Saan makes his ways to the watchtower located just outside of the palace. The watchtower's intelligence system was implemented throughout the entire kingdom. When Saan was 1 Red and 6 Blue moons old he had figured out that knowledge was power. If you wished to do anything successfully in this would you need information to do it. Originally Saan did not know where to start. Nor who to employ. After Aaleyah returned to the palace, she had the idea of using those loyal to the Aljehni family line. Throughout the kingdom, loyal citizens were employed to work at watchtowers. The establishment is so successful it has become known as Khor towers, the workers keeping an eye on what was happening throughout the area, and reporting back to it. The watchtowers knew the richest people in a city, knew the travel routes, and could even tell you all the people unmarried in an area.
Aaleyah was the one who was able to get Saan's idea stable. And now, Blue moons later, it is the biggest intelligence system, with some ties in other kingdoms. The owner is also a safely kept secret. The leaders of the watchtowers are under a different name, Sun Protector with no ties to the royal family. Within every city in the kingdom was a watchtower, sometimes it was disguised as an inn, a tavern, or stable houses.
All working within Khor towers work in military fashion. The army has actually been attracting the attention of the king's guards. Some wonder if the Khor warriors will eventually attack the kingdom. But as it stands the soldiers have never made any move to cause havoc. In the past Blue moons the warriors have actually been seen aiding the people. During floods they have been ordered to send aid, and food. At the borders the Khor warriors have fought off bandits. Whoever is leading the Khor towers has no interest in causing harm to others. Thus the king has made no moves to get rid of them. The Sun Protector has however been invited to the palace on more than one occasion. He has always respectfully declined, and has never been seen.
The watchtower next to the palace was disguised as a museum of arts and music. One had to know the code name to go inside the real establishment. In the main hall is a picture painted by the famous artist Kalhamer, it is titled The Heavens on Earth. The picture depicts raindrops falling from the sky. Within the raindrops are the silhouettes of people. These people represent the people who are thought to have come from the heavens. The artist painted the sunlight to shimmer through the drops of rain, shining a yellow light. The same shades that represent the Aljehni family. When one speaks the code word they are able to access the establishment behind the painting.
Saan pauses to look at some of the paintings before nodding to a guard and walking inside. Walking down the dark hall, he makes his way up the stairs to the secret floor. The room is lit with natural sunlight, and the smell of cinnamon fills the entire room. There are 7 to 8 warriors inside, all situated around the table, almost blocking Aaleyah from view.
Aaleyah's yellow dress snugs at her waist tied in place with a red silk belt. Her red jacket sleeves are tied down with black vambraces giving her a regal, yet military look. The way the warriors stand around her give off the impression of an admiral talking to her troops.
Aaleyah taps her reed brush on the edge of the table. "It is no shock that there have been no updates." she scans the letter in her hand, "people respond more when they believe they are hearing information that they should not." tapping the brush as she thinks, "perhaps we should have people attempt to alter the letter. Or fight over putting it up and taking it down. That will grab others' attention."
"It seems there is still nothing then?" Saan concludes, making his presence known.
All the warriors bow, "Sun Protector."
Waving his hand as he makes his way to Aaleyah, "No need for formalities. As you were." Standing over Aaleyah, he peers over he shoulder to glance at the letter. "You have been here so long, any plans on returning to me?"
The men, hearing their leader's loving tone turn their heads away, suddenly studying the letters with more vigor.
"The sky is a better place for the bird." Aaleyah slides the letter she is holding into his hand before he can play with the tips of her braid.
Taking the letter Saan slides into the chair at Aaleyah's left. "This is a list of all the women 6 Red moons, or older in the cities of kingdom," he hums aloud as he scans the paper.
"Among all of these women I gave the order to narrow down women with ties to the area and cross them out. If Nakia is still around she would have shown up in a town, and will have no generations of being in the area." Aaleyah explains.
"Yet, the list is still so long." Saan mutters.
Aaleyah resumes tapping her brush off the edge of the table, "This is where we are stumped." she sighs, "We need to continue to narrow down the list, as well as keep track of any suspicious persons loitering around the letter."
Thinking deeply Saan studies the letter with the list of names. Surely there must be another way to make the list smaller. "Nakia was a doctor, surely she will be unable to stop herself from healing and aiding others." Looking up at one of the men standing by the table with his own list in his hand, "Highlight the women who seem to have medical knowledge."
Looking up, "If possible organize them from most knowledge to least knowledge." Aaleyah adds.
Saan smiles in agreement, "Yes, if she is in hiding still she will not show all of her skills."
"She may even train another, a disciple of some sorts who does all the medical work publically." Aaleyah says finishing Saan's trail of thought.
The two stay, crossing out women with no medical knowledge and organizing by city, as well as expertise. A few hours later Saan rises from his seat, "Alright, the sun is fading from the sky." Offering Aaleyah his hand, "Let us return to the palace."
Still working with a nearby warrior, Aaleyah pauses to glance at Saan with a questionable expression. "This one will follow after you soon." she tells him her way of asking to stay longer.
Saan gives one of the men a look, he is Captain Abrahm.
Aware of the look he is receiving, Captain Abrahm coughs and bows to Aaleyah, "The Sun must not leave without the Sun Protector." he formally says.
Aware of the looks the men exchanged, "This one came here on her own, surely she can leave on her own."
Captain Abrahm taps his foot once and the other men immediately chime in. "The Sun should leave with the Sun Protector. Allow us warriors to do the work. We are here to serve." The speak and bow in unison.
"Besides, this one's arm is tired. Will you leave it to hang in the air?" Saan asks, his hand still held out.
Aaleyah picks up the sheer cloth and covers her face. Once it is properly tied she rises from her seat. All men in attendance kneel on the ground. Taking Saan's hand, she turns to face Captain Abrahm, "This one will return for updates soon. If there is any vital information please send a message."
One hand over his fist, Captain Abrahm bows his head, "Of course, the Sun Warriors will not let you down."
Aaleyah motions for him to rise, following Saan's guidance to the door she calls out, "The Sun warriors have never disappointed the Sun."
Exiting Saan leads her to look at some of the new paintings. "Best to be seen." he adds with a smile. Then his eyes scan Aaleayh from top to bottom, "And this new dress should be seen."
Turning away to scan the paintings she fidgets with one of her vambraces.
Saan chuckles at her shyness, "Yellow is a beautiful color on you. The skies are lucky."
Stepping away, Aaleyah scans the next painting. "This is lovely." she compliments staring at the mother elephant and its calf. Her long trunk loops around the calf's head. The baby is so comfortable that its eyes seem to drift to sleep. Trusting his mother to support him as he sleeps on his mother's trunk.
Holding his hands behind his back, "Yes, nothing can be more lovely than a mother's love." He stands close enough for their shoulders to touch. "Since we are out shall we take the long path back?" he asks and when she turns her golden eyes shine with a smile concealed beneath the cloth. Saan has to clear his throat. He is older now, and has seen a plethora of women in the capital. But none of them have the mesmerizing beauty his wife has. The type of beauty that makes all flowers seem secondary. The sky can darken and rain fire instead of water, and as long as Aaleyah looks at him with her honey golden orbs he will feel no fear.
Smiling softly Aaleyah is aware of Helan who dresses in plain clothing standing by the door. Passerbyers scan him, some women with bright smiles walk towards him, and Helan moves away averting his eyes as best he can. "Helan is uncomfortable, we shall aid him."
Watching his top guard seem overwhelmed with the women who attempt to follow him, he laughs lightly. "To learn one must experience." Lifting his hand, Saan unhooks the right side of her cloth. Holding it in his hand he moves it so only he can see her face. "I knew you were smiling." his eyes twinkle with joy.
"Hi-." she cuts off her words, unable to address him in public. "Saan, what are you doing?"
Moving until his face is also covered by the cloth in his hand, "I wished to have a closer look of the joy on your face." shifting his eyes to the painting of the elephant, "In my dreams you make a beautiful mother. Is that something that will grant you joy as well?"
Eyes widening she automatically takes a step back tripping on the edge of her dress.
Holding her by her waist so she does not fall, "My apologies, my words have startled you." he pauses as if he is in deep thought. "Allow this to startle you instead."
His actions are swift and Aaleyah is unable to process anything but the warmth that lingers on her cheek.
With a mischievous grin Saan fastens the cloth back over Aaleyah's face. "You are right, we should save Helan."
They make their way down the stairs to Helan who by now is surrounded by a group of unmarried women. Aaleyah's hand lingering on her cheek, her eyes flustered.
A middle aged woman slides her hand up Helan's arm, "Very firm," she whispers seductively, "I would love to learn about other places that are firm."
Helan shivers and sidesteps into the arms of another, "At least tell us your name." she loops her arms around Helan's. Sliding her hand down she rubs each finger individually, "I can see that you are unmarried." Smiling the way a lion sees its prey, "What type of woman are you looking for?"
Helan is unable to fight his way out and sighs in relief when he sees his High Prince and Princess making their way towards him. High Prince Saan will not help him, but surely his high princess will.
Releasing Aaleyah's hand Saan claps, "Very good." he grins, motioning to the women surrounding Helan. "I did not know my friend had it in him. To attract such a crowd, congratulations."
In fear that he will be left behind, "No, I did not attract them, My Lord please." Helen deep voice gives the impression of begging; but surely that would be impossible.
Saan snickers, "Now you call me? You seemed to be having a great time. Here I thought you were following the tasks I gave you." Waving his hand, "One is unable to find good help these days." he complains with a twinkle in his eye.
One of the women speaks up, "My Lord will you let him go?" she asks the hope obvious in her eyes. "If you are, I will take him."
"No, I will!" another yells. Then the 7 women are clamoring over each other to buy the tall handsome man.
Aware of the fun his high prince is having, Helan turns to his only ray of light left, "My Lady please." he calls out to her in a desperate tone.
Aaleyah restrains herself from twirling the ending strands of her brain, "This young man is unable to marry any of you."
One of the older women huffs, "And why now? I see no ring." she exclaims.
The other women nod in agreement and murmur their own reasons and comments.
Saan turns with a dark glint in his eye and upon seeing it Helan drops his head in defeat. "He is unable to marry anyone. You see, he can't get it up."
All the hands on Helan disappear. "Oh."
Walking through the palace halls Saan snickers at Helan's still red face. "It was a joke, no need to be so shy about it."
Twirling the face cloth around her hand Aaleyah tries to comfort Helan, "Those women were not ones you wished to marry, were they?" she asks, feeling bad.
"No high princess." Helan says with gritted teeth, his face growing darker.
"We can tell them it is not true." Aaleyah tells him.
Saan laughs loudly, attracting the attention of other guards in the hall, "Aaleyah, you are making it worse by speaking to him? Have you forgotten that you too are a woman?"
Aaleyah frowns in realization. "Ah, uhm, then maybe…"
Helan shakes his head, a soft smile on his lips as he looks at his high princess, "This guard deserves no comfort High Princess Aaleyah, thank you for your kind heart."
Saan snickers, "Maybe you can find someone who has a kind heart and they will not care for other functions."
Aaleyah sucks her teeth, "Saan, enough." she orders. Turning to Helan, "We have reached our chambers, please change shifts and get some rest. We will see you in the morning."
Helan bows and nods to his 2nd in command down the hall. Once he makes his way to the door Helan rushes off not even a glance in Saan's direction.
Saan follows Aaleyah towards her chambers, and smiles when Aaleyah continues to side glance at him. "What is it my Lady?" he asks, still in character.
Flicking her braid back, "High Prince Saan," she formally addresses, "must you tease your guards so?"
His laughs echo in the corridor, "Is there a reason my high princess condemns me for another man?" he keeps his tone serious, hiding the humor from his eyes.
Recalling how she yelled for him to stop her mouth is agape in shock. Clearing her throat, "This one meant no harm, however she is still wrong." she drops her head in repentance.
Saan paces behind her so he can smile before turning serious once more, "The high princess can say whatever she wishes to me." taking her hand in his, the guards in the hall avert their gaze, "My high princess can only harm me when she defends other men." He pouts, "You have a selfish husband, the only man I wish for you to defend is me." he states proudly.
Focusing on her breathing Aaleyah inhales through her nose and exhales from her mouth. Why must Saan torment her so? Maybe she should not have dismissed Helan, then Saan could spend his time teasing him instead.
Saan's smile grows. Aaleyah is the picture of a nervous bunny. Her eyes darting, her face growing warm. "Alright, my high princess must be tired, I will send you to sleep." he announces and walks to her door.
Saan opens her door and motions for her to go inside, "Tomorrow is the final meeting to discuss and finalize the peace treaties. I hope to see you with good news in the late afternoon."
Aaleyah nods and then her door is shut. Her ladies rush to help her get ready for bed, and before she knows it she is drifting off to sleep.
Hammun knocks on the doors to Hestia's chambers. He has been trying to see Hestia for days but she has been waking early to go to the medicinal rooms. So this time Hammun woke before dawn to see her. Inside he can hear movement and knows she is inside.
"Princess Hestia, please." he calls out. "Open the door."
The doors open and a servant exits, closing the door swiftly behind her. Holding her hand over her fist she bows, "Prince Hamun."
"Where is the princess?" Hammun asks after motioning for her to rise.
"Princess Hestia is not ready for the day, it is our fault for not dressing her soon enough after her bath."
Hammun swallows his frustration and gives a respectful smile, "Not a problem, do not fret over small matters. When will the princess be ready?"
The servant seems nervous and looks behind her at the door, "The princess may need quite a bit of time this morning. She vows to come see you later today."
Hammun's polite eyes seem to glare. If he wishes he can demand that Hetia open the door. Demand that she speaks to him, but that will only prove her foolish notions of thinking they are unequal correct. "Thank you for your answers, I will await the princess' meeting." he tells the servant and walks away. He has to prepare for court today, and the likelihood of him having a chance to meet Hestia is slim.
Hestia watches the shadow walk away from the closed windows of her chambers. She stands next to the window and discreetly moves the curtain so she can peek at Hammun's retreating form. Her hair is pulled in a bun, tied with a red string, when she awoke she had every intention of going to the medicinal rooms. However, after seeing Hammun come to her at dawn she is too afraid to leave her chambers.
Unties the cloth on her wrist she takes off the white robe. "If anyone comes to my chambers today tell them I am unwell." she tells the servants and returns to her bed, pulling the blanket to cover her face.
Inside the king's court Hammun finishes making the copy of the signed treaty. Handing the copies to Head Advisor Shah, who gives each one to the recipient. Hammun claps his hands, "In two weeks time allow us to have a banquet to celebrate the peace we have all worked so hard to create."
Demir, a representative of the Trivplah Kingdom, rises, "This is truly a means of celebration, I will return swiftly to give the news to the royals." He motions for his men to move out, "Thank you." he says before bowing and leaving swiftly.
Between Aidkjeen Kingdom and Nevalvn there are many tribes that hold great power, some of the leaders attended the peace talk meeting as well.
One of the tribal leaders rises as well, "King Hammaan," he bows, "Prince Hammun," he bows again, "The Alakkyn Tribe will always remain loyal to the House of Dlumaeni. Thank you for always striving for peace."
The Alakkyn Tribe was a lone wolf amongst the other tribes. It had no desire to gain more power or to take resources from the Nevalvn mines. The tribe of Alakkyn was filled with Star worshippers. They live their own way of life striving to be unaffected by the chaos of the nations. However many kingdoms who were hoping to attack Nevalvn were camping out in Alakkyn territories, and mistaking them for Nevalvn people. This was causing chaos and unjust deaths. The Alakkyn's believed that the one who kills is the one who must be punished. Which in today's world was foolish to some.
If a male broke into your home and killed your family, would you not wish to kill his family as revenge? Not an Alakkyn. An Alakkyn will only kill the man who slayed his family, to an Alakkyn the perpetrator's family is innocent and should not pay for others' sin.
Alakkyn's also strongly believed in reincarnation. The goal was to do well in your human life in hopes of reincarnating as a star. To burn brightly as a star was an honor. Which was why when one died they were burned under a cloudless sky filled with stars. This was also why when they enacted their revenge they would cut up their enemy and bury the top half of the body, and drown the bottom half. To be untouched by fire in death meant that the Star Gods would be unable to find your soul and you would be unable to reincarnate.
Dumping butchered bodies into the water went against every part of Trivplah religion. Trivplah people worship the Goddess of the Sea and to take a life, butcher it, and then dump it carelessly into the water that the Goddess has graced the earth with was a deep sin. This kind of sin could enact the Goddess's wrath. Thus the Trivplah's had every intention to go to war with the Alakkyn Tribe as well as the Nevalvn kingdom. If the Aidkjeen kingdom had not stepped in this could have become a war for resources and religion.
The kingdom of Aidkjeen worshiped the Lord of the Heavens. Their people did not believe in reincarnation, or wrath from gods. They believed in one God who gifted everything that lies within the world. But King Hammaan still holds respect for all religions. In fact the kingdom of Aidkjeen is known as a refuge where people can worship whoever they like. The clause is that they never cause harm to others while doing so.
King Hammaan rises from his seat and nods his head to the tribal leader of the Alakkyn Tribe, "It is I that should thank you for allowing me to intervene and strive for peace. If not for you halting your revenge to allow for a path to peace."
The tribal leader smiles softly. "It was a gamble that has paid off well." he states.
"Before you leave please have tea with me." King Hammaan asks with a tilt of his head.
The tribal leader nods and takes his seat once more.
Other tribal leaders say their thanks and respectfully leave with promises to return for the celebratory feast.
Once everyone is gone Saan enters with the guards behind him, "Tribal Leader Abgal the Dlumaeni family acknowledges your efforts and truly appreciates the trust you have shown to us."
Tribal Leader Abgal rises and bows, "High Prince Saan." he greets.
Saan snaps his fingers and Helan walks in carrying a golden jeweled capsa. As he presents it to Tribal Leader Abgal, Saan continues to speak.
The great scholar Ailahn spent her life studying the stars. She left behind no children, and no husband. Thus her life's work has been held in the safes, but we believe this," Saan motions to the capsa, "is something the Alakkyn people can appreciate in the way Scholar Ailahn intended to be."
Tribal Leader Abgal motions for his men. His right hand opens the capsa and places the contents into his hand. Unrolling it he gasps. "This celestial map is beautiful, surely it must be the best in all the lands." He takes his time studying it, his body turns to the left to allow his men to look at it with him. All of their eyes filled with astonishment.
Tribal Leader Abgal has to visibly force himself to stop looking at the map and rolls it back up. He bows deeply, "The entire tribe of Alakkyn thanks you for such a thoughtful gift, truly there is no greater gift in the world."
Saan nods, "The Dlumaeni family is forever grateful to the Alakkyn tribe."
His father nods behind him, "This is the tea I have invited you to drink. If you wish to go I will not hold you." King Hammaan says.
Prince Hammun smiles, "Yes, it is a long journey back home, we have assembled guards to escort you."
Shaking his hand, "No need, no need." Tribal Leader Abgal says, "I thank you for all you have done. My men and I can make our way back on our own." all his men bow and they exit.
Once everyone is out Prince Hammun returns to his seat and clears up his papers. "That went well." He tiredly glances at Saan, "You always seem to be the lucky one, coming to court for the shortest amount of time."
Saan smirks, "The beauty of working with the military. Today was just the signing of what we have already spoken of for moons. I luckily was not needed."
The king laughs, "Everyone has their duty." he turns to Saan, "You can tell Aaleyah to prepare for the celebration."
Saan nods. Usually the planning of celebrations goes to the queen, but with her being unwell the responsibilities fall on Aaleyah. "I will tell her immediately."
The king chuckles and nods before Saan walks away.
His space now clean, Hammun turns to his father, "May Hestia have a hand in this?"
"This celebration is of great importance, do you believe she is ready?" the king asks.
"Hestia may not be able to do this alone, but with Aaleyah at her side she can at least learn skills that can aid her in the future." Hammun explains.
"Alright, she can work under Aaleyah's guidance." The king gives a wave of approval as he walks away to return to the queen.
In the meantime Aaleyah paces back and forth at the entrance of the medicinal rooms. At first she thought it would be good to give Hestia some time. Allow Hammun to soothe her. She had thought that this was something between Hammun and Hestia, but after thinking Aaleyah realized something that she had somehow forgotten. Hestia is her friend too!
She has to fix her friendship, if Aaleyah just leaves Hestia to her own thoughts, who knows how long it will be until they finally speak again. So here she stands before the door to the medicinal room. All she must do is knock on the door.
Helan, having been with Aaleyah for the past 10 minutes, decides to help. "Allow me to call for her in your name." he tells her as he knocks on the door before she can stop him.
The door opens to one of the youthful aids dressed in white with a white ribbon. "Captain Helan." the aid bows with a smile.
Helan gives her a pleasant smile, "Young physician Dipta lovely as always to see you."
Aaleyah studies the way Dipta shyly moves her face. Oh?
"Would you mind notifying Princess Hestia that High Princess Aaleyah is here to see her?" Helan asks, oblivious to the way Aaleyah is studying him.
Dipta's eyes widen in confusion, Princess Hestia?" she turns and bows to Aaleyah, "High Princess Aaleyah, I am sorry to say that Princess Hestia has not come to the medicinal rooms today."
Helan steps back not sure what to say, "Then my apologies for disturbing you, Physician Dipta."
Waving her hands, "Captain Helan is never a disturbance, nor am I a physician yet. I still have many more Blue moons of training ahead of me."
Helan bows, 'Regardless I thank Physician Dipta for her assistance today."
Dipta bows to Helan, and then deepens the bow as she turns to Aaleyah.
Aaleyah acknowledges her bow and Dipta rushes back inside.
Helan turns to face his high princess. "Shall I walk you to Princess Hestia's chambers?" he asks her.
Agreeing, the two of them make their way to Hestia's chambers. Entering the square Aaleyah notices a shadow moving towards her. Turning to greet him, "High Prince Saan." she bows.
Helan takes a few more steps back as Saan walks at Aaleyah's side.
"I did not expect to see you on this side of the palace. Did you come from the medicinal rooms? Are you sick?" he scans her for any signs she is unwell. Before he can lift his hand to inspect her temperature she replies.
"This one is perfectly well." Aaleyah turns back towards Helan.
Reading her expression Helan speaks up, "High Princess Aaleyah hoped to visit Princess Hestia today. She stopped at the medicinal rooms to visit her." he explains.
"Ah, I see. You will not need to search further for her." Saan catchers Aaleyah's hand before she can slither away, "The king will have a celebration in a few weeks time. You are to make the preparations and show Hestia the way of a host. Maybe she will soon be able to plan by herself in the future." The two of them walk together down the corridor.
Aaleyah smiles politely, her mind still filled with thoughts of Hestia.
Nudging her lightly with his elbow, "Hestia is a bright girl, she will not stay angry at you for long." Saan tells her comfortingly. "If I may," Saan says as they reach the point of making a left or a right, "ask for the high princess' time?"
"My time?" she asks not seeing the evil grin Saan gives Helan.
Helan's toes lift in his boot desperately wanting to leave.
"Yes," Saan's eyes shine brightly, "there is a talented musician who will be at the museum of music and art. Today was a success, allow us to celebrate it together."
"A musician?" Aaleyah questions wishing to know if he means to go to the watchtowers.
Taking Aaleyah's hand in his, "Yes, this time I wish to appreciate the music with you, we always spend our time with the art, allow us to hear the talents of the capital city instead."
Helan bows, "If I may, this will be an excellent opportunity for the other guards. Perhaps they can be of assistance-"
Saan shakes his head, his face one of trepidation, "Oh no. in terms of safety there is only Captain Helan that can grant me such peace." his innocent smile does not hide the mischievous glint in his eyes.
Helan checks that the other guards are out of hearing range, "Now you call me captain?" he asks with a glare. Then hope reappears in his eyes and he turns to Aaleyah, only for the hope to fade away when Saan randomly blocks his view of her.
"Of course, Captain Helan as always the Dlumaeni line is grateful; for your loyalty." Saan tells him with a wide grin.
Aaleyah senses something amiss peeks around Saan, her head popping out just below his shoulder. Helan's annoyed expression clues her in; moving to stand to the side to see both men at the same time, "High Prince Saan," she calls.
Saan turns his face to give her his attention, "What is it?"
Aaleyah pauses thinking quickly to save Helan. It has not been long, if they go into town everyone will recognize Helan and he truly was very embarrassed. "If it is music you wish to listen to, then this one will perform for you tonight." she tells Saan.
Saan's eyes widen in happiness, "You will play the lyre for me?"
Helan breathes a sigh of relief. Saan will never pass up an opportunity to hear Aaleyah play. He bows his thanks to Aaleyah.
"Allow us to celebrate." she motions for Helan to back away.
Saan follows Aaleyah's steps down the corridor calling out to Helan, "No one is to disturb me tonight. I wish to hear the music unbothered."
Inside Hestia's chambers she listens to Hammun speaking through the door. Her hand on the other side, hovering over the handle.
"Everything was a success today, Kitten. The king wishes to celebrate. You will get to help Aaleyah plan a celebration." Hammun sighs at the silence that greets him. "I know I have wronged you Hestia, I am truly sorry for hurting you." he turns to sit on the step in front of the door. "You once told me that there are many things about being a royal that confuses you." He taps his fingers on the floor, "Being a royal is a blessing. We are blessed to provide for our people. To hear the common folk, to provide them with their needs and wants. To ensure that our people can walk a path of happiness."
Hestia rests her back on the table next to the door.
"With so many lives at one's fingertips one must learn to deal with pressure and stress." Hammun looks towards the closed door, "That is usually something we learn to do alone. We learn to lean on our own knowledge, we learn to strengthen our own mind. We learn that the best way to have something done is to mold what you want with your own hands." He rests his elbows on his knees, "I did not wish for you to feel my stress, my fears, nor did I wish for you to worry. I thought if I could solve the problem I could go to you with happy news. I did not wish to be in a position to tell you that-" he stops when he hears the movement behind him. The door is still closed but he knows, in his heart he knows she is there, listening. Rising he stands in front of the door, "I was scared." he admits. "I was scared you would ask me what to do, and I would have to admit that I did not know." he swallows, "I did not want to tell you that I too am at a loss of what to do." he whispers.
The door opens and Hestia's small face comes into view. Her hair is loose, falling over her shoulders. Her blue gown is not tied at the waist, giving an image of a married woman preparing for bed. Opening her hand towards him, "Come in please."
Aaleyah plays the song, her fingers gracefully moving over the strings. Saan lays over the cushions, a table of fruits before him. His hand moves to take grapes, but his eyes never stray from Aaleyah. His hand moves blindly searching for the bowl of grapes, pausing mid-search when Aaleyah's eyes make contact with his.
"My sister has been really upset recently." Asbed told Saan as they made their way through the palace.
Young Prince Saan frowned, "Aaleyah?" he asked unsure. Usually when Asbed spoke of Aaleyah his voice was filled with annoyance and frustration. This time however it was filled with worry.
Asbed nodded, "Yep, she got in a fight with Zale, and they have not spoken to each other for a week." he told Saan.
Aaleyah and Zale were as close as twins could get. Usually they could not go an hour without speaking to each other. The two even studied together.
"What happened? Those two never fight."
Asbed stretched his arms and worked the kinks out of his neck. "Well Zale told Aaleyah he wanted to learn the lyre. Which seems very simple, you learn to play an instrument, I mean almost all of us know how to play something."
Saan nods agreeing with Asbed's words, "It does not seem like anything big. Are you sure that is why Aaleyah is angry at him?" Saan sighed, if he did not leave the capital city for training with his father he would have been home and able to stop his friends from arguing.
Asbed shook his head, "Yes and no. It is about the instrument but not really. This is the last Blue Moon Aaleyah as before her studies separate from Zale's." Asbed crossed his arms, "Next Blue Moon Aaleyah will have to go under strict classes with father to learn Aljehni history. One person out of every generation has to do it, and this generation is Aaleyah. Aaleyah wants to continue the class on concealed weaponry."
Saan shook at the words. Aaleyah tested high in the class, her skill with the dagger completely terrifying.
"But from Zale's perspective he will be forced to take more combat courses later on, and this is his last year to choose simple things; like-"
"Music." Saan finished Asbed's sentence. "So Aaleyah wants to spend her last moons studying with her Zale, but Zale is separating his courses from her early."
"Our house has been strange since. No one knows what will set them off. Zale went with Amenah to buy a lyre and when Aaleyah saw it she exploded. She swore that if she heard so much as one string from such a stupid instrument she would break it."
Saan shook his head, "And how did Zale respond." he asked knowing that Zale would never back down to his twin.
"He said if she breaks his instrument he will write her secret down and post it on the bulletins throughout the entire city so everywhere she goes she will feel embarrassed, then he will become talented in his instrument to write a song to sing about his sister's humiliation."
Saan was following along with the story but hearing about a secret his curiosity grew, "wait what secret?"
Asbed smirked, "Don't ask me. Those chaos makers are finally not focused on me, I am not going to ask the sun to shine my way."
Nudging him, "So you know the secret?" Saan asked Asbed.
An evil glint is shown in Asbed's eyes, "I know that Aaleyah will forever remember Zale's threat everytime she hears a lyre string."
Aaleyah finishes the song and places the lyre away.
Saan opens his arms for Aaleyah to sit next to him, beaming with joy when she does without a fight. "Thank you for your music, my wife is the most talented in the land." he compliments.
Aaleyah says nothing, instead she pours a cup of tea for him.
In a joking mood, "Even though you only chose to play for me to help Helan I am still happy." he catches the way her hand slips a drop of tea falling onto the table. "Once again you treat me differently for another man. You yelled at me yesterday for Helan. Now you play for me to help Helan." He frowns, "Anyone with a brain would think you cared for Helan more than I?"
Setting the tea cup down her ablaze eyes turn to Saan, "That is not true." she states firmly.
"Which part?" he asks quickly knowing she is flustered.
"I care for Helan but it is not more than you." Hearing her words she backs away covering her mouth with her hand, "The high prince is always cared for more" she says in a calmer tone, attempting to alter the emotions she had in the first statement, and hide her embarrassment.
"I do not care to be always cared for." Saan tells her, his hand sliding to embrace hers, "I only care to be the person you care for most." he pulls his shy wife into his tight embrace. Leaning close to her ear, "Thank you for playing tonight. The music was almost as beautiful as you."
Far away in a town by the border a young girl walks past the fabric store and a strange sign catches her attention. Most people ignore the sign not understanding the language it is written in. However the words written causes her feet to slow, she never knew there were others who knew the same language. She rushes home to prepare a response.