Chapter Text
It was a sunny day in Cobblestone when Eleven received the letter. Stamped with a royal seal, Erik had quirked his brow upon digging it out of the mailbox. He looked it over, surprised to see something hailing for the retired luminary. Their days of adventuring were long behind them, years having passed since they rid Erdrea of both Mordegon and Calasmos forever, but yet, it seemed the luminary’s services were ever requested. Erik took in a deep breath of village air, admiring the quietness of his rural life, before he stepped inside the cabin to disturb Eleven’s quiet. Erik set the letter down on the table, eyes searching the room up and down for his roommate, “Hey, you’ve got mail.”
The hero looked up from where he was attempting to sort laundry, baby blue eyes flickering with interest, “From who?”
Erik turned his head downward to look again, studying the horses on the seal, “Looks like Gallopolis.” he shrugged as he looked to his friend again, “I wonder what they could want?”
Eleven stood, letting Erik swap places with him so that they were both still technically doing something productive. Eleven took the envelope in hand, finding it to be so pristine that he hardly believed it had traveled across Erdrea. The seal made him curious, wondering what trouble Gallopolis had stumbled into. Maybe a request for him to take place in the horse races? It was a little early in the year for that, however. Eleven tossed the envelope aside once he had opened it, taking the letter into lean fingers, and reading over it. Erik watched him quietly for a moment before he spoke up, “So, what’s it say?”
“It’s from Prince Faris.”
Erik was surprised at that, “Really? What’s he want?”
“He…” Eleven brought the paper closer to his face, “He wants me to stay as his bodyguard for a few weeks or so. Something about needing to go traveling on behalf of the sultan.”
“Can’t the sultan do it himself? Besides, Faris has plenty of guards, why does he need you?” Erik frowned, “You don’t think something’s wrong, do you?”
“Doubt that. It seems he just wants an opportunity to catch up.” Eleven set the letter down on the wooden table again, “He offered to pay me if I go.”
The former thief set a bundle of folded clothes down on the bed, “Wait.” he quirked his brow, “You’re not seriously considering going, are you?”
Eleven shrugged, “Why not? It's a pretty penny we didn’t have before.”
“I guess so but.... I thought the whole point in moving to Cobblestone with me was so we didn’t have to be running errands for anyone anymore?”
“That's true but it's just Prince Faris. A back and forth mission. I know we wouldn’t be gone long.” Eleven stepped away from the table to take his place alongside his friend, helping him finish the last of their chore, “I’ll think about it.”
Erik took a heap of clothes into his arms, making a face at the fact they had delayed laundry for so long, the boys a little lazy when it came to chores, “Well, let me know what you end up deciding before you go racing off anywhere. Your poor mother and Gemma would have my head if you left so soon.” he chuckled softly before he turned to go outside and wash the dirty fabric in his grasp.
Eleven watched his best friend go, chuckling in response, before he looked down at the task at hand. Despite the peace and quiet Cobblestone provided, Eleven found the inquiry all too tempting to ignore. The promise of a new adventure, just a pen stroke away, was almost too much for the former hero to bear.
For days, Prince Faris’ request weighed heavy on Eleven’s mind. How could it not? There were so many questions the note brought and so much promise, the retiree finding himself nearly itching at a chance to see the world again. Why did Faris seek him out of all people? Why not Sir Hendrik? A knight of high stature and a former companion of Eleven’s, surely he was a far better choice? Or even Sylvando? A former knight and phenomenal circus jester with skills rival to none, who just so happened to live in Gallopolis as well, would be an equally excellent choice for a Prince, would he not? Eleven just couldn’t quit thinking about it. He passed that table dozens of times a day, finding it impossible to ignore, his eyes always falling on it no matter who was by his side. Amber, Gemma, Erik, even Sandy could not keep the luminary's attention. He paced across the kitchen, boots heavy against the stone floor, torn. He couldn’t just ignore it, he did owe the prince an answer, but what would he choose? To pack up his bags and set off? Or decline the offer to truly break free from the domestics of life for a while? It was a difficult choice but yet, the more he dwelled on it, the more he knew what he wanted. Eleven waited until he had the house to himself for a bit to do anything, Erik sent across town to get some groceries, leaving the luminary to scheme. He stood before his dresser, a hand on his chin in thought. The closet was mainly full of tunics, mostly patchy blue ones and things Eleven had picked up on his travels, his eyes searching for something specific. A smile crossed his features when he, at last, found it, reaching amongst the clothes to let his fingers grasp leather. His traveling tunic brought a surge of memories just from the touch, the purple fabric having seen the end of the world and more, the luminary smoothing his fingers across it. He smiled warmly as he stepped back, outfit in hand, and letting the dresser door swing shut. He crossed the room in easy steps, setting the tunic down on the tabletop. He then reached for the infamous letter, sighing as he held it in two fingers. Surprisingly, it was not Eleven who made the final decision on the matter. Erik’s voice nearly made the luminary jump right out of his skin, “You should go.”
Eleven frowned, “Ah, but there’s so much yet to do here-- I was just about to say no.”
Erik laughed at that, “Uh-huh. Sure. Don’t think you can fool me that easily.” he crossed his arms, leaning against the door frame, “Go ahead, I won’t be sore about it, you’ve got your tunic out and everything.”
The luminary looked down, “Well, I know Mia’s coming back from the Mini Medal Academy soon and I don’t want to leave you with all that work alone…”
“Pssh.” The thief waved his hand in dismissal, “So? I think I can handle my kid sister just fine. Besides, Amber and Gemma are always close by if I need anything. Yggdrasil knows how much they like to help.”
The luminary shuddered, “They sure do…”
“Well? What are you waiting for? Write to your Princey-poo, I'll keep the house peaceful for you.” Erik patted Eleven’s back to encourage him, “Worst case scenario is he found someone else to go with him.” the thief gave his friend a smile before he wandered off to finish off the groceries.
Eleven watched him go before he took to quill and paper, doing just as Erik had told him, and accepting Prince Faris’ inquiry. After all, maybe he really had taken interest in Hendrik or Sylvando’s services. It was strange, Eleven finding that he really hoped that wasn’t true. He hoped Faris still needed him, as odd of a thought it was.
To the luminary’s relief, he did not have to wait long before the Prince responded. The new letter, stamped with the mighty seal of Gallopolis, arrived in just a few quick days as if the prince had personally zoomed it there himself. Erik had snickered at the thought, not holding it past Faris to do such a thing, and took the new note to the awaiting luminary. The hero nearly ripped it away from the thief, hsi friend only laughing at the excitement as Eleven tore open the envelope to see what the desert prince had said. He tossed the extra paper aside again, a grin crossing his features to see what it said. Faris seemed equally as excited for a new companion, his words quite scribbled, yet pristine in a way royalty could only manage. A certain thief watched his friend take in the letter, sighing, “You’re always leaving me in suspense! Come on, what's it say?”
“Looks like I’m going to Galllopolis.” the luminary grinned, handing the letter to his friend, “I’m an honorary royal escort, signed by the royal prince and the sultan himself.”
Erik beamed with pride as he read it over, “Well, look at you, official and everything.” he handed it right back, “You better not keep him waiting! Go on, I’ll tell everyone where you’ve gone. Write to me when you get there, okay?”
Gallopolis was just as Eleven remembered it to be. The desert kingdom was hot and dusty, the public swarming around the luminary as he stepped into the gates, breathing in the warm air. It was certainly a swift change from the Cobblestone air he was breathing just a few days prior, the bustling kingdom bringing him deep nostalgia, even if the sandy air stung his lungs. The luminary looked to the sky for a moment, finding himself comforted by the soft blue of the world above. He remembered once when Gallopolis had been terrorized by Erdwin’s lantern, the gleaming orange orb looming ominously over the kingdom. That felt so long ago now, Eleven flexing his fingers at remembering facing Calasmos, the great evil who lurked inside that ball of evil. It seemed even longer from when he had journeyed with Prince Faris to study Erdwin’s mighty lantern for the first time. Eleven pulled his gaze away and downward, resuming his attention to the task at hand. He weaved through the crowd with ease, it nearly a second talent by now, never tearing his gaze away from the letter in his hands. Did Prince Faris want him to wait somewhere? Did he want him to go to the castle? Many questions with no answers. Eleven gave a distasteful frown at the lack of information within the letter, wishing he had at least asked where he would be escorting the royal to. Somewhere as close as Hotto? Or somewhere as far as Heliodor? Eleven had been meaning to visit Heliodor… He was snapped out of his thoughts at the heavy creak of doors and the clunk of armored footsteps, looking up to watch the Gallopolis Castle doors swing open. At the head of a gaggle of guards came none other than the prince of the desert himself, flashing a showy smile to the crowd. Eleven recognized him instantly, the man sharp against the crowd with his colorful fabrics and a stance that screamed royalty. Eleven wasn’t that different in truth, having his own spot in the crowd, no one daring to disturb the hero of Erdrea. The luminary was a sight to behold with his purple tunic and lime green boots that barely matched, long hair draping over his face as he looked at the letter again. Prince Faris looked bored with whatever task he was occupied with, tousled hair peeking out from beneath his turban as further evidence that he hadn’t prepared for what he was being ushered off to do. Even if looking a bit tired, Faris was still a crowd-pleaser, puffing his chest out, “People, people, please! I will have plenty of time to dazzle you all upon my return!”
The guards behind him listened on, one taking a scan over the crowd. They paused when they noticed a certain retiree, tapping the prince on the shoulder, “Sire, I believe your friend is here.”
Faris frowned, “Hm? My friend?” he turned, “Who-” the gallopotain then gasped, the guards startled to find him gone the very next second.
People were quick to move out of his way when Prince Faris came bounding down the stairs. The luminary didn’t even notice him until it was too late, squeaking in surprise when the other grabbed his hands, “Eleven! My old friend! It is an honor beyond compare to be in your graces again!”
Eleven smiled sheepishly, Faris’ guards hurrying to catch up to their charge and dropping to their knees before the great Hero of Erdrea. “You are right on time, I was starting to fret I would have to come to get you myself!”
“What are we doing anyway-” Eleven frowned when he was cut off, Faris’ hands never leaving his shoulders even when the prince turned to look at his guards.
“Now that my escort is here, your services are no longer needed! You are dismissed!”
One of the guards frowned, “But, Your Highness, your father wished for you to help clean the stables and would surely be disappoi-”
Alas, Faris was already waving them off, promptly grabbing Eleven by the sleeve and dragging the luminary back up toward the castle. The hero could only give a shrug to the guards who frowned disapprovingly before he hurried to catch up, not wanting to be left to stumble along behind. Faris all but burst into the grand hall, pleased to announce the arrival of the legendary luminary, said luminary fumbling to follow. The prince paused before getting much further, however, pausing to think, “You stay here, I want to make sure I am presentable for father. The cats will keep you company, surely?”
When Eleven nodded, the prince clasped his hands together, “Excellent! Just a moment!” he then sauntered off for his bedroom, masterfully dodging the cats who blocked his path.
The hero sank to his knees the moment he was gone, delighted to be left in the presence of so many palace cats. He clicked his tongue at a ginger tabby who couldn’t be bothered even looking at him, a frown creasing the man’s lips. He was disappointed for a moment before he noticed a pair of yellow eyes boring into him, hair swinging when he turned to look. The cat sat just a few paces away, its fur a vanilla white and ashy grey, long gray tail flicking with interest. Eleven clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers in an attempt to draw the feline creature’s attention, grinning when the tomcat came trotting over. He burst into purrs at approaching the hero, nuzzling his face against his hand in a way that made his lips pull back and smear drool across Eleven’s fingers. A bell chimed on the cat’s collar, much to Eleven’s increasing amusement. Though, his amusement quickly shifted to disappointment when the cat scattered at approaching footsteps, the luminary looking up when Prince Faris returned. He stepped over the retreating tom, who was unsure where to go in his scramble, the royal used to the strange pet, “Now then, are you ready to greet Father?”
Eleven took in the man before him, the prince looking mostly unchanged. The hair that spilled out from his turban was a bit neater now and he looked more awake than before, the man on his knees unable to resist a hidden snicker when he realized what he had walked in on earlier. Prince Faris scooped out of his bed to go clean horse manure. It was an amusing thought, Eleven turning to look at the cat he had just been petting, “What’s his name?”
“Forgive me but, who?”
The luminary pointed, “That one. The one with the bell.”
Faris followed his gaze, frowning, “Him? The cat? Oh, that is Jeffy. Now, to your feet, we mustn't keep father waiting! I assure you, the cats will be here later as well.”
Eleven stood and together, the two ventured through the palace, heading up the blue carpet path to the throne. Prince Faris had a pep to his step as he marched up the stairs, Eleven at his heels as diligently as a true guard would. The prince turned to look at the man beside him as they climbed up the stairs, “The journey we are to be embarking on is of great great importance, I assure you. I would request no less of the luminary, that is for sure!”
Eleven’s curiosity nearly reached its peak at his words, finding his mind swirling with even more questions. What important task was he entrusted with now? The nostalgia in it made him excited, eager to satisfy the world again. Faris beamed when they at last approached where the sultan and his wife sat, Eleven sinking to his knees in a bow as the prince spoke, “Father! I am pleased to report the luminary has at last arrived!”
His parents looked up, the Sultan clasping his hands together to see the boy, “I must thank you, young luminary, for agreeing to escort my boy. You will be rewarded handsomely upon your return and for your kindness, I promise you that.”
Prince Faris grinned from ear to ear, beaming so much that it was a shock he didn’t start glowing, “Do tell, Father, I am sure our guest wishes to hear about the honorable quest you have sent us on!”
The sultan frowned at his son’s words, “Honorable quest? What quest? All I have asked of you is to deliver a note to Queen Frysabel on my behalf.”
Eleven watched as Faris’ face fell so hard and so fast it all but smacked the ground, the prince more than disappointed at such a lackluster revelation. He stepped forward, “B-But! That cannot be all? Surely we have not requested the honorable luminary’s presence over something so… simple!”
Faris’ father did not notice the desperation in his son, unphased by his attempts to impress the hero of Erdrea, “I requested you find someone that is seasoned in the ways of traveling, it is you who suggested the luminary to accompany you!”
Prince Faris flustered, his voice nearly a whine, “Father…!” he was silenced by his mother, however, sparing a look to where Eleven sat.
The luminary was still on his knees before the royalty, politely pretending not to notice the other’s disappointment in the sultan’s explanation. When Faris looked at him, silvery-blue eyes apologetic, Eleven spared a small smile, “I am happy to escort you however far.”
This helped bring the puff back to his chest, Faris quick to move on, “Ah, I am sure it is a very important letter regardless.” he ignored his father’s attempt to debunk that, rolling right on with what he was saying, “Finer matters pushed aside, we have much to discuss, no? When will we be departing?”
The sultan saved his son no embarrassment, “Did you finish your duties? So long as you have finished lending the stables your hand, I have no care for when you begin your journey.”
Faris’ lie was smooth, dodging the dooty duty with ease, much to Eleven’s hidden amusement, “Of course I have!”
The man nodded, “Very well. Do touch back at first light tomorrow, then I shall give you both a proper send-off.”
Eleven rose to his feet when he was given permission to, standing alongside the prince, the sultan sending them on their way to prepare for the long trek. The luminary started to follow his new charge, a frown crossing his features when he was halted by palace guards. Faris was surprised by the motion, starting to move between the soldiers and Eleven, “What is the meaning of-”
The head guard turned to face the displeased prince, dipping his head, “Our apologies, Your Highness, but we cannot permit you to go anywhere without ensuring your absolute safety beforehand.”
Prince Faris was disgruntled to be separated from his friend so soon but saw the reason in their words, moving to look at Eleven, “You will be alright, yes?”
Eleven could care less what he was doing, knowing it was far better than doing laundry back home, giving a nod even as the guards started to hustle him onward. Faris watched him go back down the stairs, starting to follow but halting when his mother summoned him, groaning to be given his own tasks for the day.
Eleven found it odd, really. To be searched up and down and inspected so thoroughly, to be forced to prove he was capable of taking care of Gallopolis’ dearest prince, it was all strange. It did humor him to think the Gallopotains trusted him less with Faris than they did the fate of all of Erdrea, happy to show them their prince would be more than safe in the hero’s care. Even as a retiree, Eleven had not neglected to hone his skills, delighted when the guards challenged him to battle. The luminary unsheathed a greatsword that seemed almost too big for him, guards snickering at the sight, the hero unphased. He was confident in his skills, calloused hands gripping the handle masterfully, planting his feet in challenge. The soldiers underestimated the savior of light, the boy looking almost scrawny compared to the bulky weapon in his hands. Though, when the guards moved, they found that was far from true. Eleven seemed to be swifter than light itself, a flash against the training grounds, blazing with efficacy. Between spells and sword, the guards were dispersed almost instantly, no match for the destroyer of darkness. Eleven grinned with pride to see the guards sprawled out and defeated, his chest puffing out as the head guard looked pleased. The rest of the day was spent like that, the retired luminary doing laps around the soldiers. No man nor monster was a match for Eleven, although who really expected any less of the hero of light, proving this time and time again throughout the day. He proved he was well weathered, a master survivalist, and so on, pleasing Faris’ guardians. Even if it took all day, the guards were confident to tell the sultan Eleven was the best possible match for his son’s new bodyguard, the man pleased to appoint the luminary as such. Eleven was proud of both his skills and his talent, relieved to finally be free to roam the castle. Night had fallen when he had returned to the palace, the hero quiet as to not disturb the dozing cats. Despite his attempts to be quiet, Eleven found his footsteps echoing through the palace, grimacing as he kept to the carpet to muffle the sound. He almost worried he would wake Pince Faris upon returning to his chamber, carefully setting his hand on the door and pushing it open, finding that was far from true. The prince was wide awake, eagerly hopping up at Eleven’s return. The luminary squeaked in surprise, Faris beaming, “Ah, there you are! I almost fret that the guards had sent you home! Everything is fine, yes?”
Eleven nodded, much to the prince’s growing excitement. He was giddy, the retiree quick to realize this was Faris’ first time leaving his kingdom. it explained all the fuss instantly, noting the other’s pure delight in the opportunity to see the world with his own eyes and not just studies. Eleven found it an honor to introduce his friend to the wonders of the world, gently attempting to usher the other to bed. “Don’t you think we should sleep? Tomorrow will come sooner if we do.” the luminary had tried but it was to no avail, Faris far too ecstatic to settle down for sleep.
Eleven certainly tried, exhausted from the guard’s nitpicking, managing to get the prince in bed at last. With the lights out, the retiree dared to think maybe he would get some sleep, bundled in a sleeping bag on the floor, but found Faris was not one who simply slept. The prince lie flat on his back, eyes half open as he stared up at the top of his bed frame, silvery gaze falling to where Eleven was attempting to sleep. He listened to his soft breathing for a moment before he looked to an orange pot tucked beside the luminary, Faris restless at the realization he could not get to the decor without disturbing hsi new guardian. A sleeping hibiscus lay in wait, the solution to his sleepless nights, just out of his reach. He groaned and sat up, giving up on trying to sleep without it, “Eleven? You are awake, yes?
The hero sighed, opening one eye to look at the prince. Faris then stood, “Excellent! I have an idea for solving our sleep predicament!”
The luminary grumbled but rubbed his eyes, rising to follow him and biting back a scowl of ‘your’, “What is it?”
Prince Faris slipped past Eleven and set his hand on the door, “If you are up for it, Gallopolis has its own wonders. So long as you help me get past the guards, I'd love to show you them.”
The luminary's annoyance faded, Faris pleased to see intrigue flicker in the other’s eyes. Eleven collected himself as the door to the bedroom came open, Faris starting out, before giving a hasty look over where his sleeping hibiscus remained. The pot caught a stray beam of light, shimmering just enough that the prince couldn’t stand it. He spun to where Eleven was stepping over a cat, quick to speak, “A moment, please!”
“Huh?” Eleven squeaked when the door practically shut in his face, giving a frown and shaking his head.
Faris was swift, delving his hand into the pot and grasping the plant before he raced back out to Eleven’s side, stuffing it away, “Most guards are asleep, I’d assume, so it shouldn’t be too hard.”
Eleven nodded and together the two took to the night, Faris taking the lead. They were as silent as mice, sneaking toward the palace door side by side. Eleven stopped however at the other’s hand on his shoulder, turning to look at the prince. Faris looked back to the sultan’s throne, “No, no, follow me. Guards are posted everywhere out there! Come, I will show you.”
Eleven was quick to follow the other way, sticking to the carpet and avoiding the palace cats as they slipped quietly through the grand hall. Faris smoothed his fingers across his father’s chair as he passed it, Eleven jogging up the staircase after him. The prince’s footsteps were light when he stepped onto the marble floor, careful not to make a sound more than he had to. Eleven started to follow him, surprised when the prince jumped down to the platform just outside the palace window, hurrying to his side, “wh-”
Faris had no regard for the other’s hesitation, balancing himself carefully on the edge that looked out to the race track, “You are not afraid of climbing, hm?”
Eleven was a nervous wreck watching him stumble along the edge but was careful not to show it, reaching out a hand to catch him just in case, “Climbing? Climbing where?”
The prince held his hands out to steady himself, looking up to the rooftop up above, “I would take it the luminary is unphased by heights.” He gestured, wobbling in the process.
The other squeaked to watch him, his silvery eyes gleaming with the moonlight as he looked up, the luminary gently reaching to pull him down. He took his hands gingerly, pulling him away from the ledge, “Why do you want to go up there?”
Faris pulled his hands away, dirty blond hair falling from his tunic as he all but skipped away, “Don’t make me ruin my surprise! Come, follow!”
Eleven was at his heels when the prince started the climb, the luminary finding himself just as distressed watching him climb as he was watching him on the ledge. Faris was clumsy, letting out squeals and half laughs every time he slipped, Eleven gasping and reaching for him every time without fail. Around the third near fall, Eleven spoke up, “When did you find out you could climb up here?”
Faris heaved himself upward with a mighty grunt, feet scrabbling against the surface before he found purchase, “Hm? Oh, I used to come out here all the time in my youth when I had trouble-” he caught himself before he admitted to his hero about his sleeping troubles, laughing awkwardly to cover it up, “-in my youth. I would watch the racetrack at night, fresh air is nice, yes? Well, Sylvando would come out here some nights, and even mornings, to lay and watch the sky. Although, I don't think he ever noticed me watching…”
“Sylvando showed you?” Eleven thought for a moment, “How about I take the lead, okay?”
Faris frowned but allowed it, staying in place so the other could get ahead. It made the climb much easier, Eleven heaving himself up over edges and reaching down to take the prince by the hands and haul him up after. Together they worked like that, helping each other as they went, both out of breath by the time they made the final jump. Prince Faris let go of the other once and for all when they made it to the rooftop, carefully testing to make sure it was solid enough to support their weight before he crossed to an open middle section. Eleven was diligently at his heels, the luminary’s breath coming out in soft visible puffs even if it was not cold, “What did you want to show me?”
Prince Faris breathed out his own soft breath, watching the air puff from his lungs. He then gestured up to the sky above, almost sheepish now. Although the sky was merely black from the cityscape below, from their perch above it was a brilliant deep blue. The night seemed to glow from starlight, flecks of white stretched across a blue and purple painted sky, Faris looking up to take in the wonder, “Ah… It probably pales in comparison to the things you have seen, Eleven.”
When the prince got no response, his heart sank in his chest, fearing for a moment he was doing nothing but wasting the other’s time. He looked to the luminary, expecting to see his patience worn thin. What he saw was far from what he expected, Eleven’s eyes not once moving from the heavens above. The stars seemed trapped in the hero’s eyes, a smile on his face at such a wondrous sight. The night was beautiful, undisturbed for miles, not so much as a single tree ruining the sight. The desert air gave it a mystical feeling, Eleven in awe to see the stars stretch on for miles, like a churning sea of sky and stars. Faris smiled to impress the other so, finding that the sky above could no longer keep his attention. Instead, it was the sky in Eleven’s eyes that kept the prince’s attention, his face warming to see a smile so sweet and warm on the other’s features. In that moment, he forgot everything. His nerves about being so close to the luminary, his feeling of unworthiness in the hero's presence, his need for that sleeping hibiscus, he forgot it all. Faris smiled and came to stand beside Eleven, the two both holding a twinkle in their eye as they glanced at each other. Together, they spent their night like that, the sky like gorgeous painting for their eyes only, eventually melting away into a sunrise. Faris hugged his knees when dawn broke, listening to desert birds chirp and Eleven’s soft breathing. He looked to the other, finding the other had long fallen asleep. He had one arm tucked behind his head and one resting on his chest, Eleven’s expression soft as he slept soundly. Faris smiled warmly at the sight and looked back up at his dearest Gallopolis sky, breathing in the desert air. He could grow used to this. He already dreaded the moment he would be without the luminary’s company, quietly settling down to lie beside him, as if to make the moment last just a while longer.