Chapter Text
"An atrous sun befell its kingdom and a luminous pearl lost its glow."
"Niveous silk grew dim and wheaten gold burned brilliantly no more."
So begins another tale that occurred in the lost Khaenri'ah Kingdom.
-Breeze Amidst the Forest
The streets were bustling with shop vendors and citizens as the day continued on at high noon. Occasionally, the random knight would appear to keep watch over the borders of the city wall, ensuring the safety of the citizens. Yet, towering above them all miles away was a castle of grand size, belonging to the royal family that governed the land.
In a nation underground, filled with people, humans, it was hard to govern. There was no god to lay down rules for them, nor was there anyone to guide them as they prospered. That was what made the kingdom of Khaenri’ah the pride of humankind.
Located within this castle was a royal guard famous for his quick use of the sword, trusted by the royal family to keep watch. It was this same royal guard who stood in one of the many long corridors of the castle decorated with stars and other celestial motifs. He looked outside of a window overlooking the city, an intrigued look in his eyes. He was lost in thought, distracted by the scenery before him.
“Sir Dainsleif.” Another one of the royal guards had approached the blonde-haired male, both hands at his side in a formal manner.
Like they were trained to do when addressing another knight or a member of the royal family with news.
Dainsleif blinked, snapping out of his little trance as he was addressed. He turned to look over at who was attempting to talk to him, a slight frown on his face.
“What is it?” He asked the knight calmly, distancing himself slowly from the window he was just looking out from.
“His majesty requests your presence in the throne room for an urgent matter.” The knight informed immediately, not opting for any small talk before then.
“...I see. Thank you for informing me.” Dainsleif had waited for a moment before walking farther away from the window, from the other royal guard who approached him.
He distanced himself from them both, leaving the area and losing himself amongst the many corridors of the castle that seemed far too large for a single family. They were silent, the only sounds filling the halls being the clinking of metal clashing against each other as his armor moved with him, alongside the thuds of his shoes against the hard, stone floor.
It took him a few minutes longer before he reached the throne room door, hushed voices heard even from where he stood. Two other royal guards protected the door, halting him before asking what his purpose for visiting was. Upon explaining, the two large doors were pushed open, and he alone was ushered inside swiftly. It didn’t take long for the guards to close the doors behind them, a loud slam quieting the people who were previously talking.
They all turned to look at him, small against the frame of the large doors. The king, with his long blue hair and lavender-blue eyes with a diamond-shaped pupil similar to his, looked down onto him with a comforting smile telling him to approach. His crown sparkled in the light placed on him from the various stained glass murals decorating the walls of the large room, sapphires carved into the shapes of stars. The queen sat next to him on a smaller throne, her own expression welcoming him.
They were familiar. What wasn’t familiar were the two people standing before them, both near the same height with blonde hair. One with a flower in her hair, the other with a braid.
“Your majesty.” He walked up to where the strangers stood, pausing to take a bow out of respect for the royal family before standing to look at them again.
“You sent for me urgently?” He questioned politely, waiting to receive the orders he was expecting from them.
“Dainsleif, it’s so good to see you again.” The queen had practically glowed in excitement at his arrival, though that hasn’t surprised him.
The royal family did seem to take a liking to him, assigning him as their personal guard many times before.
“We’d like to request something from you. These two travelers are new to the kingdom. We’ve already sent for another guard to take care of one of them.” The king had spoken this time, and while talking he gestured towards the male figure.
“Because one guard can’t take care of both, would you be willing to protect the other during their stay here? It would be greatly appreciated.” His hand moved to gesture towards the female this time, and Dainsleif couldn’t help but to look over curiously.
“You wish for me to guard this female traveler during her stay?” He wished for confirmation, and it was received as the king nodded.
“Precisely, take as long as the two of you need. I expect you to do well, Dainsleif.” From those words alone, Dainsleif could tell this wasn’t simply just a request.
It was also a test.
“Understood, your majesty. I will do my best.” From the corner of his eye, he could see a pair of golden eyes giving him a side glance, looking him over.
“That is all, you may be dismissed. Miss Lumine, please follow Dainsleif.” The king’s orders were absolute, however that wasn’t what Dainsleif focused on.
‘
Her name is Lumine.
’
“Thank you, your majesty.” Her voice could be heard, alongside the sound of shifting cloth as she curtseyed before turning to step beside Dainsleif.
“Please, follow me.” Dainsleif addressed Lumine before making his way towards the doors, opening one and holding it open for Lumine to exit before him.
It didn’t take long before the two of them had both left castle grounds, heading towards the city.
As they walked through the dwindling crowds as the sun began to set, what few people were left gave them stares that only caused mild embarrassment in Dainsleif. Silent exchanged whispers could be heard, questioning why a royal knight would be escorting a strange traveler from out of town.
“Please pardon me for asking, but you’ve never told me where you’re staying, Miss Lumine.” He addressed his new companion, ignoring the stares to turn and look at her more clearly.
She looked strikingly similar to the other person standing next to her in the throne room, so much so that they could be easily labeled as twins. While Dainsleif himself wouldn’t pry into their history, he couldn’t help but find himself progressively more curious about them.
“I’m staying at an inn with my brother nearby.” She was quiet, barely heard over the chatter of citizens, however it was loud enough for him to hear.
“I see. Would you prefer it if I escorted you there and left you to rest until morning?” He turned a corner on the cobblestone streets, leading her towards the only inn within city walls. The one he assumed she was staying at.
“Please.” She looked away from him, though Dainsleif didn’t bother to ask why.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two of them before Lumine had decided to speak up again.
“...Your name is Dainsleif, right?” A rider and his horse had galloped past them as she said that, drawing awareness to the now darkened sky.
The streets were still lit with the luminous glow of fireflies, alongside the sparkle of the stars and moon in the sky.
“You.. are correct.” He paused in front of a building, causing Lumine to stop beside him.
He turned towards the door, the inn’s name plastered on a sign to inform visitors of the building’s purpose. Lumine had noticed this and solemnly nodded. Dainsleif could never figure out why she looked so distant.
“It was nice meeting you, Sir Dainsleif. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” She turned towards the door and entered, leaving Dainsleif to stand alone.
And within a minute of silence, he turned to depart towards his own residence to turn in for the night.