Work Text:
There wasn’t a day when he wasn’t the target of some stranger’s gaze. It had been like this since the day he gained enough social awareness to notice. No matter how much he hid behind his mother’s skirt, no matter how much he threw himself into his chores or work, no matter how much he tried to ignore them growing up, it never stopped. But being purposely scouted by a woman in a light blue dress, hiding amongst the crowds, over the course of the entire morning, was new.
Euden crossed off an item on a list with a heavy and dark swipe of his pen. He calculated the sales, and he counted the remaining items over and over until his head hurt. The numbers were perfect, like the many times he checked before. No item was unaccounted for, and the profit was the exact number he expected. It was enough to pay off the stand fee and give Luca his fair share, even though they usually end up pooling their money to pay for the farm. Everything left over was to be split between their farm and Luca’s home village.
In the notebook he held, the festival invitation slipped out from the back page.
Congratulations, owner of Sunny Woods Farm
The down payment for the Lost Prince Harvest Festival has been approved. Sol Alberia’s annual Lost Prince Harvest will be excited to have you and your products showcased to represent the local farms of the area. You and a select few other vendors will be the pride of the Farmer’s Market Alley.
You will be required to take this letter to be eligible to enter the festival. A new one will not be issued if it is lost.
Please take note of the following regulations, locations, and provided amenities for the event…
Euden tucked it back in next to the copy of a contract and a note from his mother. Then a conversation struck up between a stranger and his business partner, Luca, at the counter behind him. He didn’t turn to face them, but it was a deeper voice, likely not belonging to the woman he and Luca continuously kept spotting. Euden knew he should be up there helping, but he needed time to clear his head and not focus on the people giving him unwanted attention. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a shaking hand.
Something about this place, the increase of people looking through him with the same, dreaded look with more frequency, made his blood boil. They didn’t look at him like they were interested in what he was selling or who he may be as a person, but looked beyond him into something he had never experienced. His father, bless his heart, used to be the one who ran the show while Euden tagged along for fun, deflecting people like these and those who inquired about him further. Euden has since learned to handle situations like these with the support of his father, if one may have been too persistent. Now, it was left to Euden to handle selling goods and handling the people alone.
He knew all the strangers he'd encountered whispered about him as they walked away. They all do. Like all the rest, they whispered inklings of tales of a world before this one. A world that only existed within the vague feelings and dreams of passersby. A world he wasn’t blessed enough to see glimpses of.
His mind wandered back to the woman in the blue dress. Though it was strange being scouted for an entire morning, he could recall an almost similar event when he was younger that took place over the course of years rather than multiple instances in one morning. A strange sylvan lady who would always show up once, on the first day, whenever he and his father sold or helped out in the capital festivals. Euden thought she was funny since she didn’t dress like a sylvan, nor did her dark clothing seem to fit the late summer heat. He remembered his father being strangely stern with her whenever she came by. One day, she managed to speak with him alone while his father helped someone with unloading stock. He was old enough to know this wasn’t right, but she asked him questions anyway, and Euden was ignorantly honest. She seemed friendly enough.
The questions began like any normal conversation. Topics like his family, friends, and what his favorite things to do were were the subject. Then it shifted to stranger and more specific questions.
Do you like dragons?
Dragons were cool, but his horses were cooler and faster. She had laughed at the response, which only made him angrier. His horses were cool, and she didn’t believe him.
Have you ever felt like you had any siblings before?
I don’t have siblings. He had already explained this before to her. She must have had a bad memory.
Do you have any scary dreams? Like fighting or facing dragons?
Euden shook his head no. He only dreamed of his family, playing with friends, or helping with the animals at the farm.
Have you ever wanted or felt like you were a prince or knight?
No, I want to be like my dad.
She abruptly stood, and he remembered being pulled back and behind his father quicker than he could process. That was the first and only day he ever heard his father raise his voice toward a woman. He didn’t remember exactly what was said, something about her and her friends, but he never saw the sylvan lady again after that. What he did remember is getting a long and stern lecture about talking with strangers and how his father didn’t let him leave his side for the rest of the day.
Thinking back on it, the situation made Euden’s skin crawl. He didn’t know the intentions of that woman, and he couldn’t imagine what his father would have been thinking at that moment. He didn’t understand why she was asking all those questions at the time, but he now figured it must have been fishing for some past life memories he didn’t have.
When they got home, after that incident, he and his parents had a long conversation about how important he was in this lifetime, where he could remember and cherish the only memories he had. Euden was special to both his father and mother. Not in the way others who stared at him did or claimed he was someone important in some past life. He was loved and cared for as if he were their own flesh and blood, and was lucky that Euden was left on their doorstep as a babe. They never looked at him any differently, as if he were someone else. He was their child first and foremost. He was his parents’ wish come true, their little miracle, and their gift from Ilia.
Only once did Euden ever question where he came from, but his parents truly did not have an answer for this current lifetime or any past ones. They admitted to searching for his parents for a long time but accepted that he was meant to be their child.
He remembered asking why others kept staring and saying strange things about the past he couldn’t remember, and why people were not like his parents. His father did not have a clear answer, but remembered his father kneeling to his level to say, “People hold onto a lifetime they can hardly remember so tightly that they forget to acknowledge this one and the people in it. Sure, you may have been some big shot in your past lifetime–” he pointed right at his chest– “but don’t you forget that you are important in this one.”
Euden inhaled a long breath, held it for a brief moment, and exhaled slowly. He reached up to touch the brim of his father's hat, which rested nicely on his head. It was now time to be the man of the family and fill the shoes his father left behind. He didn’t want to think about the strangers anymore. But he had to be here to do his job.
Then, he heard sniffing at his boots, and a familiar wet nose poked out from under the cart. Euden leaned down to run his hand between the floppy ears of Puppy, the most loyal livestock guardian dog that ever walked his farm. His large tail thumped the ground as he enjoyed the attention.
“You’re a good dog. I’ll make sure you’re given something nice for your hard work.”
Puppy lay his head back down between his paws with a sigh. Though there wasn’t much he had to do, a large dog like himself was enough of a deterrent for any would-be thieves.
Euden stood and looked back at the profits. If they continue selling like they have been, he would be able to keep true to his word to Puppy, even if he didn’t understand him. He suddenly flinched when Luca tossed an empty case into the back of the cart.
Luca all but slapped his back, forcing Euden to divert attention to his sylvan friend and partner. With a smile, Luca stated, “Stare at that ledger any longer, you might just glare a hole through it. Is there something wrong with it?” He pointed down at the notebook, detailing a list of items, prices, and current sales.
Euden shook his head no, not feeling up to matching the energy Luca presented. After all, the record was perfect. It was practically muscle memory. The calculations ran through his head so quickly and accurately that it hardly distracted him for long anymore.
A slight wavering, unsure sound escaped Luca’s throat. If Euden weren’t right there next to Luca, he would not have caught it. “Are you alright? I can handle the sales myself for a while if you need a break.” He glanced to the side and grumbled, “As a fair warning, I saw that girl again. I’m starting to get a little nervous. We don’t need any trouble with the guards here.”
Euden shrugged. “We didn’t do anything wrong. Our products aren’t spoiled either.”
“Yeah, I know. I just don’t know what her deal is. We get a lot of attention anyway for whatever people feel like we did in some old life, but–” he pointed back behind him with his thumb– “That’s different. I just hope it doesn’t end up involving the guards. They make me really uneasy here.”
Euden agreed. How could he not? It could have been left unsaid that the behavior they witnessed throughout the morning was out of the ordinary, even for shy folk who take time to build enough courage to approach. Luca experienced the same treatment he did. He felt the same stares, especially when entering the city. Being a sylvan in a predominantly human city also attracts another sort of different, unwanted attention and a strange amount of unsolicited petting.
Euden barked out a laugh. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he said, “That might be because you stole that apple when you were little.”
“Hey now!” Luca elbowed him. “There was a ‘we’ in that story. Your pa was so mad at us then.”
“Yeah, I’ll never forget that lecture.” Euden rubbed his face, trying to hold back true laughter.
Luca added, “Or the apology we had to do.”
Euden snapped his fingers, remembering another detail. “Or him having us muck those folks’ stalls when the day was done.”
Luca let out a disgusted scoff, shaking his head, but still held his smile. Euden felt his shoulders relax. He did feel slightly better. This was the kind of interaction he loved. They were the ones he truly shared with people and created bonds without extra strings attached. This was real.
Luca was about to speak when a chime at the counter stole both their attention. Luca acknowledged the man, who stood there at the counter. When he turned to grab another crate of produce, he quickly said, “Duty calls. You know, if we make an effort to sell all these, we can get outta here faster. What do you say about going somewhere after this? Clear our heads and all that? Maybe get something good to eat?”
“Sure, but we still need to finish the rest of our chores back at the farm.”
Luca scoffed. “Sounds like an issue for us in the future!” Luca turned to head back to the front. As he approached, he struck up a friendly conversation with the inquiring customer.
Euden whispered to himself, “It’s good that he’s here.” Euden silently followed, carrying another box with his list on top.
___
More people came and went from their stand. Most bought produce, while others asked about what they had throughout the year. Very few, in fancy business suits, inquired about business deals, merging, or selling land to which Euden declined. To his relief, no one implied anything about any time before this world.
Euden was writing down the sales when he felt Luca kick him from underneath the table. Before he could ask about what that was possibly for, he saw Luca flicking his ear in a certain direction. Following where it led, he found himself looking at the same woman in the blue dress from before, staring at them. He had to keep himself from groaning and not appearing annoyed at the sight while also keeping back the wave of dread of what may come if she approached. Then again, she might not and leave without ever interacting. It has been a whole morning of that, after all. But that would leave more questions about what her deal was unanswered.
Luca grumbled, “Man, some people just never learned that staring is rude. I thought kids were taught that early.”
Euden tried to laugh, but it came out more like a frustrated huff. “Yeah, I know. We must have been really something in our old lives.”
“Hmm…” Luca tilted his head, causing one ear to flop to the side as he concentrated on recalling anything. “Maybe. I wish I could remember something cool, like some people do, but I’m sure we were just as awesome as we are now!”
While they talked, and to their surprise, the young woman approached. This made both of them more attentive. What could she possibly want? It didn’t seem like she was a tax collector or affiliated with any business. Though it was more than a likely chance, she was like all the people they’ve shut down before. But they had to appear as normal as they could, like they hadn't been waiting for her to reveal what she was doing, eyeing them all morning.
When she was close enough to speak, her eyes locking on Euden, Euden asked, “How can I help you, ma’am?” Anticipation crawled up his spine, but he held his typical, friendly, customer service-like smile. Though it would have been better to leave it at that, he couldn’t help but express a small dig at her behavior. “You’ve been looking our way for quite a while. Care for some produce?” He ignored Luca, clearing his throat, a small correction for his directness, but Euden knew well he wanted answers too.
The woman hesitated a bit more than a typical person. “Ah– well… I have a feeling I’ve met you two before.” A white scarf shrouded her head and shoulders, but tufts of blonde hair escaped. Her gentle blue eyes never left Euden and told unsaid stories of grief. “I believe you were someone important to me…”
Euden shook his head. So, it was this conversation yet again. The same one he suspected and dreaded all the same. Like all the rehearsed lines he grew to pull from, he said, “I’m sorry, ma’am. We get that a lot, but I’m afraid I have no perception of a previous life or who you may be. I appreciate it, though.”
The hair on the back of his neck bristled when her body language shifted to one more akin to a spooked horse. Usually, people get flustered or brush it off as soon as he mentions he doesn’t know them. Some braver ones turn to ask about his inability to sense the previous world. It was all in good-natured fun from what he could tell, and people quickly dropped the topic soon after. Not her. She looked panicked.
She looked as if she wanted to ask a million more questions. She tried to hide this strange panic behind her friendly attitude, but it was all too clear to him. The hitch in her breath did not help in hiding her true feelings.
A pit formed in Euden’s stomach, knowing where this would lead. He’s been here a million times before and didn’t care to be back down this same path that led nowhere. But this felt different; he feared it would be more difficult to send her away than most others.
Luca noticed the shift as well. “To be honest, we truly get that a lot,” Luca tried to laugh it off, lightening the mood, and bringing the attention to him instead. “Seems like we were fairly infamous back in the old world, yeah? But we don’t care for figuring out all that when we have a perfectly fine world to live in the here and now.”
Her shock was obvious. “You don’t want to know?” Her attention did not last long on Luca as her attention snapped back to Euden, the same mournful undertone saturating her entire disposition. She wanted him to answer the question, not Luca. For whatever reason, she was more interested in Euden. Luca’s ears stiffly fell back, and he toed the ground.
“Mmhmm,” Euden confirmed. “And it don't bother me a bit.” It wasn’t a lie, but not the full truth either. He just wanted this to end. What bothered him was people insisting this old world held any merit for the current one. He had problems with people who were adamant about how he should be able to sense, in some way, remnants of the old world. He had a life to live. He doesn’t need to be stuck in the past.
From behind, Euden heard Puppy get up from his spot under their cart and pad over. Perhaps the distraction would be enough to divert the conversation to something else. Puppy rested his head on Euden’s lap. The weight felt nice and felt like a barrier between him and the woman. To change the subject and keep appearances, Euden asked, “What’s your name, ma’am?”
“Ze–” she stopped herself from giving too quick an answer and switched how she was saying her name. “Zena. What might yours be?”
Euden heard Luca tap the ground with his foot multiple times. It was their signal, but Euden already knew. It was relieving that he noticed the strangeness of it too. Not changing his expression, so she is none the wiser, he said in full confidence, “The name’s Alden.” If she was not going to be truthful about her name, neither would he. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Pleasure's all mine.” For a moment, Zena debated on something. There was no way she caught him, was there? Though it was not like it mattered. She did not truly know him.
Zena leaned forward, clutching her chest. In a near whisper, she spoke, “Do you truly not remember a time before this? You were important to many…”
Euden leaned slightly away and tried to keep the edge of frustration out of his voice. “No, ma’am, I don’t.” He then noticed that he was scratching rough circles into the fur of Puppy’s scruff, messing up his fur. Smoothing down the mess, he then repeated a statement his father used to declare when he was younger, “Whatever my past life may be can stay in the past. What is important now are the lives we live today.” He touched the brim of his father’s hat and tipped it. “All I can say now, and what is most important to me, is that I am important to many people today. I may not be royal or anything, but I keep many people fed and clothed with the work I do. I keep many people like you healthy and warm.”
She turned to Luca. “What about you? Don't you remember anything?”
Luca’s ears briefly flicked forward, being put on the spot. “Ah– not really. I'm not like those who get dreams or anything like that. I'm more like the regular folk who have a bit more intuition of who to trust, but nothing about what I did, or anyone else, for that matter. I truly can't give you more answers because I don't have them.”
She grew more interested, and Euden winced. Oh, come on, Luca. She's fishing.
“So, what brought you to Alden? Was it intuition?”
Luca shrugged. “We were childhood buddies. I met him while our families traded and became friends after that. I thought he was interesting just as he is, and didn't need any past life shenanigans to see that. All I know is that I plan to stick by him the rest of my life.”
“Have you ever felt like you were friends before?”
“I don't know. If we were,” He glanced at Euden, “I'd consider myself very lucky. If I wasn’t, then I don’t want to be that sucker.”
The sentiment made Euden’s chest flutter. When they were kids, Luca always expressed how he felt like they would be the best of friends. He had always claimed it to be a feeling he had when he first met him, but never said it was due to his past life. Maybe it truly was, and he wasn't admitting it, but Luca made an effort to be genuinely friends based on the lives they had now and gave little mind to what came before. Throughout the good times and the bad, Luca was always there for him.
Luca’s answer did not seem to lessen the deep sadness in the young woman’s eyes, but a glimmer of reluctant acceptance formed.
Finally, she might get it.
“Now,” Euden declared. “Is there anything else we can help you with today? We’ve got a wide selection of goods from fur to feed and just about everything in between.” The smile he held was more forced than before.
She glanced over their displayed product and the crates behind them. The look on her face turned more flustered and sheepish. The reaction almost felt like a second mule kick to the chest. She didn’t even come here to bother looking at the product or bother buying anything out of courtesy.
“I’m actually running late for something,” she said, backing away.
Luca responded, “Well, that’s too bad. Maybe we’ll catch you later?”
She awkwardly waved, taking one more mournful look at Euden before disappearing back into the crowd.
Luca slammed back in his chair and stated, not bothering to sound at all upbeat, “Man, she was really interested in you. The hell was her deal?”
Euden grimaced, turning toward his friend and away from the street filled with people. He then felt Puppy lift his head off his lap and begin returning to the cart. “Don’t know. Whatever. It’s over now, thank Ilia. Should've figured it’d be something like that.”
A smirk formed on his partner’s face. “Should I call you ‘sir’ now that you’re taking up your father’s name now?”
“Luca!” Euden tried to sound annoyed, but he truly appreciated the tone shift, and Luca knew. He allowed his shoulders to relax as he slumped back into his chair.
“What is it, sir?” He rested his chin in his hand, leaning forward.
Euden was about to snap back with any sort of retort, but Luca lunged forward, and in the next second, his head was cold, and Luca now sported his hat. “H-hey!”
“I see why you like the hat. Nice shade too. Too bad my ears get in the way–”
Euden jumped to his feet and reached back toward his prized possession. Though it was special to him, he knew Luca wouldn't be malicious or mistreat his hat. Luca held deep respect for the man it belonged to before, and too much respect for Euden to do that.
As he reached for his hat, placing it back where it belonged, Euden remembered the night when he ran to his parents during a bad thunderstorm. All he wanted was to crawl in and escape, but his father had other plans. His father had grabbed his hat and carried him to the front porch.
Euden protested, but his father talked through it all. “I got you. Don't you worry. I just want to show you something.”
They sat on the front porch, watching the rumbling sky that poured rain. The clouds periodically lit up, illuminating their farm. His father placed his hat on his head.
Alden held him close while he said, “Listen here, Euden. Life will come and give you a great many things, good and bad. Many things that you need to face head-on. Some things and people may seem big and scary going against you, but I want you to remember one thing: you belong here.”
He continued, soothing the shaking Euden, “When you face something that seems big and scary, you look ‘em straight in the eyes and say, ‘I am Euden, and I belong to this world. I have worth because I am me.” He nudged Euden. “Why don't you give it a go? Tell that big ole storm who's boss.”
“I am Euden.” He said, hiding his face.
“Good. Now, where do you belong?”
Euden looked up to see his father. “I belong here.”
“All together now.” He pointed toward the distance in front of them. “Say it to that storm.”
Euden turned out toward and yelled, “I am Euden. I belong here!”
“Atta boy!”
They laughed, and his father continued talking, telling stories of his past until Euden fell back asleep and was carried back inside his house and into his bed.
___
The day continued, and customers came and went, their supplies dwindling, just like the crowd. The festival was not over, but for their shop, it was nearing the end. Once they had managed to sell all the stock they had prepared for the day, Euden took note that he should’ve brought more for how much they sold. However, it will be a problem to solve for the upcoming days of the festival.
Euden counted the money while Luca finished packing away the crates. “We’ll split the profits properly when we get back to the farm. In the meantime…” Euden counted out the money he owed Luca for the day. Euden then began splitting the rest of the money and storing it in various pockets and in his shoes, giving the rest to Luca so he could do the same.
When everything was packed away, Luca waved his earned money in front of Euden, saying, “C’mon, we can go have some fun! The day is still young!”
Euden shrugged. “We still have a lot of chores back at our farm to complete.”
Luca scoffed. “It’ll still be there no matter what. Surely there’s something you would want to check out in this place.”
Euden thought for a second. There was one thing he kept hearing throughout the day, an event he had regularly watched growing up, but this year was exceedingly special among the fairgoers. He wanted to figure out what made it so much more special than it already was. “Let’s go and see what all the fuss is about with the parade this year.”
A little skeptical, Luca asked, “You sure, you’d be fine with that with so many people there?”
Euden nodded, “We can go to a quieter area, but it’s not like we will be the focus.”
Luca agreed with a smile. “Come on, Puppy, let’s go see the parade!”
Together they followed the sound of the crowd toward the main street of Sol Alberia, where the parade was held every year. It was always fun watching the decorated carts pulled by strong horses, adorned with matching colors. Soon, they found a nice area toward the end of the route where few people were. They were able to snag a spot near the fence and watch the upcoming procession.
When the parade started nearing their location, he could hear the music and the cheering; the energy was mesmerizing. Then the brightly decorated and creative carts and carriages made their way, separated by bands, performers, and people walking, promoting their businesses and excitement. Euden couldn’t help but enjoy what he saw with his best friend and dog by his side.
Then, the crowd of people nearest them started cheering with extra elation. Euden would finally see what the fuss was about. Soon, many soldiers dressed in the armor of the palace made their way down the street, ensuring the crowd would stay behind the barrier.
Euden’s eyes immediately focused on the two leading people, who rode on well-kept steeds. The young man with chin-length hair rode a pale mare while the woman in an elegant gown rode a striking dark-coated stallion. They held their heads high as they rode down, leading the way for the family.
Both waved to the crowd, the woman being more presentable, while the young man looked as if he wanted this event to be over already. But when the young man caught sight of Euden, something changed, and he looked forward instead. When the woman did, her friendly expression gained an underlying look as if she had seen a ghost.
Euden’s stomach started to twist, so he focused on the next two royal family members. The two men walked side by side. One looked as if he were one of the soldiers walking with them, but there was no mistake in who he was, by the outfit he wore. The other was a young man with short blonde hair with two prominent, horn-like locks.
Euden heard Luca laugh next to him. “That one looks a lot like you.” He pointed toward the blond man.
Euden stared a little longer at the shorter, blond man. Sure, he did look a bit similar, but he would never say he looks a lot like him. There were plenty of blond men like him; it was not special in any way. However, it was not like Euden would, even if he could afford the fancy white suit with fur, to even attempt to look like that man. Euden shook his head. “I don’t see it.”
“Hmm. Yeah, on second thought, you don’t really. He looks like he never worked a day in his life.” He nudged Euden. “And you could never have hair that well-kept.”
Euden barked out a laugh. “Oh, whatever!”
Luca shrugged, pretending to be as serious as he could, but failing. “You’re lucky you’re cute, but no wonder you keep that hat on at all times! At this point, it’ll save you from embarrassment.”
Euden shook his head. “Just watch the parade, man.”
Luca sighed, ears drooping slightly. “But the rest of them are just sitting there. It would be more interesting if they did something, like shapeshift or whatever.”
“That would have been cool to see.” It was true that the royal family could shapeshift into mighty dragons. It was rare to hear about that power being used by the royal family, let alone publicly. It probably would have been exhausting to do so for the entire parade.
The rest of the family rode on the fanciest carriage he had ever seen, pulled by a team of horses. The King sat on a throne, waving at the crowd with his two eldest sons by his side. There was a short, dark-haired boy, and– Euden froze as he saw who the last member of the family was.
Luca noticed too. “Hold on, is that?”
Zena stood at the edge of the float railings, waving excitedly to the people. She hesitated when her eyes landed on Euden. She turned to her family to say something. The King slowly shook his head. Zena looked back toward Euden, almost appearing as if she were about to cry, and waved as if she knew him for a lifetime.
He could feel the rest of the eyes of the royal family on him, too. The eldest son visibly huffed and refused to look his way again. The other son, standing by the King, appeared melancholic. The King nearly looked haunted, yet accepting at the same time. The dark-haired boy just stood still, staring at him, not making a move to avert his gaze, but then again, before he spotted Euden, he hardly did anything to interact with the crowd but stare out.
Euden felt strangely guilty for causing the royal family to react in that way. There was zero question that whatever was going on in their heads was because of him. All of their reactions were stranger than anyone he had met before. He saw disappointment, but nothing quite like this, with so many people at once.
His concentration was broken when Puppy kept poking his nose into Euden’s thigh. Euden then heard the rapid tapping of Luca’s boot. He glanced at his friend, who continued toeing the ground. Luca’s ears were pinned back, but his stare was sharp toward the passing royals.
Euden ran a hand between Puppy’s ears and scratched behind them. He let out a long breath that he didn’t know he was holding until now. He did nothing wrong, and he has done nothing to deserve such a reaction. He was just a regular man, living his life. However, it did not shake the intense guilt.
Euden reached out with his other hand to get Luca’s attention. He was tense under his touch. In a low tone, Euden asked, “Don’t you think it’s about time to go?”
Luca’s ears twitched, hearing the question, and the look on his face made it clear he wouldn’t love anything more than to follow the suggestion. “Yeah.” He quickly turned on his heel and started briskly walking away from the fence with Euden right by his side. Euden then made the mistake of looking back, only to find Zena turned away with a hand to her face.
Once they got far enough away from the parade and the crowd, Euden said, “Sorry if you wanted to stay, I just–” He looked toward the stables where his horses were stalled. He flatly finished, “couldn’t.”
Luca’s ears were still back and rigid. “Nah, it’s fine, don’t sweat it. The rest of the parade was better anyway. Those royals at the end added nothing to the enjoyment.” The sylvan then stretched, letting out a big yawn, before wrapping an arm around Euden. “Oh man, we’ve had quite a successful day! Can’t wait to go back home and eat something good!”
Euden felt his shoulders relax. Home definitely sounded nice. It was safe, no extra complex emotions, and surrounded by people who truly cared for him. He did not have to feel guilty for merely existing. He did not need to care about what anyone else thought anyway. The royal family was not his friends, and they definitely were not his family. They didn't care about who he was, and he deserved better than that. Euden responded, “Sounds perfect.”
Luca reached over to pull down the brim of Euden’s hat over his eyes. Euden gave a surprised yelp and staggered before attempting to get back at Luca. He managed to snag an ear and tug slightly.
“Ow ow ow! Hey! Those’re attached, you know!” He flicked his ear out of Euden’s, now, gentle grasp. Though he would let Euden touch his ears if asked, Luca teased, “You know what they say about touching a sylvan's ears, right?”
Without missing a beat, Euden responded, “You know what they say about touching a man's hat?”
Both laughed as they finished their trek into the stalls to gather their horses to go home. But when they were hitching their horses to the cart, Luca asked, “Do you ever wish you had the deja vu thing people have?”
Euden did not respond right away, but he eventually shook his head and declared, “I’ve got everything I would ever need. I don’t need any of that to enjoy what I’ve got. Especially when I got a partner like you by my side for the rest of my life.”
