Some while later, Abel let out an exasperated sigh, clearly worn out by the day's events. He found solace on the reserved table, accompanied by his ever-present aide, Raphael.
Abel leaned on the chair, finally granting himself a moment of relief, "Ugh. I feel absolutely vexed. That Draven... How dare he lay a finger on Raven? And dancing, too? Tsk," he hissed, gritting his teeth.
Raphael positioned beside Abel, gently offered a meal. "Lord Abel, please take a break and have something to eat," he suggested, "Here is the meal arranged." Abel sighed, "Fine. If you insist so much." he muttered.
Meanwhile, Enya stood nearby, utterly perplexed and frustrated in her search for Squire Joe, "Where should I look for that Squire Joe? Just where is he lost?" she pouted. Soon, eyeing Abel, seated ahead on a table adorned with a lavish spread of food, she couldn't help but mumble, "Huff. I feel so hungry."
Abel, engrossed in his pastries, savored each bite. However, his tranquil moment was disrupted as Enya approached him instantly, swiping a pastry from his plate and taking a bite with an appreciative "Mmm..."
Abel's eyes widened as sudden realization dawned on him. He faced Enya, incredulous. "Wha- What do you think you are doing? Why are you taking food from my plate? The guest seating area is fully stocked. Go and grab it from there!"
Enya, after swallowing her bite, retorted, "This is a plate? Seemed more like a platter to me." Abel exhaled heavily exasperated, "This table is reserved for honored guests like myself. Regular guests, like you, have their own tables further back. Go and eat from there." With that he continued his feast.
Enya's eyes widened as she stared at the table, her shock evident, "Oh...This much food? Are you planning to eat all of this?" she asked in disbelief, nibbling on another bite, "Tsk. Tsk. Well, only because of people like you, our realm faces misery. Just wait until I gain prominence; heavy eaters will be the first on my list to handle," she continued mumbling.
Abel frowned, gazing at her, "It appears that you are the one I need to handle right here and right now." he muttered, calling out to Raphael, "Raphael!"
Startled, Enya blinked and continued eating her pastry. "Oh man, what happened? There's already so much food on this table. First eat this. At least shovel this much, before ordering more. By the way, Even gluttony has its limits," she commented with a hint of disgust and added fuel to the fire.
Abel gritted his teeth. "I'm only showing you respect for the fact that you are a girl!" he snapped, "Don't test my patience; behave yourself."
Enya, nonchalant and still munching on her pastry, responded, "When did I misbehave. I am simply trying to advice you respectfully." she said.
Able clenched his fist, "If this is respect? Then what is disrespect?" he mocked.
Enya, now finished with her pastry, couldn't help but smile sweetly. "By the way, honourable prince. The pastry was truly delicious." she complimented. Abel glared at her, but before he could retort, Enya changed the subject. "Oh, speaking of which, have you seen Squire Joe? You know, the one who's with General Void? Escort squire Joe?"
Abel scoffed, "Squire Joe, huh? Why? Are you planning to raid his food supply too?"
Enya burst into laughter. "Ah, no, not at all. Hahaha. You have got a sense of humor."
"Listen up! My feet are already aching. Don't give me a headache now. And I don't know any Joe or whatever." Abel rolled his eyes, grumbling.
Momentarily, a group of noble guests approached Abel's reserved table. They wore elegant attires and carried themselves with an air of integrity.
One of them, dressed in a red robe, bowed respectfully towards Abel and began showering him with compliments, "Your Highness, this feast serves as a true testament of the Emperor's and Empress's generosity to the esteemed nobles from Camellias Realm. The arrangements are splendid."
Another one chimed in, "Indeed, the ambiance and the selection of dishes are truly exquisite making it a genuine celebration of our traditional events."
Upon noticing them, Abel, trying to maintain his composure despite the pastry incident, forced a polite smile and replied, "Ahem. Thank you for your kind words. The Emperor and Empress have indeed gone to great lengths to make this banquet exceptional. Please have a seat," he gestured to the empty seats at the table, and the nobles seated themselves after seeking his permission.
Meanwhile, Enya observed the nobles fascinated while exchanging greetings with them as well.
Shortly thereafter, as Abel contemplated reaching for a nearby drink to quench his thirst, he began to utter, "Let me have a—"
But before he could even finish his phrase, Enya moved quickly to the side, took the glass, took a sip, and left the noble guests somewhat bewildered.
While still sipping her drink, Enya looked all around and halted seeing Abel, who appeared stunned by her boldness and now clearly displeased. Looking genuinely concerned, she remarked, "You have hardly eaten your pastries, why waste the drink?" She rested a hand on her waist and continued, "I'm already running late. Where in the world can I find that Joe?" She sighed in exasperation.
Walking away with the drink, she called out one last time, "Squire Joe!"
Abel watched her petite stature as she left, and muttered, "Pastries? Drink? Doesn't seem like it for someone of her size." The noble guests exchanged complex glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and bemusement.
The Emperor and Empress, seated alongside numerous noble guests at the lavishly adorned refectory table, immersed themselves in the abundance of culinary delights and watched the scene unfold at Abel's table with genuine fascination. Their expressions shared the same amusement as their eyes met. Exchanging warm smiles, the Emperor's hand gently caressed a strand of the Empress's hairs.
In the meanwhile, Raven and Draven too found themselves on a separate table. The elegant table was adorned with decorations and softly flickering candlelight. As the music played softly in the background, they engaged in a comfortable conversation.
Raven couldn't help but sneak glances at Draven when she thought he wasn't looking. Smiling happily, she spoke up, "Brother Draven,"
Draven turned his attention to her, "What is it?" he asked, curious about her thoughts. Raven recalled the previous experience, her words quivering slightly, "You know, I...I thank you for encouraging me to dance for the first time. I truly appreciate it," she replied, her tone filled with warmth and gratitude.
Draven's smile widened, touched by her sincerity. He gazed at her with a usual brotherly affection that he had always felt, "No need to thank me, Raven," he replied, his tone gentle and reassuring. "You are like my own little sister. If I won't teach you then who will? Come, let's enjoy some food together."
As he extended the plate filled with delectable dishes toward her, Raven was left feeling dismayed. Her heart raced with anxiety. Yet, upon seeing his sincere smile, her lips also formed a gentle curve, and she eagerly accepted the plate, saying, "...Sure, Brother Draven!"
In the quiet of the moment, she realized that moments like these might be brief and fleeting. But for her, cherishing the moment held great importance. "To have fewer regrets...why not make more memories?" she held this sentiment close, respecting his feelings over hers.
Late at night, Enya walked casually, her hands swaying by her side, alongside Ameren who twirled her hairs, as they crossed the narrow lane. Enya looked below while Ameren eyed her cross, "I told you not to go. You never listen to anyone." With a sigh, she continued, "And see, what did you gain from it? You couldn't find the squire, and still don't have your sword."
Enya placing her hands on her waist, eyed Ameren, "No problem. There was no gain. But," With a radiant smile, she added, "There's one thing for sure. I have enjoyed the banquet meal alot. It was such nice food, you know?"
"Really?" Ameren asked, her face lighting up with a sudden smile. Enya pouted, "Oh, come on. Why don't we ever get to attend such banquets? I want to join in the celebrations too."
Ameren heard her as she continued, "By the way, I wanted to tell you somethi-" Enya was suddenly interjected by Ameren who crossly retorted, "Drop it. I don't want to listen anything from you. You'll waste the whole night."
Enya sighed but persisted, "Give it a try and listen. You're so pretty, kind, and well-mannered. How come haven't you made any friends here? Don't you get bored? We have been here for sometime. You should have befriended the entire town by now."
Ameren blushed at the compliments but raised an eyebrow and smiled ironically, "Oh really? You think no one has ever approached me here, huh? It isn't like that."
Enya beamed, "Then?" Ameren sat down on a bench, explaining, "Then, what? It is because I donot have interest in making friends and I am not fond of approaching others either. I barely have spare time to spend with them even if someone does approach me. So, what's the point?"
Enya's eyes widened as she joined Ameren on the bench. "Oh! I had no idea. But donot worry. You rarely leave the shop or the house. I'm the one who wanders around. If you want, I'll keep an eye out for people who could be your prefferable friends so you won't get bored."
Ameren suddenly smiled, "Okay then...listen." Enya delighted waved her hands standing up to sit closer to Ameren, "Yes! Take a side, take a side. Now tell."
Ameren smiled and began, "First of all, they must be well-mannered." Enya somewhat confused added, "Even if they are cruel at heart?"
Ameren shook her head, "No, no. They must be kind-hearted too." she replied with a smile. Enya folded her legs on the bench and grinned.
"And. They must be tustworthy." Ameren included as Enya nodded.
"They should have a pleasant temperament because I prefer people who speak softly. And listen, the most important thing is that they must treat you with respect." Enya grinned awkwardly, nodding, "Such saint people are even rare to find in a sale at the whole sale market." she mumbled before adding, "But you know, nothing is impossible. Tomorrow morning, I'll start the search right away along with my sword. Don't worry." She reassured Ameren, flashing an okay sign, as Ameren chuckled ever so lightly.
ROOF OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE:
Beneath the star-studded sky, two figures perched upon the expansive rooftop of the Imperial Palace. Overhead, the remnants of the previous banquet's celebration illuminated the sky.
Explosions of ethereal light burst forth, conjuring a magical radiance. Elaborate patterns of rich gold, deep cobalt, shimmering crimson and glinting silver adorned the night sky, captivating all beholders.
Amidst the wonderous spectacle, shrouded in an air of mystic marvels, the two silhouettes retained an air of concealed presence.
Arawn and Zayne, found themselves at the Palace's rooftop after the intense confrontation with the so called- Dark elves. They stood there, their robes rustling in the gentle breeze. Arawn positioned himself against the wall, folding his arms. Silent as a shadow, he whiled the night away, hoping a conversation with Zayne, who stood before him, gazing upwards as silver petals floated in mid air.
At one point, Arawn broke the silence, "Zayne, There must be a reason why those dark elves are pursuing you to such extent. What did you do to them?"
To those questions, Zayne did not answer. Instead, looked up at the bursting lights, "...Do you know what the Entertainer Lady said, Prince?" he questioned instead.
(No point in debating over that) Arawn continued to listen Zayne,
"Endless demons may haunt a life, devoid of purpose. Yet, the purpose can lie within, discovered by those who walk alongside. Do you get it?"
Zayne smiled, explaining, "It is very deep...With endless demons taking cover over an individual, whose life has forever been devoted to the dark and is a nightmare with no purpose, still holds a purpose. You know why? Because he himself is the purpose to his life. And what adds meaning is someone who comes across them one day or another, making them realize their worth, though not in the eyes of the world but in the eyes of the one who approaches." his words flowed smoothly.
Arawn contemplated Zayne's words, and the significance behind them left him lost in thought. Zayne took a deep breath,
"Being free sure is nice..."
"...What are you speaking of? As someone who values his own rights; you are always free."
"Not as much as Royce, though."
-Trying to understand the depths of Zayne's words, who smiled under the dark sky.
Immediately remembering how pointless that was, Arawn shook his head, "...I see," he replied.
Zayne's molten gold eyes held a glint of secrecy as he met Arawn's gaze. "Prince, you are well aware. I am someone, previously a part of the Cathartic world—a world of shadows and secrets. It seems, leaving it all behind, didn't sit well with them. Even after all this time,"
"Harp Blade. It has a legendary origin. It's not merely a weapon; it's also a key to untold supremacy and destruction. The Dark Elves want it from you, and they won't stop until they have it in their possession. So keep your guard up too." he continued, his expression serious.
Arawn gazed at him, his front hairs gently swaying as his narrowed, left blood-red eye gleamed with an ominous glint. Zayne continued, "It's not just about the blade, Prince. I may have... as well inconvenienced them in other ways too. Some of their prized secrets, well, let's just say I made sure they wouldn't use them for harm,"
Arawn raised his eyebrow, serious, "..." Zayne grinned, explaining, "To be honest, I carried a few 'schemes' that revealed some of their darkest secrets to the Emperor (and I will report more). Needless to say, they didn't appreciate that,"
Closing his eyes in contemplation, Arawn stepped forward lightly, responding, "...No wonder, our presence is tied to their search. It appears that the awaited reckoning is upon us,"
Zayne nodded determined, "We may look concealed, but we stand for something greater than ourselves. I won't allow them to fulfill their dark ambitions, and I won't let their malevolence consume the world. Crossing the borders of Almeria will come at a cost for them."
He continued, "Let's confront the darkness that seeks to claim the blade. Our past may be shrouded in mystery, but our purpose remains crystal clear."
Tilting his head to the side in remore, Zayne yet, murmured, "But. It is I who has sown the seed of my own insolence...I shall better be the one...to reap its painful harves-"
"At the shadow's edge, serve the light,"
Arawn interjected, clasping a white flower in his grasp which became nothing but ashes and scattered into the wind. Emanating a domineering aura, his gaze scruntized Zayne,
"I am grateful for your assistance, ...Leave everything hereafter to me."