Chapter Text
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the thin veil of curtains, brushing the oak wooden floors with soft golden rays brightly. Kaveh stirred beneath the sheets from his twisted position, unwilling to leave the warmth of the bed despite having the suns rays aiding him, though the quiet hum of the city beyond the window promised the beginning of another ordinary day, typical of Sumeru. Somewhere nearby, the faint clink of a cup on a saucer signaled that someone else was already awake, likely his roommate without a doubt.
Alhaitham, as always every morning, moved with an air of silent precision, not a movement wasted, not a moment spared. Kaveh peeked through the crack of him open door to see him in the kitchen, standing at the counter with a steaming cup of coffee in hand and a boiling pot sitting on the counter. Alhaitham didn’t notice Kaveh watching from afar hidden behind a veil of wood. He rarely did notice anything regarding Kaveh save his rent due. It was part of his quiet charm, a deliberate, almost effortless grace he elegantly displayed, a facade of perfection.
Kaveh stretched, the stiffness in his back aching and moving down his spine reminding him he had slept poorly through his late night and early morning, though he couldn’t place why. A flying suitcase with pale green limelight hovered near the bed, its smooth metallic surface reflecting the morning light as it settled beside him he beeped with joy at his masters wakefulness. Mehrak happily waited, inert, a floating companion.
Finally, Kaveh gently made his way to the kitchen with footsteps light on the floor. Alhaitham glanced up, dark eyes scanning Kaveh briefly before his reply came stern and unwaving. “You slept longer than expected,” he observed, calm and precise. “Not too long,” Kaveh replied, adjusting his sleeves. “Just long enough to remember how uncomfortable the floor would be if I stayed working late on my projects.”
Alhaitham’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. “You make ordinary mornings sound tragic,” he says sarcasm.
Breakfast was simple: tea brewed just the way Kaveh liked orange with a hint of mint, toast lightly browned, and a few of his favorite fruits laid out neatly on the counter in front of them. Kaveh fumbled with pouring tea, spilling a drop here, nearly tipping the cup there he was just a little sleepy is all. Alhaitham moved with efficiency to prevent any real disaster, and the morning flowed smoothly, a balance of disorder and order that always seemed effortless between them, their movements canceling each other out to reach equilibrium.
Conversation was light, soft spoken, and simply mundane. “Did the Sumeru Daily Chronicle release that new report yesterday?” Kaveh asked, carefully stirring his tea. His mouth then stuffed with a bit of Sunsetta.
Alhaitham nodded in reply. “I’ve read it. Nothing of consequence. Although Nilou is dancing next month in a play…. Nothing else though”
“You call the announcement of the northern aqueduct renovation ‘nothing of consequence’?” Kaveh asked, raising an eyebrow in concern this was simply an outrage, how can he not see the importance of such an vital innovation.
Alhaitham’s tilt of his head was the only acknowledgment he gave if at all that was generous for most interactions he had. “Compared to the alternatives? Yes I stand by my statement firmly.”
Kaveh frowned and focused on his food, “I suppose even I can’t argue with that logic. Simple and non-debatable.”
After breakfast ended, they stepped into the bustling streets of Sumeru together. Merchants called greetings from their stalls as they passed the regular vendors; the morning air smelled of freshly made bread, spices, and paint from ongoing repairs from a previous rainstorm from Fontaine. Kaveh’s attention was drawn to the intricate patterns of tiled roofs, the delicate carvings on shutters, the ordinary beauty he rarely took the time to notice in his busy endless days of work. Alhaitham moved beside him, quiet, observing everything in equal measure, though with a calm detachment that contrasted Kaveh’s perpetual curiosity of the surrounding areas. Small interactions punctuated the morning as Kaveh stopped several times to Alhaitham’s annoyance chatting in short conversations and meaningless banter. A vendor waved, calling out a cheerful, “Kaveh! You’ll owe me for the last sketch you promised!” Kaveh grinned, waving back, while Alhaitham simply adjusted his coat and continued walking. Finally fed up with his chatty roommates social outgoing antics.
By afternoon, the sun had risen high into the orange and blue sky, painting the city in a warm glow illuminating every corner of Sumeru’s city. They meandered through quiet alleys and open squares, stopping occasionally to watch a painter, listen to a street musician, or grab a bottle of wine. It was the sort of afternoon that felt ordinary, yet perfect, a harmony of small joys, simple laughter, and shared silences that illicit much joy from both individuals despite their deep rooted differences. They can find joy in simple things, the easy and fun people or happenings of a great nation.
As they returned home from a day of exaustion, Kaveh felt an unusual restlessness he couldn’t name. Alhaitham noticed the shift in his mood but said nothing, content to remain beside him in quiet companionship walking evening in step even with his slight height advantage. Kaveh glanced at him and pondered. “Do you ever wonder if there’s more than this?”
Alhaitham’s reply was calm, almost philosophical. “There is always more. But it is irrelevant until it demands attention. That is how I keep my life simple as it should be, that is why I choose the job of a Scribe.”
They watched the sun dip lower, the city settling into a quiet rhythm as the evening approached too soon for Kaveh’s liking not looking forward for tomorrow trepidation sinking in his stomach. Shadows stretched long across the cobblestones like demons, the hum of the day fading into the whispers of night. From somewhere distant, a faint, impossible glow began to touch the horizon. Kaveh’s breath caught; it was subtle at first, a sliver of light that seemed to ripple across the sky. It was like the sky was torn what?! The light was overwhelming and the midnight sky that which was night just moments ago was now day even though it was not possible. The phenomenon coming from… the Forrest pulsing in tandem with his heart rate in sync. It echoed in his very soul as if calling to him. He turned to his roommate his door still closed Alhaitham must be asleep but then fully focused on the light. Something was here. Was it good, evil, hungry? Kaveh did not know but his very being was drawn to it and without even knowing he left his cape behind and his feet moved without his input to the source of bright light. Screams behind him as people began waking up in realization of the reality. Kaveh’s heart listening in anticipation. What was to come…