West's current state.
"It must be my fault. Money, food, tourism. Rangan has given me everything and I can't make it work. No matter how hard I try, it doesn't work!"
"Please relax, your majesty." Alongside Soth was a man who had served the family for generations. Despite his actual age, his body was in its prime. This man was the trusted advisor for the West, Ditor.
"Ditor, I understand but no matter how much we try we can't do anything. Our best bet is to merge the East and West. It should have always been this way."
"I understand that, your majesty." Ditor said as he danced around his words carefully with his snake tongue, "But think about how the people would think of you. The king that gave up hope. You'll never be able to see Rangan again or Amelia."
Soth sat in the dimmed flickering candlelight as he thought of his time spent in the East. He was aware that joining the East would cause several problems politically, but he didn't want Amelia to think anything less of him. His love for Amelia was something he kept secret. Soth declared that if Rangan ever found out about his feelings he'd leave and go to war with them. Although it is nothing more than a joke, it was to fire him up so he didn't accidentally slip.
"What do you recommend?" Soth asked Ditor who sat reading over several sheets of paper that were scattered around the room, regarding Soth's feelings for Amelia. But keeping his own opinions to himself for when it mattered.
"I believe we are cramped. We don't have enough land for farms and cannot grow any cattle. We should ask for more land."
"Perhaps… but I don't know…"
Soth was hard to convince. Ditor had been trying all his life to get Soth to listen, but Soth has a trait one ruler should never have. He is indecisive.
"Perhaps you should try getting some rest… we can discuss this in the morning."
Ditor wrapped his hands around themself, as he tried to force the King to consider his suggestion. No matter what he tried, he could only fail, meaning that eventually, he had to try the worst in hopes to change the west forever.
# # #
Several years passed and the West slowly began to grow. A new agreement was put in place where the West and East would share any and all food produced. The West loved the idea eventually, but the East never came to love it.
"Why should we have to always save them?" They would say.
"It's their fault their king is poor!"
"I'm sorry you have to hear all this rubbish," Soth said to Rangan as he buttoned up a three-piece suit whilst creepily staring at himself in the mirror.
"Nonsense, It's my wedding night. Let's just enjoy ourselves."
The whole world gathered for the wedding of a royal. A sight that not many get to watch. The borders between the two sides were opened up and everyone swarmed into the East to experience it. Even if they wouldn't know it, this was to be the start of the big night, the events that lead to the current Tanba.
The wedding of Rangan and Amelia.