Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Once upon a time, there was a young man who wished for nothing more than the smile of the person he treasured most.

Bam stepped through the wooden door into the garden. The young man had to hold up his hand to protect himself from the relentlessly shining midday sun. Smiling, he carried the bundle of wet clothes to the meadow next to a little rivulet. Then he spanned a cord between two bony trees and hung up the washing to dry. The birds within the grove behind the house were calling for spring with their song.

Bam loved this season. The Nature always blossomed in their most beautiful colours. As if everything was waking up after a restful long sleep.

Using the joyfully purling brook as a background melody, Bam joined the songbirds’ tune. He tied up his long brown hair in a dishevelled bun and continued with his chores.

He wiped the windows, cleaned the curtains and dusted the candlestands as well as his mistress’ little portrait that hung in the parlour. She would return soon and Bam hoped to show her a sparkling clean home by then. Just like every day, when she went away to spend time in the company of the fine ladies from the village.

Therefore, he chopped the wood for their night fire and listed their food supplies. In a few days, he would have to go to the market to replenish them.

When the sun indicated early afternoon, Bam finally heard horse hooves and the clatter of wheels on dusty ground. He was cutting vegetables for supper but he laid aside his knife instantly before smoothing down his soiled clothes and running towards the entrance. His lady usually got mad when he wasn’t already waiting for her to help her down the carriage.

And so he did when the black carriage came to stop in front of him. Bam shared a short nod of greeting with the driver. He knew the man named Michael only slightly, but whenever his mistress called for him, the dark-skinned villager came to take her for a ride wherever she wanted. In Bam’s imagination that meant he was a good person.

“Welcome back, Lady Rachel.” Bam held his hand out to the young woman stepping out the coach. He smiled politely, hiding his true joy to seeing her again just as she had taught him. She gave him a nod but behind her social mask he saw a spark of excitement within her yellow eyes. It made him feel happily warm inside, even more so as this rarely happened when she got home.

“Bam, there is a piece of luggage within the carriage. Bring it to my bed-chamber. Meanwhile I will have something to discuss with Mr. Michael.” The blonde woman turned away from her servant and stepped towards the coach box.

Bam then did what he was asked for and brought a dark leather case to their little house. Unfortunately, he was not fast enough to meet his Lady again in front of it. He felt a small sting of disappointment when he heard her entering their home behind him.

But as soon as he came down the stairs, this feeling dissolved into thin air as he caught sight of her radiant smile.

“Oh Bam! You will never guess what happened today!” She grabbed his shoulders in attempt to shake them, but her servant stood too steady for her arms. “A messenger has come to the village!“ The young lady turned her head to the door again in agitation. “Mr. Michael, please be prepared to carry the luggage to the carriage! Come on Bam,” she spoke to her servant again “you have to pack some luggage for me!”

“A messenger?” Bam knew the word but it’s meaning had been lost to him at first. His lady was seldom in a hurry. He felt a little surprised at this.

“A messenger of the King! In honour of his son, he will have a ball held at court! With the intention of finding a bride for him. And all the marriageable maidens of the country are invited!” Lady Rachel’s eyes glowed like small little diamonds within the sun. She didn’t even notice how Bam looked more and more confused with every word and dragged him behind her to her sleeping quarters instead.

“A ball? For a messenger’s son?” Bam wondered what this person should do with a child’s toy. Maybe he was still young. But to be married, shouldn’t he be at least at a marriageable age then? It didn't matter. Rachel had told him, that nobles did questionable things from time to time. 

“No, you dummy, for the prince! Well, for one of them. But this is my chance, Bam! You see? I’m going to attend this ball and I will do everything I can, to get the prince to dance with me and marry me! Then this horrible life is finally over, you know? I’ll get out of this little dead-end village!” She laughed and flicked Bam on the forehead.

It hurt.

But at least Bam got a gist that she wasn’t talking about an actual ball but the social dance event.

“I can’t wait to go to the capital! I’m sure they have wonderful dresses there. More beautiful ones than here. Oh! Look for my three best dresses! I still need something to dress for the journey.” Rachel commanded as soon as they got to her room.

“But I think your dresses are very pretty.” Bam whispered and kneeled in front of her dress chest to take out a few going-out dresses wrapped in fabric. He glanced at the suitcase leaning against the wall.

“These? Pretty?” Lady Rachel looked down at herself. Her mouth twitched unpleasantly at the sight of her clean but plain salmon coloured dress. “The clothes I own are old, Bam. You can’t seduce a king’s son with rags. Not even if he is thirteenth in line and they call him a bad apple. But he can take me away from here. And a connection to the royal family is the best thing that can happen to me!”

“Lady Rachel-“ Bam didn’t want to leave. Her excitement infected him, but not in a good euphoric way. He was content with the calm and quiet life they had. He did not need a ‘better’ one. In fact, it hadn’t even been clear to him that she was unhappy with what they had. But he would try to support her when it was her wish to marry and fall in love with that thirteenth prince.

“Couldn’t you be a little faster? Mr. Michael said, we must leave immediately if we are to reach the nearest town before nightfall.”

Bam ducked his head at his mistress’ sharp tone and nodded. He remembered other items to take on journeys. She had taught him what to take with you and what to leave behind when he was a lot younger. In addition to the basic necessities of clothing, water containers, food and money. 

Rachel raved further over valuable fabrics she wanted to wear and people she wanted to meet. She was digging around in her drawers and pulled out little boxes with all kinds of powders in them.

Her servant felt a little lost as it was the first time, they were leaving for more than a few hours and he had not much time for mental and physical preparation. All he had seen in his life was their little village and once or twice the neighbouring locality. Lady Rachel had shown him the map of the country they were living in. The bigger towns and cities were too far away to visit by carriage for a day. He didn’t even dare to dream of the royal capital.

Bam picked his best clothes yet next to his mistress’ colourful dresses, they were nothing but dull and shabby.

“- and I already have a plan how I’m going to get his attention! With this, I am sure of a dance with him, as well as his heart! Bam come here! Move this cabinet aside!” Lady Rachel tapped her foot against an old dresser.

Bam did as he was told. Stirring the heavy furniture was difficult but Bam would never complain. His mistress told him to examine the floorboards beneath and Bam’s heart jumped a beat as he felt a loose board. It hid a small cavity lined with straw. .

“Look after a casket. It’s made of stone!” shouted Rachel. Her voice sounded joyfully excided and her freckled cheeks were painted in a rosy shimmer.

“Yes.” Bam’s hands slipped through the dried grass until his fingertips touched something cold. It was hard, the surface smooth. He pulled it out and Rachel breathed in sharply.

“Give it to me!” She literally ripped it out of his fingers. 

“What’s in there?” Bam stared at the unadorned box within her hands. It lookes ordinary despite it's uncommon material. 

“What?” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh, of course. Just showing it to you won’t bring any harm.” She carefully opened the cover. “This is my most precious piece of jewellery. It will attract all eyes.”

Bam parted his lips to compliment her, but he couldn’t find the right words fitting the lustrous piece, that was revealed. Within velvet fabric lay a trinket. Not even palm-sized. It was the most beautiful thing he was ever allowed to look at.

A golden hair slide with silver ornaments and three larger ruby gemstones with the base of somewhat displaced looking rhombuses. Their thin ends pointed away from each other and they were each set by two delicate silver rings at their thickest point.

“It’s- gorgeous.” He whispered. He wanted to touch those shimmering stones. Bam wanted to know if they were as hard, as real as they seemed but Rachel hastily slammed the lid back on the box.

“Don’t touch it! You’re going to stain it with your dirty fingers!”

Bam flinched and his mistress twisted a face to apologize. “I just don’t want it to get damaged. It’s a … memory of my mother. And you know what a looby you can be.” She ignored his lack of an answer to command him packing further. When she left him alone to went downstairs again, she took the casket with her.

When he finished his bundle of spare clothing, he followed her, carrying their luggage. “Is it really necessary to leave today? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to set out tomorrow?”

“No. I have to reach the capital in time to prepare for the ball. With barely a week lead time, every hour counts.” Lady Rachel already awaited him with Michael at the door.

“But where will we be staying?” Bam gave her suitcase to the coachman.

“We?” Rachel looked at him with surprise.

“Well, don't we have to sleep somewhere in the city and –“

“Don't worry. I know where I will be staying. But you cannot accompany me on this?” She interrupted him and looked at him with utter blankness. Like he had said something stupid again.

“But don’t you need me to take care of you?”

“No Bam, believe me, I’ll lack nothing. You have to take care of the house until I’m back.”

“And who will protect you? You said it yourself, travelling is dangerous. There are so many bandits and robber bands on the roads.” Bam looked at her, his golden eyes filled with worry.

“Michael will drive on the safer ones.” Rachel patted his arm with her gloved fingers. “And if there are still robbers who dare to attack us, we will have Ghost with us. You couldn’t protect me from danger anyway. You are to dumb and to weak for that.”

“But can I really not come with you? I’d like to dance with you! And the days before and after the ball, you wouldn’t be so alone!” Bam took her hands like back then, when they were younger.

“Bam, you silly.” She laughed. “You don't even know how to dance! And the way you look now, you’re too grubby for a place like the capital. How do you think the people would talk about me, if they saw me with you?”

“I could – I could wash myself!” Bam let go of her.

Rachel sighed and smiled softly. “Fine. You can come with us. But we have to take more provisions then.” She hurried to the kitchen. The vegetables, that Bam had been cutting before her arrival, still lay there on the counter, abandoned.

The blonde woman didn’t pay any attention to them and walked straight to a shelve with durable foods. She reached into the top shelf for a bowl of hazelnuts and next to it for a bowl of dried peas. But she was too small to be able to hold both properly.

“Wait, Lady Rachel! I –“ Bam rushed to her but it was too late. Hundreds of peas and nuts spread over the kitchen floor, rolling into every corner.

“Oh no! What a mishap!” Rachel exclaimed in fright. “Bam pick everything up quickly, so we don’t have rats in the kitchen when we get back!” She looked honestly like she was in a state.

“Of course, Lady Rachel.” Bam took one of the bowls and began to collect the nuts. 

“Miss Rachel! If we want to set out today, we have to leave now!” Mr. Michael’s voice rang from outside.

“Bam, I’m so sorry! But I’m afraid we can’t wait for you any longer.” His mistress looked at him pitifully. “It’s really important not to have any foodstuff laying around, especially on the floor! But if we don’t take off now, we’ll have to travel when it’s dark outside. And that is indeed incredibly dangerous!”

The worry within her voice unsettled Bam. This trip was seemingly close to her heart and he didn’t want to stand in the way of her happiness. “You have to depart without me then.” He smiled.

“Really, I’m very sorry, Bam. Please don’t be mad at me. I’ll make sure to bring you a souvenir.” Rachel patted his head one last time before she ran away in a hurry.

Bam still smiled when her carriage long had passed the window. He tried to will away the tears wetting the edible nuts within his hands.

___________________________

At nightfall, Bam hoped for their save arrival at a comfortable and warm lodging. He couldn’t sleep at the thought of his mistress resting at an unclean place and he needed a few thoughts to convince himself that Mr. Michael and Ghost were decent persons. They were, certainly. Lady Rachel would not have placed herself in their care otherwise.

The small fire he had lit in front of his sleeping place cracked quietly. It gave him some comfort but it couldn’t dispel the unpleasant feeling within him. He had avoided being alone since he’d met Rachel. At first in general, later whenever the night was near. It reminded him at the dark times before meeting her. He had no clear memories of those years – he only felt a frightening emptiness, when he tried to think back at them – but she told him, she’d found him orphaned in a cave.

Bam watched a little flame slowly dancing over the coals. When it went out, he’d be all alone. Sleep just didn’t seem to want to drag him along.

He thought about Rachel. He would’ve liked to walk through the city with her. How much joy it would have been to see her dancing within a real ballroom, an honest smile on her face. But she had left him behind. Another tear found it’s way down his ashy face.

He hated being alone.

But then there was a knock on the door.

Bam listened, yet no one called for him. Who should even show up at this little house in the middle of the night? Rachel was gone, that he knew for sure.

Knock knock knock. There it was, a second time.

Slowly, Bam stood up. He wiped his face with the back of his hand and cautiously sneaked to the door. In case burglars tried to rob his home, he picked up a cooking spoon on the way.

Before a third knocking was heard, he gently opened the door. It creaked a little, sending a shiver down his spine.

Outside stood a hooded little figure, an old woman, holding up her bony hand to knock again. Her parchment-like skin was wrinkled and covered with age spots, her cheeks were sunken from the years she had spent on earth. When her tired eyes caught sight of Bam, she smiled at him, blinking. “Gracious Sir, might you have a few crumbs and a resting place for a poor elderly woman?” Her voice was croaky and brittle. She trembled with age and the chill of a night in early spring.

Bam looked at her. Never had he seen such an old person before and despite his mistress’ warnings, he sensed that there was no danger from her. “O-of course.” He glanced into the house again. The young man felt sorry for the woman and there was still some stew left from dinner. Rachel wouldn’t mind him helping a poor person in need. Surely, she’d do the same, he thought. “Please come in. I will light the fire again in a minute so you’ll warm up faster.”

He helped the old lady across the threshold and slowly escorted her to a chair in the kitchen. Then he set out a bowl of leftovers for her. “I could reheat it for you, if you like.”

“Thank you, my dear boy but you are already so nice to me. I’m so hungry, I don’t mind eating it cooled off.” She leaned her old gnarled walking stick against the table and slumped down while she sat. “In the village no one cared for me. After so many days of wandering around, they just sent me away.”

Bam didn’t know what to say to that. The villagers had been always very friendly towards him and he couldn’t imagine them to refuse to help anyone. “It’s probably because it’s late. Wait, I’ll get you some water. Would you mind sage tea?” He grabbed a pot from the shelf and ran out to the little well in the backyard. As quickly as he could, the boy pulled up the bucket and decanted the water. It was ice cold as it dripped onto his hands.

Once back in the kitchen, he lit a small fire over the stove to boil the water. “How is it, that an elderly mother wanders in the night?” Bam sat down next to the woman and watched her eat while it warmed up.

She chewed slowly, but she looked very content, which brought a little joy to Bam. “I go around the world to look at people. You, young boy, may not be able to understand this, but the paths that fate holds for some people are so varied and unfathomable that when you reach a certain age, you just want to look at them.” She put the spoon aside and dabbed her wrinkled lips with a cloth Bam had given her.

“Isn’t it very difficult at your age to travel so much?” Bam frowned and then went to pour the boiling water into small cups filled with sage.

“Whohoo, if you knew how old I am… Your jaw would drop in amazement.” The old mother giggled in her hand and grabbed the steaming cup with trembling fingers.

“Please be careful! It’s hot!”

“Don’t worry young one, my old bones don’t care much for temperatures.” Shawl flashed within her dark eyes and she downed the hot water at a gulp.

Bam had tried to stop her, but he was too late. Just at that moment, the old woman’s skin began to glow, the wrinkles and spots disappeared. The greyed hair beneath her headscarf grew and took on a bright red colour, as did her left eye. The right one was covered by a silver veil and she took out an eyepatch to cover it.

At first, Bam dodged backwards as far as he could. In front of him, there no longer sat an old mother. The frail elderly lady had turned into a beautiful young one. She had grown taller, even her lumpy clothes had changed and became a black velvet dress with white sleeves and laces.

“Do not say that has got your tongue out.” She looked at him with a mysterious smile.

But Bam didn’t even know where to look first. “Who- what are you?” His eyes darted from her red curls to her eye patch and to the young hands that now leaned perfectly calm on her walking stick.

“I already told you. I am someone who looks at the fates of humans. I am called Hwa Ryun. I also sometimes help special people, who have done me a service before with a push in the right direction. Some of them would say I am their fairy godmother.” The young woman leaned against the table. “You have helped me, therefore you are free to make a wish.”

“But – what did I do?” Bam stared at his hands. This whole situation felt like dream. But he felt his heart beating with excitement and his lungs gasping for air. Still, that red-haired woman before him seemed so unreal that he didn’t trust his senses.

“Even guides need to eat. Magic power needs to feed on something too, after all. I cannot use my powers for myself in the material sense. But now, I am willing to use it for you. You can wish for one thing from me, no matter what it is. Freedom, money, the return to your roots. The only exception is bringing dead people back to life. But if you want to talk to a deceased soul for a moment, that would be possible.” Hwa Ryun now straightened up completely and approached Bam. “But remember, your wish could effectively change your destiny – both positively and negatively. So I suggest you to choose wisely.

The overwhelmed boy was still struggling to fully comprehend her words. “But what do you want me to wish for? I-I’m content with what I have, aren’t I?” He remembered his peaceful daily life, having a roof over his head and having company when he asked Rachel for it.

“You do not have to accept my offer. But you will never get another chance like this. Think again, Bam. Are you happy right now with how the things are?”

Bam bit his lower lip. He thought about how he would be alone again, when this mysterious person left. During the day, he could go to the village, help the villagers and chat with them. But in the evenings, he would be lonely at a fireplace that couldn’t burn forever. “Maybe I do have a wish.” He hesitated. “I would love to see Lady Rachel – my mistress – laugh and dance at the ball. I would wish to accompany her to the royal ball instead of waiting for her return all alone here.”

“Hmm.” Hwa Ryun surveyed him intently.

I could tap the staff once and he’d be with her. He’d travel to the capital and she would forget she wanted to keep him away from there.

She caught sight of the young man's eyes behind his bangs. They were golden, full of light, in a very unique way. She remembered eyes like these laughing at herself, remembered fluffy curls of brown and a shimmer of hope, she'd devoted herself to ever since. 

But that’s not the path I choose for you.

“I can help you with that. But note that some wishes are granted in a special way and perhaps not immediately. Often, I just give a nudge into the right direction. I cannot spare you from walking the whole path yourself.”

“That would be very kind of you.” Bam nervously played with the hem of his worn shirt. He watched Hwa Ryun nod while taking her bony wand and rising it only to drop it to the floor the next second. Even though Bam had swept it earlier today, the impact blew up dust and a faint glow illuminated the next room. Bam looked at the guide in confusion.

“You might want to look what is there.” She pointed to the hallway and Bam did as he was told.

In the corridor on a small side table was the small box Rachel had shown him today. It glowed, though it was only made of simple stone. He rushed towards it and opened the lid. The golden hair slide was still inside, just as Bam had first seen it today. Beside it lay a few copper and silver coins.

Bam was horrified. “Lady Rachel forgot her piece of jewellery!” That meant she might not be able to dance with the prince. “She wants to wear it to achieve what she wishes for!”

“It is a sign for you to travel after her and bring it to her before the ball takes place. Your wish made it financially possible.” Hwa Ryun stepped beside him and examined the trinket with a thoughtful look.

“I have to get it to her.” Bam whispered and picked up an old bag to put the clasp and money inside. He took care not to touch the precious piece with his bare fingers, so he wrapped it in a clean handkerchief.

“At dawn, a travelling potter who is currently resting in the village will proceed his journey to the capital. Ask him to give you a ride and use the money to pay him. It will be enough for some food as well. From here on, your gut instinct will guide you. I hope you find the right path for you.” Hwa Ryun’s voice reached his hears in a susurrant tone, as if it was slowly fading.

“Thank you, Miss Hwa Ryun.” Bam turned to her but she had disappeared, leaving him alone within the dark.

In the morning, he was the first to wake up in the village. Even before the sun woke the birds to sing their morning song, Bam set out to find the travelling potter to follow the new path fate had in store for him.

Chapter Text

He left everything behind to fulfil the wish their heart longed for.

Bam laid on his makeshift blanket outside the little wayside inn. A chilling breeze blew through the leaves, making him dream of his sleeping place next to the chimney at home.

He looked up to the clear night sky with its stars that never seemed to change, no matter how far they rode. The beautiful sight reminded him of Lady Rachel. Was she looking at the same sky now? Thinking about him while tracing the constellations like she did when they were younger?

If he was Lucky, he would find her tomorrow. But his travel companion had wished him good look with that. From his stories, the capital seemed to be an even bigger place than from what Rachel had described.

Bam wondered if it could really be bigger than Viriera. Despite them only having travelled for three days, he had seen so many new things and that place had been the first city he ever visited. It had been so overwhelming, so many people and buildings and foreign sceneries. Maybe he could ask his mistress to visit this place again some time. He hadn’t nearly seen a quarter of it, with its endless vineyards surrounding everything, making it the king’s so-called paradise and he felt the wish growing in him, to go back, discover all those unknown things and learn more of this world so far away from home.

Viriera was also the first place where Bam had ever seen a castle. They were truly special in architecture and now he understood why Lady Rachel wanted to live there, even if it must be hell for one person alone to keep it clean. He’d try for her though. If it made her truly happy again.

As Bam listened to the little noises from the tavern and the comforting sounds of the woods, he lost himself slowly in a dream. A dream about castles and cities, adventures and his Lady dancing in a beautiful dress. And he dreamed of blue princesses and princes, one of them guiding him home.

On nightfall, the shadows grow longer, swallowing everything in sight. They drown everything, the honest peasants, and the shady creatures alike. A perfect time to appear for those holding no name or having theirs lent from someone else.

In one of the taverns of a quite well-known city sat a young man, the thin sleeves beneath his heavy coat dirtied by blood. He stared intently at his cup of honey beer, blonde hair falling into his view, covering his eyes from any onlookers. Nobody dared to approach him as anyone could almost sniff the heavy air surrounding him. Someone with a knife that sharp, clearly having been used quite recently, openly on dispose, was no one to hang around.

The tavern’s owner, sort of terrifying himself, eyed his mysterious quest from afar. Red eyes sharply following their every move. Had someone paid attention, they would have seen a hint of worry. But no one did. And so, the hours went by.

Somewhen after the twelfth bell, the guest quietly left the taproom. The owner dried one of the mugs, as he watched him go. He talked to his pot boy, bid a drunken molester goodbye, dried his claw-like hands on the apron he wore around the waist and then he followed the blond man.

Closing the heavy wooden door behind him, he leant against the wall, waiting for his guest to speak. Waiting for him to calm his breath.

“You left me waiting!” The guest said, his expression grime and a certain edge to his voice.

“You seem upset. What's that? ” The owner asked, gesturing to the other’s forearms.

“Not much.” The man gave off a bitter laugh. “My siblings having fun. Rituals are rituals. I’m here because of something else.” The blond man answered. He gritted his teeth, sternly looking at his feet.

“Still her?”

“Still her.” He grunted. Then taking another breath.

“Want me to join the hunt?”

“No, I’ll take care of it myself.” The man run his hand through his hair. “It’s just a little busy right now” His voice quieting towards the and until it turned into nothing but an unintelligible mumbling the owner couldn’t catch anymore.

“Are you sure? If you don’t want help, why are you here?” The owner’s words came out rough, but anyone familiar with him knew his intentions.

The guest took another breath before he shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.” He looked at the unmade bed of his long-time friend, the general chaos of clothing and wood chips, carved spears and a few hunting trophies scattered through the small room. “I should go now, before they actually begin to miss me. Wouldn’t that be sad?” Another unhappy chuckle, before he left through the same door again, directly looking into the owner’s eyes.

The owner couldn’t be deceived trough this. He knew something was off but also that it wouldn’t change anything if he stopped him from leaving now. This special turtle needed something he couldn’t provide. Encouragement, solace, another ancestry. Protection. Even though this turtle proclaimed to be able to protect itself.

The capital was much bigger than the king’s paradise. It was at least thrice its size for sure.

Bam’s heart had sunken within his chest as soon as the city’s silhouette had appeared at the horizon. At the bottom of high mountains, laid a place so wide, that the ridge seemed still a few hours away when their carriage passed the city walls.

Bam didn’t know where to look at first. Again, there were so many people wandering the streets, some of them wearing garments and dresses he’d never seen before, in colours he didn’t knew clothing could have. Or that existed at all. And patterns so complicated, with decorations, that the weavers and tailors creating them must have been masters at their field.

The road they used was crowded, other carts and carriages accompanying them and leaving them whenever there was another wide road. The pedestrians walking beneath them, causing the toppers cart to stand a few times, but they never apologized.

Sometimes there were stalls at the roadside to give the merchants more space to sell their goods. Bam felt overwhelmed by foreign smells and colours and noises. Some good, deliciously tempting him to nearly jump off the cart and some a little sharper, even unpleasant.

Chattering and melodies and shouting, horse hooves on cobblestones and children running around laughing. It was loud. Even louder than the streets of Viriera, that had been busy but not that much.

The potter said it was due to them driving the main road. The other ones would be calmer but the quality wasn’t as good for the wheels in some of them. 

Everywhere fluttered those blue and white decorations. Floral wreaths at doors and ribbons on trees. It was for the thirteenth son’s birthday; the potter had explained. At Bam’s question whether that was the king’s favourite son, the older man had laughed wholeheartedly. 

But nobody could have so much wealth to prepare something like this for a whole city, especially considering its size. And not for at least the thirteenth time. The birthday child must be very popular with the citizens then, Bam thought. They all tried to make him a present. How kind!

Barely after the sun casts the smallest shadows, Bam and the potter parted ways at a huge market, where he had a deal with a certain faker. Bam just hoped this kind man wouldn’t be betrayed as he was even nice enough to offer a trip home free of charge, should Bam find his Lady and they would want to leave the evening prior to the ball.

Bam thanked him but declined. This event had seemed to be very important to Lady Rachel and she had a carriage of her own. Despite that, the potter promised to visit him some time again and they wished each other well.

Then finally, Bam made his way through the streets of this unknown place with so many new things to see and so many scents to take in. His heart beat in excitement and couldn’t stop the smile spreading on his face. He was actually there! And he’d need all the time he could spare to find his mistress, but it was unlike everything he’d ever imagined to experience.

He began asking for her in the cleaner looking inns. The owners looked down on him, even if they were missing a head to match him in height or more. Bam noticed the missing trust within their eyes and them flinching a little, when he went to them. So, he was not surprised at all, when they denied to know or to have seen her. But he knew they didn’t lie to him, hearing it in their impatient voices and knowing it would be luck to find her this early on his search.

Bam had not seen himself within a mirror since the day he left his little home. He had never cared about his appearance as it only mattered on the rare occasion of his Lady expecting company but according to the state of his stained and dusty shirt, his looks must have seen better days. He was also sure to still find remnants of ash on his cheeks should he get a chance to see himself. No wonder those innkeepers would assume he was a shady figure.

But Bam refused to let that slow him down. He walked and asked and looked out for that wavy blonde hair of hers. He run to stranger women when he got a glimpse of the right hairstyle or a similar posture, passed some places twice or thrice, missing others completely. The cobblestones were even, traversable or too uneven to drive on with thin wheels.

It was difficult to concentrate upon his search for her as he often was distracted by literally anything he saw.

He noticed a change in architecture, from clean and presentable to rustic and more practical. And a change in the faces he met, indicating him reaching another part of the city. Bam never new, that a place could be so versatile.

The sun indicated hours to have passed, when he finally sat down next to a guidepost next to a smaller road.

His throat felt dry, it had been long since he’d seen his last drop of water and he wasn’t used to walk this much without a break. His shoes galled at his ankles and his soles ached to a point where he just hoped to find the strength to walk again after this. He was a bit hungry but considering the small number of coins left within the little sac he wore at his belt; it would be a waste to spent it now.

He did not know where he was in this immensely big place nor how or if at all he would find the market again. Maybe he had over done it for the first day. But it didn’t stop him from feeling happy about it. He shouldn’t, he knew. Lady Rachel must have noticed her missing jewellery by now, feeling miserable and he shouldn’t feel glad for this opportunity to see so many new things. But he was. And he was so thankful for Miss Hwa Ryun knocking at his door that evening. Without her, he would’ve never left his village, content with anything he knew and had there.

He still was. But it was thrilling to have this experience, invoking a curiosity within him, he hadn’t known.

Bam also thought about his Lady’s face when she saw that he followed her, carrying her most precious treasure to support her. The image of her smile gave him hope and revived his will to walk again. He dreamed of a warm soup of leftovers and a feather pillow to bury his face in. Soft and warm and her telling him stories about her journey. He missed her right now.

He even missed the potter who told him very much about the life outside his little home. Maybe this would even feel better if he had someone he could share this with. 

Bam forced himself to get up. The shadows had already grown quite long and soon the sun would colour the clouds, forming a beautiful scenery before going to sleep herself. He continued to ask around. Every person who told him no meant he was one question closer to seeing the only friend he knew.

Finally, he had found her!

She leant against a ragged bar table, the object of his interest loosely hanging at her belt.

The blond man stood within the shadows, at a more broken than intact table, slowly sipping of his alcoholic drink of unknown origin. It was disgusting. Whatever it was, had been diluted to barely an aftertaste of sour. Not that the he paid much attention.

The person of his interest shamelessly cheated one of the drunkards out of their money. Poor bastard. But again, it was his own fault when he fell for such a deceiving girl. The drunk laughed dirtily when she danced her pale fingers over his arm and the young man watching them bit his cheek, urging his stomach to calm down.

Only leaving this pit of a tavern would help. But he patiently waited within the corner of the room, watching. He just needed her to leave. Starting a brawl in this crowded place was the least thing he needed by now.

His father would kill him if he got injured – especially on his face. Not that he cared about the opinion of a drunken man but he knew to be mindful of his appearance to others enough, to know that any bruise or scratch would cause questions he would rather not answer.

This was the only way for him to feel alive after all.

Half an eternity passed before she finally snagged her victim’s bag, and soon after he slurred mindlessly on his table, she took leave.

She didn't notice the young man quietly following her onto the already darkening streets.

At first, Bam thought it to be his imagination running wild after such an exhausting day. A small glow in front of him, hanging in the air like a path within the street. It was barely visible and stood out more against darker colours but it remained when Bam blinked. Even after he had rubbed his eyes and had pinched himself. Other people around paid no attention to it, walking right through the fading glow.

Miss Hwa Ryun! Bam looked around, only to see more of those unknown faces he’d seen all day. But then again, she had not looked like herself at all when she first knocked at his door.

He bit his lip, cautiously trying to touch the trail of light. His fingers just went through thin air, not able to turn it into dust as he had somehow expected. 

With no idea where to go, and no prospect of a place to sleep, he decided to follow it, quickly thanking Miss Hwa Ryun for her help. A little spark began to bloom within his chest. The hope of finding his Mistress soon. Maybe. Hopefully.

The sun was about to set. The streets darkening more and more, minute after minute. The clouds indeed were painted now. Rosy coloured ones disappearing behind the faraway mountains in the north, turning orange to yellow in the west. From the south though, the wind carried a heavy black one, even the setting sun could not colour.

Bam was so focused on following his guiding light, that he missed this view. He forgot to pay attention to his surroundings and walked the roads not noticing the windows shutting down and most people clearing the roads.

He never lost his light.

Just as he turned into another street, he met a wall. Or rather he bumped into someone, who made Bam nearly meet the ground. A girl ran past him, with a speed, he had never expected to be confronted with out of the blue. She caught his breath as she nudged him to the side and he even felt a cold wind brushing against his bangs.

“I’m incredibly sorry!” Bam called but all he got was a distant snicker.

And then he saw what the girl held in her hand.

He felt for his little bag.

No! No no no! That could not be true!

It was gone. The girl had taken his bag and now clenched it in her hands with something remarkably blue.

“Please wait! I need this back!” Bam immediately chased after her, leaving his shimmering path. His heartbeat thrumming within his chest even before having to sprint from the get go. She was so much faster than him, the gap between them growing with every step he made. Her agile movements were impressive to look at but to him they felt like his doom.

In front of Bam, suddenly another figure dashed out of an alleyway. They also ran into the thief’s direction, definitely more used to such a pursuit than Bam himself. All he could register in the darkening light, that they were blonde and fast and better in dodging the few remaining people on the streets. Bam felt even slower while watching their back.

If he had not to give his everything he might have given up.

Soon he got problems to keep up his pace. His life hadn’t asked for sprints or endurance runs until now. The legs got heavy and his lungs couldn’t satisfy his need for breath anymore. His soles had been aching already but now burned like he was walking on embers. 

But Rachel’s jewellery was in there. He had to get it back! He had to!

The other pursuer reached the girl. They grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

“Don’t touch me, you bastard!” She screamed and tried to escape his grasp. In consequence, he pulled her closer, holding a knife at her throat, while whispering something into her ear. That was the point where Bam somehow noticed her rabbit ears.

And that the other possible theft victim held a weapon. Bam’s already stressed-out heart sank into his knees.

The few people in the street, looked at this new spectacle but as soon, as they saw what the girl was, they turned their heads. As if this situation wasn’t happening at all.

The girl paled. “Don’t pretend, it’s yours! You stole it somewhere, too!” She struggled and tried to free herself with her legs, but it was no help. It only got her closer to the blade. “Let go of me, you bleeding git! Holding me captive is clearly prohibited by the Edict of Animal Abuse!” Her voice trembled, nearly failing her.

Bam finally caught up to them. He looked from the blond man to the rabbit girl and back while catching his breath. The stolen goods were still in the thief’s hands. He was a relieved that she couldn’t easily escape again. At least not now.

“In your position, I’d keep my mouth shut, dear Miss XiaXia. Do me the favour and get off! You would be better off if you remembered that I know where to find you, should you ever be tempted to steal from me again!” The young man, who still threatened her with his knife, slapped the stolen things out of her hand and pushed her off. “Hiding from me doesn’t get you anywhere in this city.”

“I don’t give a damn, you freak! Go to hell!” the rabbit girl shouted furiously and bolted a bit wobblier on her light feet than before.

Bam gaped at her back before he turned his gaze upon the other pursuer, or should he say saviour? He had no idea what to say or what to call this situation and he dared nothing more than just to stand there, clenching and unclenching his fists while keeping his gaze directed at the other’s knife.  

The stranger looked briefly at Bam before he stroked back his blond hair. He bent down to pick up a blue patterned bandana. He wrapped it around his arm and hid it beneath his dusty shirtsleeve. Then he took Bam’s only belongings aside from the clothes he wore and barely spared them a glance.

To Bam’s surprise, he threw it at him silently. But without his notice and much to Bam’s shock, the frayed ribbon holding everything together had loosened. The bag’s contents scattered over the street. The few remaining coins fell to the ground clanking. The handkerchief with the hair slide unwrapped itself and it landed directly in front of the stranger’s feet.

Bam leant forward to grab it as fast as he could but the blond man had already seen the precious jewellery. Not half a second later his dark blue eyes pierced themselves directly into Bam’s as his hand covered and withdrew it from his reach.  Bam shivered. Those eyes were sharp like a knife and as cold as ice.

But also, so very fascinating.

“I assume, that’s not yours?” The stranger got up again and suddenly a very unfitting expression covered his face. His forehead smoothed and his eyes, despite eyeing Bam attentively, lost a little of their sharpness. His voice bearing a tint of curiosity.

“It’s- it’s not. My mistress. It belongs to her!” Bam stuttered. His heart begun to hammer against his chest like it had so many times that day. The slide was so close, barely three feet away from him. But was in the hands of another man and because this man wore a knife, Bam saw no way to take it. “I must bring it to her. Please don’t take it from me!” He felt his vision blur but refused to believe he had to give up now.

“And I’m supposed to believe that?” The stranger looked at Bam’s shabby clothes. “You’re a pretty bad liar for a thief.” He tilted his head slightly to the side and changed the grip around his knife. For a short moment it danced through his fingers and that was all Bam could pay attention to before the man pulled at his collar, closing the distance between their faces save two inches.

Startled, Bam gasped. He couldn’t do anything but whimper helplessly when he felt the blade now pressing at his side. It left his body completely unable to move. Never he had imagined something like this to happen to him. Everything within him screamed to run, but he couldn’t and there was still Rachel’s treasure within the stranger’s hands.

She would be so devastated if he had to tell her, he’d lost it. How should she ever laugh again if he caused her such a loss.

“No need to hang your head. See, today’s your lucky day! Tell me, where you’ve got it and I’ll let you go. Sounds like a decent deal to me, no?” The man’s voice got a little rougher but somehow his tone softened. “We could even be friends if you describe its rightful owner.”

Those blue eyes seemed so calm. Bam was paralyzed, not able to see anything but deep dark blue.

His shoulders trembled again. But he allowed himself to breath. “I come from a little village in the south. I work for a fine young Lady who raised me kindly when everyone else did not want me. This hair slide, you’re holding now, is her property. A few days ago, she left our home to come here, into the capital. She plans to go to a ball. And she wanted to wear this jewellery. But she forgot it at home.” Bam raised a hand. Carefully and with shaking fingers, he laid softly it on the stranger’s tense wrist. “I really just want to deliver it to her. I beg you, please give it back to me. I just want her dreams to come true.” Not once he averted his eyes.

The stranger just stared at him. There was no other way to describe his flabbergasted expression and the slightly parted lips, he closed trough taking a sharp breath. Bells rang in the distance and the sky was nearly black now. Distraught, the blonde looked around. Without a warning, he let go of Bam, so that the poor boy literally plummeted back on his heels.

Bam’s hope faded, as he watched the man shoving the hair slide into a pocket of his shirt.

He pulled out something else and threw it at Bam. “A deposit. Tomorrow morning, for the ninth stroke of the bells. Be at the entrance of the High King’s Church! Don’t sell it and be on time.” Then he turned around and disappeared into the darkness of the alleyways, just like the girl before.

Bam felt miserable as cold drops wiped his tears away. He looked at the little box he had caught with. He did not know how those tiny blue rings should ever compensate for the guilt he felt within his heart.

Chapter Text

Bam was sitting on the steps leading up to the enormous building called the High King’s Church and he felt more nervous than he had ever been before. His fingers kept tying and undoing the ribbon of his nearly empty bag.

His heartbeat was strangely noticeable, and it made him uncomfortable sitting still like that, but he didn’t dare to move, because of the promised time nearing. He tried to smile at the friendly church staff coming up the stairs that had offered him a few hours of protection that night. Not that Bam had slept much after wandering around for half of it within the nearly empty streets and only drunkards and shady people around to ask for directions.

Bam had worried about Lady Rachel and about her sadness once he had to tell her, he had lost her most precious jewellery. He hoped so much the blond stranger with the dark blue eyes would come like he told him. He had even prayed to High King Jahad of whom he had only heard that night from the friendly acolyte.

He shivered as a cold wind hit him from the side. Had he been sleeping more, Bam thought, he would feel better, but he couldn’t change that now, so he watched the people passing over the church square. The ninth bell hadn’t rung yet, but his inner turmoil increased by every second. I cannot -

Before Bam could finish his motivational thoughts, the bells chimed and with every stroke, Bam’s heartbeat accelerated. Six, seven, eight, nine. The promised time was there. Bam got up looking around, the air barely reaching his lungs.

There were so many people but none of them seemed vaguely familiar. His fingers clutching his little bag began to tremble.

“You’re actually waiting outside for this long after the temperatures dropped so much?” An amused voice reached Bam’s ears as the heavy door of the church slammed shut. “That’s something for sure.”

Bam immediately stumbled down to the step below as he looked back up. A cloaked man was locking down at him, but his curious expression blurred in front of Bam’s eyes.

“You’re here!” He ran up a few steps but stopped after he realised he didn’t know whether to hold this man close because he was there or keep his distance because he took the hair slide and was possibly not a good person. But the stranger couldn’t be too bad because a bad thief wouldn’t have shown up at all.

The man lowered his hood and his blonde hair was shining nicely within the light of day. He closed the remaining distance with his dark eyes following Bam’s every movement. “Of course, I am. But surprisingly, you are too.” Their look was more curious than malicious.

Bam knew nothing about this person, but he could not help to feel relieved. Hoping for a chance to get Lady Rachel’s jewellery back. “I could never face my mistress after losing my reason for having followed her to the capital in the first place! Especially if it’s her most dear possession!” He fumbled at his bag and took the small box containing the blue rings. “I brought these back to you, so please give the hair slide back to me!”

The stranger opened the lid slightly and pressed the box back into Bam’s hands. A small smile appeared on his lips. “Don’t you think it would be better to introduce ourselves before caring about business?”

Bam’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh! Of course!” He bit his lip after remembering his Lady’s words about having to be polite when interacting with strangers and he mumbled a small apology as he put the box back. “I’m Bam and I am in service of Lady Rachel. I belong to her and I’m grateful to be serving her. My specialties are anything concerning housekeeping. It’s a pleasure to meet you!” He gave a small bow, as he had been taught.

“Bam? It’s an unusual name.” The stranger slightly dipped his head.

“Lady Rachel named me upon the date she found me. Therefore, my full name would be The Twenty-fifth Bam. But no one calls me that.”

“I see.” The blond man sounded amused. “Well then, The Twenty-fifth Bam, I am called Khun. Pleased to meet you as well.” The stranger – Mr. Khun extended his hand to Bam.

Bam wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do with this gesture, but he felt Mr. Khun’s attentive stare and hesitantly tapped it.

Mr. Khun looked puzzled and then took Bam’s hand and shook it. The press of his hand was very firm, but Bam didn’t dare to complain. “It’s obviously only a nickname.”

“What?” Bam had still been paying his whole attention to their linked hands. “I’m sorry, Mr. Khun. What did you say?” He somehow felt like failing at this conversation. Anything he did or said seemed to draw confused reactions out of the blond man, even though he tried to hide them well.

“Pay attention when someone introduces themselves.” Mr. Khun let go of Bam’s hand. “But anyway, I’m only called Khun because I’m known to be sly and intelligent like the original bearers of that name. I’m not one of them, even though some are speculating that due to my looks.” His deep voice had gotten a bitter tone even though he tried to cover it with arrogance. “I hope you will take care of not spreading this kind of gossip.”

Bam felt a little overwhelmed. “Uhm, I will try not to?” He hadn’t been prepared for someone admitting introducing themselves by a nickname. “Do other people know you by the name Khun?”

“Most out in these streets don’t.”

“Oh. Okay.” That was unfortunate but Bam hoped to not lose track of Mr Khun until he exchanged the hair slide back. Yet still one thing was bugging his mind. “Who are the original bearers of the name Khun?”

Mr. Khun looked at him like Bam had suddenly grown a donkey’s ears. “You don’t know about the Khun family?”

Bam bit his lips and shook his head.

In response, the corners of Mr. Khun’s mouth twitched treacherously before he started to grin and laugh. “They are pretty famous here. A family with many bad habits and a leader with more influence than what’s good for him. The attributes I’ve listed for them are what most of them are known for, but I guess their name is unknown to most common people not living in the capital."

Bam thanked Mr. Khun for answering his question but had still no clue why the man would’ve chosen this name to introduce himself instead of another one. Especially if he did not want Bam to accidently spread some misinformation by calling him like those people. At least he had somehow managed to make this strange man laugh and that was hopefully a good start for building a positive relationship with him. 

In addition to that, Mr. Khun was very handsome when he laughed.

Mr. Khun still smiled when he asked his next question: “Am I right to assume you have not found your Lady since yesterday?”

Bam lowering his head gave a faster answer than his mouth could.

“That works just fine for me, The Twenty-fifth Bam.” And suddenly, there was something predatory within those blue eyes, but Bam did not dare to look away after he had raised his head again. “I’m very interested in meeting her, and I’d like to propose a deal to you.”

Mr Khun stepped down to Bam, until they were on the same level, their faces suddenly unexpectedly close. “I will help you look for her. Think about it. You are new to the city while I know it like the back of my hand. And I’ve got some acquaintances to help. It’s also impossible to search through the whole capital within merely two and a half days you’ve left until the ball. In return I get to keep the slide until we find her. You will be the one to give it back to her. In return, you will have to introduce us to each other. So, what do you think?”

Bam’s heart accelerated at hearing those words, hope blooming within his chest. Mr. Khun’s behaviour was so similar to the one from the evening before and Bam began to wonder if sudden closeness and a low voice were common tactics to persuade people. “Why would you do this? Introducing you two is not worth that much help.” He asked quietly.

“I’ve got my reasons.” Mr. Khun smiled victoriously. “But if you have no objections, I’d suggest getting started. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Blond hair, slightly wavy, about breast length. Lightish eyes, freckles, probably a head smaller than Khun himself and of average figure. Khun gathered as much information about her as he could. Friendly, generous, and sometimes a bit moody. He tried to match the woman Bam described to the mistress she seemed to be. It didn’t go well, but Khun himself knew better than anyone how to give others a certain impression he wanted them to have.

And there was still the possibility that she wouldn’t be happy seeing her servant in such an undeserving state. The dark circles beneath the boy’s eyes were probably Khun’s fault. The High King’s church had been a good foot walk away from the street they had first met. And the hair and dirt sticking to his skin came probably from the journey to the capital. On the other hand, there were the clothes. Clothes shouldn’t look this worn after only a few days if they had been in a good state before.

It didn’t really matter to Khun how the owner of this particular hair slide treated her footmen. He cared more about the information she could offer. And spending time helping this unlucky boy gave Khun a good enough reason to stay away from the place that did not really deserve the title home without having to hang out at the gator’s place.

And truth be told, Bam really was interesting to watch. Khun had never met a full-on country boy or at least he hadn’t met one acting like Bam at the age he estimated him to be. It was like watching a child seeing a shooting star for the first time. Except that the shooting star was literally quite anything getting in Bam’s way.

Khun had to explain what a banana was for god’s sake. But seeing someone so happy about the most trivial things made Khun feel an unusual lightness he hadn’t known before. And there was also this duality in how serious Bam became after entering an inn or a lodging house for traders. How nicely he could follow orders once it mattered.

Getting Bam to talk about his Lady was the easiest part. The boy freely shared information that could easily be used to blackmail him with. Or her. In contrast to the tedious talks with his siblings this kind of interaction felt like a breath of fresh air and even though Khun tried to stay vary and still was at the very core of his being, he felt Bam growing on him with a concerning pace.

Bam’s legs felt heavier with every step he took, yet he wouldn’t dare to slow their search down. His stomach growled but gladly not loud enough for anyone to hear, so he had not to be embarrassed if it happened within the dining room of a guesthouse. The heavenly smell of freshly baked bread or juicy fruits within the market stalls had nearly been too much for him and he had been so happy as Mr. Khun shared one of those yellow fruits with him.

Bam had never seen them before, but this day, he had learned bananas were the most delicious fruits in the world.

“This is where we’re going next. Hey, be careful!” Khun helped Bam to keep his balance as he stumbled over a bumpy cobblestone.

“I’m sorry.” Bam saw Khun slightly shaking his head and he followed the direction Khun had shown him.

“This is The Strongest Hunter Inn. Your Lady has most likely not booked any rooms there, but I need to deliver those to the owner.” Khun nodded to the bundle of bananas he held beneath his arm.

“You work as a delivery boy?” Bam looked at the rustic stone house with a sign swaying in the wind above the entrance. It displayed a dragon and metallic ornate letters Bam couldn’t decipher before he had to hold open the door for Mr. Khun to enter.

“Sometimes but not really. Those are for an acquaintance.”

Bam closed the door behind them and only then he noticed the calmness of this place. The only other person there was a man with short brown hair cleaning a table. He had not noticed their entry yet. The soft chime of the doorbell went well with the catchy melody he hummed.

Mr. Khun went further into the room, greeting the man who had a joyous voice, but Bam was too distracted by the wall decorations to follow their conversation. There were many small paintings showing different animals from the woods. Deer, rabbits, many kinds of birds and a strange animal Bam didn’t know of. He studied its picture, wondering how it got that pattern on its skin and why it was as flat as a plate.

There were also a lot of horns and antlers displayed at the wall alongside dried flowers, evergreens, or twigs. The chairs had some carved designs and as Bam turned his head in search of Khun, he couldn’t see him nor the table cleaning man anywhere.

He was greeted by a deep and rumbling voice instead.

“Hey, small turtle. Stop blocking the way!”

Bam flinched and turned around. A real-life dragon stood right behind him. Small red eyes were glowing at Bam, like the enormous beast was about to replace the hunted prey dangling over its shoulder. 

“Rak will immediately know of this. You can’t hide his favourite treats from him.” Isu snickered as he placed the bananas into one of the kitchen closets Rak rarely used.

“It’s part of his payment for caring about the boy.” Khun crossed his arms and leaned against the counter.

“I’ve still got a lot of questions concerning this, you know.” Isu grinned. “A few answers could be my payment, or do you have something special for me too?”

“You get the money.” Khun coldly replied and threw a small jingling sac at him.

In return, the waiter pouted “How mean. Being a little nicer to your friends would not ruin your reputation out there.”

“I’ll ignore that. I should get back to the boy before he gets worried and wanders off somewhere. Here’s the pay for getting us a meal.” He flipped another coin to Isu and straightened himself again. “You know my preferences and distaste. And he would probably eat anything. Try some meat and peas or something.”

Isu sighed. “You could at least tell me where you found him.” He pulled out an apron and started heating the stove.

“Later Isu. I’ll tell you anything you need to know.” Khun heard the waiter of The Strongest Hunter Inn mutter a complaint, but he decided that anything Isu would love to ask could wait until Bam had gotten something to eat. It probably had been days since the boy had anything aside from bread.

To his surprise Bam was already sitting at a table near the wall but he looked rather frightened. A steaming cup was placed in front of him, but he seemed afraid to drink. Once he noticed Khun, the boy immediately brightened and Khun couldn’t remember ever having met someone who had been this happy to see him. On the other hand, the boy wouldn’t be too, hadn’t he been dependent on Khun’s knowledge of the city.

“Sorry I had to talk to the pot boy for a second. Are you alright?” Khun asked and was surprised that Bam made space on the fur coated bench for Khun to sit down right next to him. He stiffened for a second before he seated himself.

“I think so.” Bam stared at his steaming cup again. “I’m so glad you are back!” He said bluntly before looking at him with gleaming but still slightly fearful eyes. “Mr. Khun, I think- I think the owner of this place is a dragon.” 

He whispered it with such an honesty that Khun couldn’t help but chuckle. The sound of breaking pottery and the vile language following coming from said dragon coming through the backdoor made it only worse.

“What are you doing, blue turtle! You are not laughing about the great leader of this place, are you?” Rak’s agitated rumble was hilarious as he stomped to their table.

Bam was just stunned. He had met Rak in his socialising form then, as the gator now was shrunken down to the size, he needed the least energy to maintain and in return, the boy miserably failed to hide the confusion on his face.

“Of course not, great Mr. Dragon, but I’m afraid you left a wrong impression on your newest customer.” Khun grinned at Rak and Rak glared at him before glaring at the boy right at Khun’s side.

“I’m not a dragon, but I’m rather called one than being called a gator!” He decompressed himself again, causing Bam to freeze in his breathing, gripping at Khun’s arm. “I’m a wraithraiser, and the leader of all turtles! Whatever this blue turtle told you is nothing but stupid nonsense!”

Bam shivered slightly and nodded obediently.

Khun leaned in to help him relax “He seems rougher than he is. Rak is kinder than he lets on, just try not to critique his food, even though it's mediocre at best.” He whispered.

Bam breathed in and nodded once more; his eyes still glued on Rak’s figure.

Rak demanded to get introduced to the new turtle, and because Bam still was a bit stiff, Khun took the role of an introducer. As Rak talked to him about having had a good hunt this morning, Bam slowly eased up and got somehow rewarded with the nickname black turtle.

Khun hat to explain to Bam that wraithraisers were a very rare intelligent species with limited magical power to enhance their hunting skills. Bam seemingly had never heard of them and did not know much about magic but he mentioned having met a girl who granted him a wish and gave him money so he could follow his lady. Khun struggled to follow his story as the boy told it so enthusiastically.

Their conversation was interrupted by Isu bringing in their dishes and because there wasn’t anyone else in the inn, he and Rak joined them, clearly interested to get more information about the young man Khun had brought.

Meanwhile Bam looked like he was about to cry as he saw a fully cooked meal placed in front of him. “I-” He looked helpless at Khun, clearly conflicted about having been served something.

Khun studied the thick slice of meat, the cooked vegetables and slices of bread offered to Bam and briefly wondered whether the boy could be repulsed by the food or be allergic to any of the ingredients.

“Should I get you something else?” Isu kindly asked before Rak could throw a little tantrum of his precious meat being rejected but Bam just shook his head and stuttered something.

“I already paid for it. Now eat before it gets cold.” Khun figured it might help to stop arguing about this. He started cutting his perch while trying to lead the conversation to something else.

No one commented on the teary look in Bam’s eyes when he finally tried his dish. Isu just smiled sympathetically, and Khun could read at his face that he wanted to ask whether he should get more, the boy clearly had been holding himself back and had tried to adjust his eating pace to Khun’s who unfortunately was a slow eater.

“It was the best thing I’ve ever had, thank you.” Bam smiled at Isu but tried to not look at Khun.

The chief in charge flashed him a grin and took their empty plates whilst Rak tried to convince Bam, that he would’ve made the meat even better and Khun commented, that he therefore failed at anything else miserably turning it into rocks.

Bam was more open now even though there was something bothering him whenever he had to look at Khun and Khun somehow felt not right like this.

Not long after Isu returned and started to talk about the most impressive places within the capital, Bam became more and more silent, and then he just dipped against Khun’s shoulder.

“Uhm, Bam?” Khun glanced at him and ignored Isu’s shocked face. “What are you doing?”

Bam hummed a little but gave no real answer.

Khun’s mind already spiralled about the possibility of this boy carrying a disease that knocked him out and that would help Khun to pass the next few days and skip bothersome social events, but at least a quick fever check told him the boy was fine. His breathing was even. 

“He’s asleep.” Khun did not know what to think about this. He himself would never allow himself to fall asleep on people he barely knew, yet it eased his previous bother.

Rak and Isu had this annoying habit of sharing glances that meant something only they could understand, and Khun rolled his eyes. “Would you mind helping me?”

“Help you with what?” Isu looked at him with an attentive smirk, knowing exactly what Khun was asking from them.

At the end, the gator carried the sleeping boy to a bed and Isu got his many questions answered. Or at least those Khun himself had answers to.

Bam was surrounded by a comfortable warmth and fleeciness. It reminded him of sitting at the chimney with hot tea and a wool blanket on a cold winter’s night. There was a scent of candle wax and dried herbs lulling him in.

Lady Rachel must’ve gotten him a new mattress. He happily cuddled into the fluffy pillow. So, she had gifted him a new one too! His last one had been more cover than filling for months now.

It was already bright outside. Bam really didn’t want to get up yet, but he thought about his Lady who had been so generous to him, smiling sadly because she was hungry, and he had not prepared breakfast yet.

Bam opened his eyes.

The window looked strange. Normally he couldn’t see it from his sleeping place. And there stood a stranger in front of it, checking on a bundle hanging from the ceiling.

Irritated, Bam propped himself up. The bed creaked and the stranger turned around. Bam rubbed his eyes and somehow, he had the feeling of having seen the brunet before.

A wide grin was spreading on the stranger’s face. “Hello, little sleepyhead!”

And then Bam remembered. This was Mr. Shibisu, Mr. Khun’s friend. “Where-” Bam looked around, but he couldn’t spot anything else that seemed familiar to him.

“Khun got you a room here. You now have a place to sleep until you’ve found your Lady!”

At her mention Bam’s heart made a jump. “Lady Rachel!” He looked around again but couldn’t see the person he was looking for. “Where’s Mr. Khun?” The panic within his voice didn’t go unnoticed.

Mr. Shibisu gave him a friendly smile and helped him up. “He went to see his connections throughout the city. Involving them will be a great help for finding her.”

“I could’ve gone with him! I don’t know when I fell asleep, but you could have roused me!” Bam tried to argue as the Inn’s waiter gently pushed him towards the room’s door. He led him to a small corridor and made Bam follow it to its end.

“Hmmm. You’re better off here. Not all those people owing Khun a favour mean well by him. Instead of getting Khun into trouble or a target on your back, you better take a bath for now.” The room Mr. Shibisu opened in front of them was small, but it had a little window, and it contained a tub.

Instead of arguing further, Bam marvelled at it.

“As you can see, water is already in there. It’s not warm though, sorry, but a short bath should be bearable. Soap can be used for hair and body, and you’ll find a towel and spare clothing on the chair there. They are most likely not a perfect fit, but it’s been a while since I’ve stopped growing and I gave all my old things to a friend.” Mr. Shibisu patted him on the shoulder. “Once you’re done, get down into the public parlour. Khun should be back soon.”

Before Bam found his words again, the brunet waved him good-bye and closed the wooden door behind him. Bam did not know how long he just stood there, but it felt like too much time, once he finally dared to move towards the metallic tub.

At home, Bam and his Lady used to wash themselves at the well with a bucket and rags and in the summer, there was a little pond fed by the little rivulet behind their garden. He had never used a specifically crafted tub for washing himself.

The water surface was smooth, and it gently rippled around his fingers as he touched it. The water was chill, but it seemed clear.

Bam undressed himself and hesitantly held a foot into the cold wet. He wouldn’t have the pleasure to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity for long, but he had been through worse things. After rinsing himself he looked at the soap on the small shelf. It looked new and he immediately noticed a pleasant smell of lavender and bergamot as he inspected it a little closer. Bam knew he was allowed to use it, but it looked and smelled so expensive. Lady Rachel never bought soap that smelled like something aside from what Bam learned to recognize as soap.

After Bam finished his wash and was done drying himself up and dressing again, he happily realised that some of the soap’s scent stuck to his skin. So expensive soap did not only smell good, but it made you smell good too! He would have to tell Lady Rachel once he saw her again.

Mr. Shibisu’s clothes were a bit too large for Bam, but he could easily pull up the trouser legs and with a knot in the shirt he could prevent it from slipping out of the waistband. Bam’s hair was still a little wet after he dried it with the towel, so he just bound them into a knot again. 

The stairway leading down to the tap room was so narrow Bam wondered how Mr. Rak fit through here. Mr. Khun had told him how the owner of this place could change shape but the tiny one would have legs too short, and the dragon-like shape would be too bulky.

In contrast to before he fell asleep, the public parlour was now filled with life. Mr. Shibisu joked with a few bearded men as he placed some jugs at their table. At another one, a few people played a game of cards and Mr. Rak told them they were only allowed to bet on who would pay for the next few drinks. A short girl with green skin and a tail – Bam was surprised at this, but he had seen so many unusual things within the capital that he just thought oh ‘okay so this exists too’ – stared down two young men who weren’t regulars at this inn.

Bam didn’t know what to do, as the one he was looking for wasn’t there, so he just stood in front of the door leading upstairs. He once again wondered how many things he had seen despite leaving his small home village and how many more there was to see.

Mr. Shibisu finally saw him, and he jogged to Bam. “Sorry, it’s a bit crowded now. Khun’s table in the corner should still be free. You can wait there if you want.”

Bam would’ve loved to talk to him a bit more, but he already was called by the green girl as there was a lot of work to do. He considered taking a seat at the only empty table within the room and he wondered why Mr. Shibisu had called it Mr. Khun’s, but he felt a little overwhelmed with the loud voices.

He left the inn and looked at the sky to get a clue on how long he had slept. There seemed to be about two hours left before the sun would start to set. A chilly breeze went past him and made him shiver as he got reminded of his hair still being damp.

Bam took his time to study the surrounding houses. They were similar to Rak’s inn and Bam wondered why he hadn’t noticed them on their way here. If he thought about it, Khun had probably been doing the right thing to get him something to eat and a place to sleep. But he still wondered how he could ever return this favour and if meeting his Lady would be worth it.

But Bam was not much of a thinker, and he was easily bored, therefore he started walking down the street. He wouldn’t go far, just a bit, without taking any turns. And he didn’t need to as Mr. Khun turned around the corner leading to the next alleyway. He stopped in front of Bam immediately, visibly surprised.

“Bam?” He took in his new attire and blinked. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been waiting for you!” Bam beamed.

“Of course, you were.” The blond man shook his head. “I told Isu to keep an eye on you. Anyway, are you better now?”

“Yes!” Bam stood straight to make it more believable. “Thank you for treating me well. But please don’t hesitate to wake me up next time. Finding Lady Rachel is my responsibility, and I don’t want to do nothing for it while you’ll take all the work upon yourself!”

“That’s why I’ve been coming back here. There’s one quarter I currently have no informants in. We must get back before nightfall. Follow me!” Mr. Khun nodded at Bam and turned back into the alley he had emerged from.

It was a narrow one, but Bam realised that it led to a broader street with even ground. Right in front of them, a beautifully crafted carriage was passing, encountered by a few men in uniforms on horses. Bam just stared at the formation in awe. “Amazing. It’s like a fairy tale!” He whispered.

“You think so?” Mr. Khun raised an eyebrow. As he had enough of Bam looking after the conveyance, he gently took the boy’s wrist and pulled him further. “Do you like fairy tales?”

Bam made a surprised noise. “Yes, very much! Lady Rachel used to tell me some when I was sad after I did something wrong!”

“Is that so?” Mr. Khun turned his head and flashed him a grin. “I’ve got something really nice for you, then.” They stopped in front of a man patiently waiting at the side of the road and Bam’s mouth fell agape. “It’s not white, but I’d hope your Lady would be impressed enough if you came for her like this.”

“B-b-but Mr. Khun! I-“ Bam stared at him and then at the two brown and white spotted horses Mr. Khun had presented to him. “I don’t know how to ride.”

“There are first times for everything.”

But Bam did not really get what Mr. Khun was saying. The man who had waited for them, smiled, and told Bam that his horses were easy-going. He gave a short instruction on what to do and what to avoid and sooner than Bam would’ve wanted, they helped him to mount on the horse back and Bam felt a bit dizzy looking down at the people that now were smaller than him.

Mr. Khun waved at the friendly owner of the horses and took the reins of Bam’s horse, leading them through the streets. “You don’t need to cling on its mane that much. It will hurt him.”

“Is it supposed to be this unsteady?” Bam stuttered, staring at his hands. He tried to glare at Mr. Khun who was way more amused at this than it seemed fit, but he dared not to neglect his focus on keeping the balance for too long.

“If you do this often enough, you’ll get used to it. Today they are for appearance but tomorrow I’ll keep in mind you’re unfamiliar with horses.”

As they reached their destination, Bam saw why Mr. Khun hadn’t brought him here before getting him a room at Rak’s inn. The houses had three storeys and a finely decorated façade with moulding surrounding the tall windows. The cobblestones were even on the street.

After Mr. Khun patiently helped him get off the horse back, Bam gasped as they entered one of those houses. Even though he wore Mr. Shibisu’s clothes which were in much better condition than his own, he felt underdressed, and here the servant’s looked down on him and Khun too.

“At least they let us enter and listened to our request.” Mr. Khun shrugged as Bam made a comment on it.

To Bam’s delight, Mr. Khun didn’t make him ride as they wandered from one lodging house to another, and Bam got to know that his friendly horse was named Dot and its companion listened to Clay. It was also interesting to learn that Khun preferred fish over horses, except they weren’t useful for transport.

Unfortunately, they had no luck in finding Lady Rachel in this noble area as well. No one had heard of her. It didn’t surprise Bam, but it made him worry whether they could find her before the ball at all.

“I’m sure my acquaintances throughout the city will be able to find traces of her.” Mr. Khun tried to cheer him up. He was a bit awkward at it, as he hesitated to pat Bam’s shoulder, but at least he really believed in his words.

“What if she never got here? While travelling to the capital they could have been attacked by bandits.”

“They have not. You would’ve heard of that.” Mr. Khun crossed his arms and leaned against a post beside the horse watering place. “Let’s try to get you in a better mood before I leave you at Rak’s. The gator will threaten me with something stupid again if he thinks I made you sad.”

Bam smiled at this, but he kept wondering. On their way back to the inn, Bam suddenly stopped in his steps. “I think I should really thank you Mr. Khun. I think Miss Hwaryun really meant well with me to allow me to cross paths with you.”

“What are you saying?” Mr. Khun chuckled slightly.

“I know we haven’t found my mistress yet, but I’m sure without you, I would have even less chances. And I really don’t think meeting her is worth all the things you are doing for me.”

Khun looked at him with a stunned expression before a gentle smile spread on his face. “It’s an investment. Like in a gamble, I can lose the stakes or win something out of this.” Then he stepped closer. “Also, I think you’re quite interesting. Maybe one day we could be friends. Real ones.” Mr. Khun didn’t explain what he meant by that.

“Real friends.” Bam slimed to himself. “I don’t think I ever had a friend. Aside from Lady Rachel maybe but calling her a friend would be inappropriate I think.”

Mr. Khun chuckled again at that and agreed. 

“Will you tell me your real name then?” He asked curiously, catching himself thinking that Mr. Khun indeed was very pretty once he laughed. He was handsome all the time, but Mr. Shibisu had hinted that the blond man was more often serious than happy.

“Sure, after you earned it.” Mr. Khun glanced at Bam as they headed back to Rak’s inn.

“And you’ll tell me why you’re so interested in meeting my Lady?” Bam’s voice got a higher pitch due to excitement.

“That’s a secret.” A mysterious smile crept onto the blonde’s lips. “But I’ll probably tell you even before you get to know my name!”

“Do your real friends tell you that you’re mean sometimes?”

“More often than you think.”

“Oh! So that’s nothing new to you! Fine.” Bam pouted. “Just so you know, The Twenty-Fifth Bam might not even be my real name!” He muttered as they got to the right house.

“I’m sure of that.” Khun leaned closer to him. “But you’re really bad at teasing, Bam!”