"I think we should stop here," Ceremus said. "The elks are starting to sense something's wrong."
Hael nodded. "We should leave the ones we knocked out here." He said.
His words caused the King to frown. "Why would we do that?" He asked incredulously.
"Aren't these rare creatures? They are more than likely endangered. It would be wrong of us to kill them like this, especially when there isn't any benefit in doing so."
Ceremus stepped back, his face laced with confusion. "What do you mean no benefit? We'll be recognized as legends for hunting down this many elks, and not to mention; their heads would make for worthy trophies to display in my chambers." He argued.
The white-haired man was stunned to hear this. His brows creased, and he looked visibly upset to hear Ceremus say such cruel things.
Animals, like human beings, are capable of feelings and deserve to be cared for and treasured. They are as close to humans as any other creature and make great companions.
Due to his unique upbringing, Hael formed deep emotional bonds with animals, considering them as part of his family. The thought of harming another creature, who had nurtured and raised him, was inconceivable.
"Killing innocent animals who haven't brought a single type of harm to us for such selfish reasons is wrong, Ceremus. Just put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if hunters suddenly invaded your territory, and you watched as your brother and sisters got slaughtered in front of you, knowing very well that you might be next? Wouldn't that terrify you?" Hael asked.
Ceremus was stunned. He had never considered putting himself in an animal's shoes before. Why should he? Animals were meant to be hunted and eaten by humans; it was the law of nature. He was simply exercising his right as the higher species. And yet, this man was making him see things differently.
"I… didn't think of it that way before." He admitted.
Hael smiled. "It's fine. Most humans don't think the way I do."
"Is it because you grew up in a forest surrounded by animals?"
Hael nodded, a soft smile taking over his face.
His words sparked an unexpected change in Ceremus's perspective. 'I think I should make it a rule for hunters to stop hunting the animals in the Aphthonia Forest,' he declared.
Hael stopped what he was doing as he stared at Ceremus with wide eyes. "I'm sorry, what?"
Ceremus smiled. "You heard me. I'll make sure no harm comes to your precious animals." He said.
Hael, overwhelmed with emotion, dropped the sea elk he was holding and pulled Ceremus into his arms, embracing him tightly.
The King's body froze from shock. "W-Wha…" he started to say but couldn't bring himself to say anything more.
He was utterly stunned and didn't know what to do. This was such an unexpected situation. Ceremus couldn't remember the last time he'd been embraced like this. Such a strange and foreign feeling made him want to push Hael away and bring him closer.
On the other hand, Hael felt extreme elation as he felt Ceremus in his arms. Despite how rigid he had gotten, he could still feel the warmth radiating from his body. He unconsciously brought the man closer to him, inhaling the faint smell of roses and incense wafting from his hair. After a few minutes of standing there, Ceremus started to relax, melting into his arms.
Out of nowhere, a surge of electricity jolted the two men, sparking a tumultuous storm of emotions within Hael. His heart swelled with a love so potent it left him reeling, a whirlwind of feelings that he both welcomed and feared. Love, powerful and all-consuming, coursed through his veins, threatening to overwhelm him.
Ceremus felt the same feelings, the feeling of love he thought he had buried long ago. He didn't know he was capable of such pure and raw emotions, believing his now blackened heart was unable to feel such fleeting emotions. It's natural for people to fear love, especially with how fragile of an emotion it is. The fear of pain, the prospect of losing someone you love—these are understandable. Only those who have truly loved can understand how quickly it can leave. It was precisely the reason why Ceremus chose not to feel. It hurt too much, like a blade piercing through your flesh. Too afraid to take it out, too scared to keep it in.
At that exact moment, Kaleeso felt her glass mirror shake violently. Frowning, she swept her hand across the glass and saw an image she hadn't expected to see.
Kaleeso, the goddess who had orchestrated their meeting, observed the two people she had brought together. She was pleased to see them finally starting to break down the walls put up against their hearts, more notably Ceremus. She could feel the bond forming and let out a happy sigh, at least until she saw Ceremus pull away from Hael abruptly.
"I-I think we should start heading back." He said.
As Ceremus withdrew from him, Hael's heart sank, a wave of disappointment crashing over him. He couldn't bring himself to meet the King's eyes as he stepped back, the distance between them suddenly feeling insurmountable.
Kaleeso saw the hurt in Hael's eyes and felt her heart squeeze for him.
"Why is this man being so stubborn?! He felt their connection, yet he still rejects it." She growled in frustration.
She waved her hand over the glass mirror, the image of the two men disappearing. The goddess ran a finger through her hair as a thoughtful expression took over her face.
"I need to do something about this. Create a situation that'll make Ceremus open up his heart. But what?" She wondered. Then, a sudden thought, a plan so devious and cunning, came to her, and a sly smile spread across her face.
She quickly ran out of her private quarters and called for one of her servants. "Quickly set up a meeting with the goddess Aria. I have something important to tell her," She ordered, her voice tinged with urgency. The servant nodded and hurried off to carry out her command.