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When Kaveh announced to Alhaitham that Nilou was coming to their house, he swore to archons there was a hidden intent in Kaveh’s tone. The hint of mischief and cheekiness, Alhaitham noted. Kaveh is hiding something but Alhaitham has no idea what it is. He was about to question Kaveh on his intent before hearing a knock on the door. Followed by a soft voice, “Alhaitham, Kaveh?”
Alhaitham could swear he heard soft squeaking sounds beyond the door but he decided not to question it.
“Looks like your girlfriend has arrived before you even get to question me,” Kaveh stated as he was so ready to look at his dear friends’ reaction once Alhaitham opened the door.
As Alhaitham opened the door, he was not expecting to be hit by an object that moved way too fast for his liking.
A soft gasp was heard in front of him followed by heavy laughter from behind.
Before Alhatiham could say anything, he could feel the object rubbing affectionately on his face then slowly floating away. Followed by soft squeaks. Him, watching it as it levitated around Nilou. Bouncing up and down, squeaking happily as if it had done a good deed.
A light green coloured floating bob, he noted. With two miniature rabbit-like ears flopping in and out.
Lots of questions were forming in his head.
Just what on archons is this weird floating green blob around Nilou????
Where on earth did it come from???
So many questions all formed in his head that he nearly forgot Nilou was in front of him, glancing at him with a curious and questioningly yet alarming innocent look. Her head tilted to the side. Wondering what is happening to Alhaitham. She could hear heavy laughter. That was probably Kaveh since she could see him from the small gap of the entrance.
“Alhaitham?” Nilou questioned, “What’s wrong?”
She could feel the green seelie, Moss, slowly land on top of head, to rest as it happily made squeaking noises. She was excited to show him the seelie she picked out from the “Lost Riches” event that Lumine and Paimon had shown her last week.
It was a few minutes later before she heard him speak, pointing to Moss who was sitting on top of her head.
“Nilou, what is that green blob on your head?” Alhaitham asked as he let her into the room to set up the snacks and tea.
The green blob made angrily squeaking noises as it let their host answer the question. It was interesting per say.
“Oh, it’s coloured seelie! Its name is Moss!”she replied with a hint of excitement.
A coloured seelie. Now that is an interesting piece of information. He never knew a seelie could be a pet considering how most of the ones he saw are mostly blue. The seelie in front of him was round like a sphere. He wondered how squishy it was since it does look quite squishy to him.
The excitement of Nilou’s raving about the seelie was nothing but adorable. Telling Kaveh and him about the adventures on how they got the seelie through an event. The excitement and happiness of her, made him soft on the inside. ‘How cute,’ he thought as he continued to listen in as he sip on his tea and munched on the snacks that she bought for them.
It wasn’t until a few hours later that Nilou had to bid her farewell towards them. The green seelie, Moss, squeaks loudly as if saying ‘goodbye’ towards the two young men by floating around them in circles. Floating towards Nilou as they watched them leave.
There was quietness for a few seconds before Kaveh finally dared to ask the question that had been haunting his mind during their afternoon tea break. Placing one arm around his friends’ shoulder as he spoke.
“My dear friend, are you perhaps… jealous of that random green floating thing that’s near your girlfriend?” Kaveh said with a hint of teasing and cheekiness as he smirked. Watching his friend who is so close to malding over a harmless adorable creature during their afternoon tea break.
It was a hilarious sight for Kaveh as he saw Alhaitham was close to breaking his cup with his hand. Despite being a hilarious sight, he remembered that they must not break the cups considering how it was a gift Nilou gave them. Plus the design is so beautiful that he wanted to study it on how it was painted onto the object. And bless, Nilou, for coming every afternoon to their room for afternoon break considering this room is filled with two people who are obsessed with finishing their project till they are satisfied. Meaning, the two even forgot to sleep that Nilou had even come in to scold them when Kaveh accidentally outed themselves to her. And dear archons, it was not a pleasant sight.
An angry Nilou is something the two men definitely do not want to mess with despite being shorter than them. The cheerful and bright girl is one very angry anemo slime when anyone dares to anger her. Kaveh preferred the cheerful and bright personality of hers’ over the angry one.
For Alhaitham, he is definitely NOT jealous over a freaking random green blob that’s happily squeaking and floating around his lover, Nilou.
Nu-uh, he is totally not jealous.
It’s just a random floating blob!
Kaveh was so close to the urge of dying of laughter as he saw Alhaitham was so close to popping one of his veins. It was way too funny and hilarious. He never knew his friend could get angry and jealous over a small creature. A harmless yet adorable creature, no less.
“What is there to be jealous of, Alhaitham?? It’s just a harmless creature,” he said with laughter in between his sentences.
For archon's sake, if his friend speaks once more, Alhaitham is so ready to yeet him out of the window of their shared living room. He is not jealous over the green floating blob. A sigh was heard before he cleared his head. As much as he wanted to continue this conversation with his best friend, Kaveh, he remembered that even after all this fun, he still had to go complete his task that the higher ups had asked him to do.
Kaveh, as if sensing his friend's quietness and mood, gave a soft hum of understanding. Regardless of all the fun they had, the two had a task to complete.
“Did they ask you to investigate the situation that happened with her a few months ago?” he questioned, his tone in a soft whisper and seriousness.
Alhaitham gave a nod, replying, “The sages are moving faster than we anticipated. Considering what happened with her, they are definitely brewing and stirring up a plan considering how strange it is for them to choose her as the host of the samsara.”
Whilst Kaveh had the basic understanding and gist of what happened to Nilou from Alhaitham, Kaveh couldn’t believe it. To use an innocent yet harmless girl as their experiment for the samsara. It made him livid and infuriated. It also upsetted him considering the fact he failed to protect her whilst Alhaitham was out of town carrying his mission. As he was busy thinking, he noticed something dark and ominous about Nilou’s situation.
“Alhaitham!!??” Kaveh whispered and shouted as the thought came to his head.
Alerted, Alhaitham listened in to what Kaveh said.
“Remember how I said when the samsara was happening, I was still in Sumeru City?
How I wasn’t affected by it despite being here when you were still outside doing your task?
That means…the sages may have placed an invisible protective barrier around the Akademiya when they started the samsara experiment.
Does that mean they’re alo stirring something in the Akademiya grounds as well?”
Two possible experiments happening simultaneously at the same time. Kaveh was not affected by the samsara despite being on the academy’s grounds. This was nothing but suspicious and eerie.
“What’s even worse, Alhaitham, is that do you remember how Nilou’s experience, there was no mention of the Sages???” Kaveh hushed out, as a million questions and theories were coming to his brain.
The more questions the two men had, the more unanswered there was. Whatever the Sages are planning, they must investigate it as soon as possible before it is too late. Just what is the Sages planning?
Kaveh and Alhaitham did not have a great feeling towards it.
Whatever the Sages are planning, it’s going to affect the entire nation of Sumeru. Worse of all, there’s also a possibility that it may take a toll on the Lesser Lord Kusanali. Their Goddess of Flowers and Dreams…the two young men couldn’t help but shudder in fear of what could possibly happen to her.
Their train of thoughts were broken out by the sound of a knock. Followed by a voice on asking Alhaitham that there’s research papers from a few researchers that need to be documented and approved of.
Alhaitham was so close to cursing. Just great, another task to complete when he already secretly has beef with the sages.
Kaveh lets out a tiny chuckle. Looks like their conversation got cut short. “Well then, off you go, my dear friend!” Kaveh said as he happily aggressively pushed Alhaitham towards the door. Waving goodbye to his best friend as he watched them walk away.
Clicking the door shut, Kaveh was lost in thoughts. Trying to grasp and understand the situation of Nilou and the possible situation of the Lesser Lord Kusanali.
‘Samsara.
Experiment.
The Akademiya’s Sages.
Sumeru people cannot dream.
Lesser Lord Kusanali being not worshipped.
Nilou being the host just because of her being a believer of the Lesser Lord Kusanali.’
Kaveh swore that there are definitely more people behind this other than the Sages. It seems like Alhaitham had known about this for a while but he had a feeling the two of them couldn't confirm whether it was true or not. The two men had a subtle idea on who is behind this and the goal of it.
The hunters of the gnosis that have been seen and heard recently. The Fatui Harbingers. They’re planning to hunt down the dendro archon’s gnosis using any means even if it meant the destruction of the nation. One of the harbinger is probably trying to experiment on most of them to find which person has the ability to see the Lesser Lord Kusanali since no one knows whether she existed or not. Kaveh lets out a huff of frustration as he messes up his hair in anger.
The two of them need to carry out their investigations faster than expected now. They could sense it. In the upcoming days, the future of Sumeru is not going to be a very pleasant and happy one.
Kaveh hoped Alhaitham would be able to return to Sumeru City as quickly as possible after his mission in the Deshret Desert.
For now, he could only do as much to protect Nilou from the hands of evil whilst his friend is out.
There’s not much time left. They should hurry. Time will soon be against them.
Nilou is just out and about her day in the common district of Sumeru City. Having small talks with the merchants along with hanging out with a few of her friends from the Zubyar Theater as they walked around the district. Looking for things that interest them that may be used for their next possible performances. Nilou was wandering around the path outside of Sumeru City where she heard loud voices talking with one another. She noticed the outline of what she assumes to be Lumine and Paimon. Along with some five colourful looking squeaking pets floating around happily. The colourful looking pets look quite intriguing to Nilou. She had never seen them before in her life. Lost in thoughts, she failed to realise Paimon was calling her name. “Nilou~!!” Paimon shouted, her tiny hand waving rapidly in enthusiasm.
Nilou smiled and waved back as she walked towards them. “Hello, Lumine and Paimon. It’s been a few days since I last saw you. How are you today?” she asked in a soft cheerful tone.
“Hello, Nilou. We’re doing good? Are you feeling better now?” Lumine asked worriedly for her new friends’ feelings and emotions.
A soft chuckle was heard followed up by a smile. “I’m doing better now, hehehe~. There’s no need to worry.”
“That’s great to hear, Nilou!” Paimon replied happily that their friend was feeling better after what had occurred a few days ago. Lumine let out a content smile as she heard the news. Lumine honestly hoped it never happened again. Nilou didn’t deserve this. Despite wielding a vision, Lumine knows the girl in front of her is stronger than she perceived. Lumine watched Nilou as her eyes sparkled in curiosity and awe at the coloured seelies that were floating around Ulman. Lumine had an idea. An amazing one foresay.
“Nilou, are you perhaps interested in those coloured Seelies?” Lumine asked the intrigued girl.
“Oh…yes,” Nilou replied with a tiny hue of blush on her cheeks as she was caught staring at those so called ‘seelies’. Her eyes were drawn to a particular coloured seelie. It reminded her of him and his vision. “What are these Seelies, Lumine?”
Nilou listened in as Lumine began to explain what these seelies in front of them are. Nilou lets out a soft giggle as Paimon explains their misadventures during the Sumeru version of the event. “Those cute looking fungus are so annoying! I thought they’re harmless but who knew they’re so dangerous!” Paimon wailed. “Then we nearly got electrocuted by one of them!”
“By the way, Nilou, do you want to join us for the event?” Lumine asked, with a tiny hint of mischief as she finished explaining about the Seelies. As the saying goes the more the merrier. “We're nearly done but you looked very interested in them. Is that alright for you, Mr. Ulman?” Lumine questioned the man wearing brown clothes with a hat that has a feather stuck on it in front them.
So many colourful mini seelies were floating around Ulman. He looked like he was deep in thought before agreeing to the terms. “Alright then.. How about this… Miss Nilou can join you in the last three areas that still need to be found, then you choose whatever coloured seelie of your choice?”
“Are you sure…?” Nilou asked in a worried tone.
“It’s fine, Miss Nilou. I’m grateful that there’s more people joining the event already. So all fair and square,” Ulman replied happily before telling them to scram off to go find the iron coins that he had requested.
“Now that is done….,” Lumine said, grabbing Nilou’s hand whilst the other pointed up the sky. “To an adventure we go!” Lumine and Paimon shouted. Thrilled that someone is joining them in the treasure seeking adventure for the last hundred of iron coins.
The two young women walked out of Sumeru City making their way towards their destination before Paimon mentioned in a questioning tone, “Uh…Lumine…do you know where the last few locations are located?” Paimon’s arm doing the “I have no idea where it is' ' movement.
“Oh my…,’ Nilou thought as she let out a tiny gasp. She didn’t know whether to be worried or laugh at their situation. “Lumine, Why don’t you give the book to me so I can have a look at the locations? I think I may have a general idea where.”
As Lumine gives the book to Nilou, Nilou hopes all the mini-geography lessons that Kaveh and Alhaitham have given her during their afternoon tea breaks finally come to good use. Flipping the book opened to the last few locations. Staring at the map for a good few minutes followed by a sigh of relief. She remembers those locations from the mini-geography lessons. “I believe Area 4 is Ardravi Valley, Area 5 is outside a few miles of Sumeru City and lastly, Area 6 is Apam Woods, which is north-west from Port Ormos.”
Once she finished speaking, she wondered why Lumine and Paimon were all of a sudden so quiet. When she met the two’s eyes, she swore to archons that sparkling so much in glee and relief. With Lumine aggressively shaking her hands. “Ahh~~!! Nilou, what are we supposed to do without you?? Bless you for recognising the locations so fast so that we don’t have to go around Sumeru in circles…”
“Going in circles around Sumeru???” Nilou exclaimed in shock at the two.
“Well never mind that, let’s just go to these locations since they look pretty far away,” Paimon said, excited to get another seelie friend. Flying in front, in awe and exclaiming how beautiful the sceneries of Sumeru are.
It took the three of them nearly two weeks to savage the three locations considering how far they’re from one another. It was fun, Nilou thought. To take a break and do something she enjoyed other than dancing. She even had the opportunity to show off her sword dance when the two of them had to fight monsters. Lumine and Paimon were in awe as they watched Nilou fight. Elegant and beautiful as a dancer. Making the battlefield her stage as they watched the monsters all fell into her trance. Followed up by Lumine casting her newly obtained elemental power, dendro, creating the so-called effect of ‘bloom’. Lumine even had secretly used a tiny wince of electro to make ‘hyper-bloom’, defeating and clearing the monsters even faster so they complete the tasks in an orderly manner.
The sun was nearly setting when they finally returned to Ulman, giving him the remaining iron coins along letting them select the coloured seelie of their choice. Nilou knows what she is instantly going to pick. The green one, Moss. When it was told they had an owner, it was over the moon. Squeaking in delight and joy. Rubbing itself onto Nilou’s face to show appreciation and love. It was so cute and adorable. Letting out a small laugh as she watched it circled around her. “Hello, Moss!”
Nilou was delighted as it squeaked a response back, greeting her. She watched as Lumine and Paimon selected a colour seelie of their choice. A violet seelie. It was an interesting choice considering how their previous one was a blue one. She wonders if there’s any relation between the purple and blue seelie. A secret relationship? Nilou didn’t dwelled to deeply in it as Paimon started to ask her a question she was honestly kind of expecting. “Nilou, why did you choose the green coloured seelie? I thought the blue one suits you more…”
“Ah…it’s because Moss shines the most when it’s at night time. Plus the green one looks so adorable. How could I not want it?”Nilou responded.
She was relieved that Lumine and Paimon had casually accepted her answer without any further questioning. Before they part ways, Nilou suggests if it’s alright for her to treat them to dinner since she wants to thank Lumine and Paimon for letting her accompany them during the past two weeks. It was a few hours later that they parted ways. Nilou decided to head home since it was getting pretty late. Moss bobbing up and down as it followed Nilou towards their destination. She couldn’t wait to show it to Alhaitham and Kaveh tomorrow when they have their afternoon tea break.
She was happy that she has another friend now.
It was a few days later after their afternoon tea break, that she finally got to spend some time alone with Alhaitham. Sitting under a tree as their eyes were focused on the sparkly and twinkly stars. The only sound was Moss squeaking every few minutes as it dozed off on top of her head.
As much as Alhaitham could stand the soft squeaking noises, he couldn't help wondering what the hell is the floating green bob that is lying on top of Nilou’s head. It looks very squashable and squishy. Plus, it’s very green. Watching as the object’s ear moves in and out then flopping down as it snoozes away in the quietness. For the last time, he is definitely not jealous over a freaking floating green blob!
It’s just a floating squeaking green blob? What is so great about it? Though it is definitely a very interesting piece of object. It kind of looked like those blue seelies he sees often when he wanders around Sumeru. This one was different considering how he never saw a coloured one before. Along with mini rabbit-like ears, making them more adorable and cute to look at. He was very tempted to poke it to see how squishy it is for scientific research purposes. He watches it as it floats in the air, half awake as it lands in Nilou’s hands. Continue to doze off without a single care of the world. He failed to notice a hand wave in front of him. “Alhaitham?” Nilou called out, waving her hand left and right. Worried that he may have space off as she held Moss with her other hand.
A soft hum of ‘hmm’ was heard.
Nilou couldn’t wait to tell him the reason why she chose the green seelie. “Haithy…doesn’t this seelie look like you?”she asked in a cheerful tone.
Alhaitham could only raise one of his eyebrows in interest and confusion. The seelie looking like him? How does he look like the green seelie? Other than the fact it's green? It’s personality? His dendro vision? His stubbornness?
Nilou let out a smile as she watched him being lost in his thoughts. It should be simple yet he’s spending so much time thinking on the words she said. “You dummy, it’s nothing over complicated. Moss just reminds me of you since your vision is green and Moss is also green. Plus..it kind of reminds me of you…,”she commented though the last sentence was nearly incoherent as she mumbled it then quickly crawled and hid under his cape from sheer embarrassment. Hiding away from him as her face was similar to a tomato. Moss wakes up in a daze, moving rapidly left and right due to confusion as it was thrown out of Nilou’s hands all of a sudden. Moss squeaked in confusion as it moved in circles around Alhaitham. Trying to find where its master is.
Alhaitham found her reasoning to be quite adorable and very cute.Though he does not dare to voice that out cause Kaveh will definitely laugh his ass off if Kaveh heard him say it out loud. Nilou finds comfort in the green seelie because it reminded her of him. How endearing…
He could feel her back touching his as she continued to hide under his cape. It was awfully silent. “Nilou?” he whispered out to the person behind him.
No reply.
Oh. She had fallen asleep within a few minutes.
Moss is floating quietly now as it senses its master has fallen into a slumber. Continuing to levitate around Alhaitham as it watched. Alhaitham turns around as slowly as he can, trying his best not to disturb her. Gently placing her head in his lap as he let her sleep away her worries. His cape, on top of her acting as a blanket. Gently twirling strands of her hair. He was glad that she had Moss to keep her company whilst he was busy and out. He felt bad and angry as he wasn’t there to hug her when she was scared and alone after comforting her.
The time he opened the door to see her shaking and trembling, standing in front of him. Her hands rubbed her eyes non-stop. The broken and continuous sobs. Having trouble looking at him in the eyes. It was the first time he saw the love of his life, breaking down like a vase had shattered. The strong and passionate girl was long gone and here standing in front him, was a girl traumatised to the point where she has trouble sleeping every night. Afraid to dream. No one should be afraid to dream yet the experiments of the Sages had led to certain people even struggling to dream and sleep. To think Nilou was a part of their experiments whilst he was out. The dark circles under her eyes…telling him her sleep was not a pleasant one. She was tired and exhausted to the point he noticed that she had trouble keeping up with conversations. Nilou had even passed out from exhaustion when she came over to Alhaitham and Kaveh’s house near the Akademiya. Lying on his bed, her breath uneven. Quickly running towards her as he placed one his hand on the top of her forehead. Her face becoming redder and redder, tiny drops of sweat were seen as well. A fever, he noted. A bad one.
Alhaitham let out a few rapid curses as he informed Kaveh to go get a doctor. He should have realised it sooner as soon as he saw her not even walking properly. The next few hours went by in a flash. The doctor prescribed a few medications which Kaveh went to collect and purchase from the pharmacy. Him, checking Nilou’s temperature every once in a while along with changing the ice cool towel that has been lying on top of her forehead. Her breathing had calmed down.
A little elf had even come to help change her clothes as he stood outside the door before the doctor and Kaveh had arrived. By then they disappeared and later reappeared once again as it was only him in the bedroom. White hair with light green tips at the end. A fairy-like designed dress. A child to most but he knows better to not underestimate the person standing in front him. Alhaitham knows who the person in front him is. Getting down on one knee, his hand placed on top of his heart. “Greetings, Lesser Lord Kusanali,” he greeted.
A soft childlike laughter was heard. “Alhaitham, there’s no need to bow down in front of me,” she said. Her light green childlike eyes sparkling in amusement.
The god who blessed him with his dendro vision when he was younger. Whilst she had said she deserved not to be bowed to, he didn’t give a care. He will bow down to the god who had given him a vision along with even protecting Nilou and others during the samsara a few months back. That’s the least he could do to express his gratitude. Her appearing in front of someone means a lot considering how hearly the entirety of Sumeru couldn’t see her nor care about her. There must be something important that is happening soon if she had appeared in front of him.
Nahida knew she had a small amount of followers but she didn’t mind them. It made her happy as they’re a few who believe in her. She was not used to seeing someone bowing in front of her. Warmth spread in her body. Telling the young man to get up. Glancing at the red-haired girl who was lying in bed, sleeping. The dancer who danced during her birthday.
“My Lord…,”Alhaitham spoke. “Could this be a part of the side effects of the samsara that the Sages had conducted a few months back?”
“Yes, it seems my protection might have worn off. Her vision that had been protecting these past few months may have also taken a toll which may lead to her having a fever now,” Nahida revealed. “And, just Nahida is fine, Alhaitham.”
In his entire life, he was not expecting his god to casually allow him to call her by first name basis. Completely a new experience.
“There’s not much time left but we must hurry. It’s coming soon,” Nahida said. “I need to go now before the sages get any more suspicious that I had run away from them.”
“Good bye, Nahida,” he said as he watched her disappear into dust, walking into the dream world.
Alhaitham could feel Moss rubbing his cheek, taking him out of his thoughts. “My friend, I’m okay.”
Moss disagreed. Nilou’s lover was clearly not okay. Moss was not stupid, it could tell when a human was feeling sad and lost in thoughts. The man in front of them was clearly downcast and miserable. Moss heard a huff of laughter. “Looks like nothing can get past you. You can read human emotions?”
Moss nodded. At least this human was smart compared to the previous ones it had met. And no, Moss is totally not throwing shade.
“I don’t have the heart to tell her I need to leave in a few weeks. I don’t really want to leave her..” he murmured.
Moss' ears gave a twirl as it listened in. Letting him pat them affectionately. “Moss, take care of her whilst I’m out ok?”
Moss gave a squeak in approval at his words.
For Alhaitham, Moss will do its best to protect and take care of Nilou.
Going and lying down on the crown of his head. Sleeping and dozing off to the sounds of cicadas and forest sounds. Letting the two of them enjoy their quiet moments. Moss hoped the two were about to enjoy their moments as much as they could. Plus, Moss felt jolly that Nilou was finally relaxed and happier now. It realised that the young man that Nilou has cherished and loved, was one of her most happiest moments in life.
“Looks like I may want to surprise my princess before I leave,” Alhaitham stated, with a smirk. Moss bobs in agreement.
(A few weeks later)
Nilou let out a soft excited squeal as she was suddenly being lifted off the ground. She could feel an arm wrapping around her waist as she patiently let them lift her up. The scent of the ocean. Mostly, it was the scent of Port Ormos. The fresh nature and ocean blend.
A smile lit up her face when she saw him smiling softly at her. "Hello, my dear dancing princess, how are you today?" He asked, soft and amused at the same time. Watching as the green seelie, Moss, happily squeaked around them. Excited that they're back together. Nilou’s aqua eyes sparkling and glowing as bright as the stars.
"I'm great..how about you~?"Nilou replied as she stared into his sea green eyes. She swore she could see stars twinkling there. Her, in his grasp. She felt safe and happy. It was like there were only them here. Ignoring everyone else around them. She could swear she heard her troupe screaming and squealing in glee as they watched the lovely couple.
"They're so freaking cuteeeee~!" shouted one of them.
"Aaaaaa they're so adorable, hurry up and go get the kamera!!!!"
"Oh yes, we need the kamera!"
The sound of flashes could be heard in the background. Shouting in glee, they finally met the rumoured boyfriend that Nilou has been shy and flushed about. And dear archons, their beloved dancer, sure knows how to snatch someone with her caring and cheerful personality. Though the most important thing of all was how their dear, Nilou, managed to snatch one of the most handsome and hottest men along with the fact he is also the one and only “The Scribe” of Akademiya. Her friends sure do have a lot of questions going through their minds for Nilou as they were deadass curious on how she managed to get him as her lover. Anyways, back on topic, they’re so cute too the point they’re have nearly over hundred of pictures on Nilou’s personalised kamera.
Moss was just dilly dallying around them without a single care about the chaos that their owner has caused out of nowhere. Going around in circles with Nilou and Alhaiham was quite fun and amusing.
The more her troupe members spoke the more she wanted to hide away from them due to the sheer embarrassment they’re causing. She wasn't expecting Alhaitham to be visiting her all of a sudden. She was curious about what the sudden visit is about since he usually does inform her when he will be visiting her in the Grand Bazaar. Letting her back on the ground as she glanced up at him in curiosity. He was holding something. She wondered what he was holding. When he showed it to her, her eyes widened in shock. It was the fabric she was looking for these past few months. “Alhaitham…how did you find this? I thought it was all sold out?” she asked as she grasped the fabric seeing if it was actually real or not. She couldn’t believe that he managed to obtain this piece of fabric that she had been looking for.
Keeping a straight face, he said, “Someone at Port Ormos was selling it and I happened to stumble upon it during my trip there.”
Kaveh and Alhaitham totally did not blackmail or bribe the shop owner to get this fabric as soon as they could. Plus, scheming, haggling and bribing is all part of the two men’s speciality. Alhaitham sometimes wonders if Nilou had known that he and his friend are ominous schemers. Alhaitham felt bad for lying to her but he didn’t really want her to see the wicked and sinful world when she had a beautiful and glorious world he wished to protect and guard.
The way her eyes lit up every time she saw him regardless of how far away they were. Her smile was as bright as the sun. Brightening up all the people around. She was like a walking sun bringing smiles and happiness to everyone around. The sun and moon. What an odd combination. Even if it was a short amount of time, he wished and hoped he could protect her world before she saw the wicked and sinful world that has been lurking beneath these grounds.
Asking her troupe members if he could steal her away for the rest of the day which was followed by shouts of excitement as they waved goodbye to Nilou and Alhaitham. Holding her hand into his as he led her away from the lively city to the beautiful rainforest that is filled with life. Birds chirping, shaggy sumpters walking around and rish boland tigers sitting in the sun, enjoying the light. Fungus jumping and hopping around as it continues its day.
Nilou wonders what’s wrong for Alhaitham to suddenly invite her to an outing out of nowhere. “Haitham…?” she asked quizzly, confused about what was happening.
A sigh was heard before he stopped and turned around to face Nilou, still holding her hand with his larger one. It was a struggle, not knowing how to break the news to her. The trip he was about to embark on in a few weeks time, was not a short one but a rather long one. Looking at her questioning gaze, unsure on how to form an answer to her question. Her aqua eyes glanced at him as she patiently waited for him to speak.
Nilou felt uneasy, her stomach churning in discomfort and turmoil.
Why?
Nilou didn’t know until she waited for him to speak. It was only the sounds of the forest’s nature accompanying them now. Far away from the lively city, stands the two of them. The sun glaring down at them. Whether in happiness or sadness, Nilou did not know. She has a feeling on what he was going to say.
“I need to leave and head to Deshret Desert in a few weeks' time,” he finally said after a long silence.
He needs to leave soon. Is that why he wanted to take her out today?
Her mind is blank as she tries to process the information. It must be important since he sounded urgent. “For a mission?”
“Yes, got called in at the last minute to investigate whatever is happening in the Deshret Desert.”
He was no mind reader but he could sense her thoughts. He lets out a tiny laugh as he watches her being lost in thought. Too much thinking is bad for her, he thought as he came to understand her these past few years. Flickering her forehead gently and lightly before an “ouch” was heard.
“Haitham!?”she said in shock at what just happened. Her aqua eyes widening in surprise as it glanced at him.
Did he just flickered her forehead?! And..did Moss just laugh at her??!!
“Too much thinking is bad, my love,” he stated rather than answering her question. “Since I still have time left before I leave, I might as well take you to Port Ormos since you are so interested in wanting to go.”
Port Ormos.
She has always wanted to go there since she heard so many great things about it. Especially the cafe by the seaside where we see the clear blue ocean. Her eyes lit up in wonder as she couldn’t wait to see what was there. It looked like a fun place.
Alhaitham could swear he could see her eyes sparkling when he mentioned the ocean to her every time he told her about his trip to Port Ormos. He had been wanting to take her to Port Ormos when he had some time to spare.
It took them nearly 4 days to arrive at Port Ormos by foot. They didn’t mind the long walking trip as the two of them got to enjoy the natural beauty of the rainforest along with even getting to go sightseeing. They even cherished the moments they spent together alone as well.
“Waahh~! It’s a sumpter beast, Alhaitham! They look bigger in real life compared to the ones I saw in the books!” Nilou exclaimed in awe as she waved her hand in excitement pointing at the animals in front of them. All Nilou got was a joyful smile as he observed her from behind.
Watching the sumpter beast from afar was very interesting for Nilou. So many wildlife she read in books and finally getting to see it in person was fascinating. She even quietly took a picture of a sumpter beast sleeping. It was so fluffy that she wanted to pet one but she knows it’s better not since she knew that it’s best to just admire from a distance. Taking pictures of everything she found interesting with her kamera. To preserve the memories that she saw in real life. She even took a few pictures of Alhaitham without him realising to keep when she had the time to finalise her photos into physical copies. She was excited as she even got to see a dusk bird up close. Most interesting thing was, the dusk bird even let her take pictures before it flew away.
By the time she took the last few pictures of the wildlife, they had arrived at Port Ormos. The bustling sound of street vendors, the aroma of food, the loud hustle of boats and ships arriving, the laughter of children and lastly, the vast blue ocean that lies in front of Port Ormos.
“Alhaitham! Alhaitham! It’s the ocean! Wow~...it’s so pretty!” Nilou bursted out, her hand tugging one of his muscular arms. The ocean view has Nilou’s entire focus. Moss squeaked in delight as it got to see the ocean for the first while it’s still a fan of trees.
He could see that the young woman in front of him was over the moon. In a joyful and radiant mood. Before he could utter a word, music filled their ears. Nilou’s eyes sparkling and lighting up in joy as she ran to the source. A group of musicians busking in the middle of the streets. She didn’t even realise her feet were tapping lightly on the moevent, in sync with the beat of the rhythm. She felt a slight push on her back. “Off you go…and dance your heart out,”he murmured as he gently pushed her in front of the musicians.
He could tell from her body movements that she wanted to go out there and dance. Her eyes wide as saucers, staring at him as if he did something weird. Holding up his hands in surrender with a mischievous smile acting like he did nothing as he beckons her to do what she loved. To dance. Soon cheers were heard from the onlookers as they watched Nilou dance to the music. Moss on the top of his crown, cheering in excitement and twirling its rabbit-like ears. Watching her improvised all her moves and expressing who she is, is always one thing he enjoys about watching her dance. Nilou dances with her heart on her sleeve. The amount of emotions she showcases whenever she dances. Her smile is as big as the sun. Away from the prying eyes of the sages. There stood a girl in front of him who was passionate about her art. Pouring her entire soul into it.
It was a spectacular sight for the citizens of Port Ormos. First time seeing someone dance so beautiful, elegantly and brilliantly. She has the heart and soul of a dancer, most thought. Watching her as she performed a bow to the audience. Heavy applause was heard throughout the busy city of Port Ormos. Some even screamed “encore!” as they wanted to see more of her art.
Nilou glanced at Alhaitham through the crowds, silently asking a question. All she got in response was an “okay” sign, telling her one more performance for the audience wouldn’t hurt. The cheers grew louder as she told them she shall do one more performance. She wonders if the audience will enjoy her singing whilst she dances. She began.
An alluring voice of a songstress was heard throughout the late afternoon. The audience in silence as they were memorised by the scene in front of them. Light taps on the pavement as she twirled and danced the day away. True and genuine smiles were seen on each person’s face. As the music came to an end, she performed one of her most known moves, the lotus movement before bowing towards the audience once more. Sweat etched all over face but she didn’t care. To see genuine smiles from her audience is something Nilou truly wished for. Her smile was as bright as the sun as she listened to the applause and cheers. Seeing him, focusing on her as she danced…she was happy she was able to finally perform in front of him. Waving goodbye to the audience and thanking the musicians before she walked up to Alhaitham who was smiling.
Grasping her hand with his as they walked down the pier to find a place to eat. The cafe by the seaside with amazing views of the glorious night sky and calming ocean flows in a slow and rhythmic manner. The calm and gentle breeze that blows through Port Ormos as they sit by the table outside enjoying the wind. Nilou’s quiet singing voice resonated throughout the quiet space as Moss squeaked along with her.
It was a beautiful night. She wished it could go on for longer. Time is short but she was willingly to cherish these small dazzling moments spent with him. No matter how long or short their moments were, she was fine with it. Spending time with him was something that made her heart beat.
The days that they spent in Ports Ormos went by a blur to them and soon, the two were standing at the front of the entrance of Sumeru City near Chinvat Ravine. “You come back in one piece right…?” she asked as she hugged Alhaitham, mumbling the words on his shirt, refusing to look him in the eyes.
Alhaitham nearly laughs out loud at the question but he understands her worries since there were a few times he came back injured and had like one of the scariest scolding from her. “Of course, if I possibly can,” he replied as he hugged her back. “Plus, Nilou…remember no matter wherever you are, I will always love you and be by your side,” he stated as he pulled her away from him and glanced at her. Giving a hand kiss on her right hand then proceeding to give her a long lingering kiss on her lips. Their foreheads lean upon one another as they look at one another in a loving and adoring way. Clasping their fingers together, holding onto each other tightly like their life depends on them.
“You promise…?” (Nilou)
“I told you… I am willing to be by your side forever.” (Alhaitham)
“I shall see you once you come back?” (Nilou)
“If that’s what my princess desires then your wish has been granted.” (Alhaitham)
Letting him go as she stood there and watched him disappear into the distance to the point where she could not see his figure anymore. It was then that Nilou slowly broke out in a wrenched sob. Tears coming down from her like a waterfall as she’s left alone once again.
It was selfish of her…
She didn’t want him to leave yet she knows he has to consider how important his mission is. After all, it is for the future of Sumeru. Their home was on the line. Whatever determines the future of Sumeru is in the hands of Sumeru’s vision wielders.
Wiping her tears away as she remembered her promise with him. She promised she wouldn’t cry. She may look weak to most but those have failed to realise Nilou is one hell of a passionate and determined girl.
“Your determination in protecting the knowledge of dance is what makes you strong. You wish to protect your art no matter how frowned upon it is. You spent years trying to understand the art of dance, don’t let it go. I love it when you dance with your heart and soul,” Alhaitham said to her, out of the blue when they sat next to one another on the wooden pier. Twirling a piece of strand of her red hair.
Her face was red yet her heart was on cloud-nine as she replayed his message in her head.
Nilou wasn’t a weak girl as most deemed to be. She has the heart and soul of an artist. Her mastery of the hydro element as she easily manipulates the clear blue water at her. She will protect the future of Sumeru no matter how brutal it will be. Her life and home here, she does not want to see it go. The beautiful rainforest, the sounds of animals and the lively chatters, must be saved. Her aqua eyes burned with passion and determination. Whatever the future of Sumeru is, it will be determined by the vision wielders of Sumeru.
Their reunion may take a few months to meet once again but Nilou didn’t mind.
No matter where they are, the two souls are always with one another regardless of how far apart they are.
The two lovers will always be by one another’s side, no matter the distance.
It’s not a goodbye. Instead it's a message telling her, he will return to her.
After all, it’s a promise they made on the day he left for his journey to the Deshret Desert.