The Next Day
Knight's Training Headquarters
"Oh! Yes. Warm-up complete!" Enya exclaimed, a sense of relief evident as she swept her hair back, swinging her sword from the other hand. Her appearance underwent a decent change, with a silver-belted coat now draping over a tucked in dark blue shirt matching with a pair of blue boots.
Elix regarded her with a worried look. "Hey, what about my request? Leader Deion is back. Could you please save me, at least?" he pleaded with teary eyes, "I am in dire need of support."
Enya nodded listening as he continued, "And honestly, what if Leader Deion finds out just how incapable I am... He'd probably drown me in a river of penalties, and I'd be stuck training all day!"
Enya assured, "Nothing like that would happen. Calm down. Here have some water. I'm here. I will manage everything." She extended a water bottle to him, which Elix received, nodding hesitantly, "Okay..."
Soon, following that interaction, they went back to their individual tasks.
Soon enough, word had spread far and wide about the arrival of the King and Prince from the Camellias realm. The entire place became a flurry of activity as everyone worked diligently in preparations for their visit.
Blossoms erupted in vibrant colors, while the air resonated with the melodious singing of birds. The laughter of children added a touch of playfulness, collectively weaving an atmosphere brimming with enchantment.
With an air of regal presence, King Edgar and Prince Draven, accompanied by a retinue of aides, made their entrance. The Royal Emperor and Empress stood in genuine welcome, their expressions radiating warmth and respect as they received the esteemed visitors.
The resplendent doors leading to the main hall of the Palace invited them to step into the luxurious space.
"Greetings to you, King Edgar and Prince Draven." welcomed the Empress from her elegantly adorned seat, as the two esteemed figures took their places at the opulent hall table.
"Your Majesties, I too offer my humble greetings in honor of this auspicious meeting." King Edgar expressed in respect, with a warm smile. The Emperor shared a smile as well.
"It has been 7 years since I last visited, and I must say, Almeria has grown even more beautiful since then," King Edgar complimented with a genuine smile. The Emperor let out a hearty laugh and responded, "We appreciate your generous words!"
Signaling his aide, a gentleman acknowledged with a nod, presenting an emerald box, its vivid green hue adorned by a central jade gem. "This serves as a small offering from our realm. I hope you consider accepting it," King Edgar stated extending the gift.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged a brief look, Until the Empress addressed, "There was no need for this." King Edgar lightly chuckled, "Why not, though? It's a token of goodwill from our side. Please, do accept it."
The Emperor and Empress broke into smiles, acknowledging and accepting the gift.
"How are you Draven dear?" inquired the Empress, her gaze resting on Draven, who was seated beside King Edgar.
"I am fine. I appreciate your concern." Draven replied softly, evoking a smile from the Empress who remarked, "You've certainly grown into a handsome young man."
Draven's lips curled slightly as he replied, "Your words are truly flattering."
While the Emperor and King Edgar engaged in conversation, Raven stepped inside the hall.
Her exquisite curls were artfully fashioned into an elegant bun, adorned by a delicate floral crown resting on one side. She donned a flounced red gown which exuded an enchanting look, her refined silver heels emitting a subtle click-clack.
"Oh. Raven Darling." chanted the Empress with warmth catching the attention of Draven and King Edgar who shifted their gazes towards Raven.
"Good morning. Uncle Edgar and Brother Draven," she greeted as she made her way towards them. "Good Morning. My lovely fairy. How are you?" King Edgar greeted with a smile that carried a genuine sense of affection.
"I'm doing well," she answered, bowing gracefully with a lovely beam. "I'm happy to know that," Edgar remarked, lightly patting her head.
Raven's gaze subtly shifted and found itself locked onto Draven's. She held his gaze momentarily before lowering her eyes, promptly, "Nice to see you... Brother Draven."
Draven in turn, smiled wide, "Ah. Little Raven? It's been long... You have grown alot prettier. Haha." he remarked with a soft chuckle. Raven blinked, a subtle flush of embarrassment touching her cheeks, "I... will take my leave now."
And with that she rushed out of the room.
...
Draven blinked his eyes, "...Huh?" The Emperor and King Edgar exchanged bemused looks, while the Empress couldn't help but chuckle, "Raven is a bit shy so don't mind, Draven." Draven nodded slightly, though still uncertain.
The conversation continued. King Edgar inquired, "May I ask where young Abel might be?" Draven's countenance displayed a fleeting trace of annoyance before settling into a composed demeanor.
"Oh Abel? He might be engaged somewhere…Wait let me call him." answered the Emperor. Just then, Abel entered, his entrance emanating elegance. "I'm here." he spoke gracefully.
King Edgar's expression brightened, "Abel. Come here, my boy!" Abel headed over as he continued, "Just as one would expect from the heir of Almeria's Royal lineage – handsomeness and grace personified!"
As these words escaped his lips, Draven bit his lip, averting his gaze. Abel's smile radiated pride as he responded, "I am deeply honored."
The Emperor and Empress shared a proud smile.
Abel noticed Draven, "Oh! Draven. It has been a while..." his lips curved into a genuine smile. Draven eyed him back, "Yeah... Looks like it. But I don't see if it matters."
"Sorry. I didn't get you there." Abel queried for clarification. Draven dismissed the topic, saying, "Let's not dwell on it."
Abel chortled, basking in a moment of spotlight, "You are as humorous as ever. How about we have a pleasant conversation in my beautiful rose garden?" He offered. Draven's brows lifted slightly, "Indeed. Why not?" He rose from his seat, following Abel. Raphael accompanied them silent.
The Emperor and Empress shared a complexed look. "Did that make any sense to you, my dear?" she questioned. "Ah, it's the youngsters' special way of conversation, perhaps!" he jestingly remarked, and their conversation flowed on.
Abel and Draven strolled along for a brief interval until they arrived at the flourishing garden of camellia roses.
"What is your deal?" Draven asked twitching his eyebrows. Abel eyed him ironically speaking, "What are you talking about? Senior brother Draven." His eyes held a narrowed taunt. Draven's smirk deepened, his tone turning serious, "Still looking down on me huh? Honourable noblemen of light?"
Abel scoffed, "Oh heavens, no. Looking down? That would be rather unseemly, wouldn't it?" Draven shifted his gaze aside, "Don't attempt to mess with me." he stated plainly, his interest clearly waning.
"If you'll act as such then there's no way you can become like me. You know." Abel declared taking a seat on the bench. Draven cracking a smile, viewed him with sarcasm, "Become like you? Your grasp of things seems to be going off track, little brat. I am who I am, unchanging and timeless. The power to determine that does not rest in your hands."
Abel's eyes grew wider, leaving him momentarily speechless. Draven gave his shoulder a pat and remarked with a sneer,
"However, I do hope genuinely that someday you realize that this excessive pride you're carrying around could end up being quite costly."
Abel stood stagnant. Draven chuckled amused, "Catch you later," he waved soon leaving.
Bringing himself to a pause, he glanced back and inquired, "Um. Mind telling me Arawn's whereabouts?"
Abel fumingly gritted his teeth, "Like hell I know!" he shot back. Draven's eyelids lowered in a sigh, "... And here we go. The prince reveals his true colors," he murmured softly, before turning to leave.
Draven adoring the surrounds, danced all around. People fawned over him as he bragged about his status. The sight was worth beholding.
15 minutes later...
Draven exclaimed in frustration, "Enough! Arawn, that little- Where in the world is he?" He paused, searching his surroundings with a miffed exhale.
Unexpectedly, a magnificent silver-gray raven with eyes resembling red pearls spread its wings and drew nearer to Draven, who quickly noticed its presence. "Ciar?" he called out.
With graceful elegance, the bird perched on his shoulder, prompting Draven to give it an affectionate pat. "Hey little guy, looks like you spotted him, huh?" he mused, offering it a gentle caress. The raven flew ahead. Draven's lips quirked up as he followed.
Born and raised in the cold north, Draven felt like he entered a whole different world in Almeria's subtropical embrace. Memories etched here brought a wave of nostalgia with each return, thanks to the past he had crafted here over time.
Wheezing slightly, Draven strolled about while a hushed aide walked behind finally speaking up, "My lord, if I may speak up, this appears to be the entrance to the woods. I have a feeling this isn't where you are aiming to go." Draven chuckled assuring, "Don't worry. Ciar never steers me the wrong way." And they changed direction, heading towards the food streets.
Arawn, on the contrary, had entered the Imperial city town with the same purpose: to reunite with his old friend, or rather, his 'trusted companion.'
"...That guy stands out no matter where he is."
A paper thin smile rested on Arawn's lips, as he traced Draven's figure.
In just ten minutes, the once composed and serious crowd around Arawn had transformed into a boisterous, cheerful bunch.
A restaurant hall's owner, a jovial host, had organized a gathering to celebrate in the happiness of the esteemed guests. Of course, the majority of the attendees shared the same cheerful demeanor. But as soon as Prince Draven entered the town, their faces brightened, and they eagerly presented him with numerous souvenirs.
Draven's joyful demeanor didn't quite fit the image of what one might expect from a 'Crown Prince'. Unlike Abel, who bolstered his pride, Draven had a laid-back disposition through and through.
As Draven accepted souvenirs and continued to stride once more, Arawn made his presence known, "Sigh..."
Draven's attention was swiftly grabbed, and he glanced sideways through the shuttered shops. Soon, he noticed Arawn standing by the buildings, waving his hand.
The raven glided towards Arawn and perched on his shoulder, while Draven exclaimed, "Ah, there he is," as he instantly waved back,
"Hi~"
"...You sure made it lively."
"Haha. Of course. If someone's extending kindness to me, I'll gladly repay them with the same kindness."
Draven flashed a wide beam, crossing the streets to approach him, "So Arawn. How have you been?" he asked caringly. The aide following Draven smiled halting at the side.
Draven had just asked Arawn the question that Arawn had been meaning to ask him. He couldn't help but smile,
"I...guess things could be worse."
That at least, was the truth.
Making his way over, Draven suddenly glomped him, "Haha! It's been seven years, yet the old talk again...? That's really the way you are, isn't it?" he winked. Arawn steadying himself, blinked, his gaze momentarily flickering with alertness as he responded, "Easy."
Draven stood straight, his eyes widened dramatically, exclaiming, "Whoa, hold on a sec. Is this for real? Is this really you, little Arawn? No way. Unbelievable! You've shot up a lot, haven't you? The kid who barely reached my shoulder is now practically towering over me. I'm starting to think if I've somehow shrunken! Seriously though? Are my eyes playing tricks, or did you actually grow this much?" he exaggerated, utterly baffled.
Arawn's lips formed a delicate smile, his composure unwavering. His tranquil gaze met Draven's astonishment. With a subtle nod, he spoke, "Time indeed wields its influence on perspectives, doesn't it?"
Draven scratched his head, moaning, "This is too much of an influence!"
Arawn's calm gaze held a hint of concern as he softly inquired, "How have you been?" For the usually reserved Arawn, engaging in extended conversations was quite unlikely, yet this time, he cast aside those reservations.
Draven looked back, gleaming, "Me? Never better. After all. I missed you so much!" he pounced for another glomp-hug, catching Arawn off guard.
"How immature..." Arawn whispered, his eyes squinting as he found himself squeezed by Draven who chuckled amused, "Haha."
Arawn glancing at the soveniors, Draven had entrusted to his aide, exhaled.
"... These are quite a collection."
"Indeed. They went all out to celebrate for me."
Draven chuckled, touched by recalling. The aide obeying Draven's demand left, carrying the tonnes of souvenirs (As it apparently seemed).
The gray-silver raven settled on Arawn's shoulder, snuggled affectionately into his hair with a sense of warmth. Arawn viewed it from the corner of his deep red eye, softly caressing its head with his slender, delicate fingers. Soon, Ciar flew up spreading it's wings in departure.
Tilting his head to face Draven, once more, Arawn spoke,
"It's tough being an honoured guest. You can't really turn down the people's requests, even if you wish to."
"Heh, yeah."
Draven weaved his way through the rows of shuttered shops and proceeded toward the bustling main street. Arawn sighed and followed suit.
"...So, Arawn."
After they'd reached the bright and open main street, Draven spoke, lifting his gaze with a concerned yet sly grin.
"Hm?"
"Tell me, how's everything been?" Draven's turquoise eyes glinted as he questioned.
The Knight's Training Headquarters
The battalions in alignment conducted patrols, with some units designated for training. General Void took charge of it overall while the other squad leaders managed the remaining tasks.
"Oh ho~! Your move was impressive, Leader Rowan." Enya praised, a playful grin rested on her face as she knelt, skillfully guarding against Rowan's attack who in turn smiled, "Makes me glad."
"But now let me use mine!" She smirked as she twirled around and spun the sword in motion. With a horizontal swing that seamlessly transformed into a vertical strike, both slashes were directed at Rowan.
Swiftly, Rowan leaped over the oncoming attack, instantly blocking the vertical strike. He smoothly evaded the follow-up by bending low, his movements sharp and controlled. "Impressive," Rowan acknowledged with a nod.
Amused, Enya lifted her chin, remarking, "You're quite the smiler. That's your true victory." Unfazed, Rowan maintained his composed stance as he moved forward continuing the practice duel that had been decided earlier, "Is that so? I appreciate the thought." he replied. While Enya's sword continued to sway through the air, she added, "But you know, it can be also be a bit annoying at times."
Draven and Arawn halting amid their stride observed the ongoing duel in the training grounds from outside through the metal rails. Noticing their presence, the guards nearby respectfully bowed low and extended greetings.
Draven's gaze sparkled with awe as he turned to Arawn, exclaiming, "Isn't it a simply magnificent spectacle?" Arawn's expression remained unchanged, not a hint of interest crossing his features as he met Draven's gaze, seemingly uncertain.
Unlike Draven, Arawn wasn't particularly interested in observing such duels, and doesn't even think of listening to the roots and leaves.
Tugging him, Draven entered the base (anyways) and luckily, it was his day. They were permitted. The knights assumed that he had a motive of serious observation but what misconception, indeed. Little did they know, his intention was simply to entertain himself.
"Absolutely splendid! What a fantastic display!" Draven's applause filled the air as he approached Enya and Rowan. Caught off guard by the unexpected praise, Enya and Rowan glanced at each other in surprise, their attacks pausing in a real peculiar fashion.
Meanwhile, Arawn took a swift turn, deliberately distancing himself from the unfolding scene. 'There was no way he knew this person' he held with a straight face in disbelief and a loss of words.
Pausing their training momentarily, Enya and Rowan shared a puzzled yet amused look before breaking into soft chuckles, "Uh. Huh? Thanks." Enya replied. Draven smiled back as she suddenly continued with sarcasm, "Hey, excuse me, who are you?"
Rowan flinched in sudden realisation, as he tugged Enya instructing her to keep quiet. Draven chuckled amused, "Haha. Right, I did not introduce myself, did I?"
Enya gazed at him unamused. "I am Draven Edgar, the crown prince of Camellias Realm." Draven responded folding his arms with a keen look. Rowan had already bowed low, "My apologies, your highness,"
Draven shook his head, "No need. My good fellow." Enya's brows drew nearer, inspecting him while blinking her eyes. "Whoa there, little miss, seems like you just received a surprise package or did a lightning bolt just give your eyebrows a lift? Haha."
Enya, to his suprise, broke into a complexed smile. But soon enough, her features brightened as a full, radiant beaming grin blossomed, "Oh. Prince Draven? You have no idea how much I wanted to meet you," she expressed, her hands tightly clasped in excitement.
Baffled, Draven's self-assured beam twisted into a humorous mix of bewilderment, that caused him to skip his words, "Huh? Wha?"