As the daystar produced glittering rays of light illuminating the great teal sky, 20-year-old young man in a mask walked along a dirt pebble path. As poised and tranquil as a serene forest on a mid summer's day, he strode gracefully, his earrings fluttering. His clothes humble yet dignified flowed along with the chilly wind, as well as his long locks of raven colored hair. The top half of his hair was tied into a loose bun which held a golden crown. Though not a prince, anyone who was unaware of COPESS' customs would definitely mistake him as one.
Under the mask was a troubled and isolated young man who had been exploited again and again, working like a slave. The man on the outside was someone who could get anything he could ask for. Those who'd come to know him, would compare him with a forsaken flower left neglected, lonely with few who actually cared. Alone when the room Is crowded and full, small when he's unable to contribute to the conversation, and pushed aside when the friend group doesn't have space for him.
Luckily, he was on his way to his safe place where he could drop all pressure shoved on him, home. Hyssop Cottage, they call it. As well as friendly faces to accompany him. Although his roommates aren't quite talkative, they have been close throughout their childhood. Now, however, have been overly invested in their duties. So, they have been unable to gather and just coexist within each other's company.
As he walked, he contemplated, in two years he'd finally have to marry and possibly even become the next council member. The information of who the lucky girl Is, was still a mystery to him. He's had his own suspicions on who she may be but hasn't really bothered looking into it. He wasn't upset, they were all the best in their talents; but he'd already changed his mind on marriage. As a matter of fact, it's the very reason why his father sent him away mission after mission. Claiming he was just thinking too much and that it was his idea in the first place.
He looked up to see a tall girl with somewhat of a bulky figure walking towards him on the same pebble path. This was a girl dressed in a neat burgundy and orange pallet. Blonde and uneven hair barely passed her shoulders, her eyes were as deep brown as rich chocolate, and her stunning thick eyebrows gave her a more of a serious look. She seemed to be about a foot taller than him, which made him a little envious. Her name was Jasper Reese, the leader of their 2k group. In her hand was an envelope of some kind. Deep within Bing Wen's mind he knew where it may have originated from. He burnt an imaginary incense and prayed it wasn't from Griffith. In a blink of an eye, she ran towards him yelling, "Hey, you're finally back! Bing Wen, I have something for you!" She waved her arm wildly with the envelope in hand causing it to slightly crumble up. She was just too eccentric upon his return he found it a bit heartwarming, usually she was always sour-faced and bossy with everyone.
Jasper handed the envelope to him as she said, "Bing Wen, Appia left this for you yesterday. She said it's from Master Einar and Ms. Vondri."
Bing Wen, internally began to whine as they started walking towards the cottage. Bing Wen said, "Thank you Jasper. Did Appia tell you anything?"
Jasper corrected her stance and replied, "No, just that the letter was from them and as soon as you got it you should head there as soon as possible."
It felt overly suspicious how they somehow managed to calculate or guess when he would arrive back to the cottage. "Okay, thank you again for the trouble. I know I've been gone for more than a month this time. I'll make up for the lost time with chores, when I get back from this," said Bing Wen.
"Oh no, it's fine! When you get back you should rest! That reminds me, I made congee an hour ago. I'll heat it up and chop up some veggies for you with meat!"
BingWen nodded and glanced at Hyssop Cottage, he breathed a much-needed sigh of relief. Such a beautiful and colorful home, flowers bloomed all over the cottage, and light green colored vines wrapped around the outside walls. "I can't believe I'm back and I already have to leave. Just how many times does he plan to keep me doing this," he asked himself.
They finally entered the two-story cottage when three other people came running out Janet, Milo, and Mason, all welcomed him back home. With huge smiles on their faces, they engaged in a tight group hug. Everyone laughed as they almost fell. They were all basically raised together since the age of twelve. Milo exclaimed with teary eyes, "It's so great to have you back Bing Wen!"
Janet agreed, "Oh, we all missed you so much!"
"Glad to have you back Bing Wen, this place has been quite without you. unfortunately, we have a certain something to take care of right now and we need to take the exam next week and we can't afford failing. Maybe after we can have a little party just us," said Mason. Janet rolled her eyes, "oh come on we can set aside the paperwork for now, BING WENS BACK!"
"No, as much as I hate to say It. Milo Is right you need to study for the exam. Otherwise, you'll never be able to accompany me on my missions. I can really use your support on them," said Bing Wen.
Everyone agreed and gave Bing Wen another group hug. After a short conversation, Janet, Milo, and Mason retreated back to their rooms as they were told. Jasper sighed, "I'll go get that congee."
BingWen went to his room and changed out of his robes. He sat at his desk facing the mirror on the wall. Behind him was his bed, to the right was the door, and on the left was a window with short and thin white satin curtains. He set His eyes on the envelope. After receiving envelopes after envelopes, he just couldn't stand them anymore. He lit up another mental incense and prayed It wasn't another mission.
After a while of zoning out he finally brought himself to open it. "Shit!" He cursed. Extreme anger flushed over him until utter defeat rushed in like a wave. His hands dug into his hair nearly pulling it out. His head dropped into his arms. After a while of blankly staring at It, he picked up the paper.
It turned out he was assigned another mission to finalize a trading deal. He'd have to escort treasures to the designated location in return for information. The more he read his father's words the more he regretted coming home early. At least he'll have some heaven tasting congee to eat before leaving. He continued reading and was caught off guard when he saw he'd have to be accompanied by someone in a group of 2k, Angelo Bow.
"2k" means the second year of the kindergarten system or a house. Usually "2k," are children found around on NyxE who don't have anyone to depend on. Hence, "to keep" meaning that they were either adopted by a noble or a council member, like BingWen. Hyssop cottage Is considered a house mainly because there is one person who was actually adopted. Jasper Is their caregiver therefore the head of the household. Having this type of class automatically disqualified them from ever becoming a future council member. They are also responsible for making sure their 2ks study well for exams.
As he was pondering about what he could do on his days off (when he'd actually get some), Jasper entered with his dinner. They both chatted about the mission before she left to take care of her duties. BingWen ate blissfully. When he finished, he walked into the kitchen to wash his plates. He went back to his room to pack any necessary items for this important mission. Before finally getting ready for bed.
The next morning, he left before the loving day star could shine its rays throughout the sky. Bing Wen walked and walked carrying his things to his destination, a far away camp. This campground is built deeper into the prairie, on training grounds. This part of the land Is always guarded by the fiercest recruits. This was a very convenient place to meet since it's located near the center of the prairie. Although he really wasn't there to train, he's going there to meet his adoptive sister, Appia.
Appia was adopted a couple months after COPESS was founded. She was far too young when Lillian found her and took her In. They've been close ever since meeting each other. Appia had special powers that always allowed her to remain close. With the ability to teleport, her job was always to send secret messages or special deliveries to faraway places. Which was worrisome because she was always very impulsive.
Bing Wen knew the prairie like the back of his hand and yet took longer than expected. The sky was already lit and teal. The golden fields sparkled, the trees shimmered, flowers sprung back up.
As he grew closer, he passed short stone walls. He had finally arrived at the campgrounds. He could already see the main building ahead of him. He sighed, "Finally."
The main gates opened as he waved to the guards patrolling. Each guard gave their greetings from where they stood. One of them then played a melody on a steel tongue drum. People who spotted him watched in awe as he walked with calm graceful strides. His hair fluttered in the wind.
He finally arrived to a slightly bigger hut than the others. This particular hut was protected by four guards. As soon as they saw him one of the guards also started playing the same melody on a steel tongue drum. This melody was one that announced his presence. When one heard his melody, it was to announce his arrival.
A soldier lifted the drapes with a nod. Bing Wen acknowledged him as he proceeded to enter. Inside was his sister who instantly ran to him for a hug, "Brother!" Feeling the warm embrace getting tighter and tighter, until neither of them could breathe. Appia tapped Bing Wen's shoulder, "Okay okay! I can't breathe!" Each let go catching their breaths and chuckled.
Appia's hair was a light blue, with a tint of purple, which covered her right eye. Her outfit had purplish-pink tones to it which complimented her light blue skin. She was only a head shorter than him just barely passing his shoulders.
"Sit down let me serve you some tea," she said. BingWen did as he was told. Seeing his sister for the first time in months made him want to tear up a bit. He felt bad that she was being used as a delivery person. Its just too dangerous for her. But their parents don't worry much about this. Sometimes he worries she'll be taken advantage of because of her teleportation powers. Of course, there are certain places she is strictly forbidden to visit as well as certain boundaries she can't cross. The place BingWen is meant to go are one of those places. She can easily be snatched away by the local street gang. So, today Appia is meant to hand over a censored map that can only be seen by the dealer's eyes. The map Is said to contain the locations of treasures hidden throughout the boundaries.
Appia took the initiative to serve him tea while they waited for Angelo to arrive. Bing Wen became curious how her job as a messenger was going, "So, I've heard you've been taking your job quite seriously. How do you like it so far?"
Appia responded, " Oh, I love it. I can go places I wasn't able to go to before while visiting as well. And I've met so many new people and made new friends!"
BingWen was excited to hear more but asked, "really? Have you met this Angelo character yet?"
"Oh no, I've only encountered his 2ks. I can see you're quite excited to meet your new partner. It's just like what mother said!"
BingWen's ears perked up, "Oh? Then, what did she say?"
"That you were gonna become the best of friends! She also said you two were the perfect duo!" It would be a lie to say that BingWen and Appia didn't doubt her words. She continued, "Look, from what I hear he's a great person. And I also believe you two will become the absolute most best-est friends in the world!" In truth she pretended to be extremely thrilled, but her sarcasm wasn't hidden. In a way, this made BingWen want to get up and ask for vacation.
While they waited, they caught up on what they were both up to since they've last seen each other. Talking from hobbies to missions to plans for the future. They had ended up coming up with a date to go to the city with their parents.
He undid his low ponytail into a high one while letting two strands of hair loose in the front. In his movements, he was lost in thought when there was noise coming from outside. Appia became alarmed, she would always visit this place to meet up with her brother and not once has there been this much commotion. They glanced at each other before shooting out of their chairs and storming outside. Every guard in sight was startled by their sudden appearance, they all scrambled to their places. A tall man with wings was left stranded when everyone backed away. This puzzled man spoke, "Hey what's going on? Where's everyone going? Ladies?" He turned around to see why everyone suddenly collected themselves after being so intrigued with his wings. Especially since the ladies blushed and covered their rosy faces. He couldn't have been more ready to finally meet the most distinguished man everyone talks about.