The Next Morning
Knights' Training Base
Enya, with her tied long, flowing hair streaming behind her like a flag, sprinted at full speed, "Hold onto your horses, SQUIRE JOE!!!"
Squire Joe, apparently running for dear life, stumbled and gasped, "No way in hell! Spare me!" He quivered. Enya, not one to let anyone off easily, clenched her fists and muttered, "As if!"
"HAND OVER MY SWORD!!"
And so, on this fine morning at the Training base, the cavaliers found themselves flabbergasted by this chaotic spectacle. They exchanged incredulous glances, shaking their heads in bewilderment.
"Oh dear, General Void? Is this a girl or a tornado? No, an earthquake!" one cavalier muttered, while the others nodded.
After all, when Enya was involved, it was best to let the storm pass and get back to training – at least to avoid the risk of accidentally getting caught up in the mess.
Herbalist Shop
Ameren, full of joy, walked hand in hand with Noah, taking a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets in the early morning. As they continued with the stoll, she shared warm smiles with him.
Noah, for one, loved morning strolls. As he wandered along the cobblestone streets, he came across a colorful bunch of wildflowers. He couldn't help but feel drawn to them, knealing closer to take a good look with his eyes lit up.
Gazing at the petals and poking them with his finger, he suddenly noticed little butterflies gathered on the flowers. Noah extended his tiny hand cautiously, and to his amazement, one of the butterflies landed gently on his fingertip. He chuckled, with red blush coloring his cheeks, "Hello, little butterfly. I am Noah," he whispered.
The butterfly seemed to respond with a graceful flutter of its wings before taking flight. Noah observed it, feeling a profound sense of wonder and happiness. Ameren beside him ruffled his hairs, lovingly. Noah looked at her back grinning with joy.
Despite his illness, these small moments of happiness were a reminder that even in challenging times, there was magic to be found in the world around him.
Knight's Training Base
Enya patted her silver sword and embraced it, "I am so glad to have you back," she mumbled in sheer joy. Squire Joe with two bumps on his head, cried, "Ouchie. You really hit me. Real bad."
Enya shared a smile, ironically, "Hm...Oh really? Need me to escort you to the inflimary?" she suggested as her threat caused Squire Joe to gulp clasping Rowan's arm at the side. Rowan blinked his eyes, complexed.
Enya, her tone dripping with mock exasperation, continued, "Do you have any idea how much trouble you put me through? I scoured the entire banquet, interrogated a mistress, even the silent prince and the crown prince. It was like you had vanished into thin air. I even stopped at every guest table, asking if anyone had seen you."
Rowan gasped astonished. Squire Joe's eyes widened with guilt, realizing the extent of the chaos he had caused. Enya, now more serious, leaned in, her eyes locked onto his. "Just remember, when you take something, you've got to keep your word."
Squire Joe pouted, "I was really enjoying myself and my fellows loved it. I was planning to return it later," he explained.
Enya shot him a disapproving look. "Anyone could have mistaken you for a thief, you know," she scolded gently.
Squire Joe wept with teary eyes, "She is so cruel~"
Rowan, ever the voice of reason, sighed and patted his head, "That's enough. Stop teasing him, Enya." he told while Enya nodded, sighing, "Tsk. Fine!" she admitted, feeling happy to finally get her sword back.
Elix, hearing the commotion, chimed in, "Hey, guys." With a beam, he glomped Rowan from behind. Rowan, now stuck with two people clinging onto him, let out a sigh. Enya waved to Elix with a smirk, "Hey there,"
"Oh, thanks goodness your sword is back. I was starting to think you might accidentally blow up the whole base. Close call, huh?" Elix mumbled exaggerating.
Enya smiled nodding sarcastically, "Oh, absolutely," she replied, "I mean, I am meant to stir chaos, aren't I?"
"General Void summoned you, by the way." Elix told Enya who furrowed her brows in confusion, "Me?" she asked as Elix nodded, and turned to face Squire Joe, "You too, Joe." Joe blinked but acknowledged the call, and left alongside Enya.
As they made their way to General Void's chamber, the air was think with tension. General Void's call was a heavy weight to bear. Enya couldn't help but replay the events of the banquet in her head. The memory of her chasing the startled squire in a disrupted pursuit had clearly displeased General Void, and it weighed heavily on her mind. She sighed and turned to Joe, "It's all because of you." she moaned, nudging him. Joe pouted in response, "I already said I'm sorry."
Approaching the imposing doors to the main hall, Enya took a deep breath to steady her nerves. With a firm nock, Enya spoke, "General Void, it's Enya. You summoned me?"
"Come in," came the deep, commanding voice from within.
Enya and Joe entered the room.
General Void, with his typical demeanour serious and imposing, looked up from the parchment he had been studying and motioned for them to approach.
"Enya," he began, "I believe you are well aware of why you've been summoned here?"
Enya nodded, her gaze focused downwards, "Yes, General Void. I understand that entering the banquet without permission was inappropriate, and I take full responsibilty of my actions."
General Void leaned back at his chair, scuruntizing Enya for a moment, "Indeed, that- and your actions were ill-advised. However, I had instructed Deion to allow you some leeway because I was hoping to test you," he explained dissatisfied.
Enya bowed, "I am sorry." she apologized.
"Nevertheless, I do believe in second chances." General Void stated firmly, his eyes shifting to Joe, "And you, young squire, should also be mindful of your responsibilities and consult me if you have any doubts or concerns. I understand that everyone treasures their belongings, and I recognize that you meant no harm. Therefore, I shall let this matter slide."
Joe looked up at him, a mix of relief and gratitude in his eyes while bowing low, "I apologize, General."
"Having said that," General Void continued, shifting his attention back to Enya, "You will be assigned extra duties for today, Enya and about you, young one. You would train extra hours as a minor punishment. This would serve as a lesson for responsibility of your actions."
Enya's eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth fell open as she stammered, "W-what?" While Joe, though feeling crushed under a rock, accepted his fate with tears in his eyes, "Yes, General." he muttered.
General Void nodded in approval. "That should be the spirit of a true knight. Remember, our actions reflect not only upon ourselves but upon our entire order. Learn from this experience, and I have no doubt you both will continue to grow into the honorable knights I know you can be."
Enya bowed sighing, her determination to prove herself once again burning brightly. "Sure thing," she held, though inwardly, she couldn't help but smack her head in frustration. Joe nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with determination. "Yes, General Void. We will not disappoint you."
With that, they turned around, You wait, Enya," General Void called out, causing Enya to halt in her tracks. Meanwhile, Joe quietly exited the hall.
"Your duel is scheduled for the day after tomorrow against the leader of the twelfth squad, as a start-up. Make sure to prepare for that and don't lose," he demanded sternly. Enya's eyes blazed with determination. "Oh really?" she responded confidently, her smirk undeterred. "I've been training for this moment for so long, and I'm always ready for a challenge. You can count on me to give it my all."
Herbalist shop
Meanwhile, Abel reached the Herbalist shop only to find it closed for the day. His annoyance doubled as he muttered in frustration, "Closed? Why today of all days?" Raphael, let out a resigned sigh keeping a keen eye on he surrounds hoping not to get attention.
Restless and irritated, Abel paced back and forth in front of the shop, his impatience growing with each passing second. Just then he heard distant chuckles and soft hums of conversations. Abel's brows knitted in confusion, "Huh?" he muttered.
Approaching cautiously, he stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on Ameren, who was engrossed in playful banter with Noah. Abel couldn't help but wonder, "Who's that boy?" Maintaining his composure, he decided to approach Ameren.
However, the public road seemed overwhelming, causing him to take a step back in hesitation. He scratched his head in discomfort and muttered, "Tch."
Raphael sighed, beside him, "I'm here with you. Take the side road for now," he offered assurance. Abel, feeling relieved, smiled at him and continued to move forward along the less crowded side path.
Noah gazed above at the birds soaring in the sky, his eyes were filled with wonder, "I like that one," he said, pointing.
Ameren followed his tiny finger in the bright sunlight with her hand. "Oh. That one? It's a blackbird." she told smiling warmly at him.
Noah nodded in awe, "Oh..."
Ameren's expression shifted to a more serious tone as she gently reminded him, "Noah, let's make sure to head back soon because the physician will be here to check your condition, alright?" Noah nodded, understanding her words, "Okay."
Ameren blinked in suprise when she spotted Abel approaching, "Huh?" she murmured leaving Noah looking at her with confusion. Ameren tried to make sense of the situation as she gazed ahead, perplexed, until Abel drew closer.
Abel wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Listen, why is the shop closed?"
Ameren bowed, attempting to explain, "Greetings, your highness. Um- Today my brother Noah is scheduled for a check-up with the physician,"
Noah blinked, his attention shifting between Ameren and Abel.
Abel ran a hand through his hairs, heaving a sigh, "Oh. So he is Noah?" his gaze fixed down at Noah who met his gaze. Ameren straightened up, "Oh. Of course. He is Noah." she confirmed.
Noah, however, turned his attention back to Ameren, "Sister Ameren, he is too bright." he commented, somewhat unimpressed.
Ameren blinked in suprise, taken aback by Noah's bluntness.
"Who is this person?" Noah asked simultaneously. Ameren patted his head, trying to provide an explanation, "He is, well, let's say, the crown prince." Noah looked suprised and puzzled, "The crown prince? Here, on a street?"
Abel nodded proudly, introducing himself, "Of course, who else? It's me, Abel Vladmir, the sacred nobleman of light. And street? Ahem. This is my homeland. I can stand wherever I want."
Noah, instead of responding, commented again, "Oh dear, you look strong." Ameren froze for a moment in confusion, then uttered, "No-ah?"
Noah looked at Ameren and then back at Abel, lowering his head in a bow, "Sorry." he offered a polite apology.
Abel, rendered speechless by Noah's straightforwardness, could only stare in astonishment.
Breaking the silence, Ameren decided to lighten the mood, "Noah, you always speak your mind, don't you?" she chuckled ruffling his hairs affectionately. Noah nodded, his innocence shining through.
Abel finally found his voice and joined the laughter, realizing that Noah was a kid and is used to such straightforwardness, "Well, how nice it is to meet someone so honest, after a long while..." he said, extending his hand toward Noah.
Noah glanced at Ameren who nodded in encouragement. Nodding back, Noah shook Abel's hand.
As the conversation flowed, Abel and Ameren found themselves discussing various topics, froms seeds to the state of kingdom. They were both engaged in a conversation, but Noah, on the other hand, started to lose interest. He played with a nearby pebble, clearly uninterested in the boring talk.
Abel noticed Noah's lack of interest and decided to try something different. "Noah, do you like toys?" he asked, hoping to capture Noah's attention.
Noah glanced up briefly, his disinteresed expression unchanged, "Not really," he mumbled, then returned his focus back to the pebble in his hand, rolling it around.
Ameren couldn't help but smile, laughing quietly. "Noah is like this usually. Don't worry. He will be fine." she told.
Abel smiled back, nodding, "He is a rare case. Kids are usually attracted to me...So, it felt kind of...strange."
Ameren stifled another laugh at his remark, nodding. Abel squinted as he scruntized Noah closely,
"Also...his uninterested expression truly bears resemblance to him,"
Knight's Training Base
(After Extra Duty)
Enya stumbled over to Rowan and Elix, looking utterly disheveled, "Ugh," she groaned, barely holding herself together. Rowan rushed to her side and helped her onto the nearby bench, "Are you alright?" he inquired concerned.
Enya shook her head, exhausted, "I'm dying. It hurts everywhere." she quipped weakly. Rowan managed an awkward smile and handed her a water bottle, which she gratefully accepted.
Elix couldn't hold back his chuckles, "So, you are back, huh?" he teased. Enya nodded, her humor returning, "Yeah, thanks for raising a death flag for me," she remarked.
"Hey, I was told to call you, you know." Elix retorted puffing his cheeks.
Rowan interjected with a reminder, "Well, aside from that, aren't you quite occupied? You'll have to put in library hours, won't you?"
Enya sighed, her forgetfulness dawning on her, "Yeah... Phew, totally fogot about that. Thanks for reminding," she admitted sipping water, while Elix offered her a playful chuckle.
Enya caught a glimpse of Deion, passingby, and approached him at once, "Oh. Second Squad Leader? You? What are you doing here?" she inquired with a friendly smile.
Deion regarded her with a contented expression and replied, "Greetings."
Enya's smile was radiant as she nodded in response, "Greetings." Rowan and Elix gazed the two, while exchanging glances.
Deion's lips curved slightly as he scrutinized Enya. "Why do you seem so surprised? Do you think that I, as a leader, shouldn't be here? Or perhaps you believe I'm too occupied to step out into the outside world?" he asked.
Enya's smile however, remained intact, as she chuckled heartily, "No, no. But, wow, you're smiling quite a bit today," she remarked impressed.
Deion smiled and shook his head, saying, "Oh, no. Well, to be honest, this smile... I seem to have learned it from you."
Enya looked at him, her brows furrowing in curiosity. "From me? How?"
Deion looked below, his smile softening, "I've never been good at conversations or keeping others company. I often come across as serious and arrogant. But you, the last time we spoke, made me realize that there are certain aspects I can improve upon. Thank you,"
Enya cracked a laugh, "Oh. No need, brother. You'll learn everything in the near future." she assured.
Deion nodded, still wearing a gentle smile. "Allow me to take my leave now," he requested.
Enya nodded and added in slight guilt, "I well, wanted to apologize for my rudeness the last time we spoke."
Deion shook his head, "No, not at all."
With that Deion departed, leaving Enya, Elix and Rowan behind.
"By the way, I feel hungry." Enya announced out of nowhere. Rowan placed his fingers on his temple, a look of concern on his face. "Not again." he sighed.
Enya beamed at him, "Just kidding. I am too busy for it today~ Gotta preare for the duel, perform night duty and check on Noah. Anyways, I'll head to the library now,"
Elix showed his thumbs up with sympathy, "I salute you."
Rowan smiled at her, "Wish you luck." he added.