The blaring sounds from the drums filled the festive atmosphere in the kingdom. Unlike on her proclamation day, she was able to roam around the streets and gawk at the various merchant stores. With Elderifrey's strict supervision regarding her current situation, she must be with Alvaro at all times. The elder faye's revelation about what truly happened to Aelfrey's last whisperer sent shivers down her spine.
Balls of mellow fire conjured by the fire-gifted fayes hang up in the air, casting light upon the whole kingdom. But that doesn't beat her own special torch ball that hovers above her that follows her where ever she goes, it was the payment she asked from Alvaro for saving his life.
They strode alongside the long arrays of food stalls that sell assorted delicacies from every region. She drooled over the sumptuous smells coming from the colorful foods and thought of a certain faye. 'I'll have Deviro get me one of those later as his payment for saving him.' She thought with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Aelfrey is so beautiful." She breathlessly muttered as they both settled on one of the steps of the grand staircase leading to the kingdom. From their vantage point, they could clearly see the buzzing festivity taking place on the outer curtain of the kingdom. The boisterous laughter and the shameless chatter of the fayes fill the starry night sky. The queen held a celebration for everyone for surviving the wildfire and as an offering of gratitude to her from the king. Although she knows that this is the queen's way of redeeming the king's stubbornness, that puts her life in danger.
"The previous Aelfrey was a hundred times more breathtaking than this." Alvaro replied while staring unblinking at the scene in front of them. The lights coming from the celebration reflected in his eyes, his hazel-brown eyes appearing like orbs of fire. She could not help but stare at his otherworldly physique.
She could trace sadness in his voice. She drew her attention back to the celebration. A reassuring smile appeared on her face. "You know... I am confident that we can bring Aelfrey back in its glory."
She could see Alvaro from her peripheral view, casting a quick glance at her, then bowing his head lightly with a small smile on his lips. "I know." She heard him whisper audibly. He sounded hopeful.
"Thank you for trusting me and believing in me." She blurted out, her head then facing Alvaro, who was already staring at her. For the first time, she gave him a genuine smile.
"It is I who should thank you, Gala. For a short time, you have done so much for our land, more than anyone else here. We haven't even thanked you enough for saving Aelfrey a lot of times."
She blinked several times as his soft voice sent soft tingles to her skin. She could not believe that she was having this kind of conversation with Alvaro. Out of all the people, with Alvaro! Who would think that the callous and cold-hearted chief commander has a soft side?
She let out a soft chuckle that made him frown.
"What was so funny about what I said?" he complained, unexpectedly pouting like a five-year-old kid deprived of his favorite ice cream.
Unable to hold herself back, a throaty laugh burst out from her throat, the image of Alvaro pouting etched in her mind.
The young warrior beside her rolled her eyes at her, annoyed at her for laughing at him. His cheeks were as red as a ripened tomato, embarrassed for acting cutesy in front of her.
"Are you done?" He asked her, a hint of playfulness laced in his tone, indicating that he wasn't really mad at her for laughing at him.
She tried to compose herself, although a mischievous grin was still evident on her face. "All right, I was sorry for that. I just didn't expect you to... you know... thank me for these things." Her voice trailed off while she was trying to find the right words. His expression has changed to serious, though it is still far from his usual grim expression. She could sense that he was loosening up around her now, and that made her happy. "You know, you should just stay like this and completely dispose of your impertinent and cold-hearted reputation. You look more like a normal human now, although you are not really a human technically."
He did not respond, but with the way he was smiling at her right now, she knew that the young warrior wasn't offended by her unsolicited advice.
They both fell silent, but she didn't feel awkward about it; it was rather a peaceful silence. They silently watched the lively activities going on below them, silently wishing for Aelfrey to stay like this forever. But she knew very well that it was only wishful thinking. She knows she will have to inevitably confront the dangers linked to her destiny.
"Didn't you miss your parents, Gala?" he asked suddenly.
His question had her taken aback. She seemingly bit her tongue for a while. Tears automatically lingered in the corner of her eyes.
She sniffed back the tears that threatened to well up, feeling a lump in her throat. "Of course I do. I miss them every day, all the time and always." The strain in her voice betrayed her effort to hold herself from getting emotional.
"I'm sorry for taking your freedom and away from your kind, Gala."
"It's fine, Alvaro. If I hadn't accidentally entered your world, then I wouldn't have gotten to see this beautiful land, the fayes, the beings, and the beasts of Aelfrey. After all, all things happen for a reason." She replied truthfully, a small, genuine smile carved out on her lips.
They both hushed peacefully, sitting next to each other. Who would think that they could last hours without provoking and annoying each other? She smiled at how their relationship was progressing.
'Gala... '
She looked around, trying to look for the person calling her. The voice was clearly ringing in her ears.
'I'm here in your room. Come find me quick!'