As they walked out of the cottage, an awkward silence engulfed them. Aries was still quiet surprised, Thrain is not just a knight but a noble one at that, who would've thought. And here she was thinking he's someone who's just skilled in swordfighting. There's definitely a lot she doesn't know about him, their encounter was so sudden but timely.
Thrain, sensing the awkwardness, cleared his throat and broke the silence.
"Aries,I...ah, I suppose I should have told you sooner.My noble status is not something I often speak of,because I don't want people to see me a certain way, but Tyrone is right. My family's legacy and honor are tied to this quest and I am sworn to protect you with my life".
Aries nodded" I understand Thrain, but it doesn't change the way I see you".
"That's such a relief". Thrain said clutching his chest and laughing.
Thrain was born into the esteemed house of Aldrid,a noble family with a long history of valour and honor. His father Lord Erin Aldrid was a renowned warrior and statesman, who served as a trusted advisor to Barthron konnan the 4th, the slain King of Valtoria. Thrain's mother, Lady Lirien Aldrid was a skilled healer and diplomat, know for her wisdom and compassion.
Thrain is the youngest of three siblings, with two older sisters,Lythari and Fianna. From a young age,he was trained in the way of combat,diplomacy and leadership,as customary for noble sons. He showed exceptional skill with a sword and quickly became a skilled horseman at a really young age, challenging boys who were far more bigger and older than him in size and age.
Tragedy struck when Thrain was still just a teenager. His parents were killed in a tragic accident while on a diplomatic mission, leaving his sisters and him orphaned. The family's lands and titles were passed down to him, but he was too young to inherit, so a regent ruled in his stead, until he's old enough to take up the position.
His sisters took on a maternal role, guiding him through his grief and educating him in the way of leadership. He became determined to honor his parent's legacy and prove himself worthy of his noble birthright, so he spent years honing his skills,traveling the land and serving as a knight-errant , taking on quest and protecting the innocent. His reputation grew and he became known as chivalrous and skilled warrior. And now that Tyrone the wise old sage, called upon him to protect Aries,he saw it as an opportunity to fulfill his duty and honor his family's legacy. But little did he know that this quest would lead him down a path of self-discovery.
***********
As Aries and Thrain strolled through the rolling hills and verdant forest, the silence between them became more comfortable, filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and gentle rustle of leaves. The noble knight and the child of prophecy, walked on, their footsteps entwining like the threads of fate.
"Am so sorry about your parents Aries". Thrain said cutting through the silence. Aries lifted up her eyes to look at him, sadness evident in them.
"It's alright Thrain,atleast,I got to know the real cause of their deaths. You know back at the orphanage,I was told that my mother died immediately after giving birth to me, and when my father heard the news,his heart couldn't bare the shock. Some children told me that I was abandoned, cause no one wants a possessed child, funny enough,I believed those children "
"I can only imagine how hard it was for you".
Aries smiled. "It's okay,it was not that hard, trust me ".
Thrain took a deep breath and said" I don't remember so much about my parents you know, but one I thing I know for sure is that,they wanted the best for me and I know that every parent would want what's best for their child".
"You are right,I sense my parents wanted me to be strong and brave ". Aries said with a soft gaze in her eyes.
"I wonder if our parents ever crossed paths, perhaps they shared a common goal or dreams for our futures ". Thrain said thoughtfully after a long silence.
"Yeah,I wonder same thing too, it would be fascinating ".
Thrain nodded,his eyes locked on the horizon.
"I'd like to believe that our parents' legacies lived through us, guiding us towards a greater purpose".
Aries only gave a slight nod and everywhere became silent again.
"What was your childhood like,do you have any sibling ?". Aries broke the silence.
Thrain's gaze turned introspective.
"Well my childhood was a little complicated. As a noble, I was raised with certain expectations and responsibilities. My parents were kind and just but our household was strict and formal. I have two older sisters, Lythari and Fianna,who are both formidable in their own way".
He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing.
"Lythari is the eldest and she carried the weight of our family on her shoulders after our parents passed away, she's always serious and duty bound, but I admire her strength and conviction. Fianna,on the other hand,was a rebel, always challenging the norms and pushing boundaries. I look up to her in a way. She taught me to question authority, think and speak for myself".
Aries listened intently, sensing the complexities of Thrain's childhood.
"And your parents, what were they really like?".
"My parents...they were really good people Aries. They did their best to prepare me for my role in life, but I often felt like I was living in their shadows. They had high expectations and I struggled to meet them. But they loved me in their own way".
Aries nodded emphatically, understanding the weight of expectations.
"Your parents really loved you Thrain, despite all your shortcomings, you should consider yourself lucky though,you were able to create happy memories with them, that is something I can only wish for ".
"You deserve to have good memories too Aries, and I promise, we'll create new ones together, ones that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart ". Thrain said,his voice gentle.
Aries gaze dropped,her eyelashes fluttering as she fought back tears.
"You're kind Thrain, but am sorry to say it's not the same,my parents...they were taken from me before I could even remember them ".
"Aries... I'm so sorry,we may not have same past but it's not wrong to let go of a painful one ".
Aries forced a smile. "It's alright, look at me getting all emotional again, don't worry I'll be fine ".
Thrain placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Now tell me something, where are your sisters now,I really hope to meet them some day ".
"My sisters". Thrain began with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
"Well Lythari married king Barthron konnan the 5th but he died a few years ago,so Lythari is the one running the kingdom, she's wise and just,loved by our people,no one has ever had any reason to question her judgements,I guess she had it all figured out. And Fianna,well Fianna is a bit of a mystery, she left our kingdom years ago, seeking adventure and danger. I've heard rumors she's become a skilled warrior, fighting for justice in distant lands ".
Aries eyes widen with excitement.
"Whoa!,a queen and a warrior,I would love to meet them,am sure they are amazing, just like you Thrain ".
Thrain chuckled.
"Am sure they'd love to meet you too. Lythari would appreciate your courage and determination, and Fianna would probably challenge you to a sparring match on the spot".
Aries laughed,her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"I'd welcome that, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve you know ".
The two shared a warm smile, their bond growing with each passing moment.
"But I still don't understand why you left Valtoria, you had it all back there ".
"I wanted to forge my own path, make a name for myself beyond just being the younger brother of the queen ". Thrain said,his voice taking on a hint of vulnerability.
"I think I understand, sometimes,we need to leave what's familiar and comfortable to find our true calling ".
Thrain smiled,his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Exactly Aries. And I think I'm finding that calling on this journey with you".
"Wow, Thrain, you really have a way around words, don't you".
"Am a natural you know". They both laughed out loud
"How did we ever meet,do you wanna talk about it?" Aries asked winking at him.
"Don't even get me started on that one please ".
"But it was really funny,I can't lie ". Aries said still laughing,more memories of that fateful day came rushing like a whirl wind.