While wandering through the lush expanse of Hearthwood Haven Manor Garden, Ambers felt a surge of anxiety as she searched tirelessly for Young Lord Ashura. Her heart quickened when she finally spotted him—Ashura lay nestled against the gnarled roots of a grand oak tree, its trunk thick with the wisdom of more than fifty years.
"Young Lord Ashura!" Ambers called out, her voice tinged with worry as she hurriedly approached the slumbering figure beneath the majestic tree.
Awakened by the sound of Ambers's voice, Ashura slowly cracked open his eyes, the lingering haze of sleep clouding his vision. As the pale sunlight filtered through the foliage, it glinted off the rich depths of his pupils. "Ambers, is that you?" he murmured, his voice soft and slightly groggy, still reeling from his dream.
"Young Lord! Why are you sleeping here? You'll catch a cold!" Ambers exclaimed, a note of panic creeping into her tone as she rushed forward, brushing away stray leaves and dirt clinging to Ashura's clothes.
As his vision sharpened, Ashura couldn't help but smile, a blend of amusement and warmth lighting up his features. A soft, melodic laugh escaped him—a sound that danced lightly through the air. "Hahaha, to think I stumbled upon such a sight," he chuckled, the light in his eyes twinkling mischievously, almost as if he were drunk on the sweetness of the moment.
Ambers took an involuntary step back, a mix of concern and confusion boiling within her. "Young Lord?" she said cautiously, her brow furrowed in worry.
"Ah, forgive me, Ambers; it seems I was just a bit lost in thought," Ashura replied, the smile never leaving his lips as he stood up gracefully, shaking off the remnants of his unexpected nap. He dusted off the lingering leaves and dirt with a nonchalant ease, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. "It's almost time for the sun to set. Let us return to the manor," he added, his voice calming as it settled into a comfortable rhythm.
Ambers couldn't shake the puzzlement from her expression, her heart heavy with questions. *What exactly happened? Young Lord Ashura ran away earlier with a face full of resentment and sadness, and now he acts as if nothing has transpired.* As she watched Ashura start to walk away, a knot of worry tightened in her chest.
"What are you doing, Ambers? Let's go, or we'll be late for dinner!" Ashura called over his shoulder, his happy smile infectious, effortlessly brightening the atmosphere.
"Ah! Yes, Young Lord Ashura!" Ambers replied, shaken from her thoughts. She hurried to catch up with him, the anxiety and confusion swirling within her momentarily set aside.
### Inside Hearthwood Haven Manor
Ashura, freshly cleaned and dressed, walked into the dining room. The long table, typically laden with an array of dishes, felt unusually intimate with only him and his caretaker, Amber, present.
"What are you cooking today, Amber? I can smell the aroma from far away," Ashura said, his voice a melodic hum, accompanied by a calm and appeasing smile that illuminated his features.
Amber, standing by the stove, could not suppress a nervous gulp as she met his gaze. "Today, I prepared Honey-Glazed Wild Boar with Lavender-Garlic Crust for the main dish. For sides, there's Spiced Cranberry Chutney with Hearth Apples, and for a bit of sweetness to start, a slice of Golden Hare Pie with Twilight Berries."
As Ashura approached the elegantly set dining table, his eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of the beautifully arranged food. He deftly moved his utensils, cutting into the succulent wild boar. The glaze shimmered in the light, and the blended aromas of honey and roasted garlic wafted through the air.
Taking a bite, his face transformed; delight danced across his features. "This side dish is tangy and aromatic, providing a burst of flavor to contrast the pie's richness. Truly marvelous, Amber!" he exclaimed, his smile radiant, as he savored each mouthful with a newfound appreciation.
Amber, standing a little behind him, felt a mix of joy and disbelief. *What's happening?* she wondered, her heart racing. Typically, Lord Ashura, who was often cloaked in shadows of sadness, would pick at his food and quickly finish his meal. Today, he seemed like a different person entirely.
Ashura, now indulging in the slice of Golden Hare Pie, relished the sweet, berry-laden filling with exquisite care. "How fitting for the day," he murmured, his eyes closing momentarily as he savored each delectable bite.
Amber's heart lifted at the sight; it was as if the heaviness that usually shrouded him had momentarily lifted. *Perhaps this will last,* she thought, clinging to hope.
"Well done, Amber. You truly cook beautifully," Ashura finally spoke, wiping his mouth delicately with a napkin. His face radiated genuine appreciation, instantly giving warmth to the room.
Feeling buoyed by his words, Amber could barely contain her smile. "I... I'm glad you liked it," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I regret not appreciating it before," Ashura added, standing up from the dining chair, a hint of wistfulness in his tone. "I'm finished eating. Please prepare me some tea; I will be in the living room."
As Ashura walked away, leaving the dining room, Amber stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed with disbelief. Gathering herself, she quickly began to clean the dining table, her heart still fluttering from the unexpected joy she had witnessed—a rare glimpse of light in Lord Ashura's eyes.
### Hearthwood Haven Manors: Living Room
The soft strains of melodic music filled the air, casting a serene atmosphere over the elegant room. Ashura sat comfortably, his gaze distant as he reflected on his previous conversation with the enchanting Divine Nyx.
"Off thou goest today, young child; return on the morrow, for we shall continue this discourse," spoke Divine Nyx, her voice calm and melodious, like the whisper of the wind through the trees.
Ashura inclined his head slightly, his demeanor one of a refined gentleman. "Well then, I look forward to meeting you again, oh Divine Nyx," he replied, his tone respectful yet warm. As he spoke, a gentle glow enveloped him, and his form began to levitate gradually off the ground, shimmering as if he were made of starlight.
In a moment of playful uncertainty, he added, "Oh yes, how do I return to this place again?" His body sparkled, bits of light dispersing around him like fireflies in the twilight.
"Thou who hast a pure soul, the path shall be shown to thee of its own accord," Divine Nyx reassured him, her gaze tender yet wise, watching as Ashura's figure began to fade from view.
A look of understanding washed over Ashura's face, and he nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Then may you have a beautiful night, Divine Nyx," he said, his voice echoing softly as the last remnants of his form disappeared into the ether.
In the stillness that followed, Divine Nyx chuckled softly. "What a merry wight to wish me a fair night when this realm doth ever dwell in darkness," she whispered to herself, delighting in the fleeting moments of their exchange.
"Young lord, here's your tea," Amber said softly, holding the plate with the steaming cup. The gentle aroma wafted through the air, inviting and warm.
Ashura, drawn back from his thoughts by her voice, blinked as he returned to reality. His beautifully expressive eyes opened wide as he met her gaze. "Thank you, Amber," he replied with a calm voice, warmth seeping into his words.
Ashura then looked at Amber, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moon.
"Amber," he began, his voice a quiet murmur, "have you ever wondered why the moon shines? It may not burn as brightly as the sun, but somehow... it feels more beautiful."
Amber looked up, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Why do you think that is, Young Lord Ashura?"
He took a deep breath, savouring the cool air, then replied, "The moon doesn't need to outshine anything to be beautiful. It just reflects what's given to it, glowing quietly against the darkness. And sometimes... that quiet glow is all we need."
"Maybe," she said thoughtfully, "the moon shows us a kind of beauty that we often overlook. It reminds us that even in darkness, there's always light—gentle, subtle, and steady."
Ashura turned to her, a quiet admiration in his eyes. "It's like... it listens to the sun's story during the day, then whispers its own version at night. Not trying to be anything else, just offering what it has."
Amber nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words. "It's humble, isn't it? Beautiful in a way that doesn't ask to be noticed. And perhaps… that's what makes it unforgettable."
Ashura smiled, his voice a little softer now. "Just like some people we meet in life."
They both fell silent, letting the words linger, while the moon cast its gentle light over the world, listening to their quiet conversation.
A peaceful silence hung between them as the moon cast its soft light over everything.
Ashura turned his gaze to the open window, where the bright moon hung in the night sky, casting a serene glow over the room. *I really hope this night lasts a bit longer* Ashura thought, savouring the moment. He took a delicate sip of his tea, the warmth spreading through him as the moonlight enveloped them both, creating a tranquil atmosphere.