Chapter Text
The first rays of sunlight shone upon the houses of Sumeru City and the people of the Land Of Wisdom spread a joyful atmosphere of festivities. In fact, not a single person felt indifferent in the anticipation of an important celebration. Today was Nahida’s birthday.
Ever since the overthrow of the Grand Sage of the Akademiya and his accomplices, the City Of Sumeru carried a different air in its surroundings.
All the scholars’ academic interests shifted to the upcoming events.
The celebration and public performances around the city sparked both excitement and joy among the people.
Despite all the changes disrupting the routines of the people of Sumeru, the Festival's first public celebration brought contentment to the Akademiya’s Acting Grand Sage when he woke up that morning.
As busy as ever, Alhaitham didn’t plan on attending the festival as a mere citizen of Sumeru.
The overthrow of the sages, including of his own Darshan, created a political outburst within the Akademiya and many people wanted him to represent the Haravatat Darshan.
Despite his reluctance to take such responsibilities as the Acting Grand Sage, he still had to temporarily assist the Darshans until new sages were appointed.
It didn't matter to Alhaitham who could handle a few more paperwork.
However, he still tried to get used to the unusual excitement flowing in the air. Even in the House of Daena where he was reviewing the hundredth application from the Kshahrewar Darshan, the excitement regarding the festivities was at its peak.
“Alhaitham.”
Alhaitham guessed the newcomer to be General Mahamatra Cyno, responsible for maintaining order during the celebration.
“Cyno. Aren’t you busy helping put up the merchant stalls for the festival?”
“Lesser Lord Kusanali demands your presence for the opening ceremony of the festival. She wants you to bring the schedules in their updated forms.”
As Alhaitham nodded briefly, Cyno went on.
“The people of Sumeru are going to experience the Subzeruz Festival for the very first time this season. I gave orders to the matra to keep an eye on the area, in case anyone had any ill-intentions during the festivities, and I also helped Nilou set up the theater stage in the Grand Bazaar. All you have done is hide in the House Of Daena and avoid everyone.”
“Avoiding is a strong word.” Alhaitham met Cyno’s eyes for the first time since he arrived. “Pass on the message: I have to sign a few copies but all will be taken care of. The opening ceremony is in half an hour, is it not? I will be there on time.”
“Don't make me come get you myself.” Cyno sighed and turned around.
He was ready to leave but stopped after only taking a few steps. With a reluctant grunt, Cyno turned back around, placed a fist against his heart and leaned his head down as a salute.
“Happy Subzeruz Festival, Acting Grand Sage.”
Alhaitham was taken aback but only for a second before his features softened. He returned the gesture not without sincerity in his tone. “Happy Subzeruz Festival. General Mahamatra.”
With a shared nod, Cyno left the House Of Daena, ordering a few matra guards of new tasks to be completed.
“Only a few minutes before the Opening Ceremony.” Alhaitham sighed and pushed the paperwork aside to read his own speech for the ceremony. There were only a few words written on the blank page.
Welcome to the Festival.
Alhaitham was indeed hiding in the House Of Daena. It was not out of disrespect to Nahida, but she had assigned him the role of delivering the speech for all of the people in Sumeru. He had not been entirely delighted with the idea.
He was not someone of importance. Only a month ago, he was just a scribe. It should have been no surprise to anyone. He was not a leader. He didn’t understand the need to deliver speeches to encourage and reassure the people. Of course, he understood that some people needed them, yet, he could not understand how he was the one fit for this role.
There was only half an hour before the opening ceremony and Alhaitham still hadn’t written a speech fit for the celebration.
Oh, how times were simpler when recording meetings was his main priority.
Kaveh lurked around the entrance of the city where a crowd of people gathered at the gate. Excitement was at its highest in the surrounding village at the prospect of the opening ceremony.
Kaveh could have been just as delighted if he weren’t so impatient.
After all, he was the great architect who designed the Palace of Alcazarzaray!
How come no one invited him to a private visit of the festival before its opening?
Whatever had been decided, he was certain Alhaitham was behind it.
He knew the scribe never had any respect for his senior and this morning, he hadn’t even tried to wake him up on time to see it all unfold.
If Alhaitham didn't give him access to the festival before everyone else, he was going to invite himself.
Kaveh stepped aside from the crowd and made his way behind the bushes around the gates of the city’s entrance. As a scholar of the Ksharahwarer Darshan, it was expected of him to study every single detail of the city’s structure so it wasn't difficult to find a hiding spot behind a tree near a vantage point.
After making sure no one spotted him, Kaveh leaned to the side to peek at the decorations. It was only after a brief glance at the decorative foliage that Kaveh startled to death at the sudden voice interrupting his mission.
"Kaveh."
He screamed in surprise and turned around, both of his arms raised up to protect himself from whoever intruded his hiding spot.
After a moment of complete silence, he opened one eye and met the fierce glare of General Mahamatra.
"Oh, Cyno!" The architect laughed, embarrassed. "I wasn't trying to trespass the borders nor disrespect the commands of the 'O so strong' General Mahamatra if that's what you think! That would be unfair to the other people of Sumeru… How have you been doing lately?" He cleared his throat.
"I just came out of the Akademiya only to see you already stirring up trouble. If I were you, I would go back immediately."
Kaveh whined and grabbed his arm.
"Oh come on Cyno, aren't we friends? All these nights we would all gather for dinner and I would tell you my incredible stories! Surely you wouldn't arrest a friend?" He sighed dramatically.
"I won't lose my breath repeating things. If I see you in the city before the opening ceremony, the only things you will get to see are the bars of the jail cell you helped reconstruct." Cyno freed him from his grip, "Do not intervene with the preparations."
Kaveh watched Cyno enter the city with a saddened gaze.
If only time would speed up.
When Alhaitham stepped out of the Akademiya, the sun welcomed him in a blinding light.
The early quiet of the mornings was replaced by an agitated crowd forming at the entrance of the Grand Bazaar.
A grand number of scholars had gathered in front of the stage as well as merchants, mercenaries and even forest rangers.
Children were following their parents amidst the crowd and Alhaitham could very well make out familiar faces on the way to the stage.
He could see Collei and Tighnari joined by Dehya and Dunyazard.
Cheers and laughs were exchanged on all parts of the Grand Bazaar as everyone was finally invited to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Festival.
The people of Sumeru continued to gather around the stage and flower crowns and sweets were given to children and adults alike.
After taking a deep breath, Alhaitham joined Cyno, Nilou and Lesser Lord Kusanali towards the backstage. They were discussing the latest arrangements for the opening ceremony and welcomed him with gentle smiles and solemn nods.
"Alhaitham, you made it! I almost thought you were not going to come!" Nilou beamed, and fixed her hair, still getting ready for her performance.
"I had a few arrangements." Alhaitham replied briefly.
Cyno crossed his arms. "Have you written your speech?"
Alhaitham turned to Nahida, who had been watching him intensely since he had stepped foot backstage.
"The speech is written and I am ready to open the festival as well as it is required of me."
"Great!" She laughed. "As we no longer have a Grand Sage to represent the Akademiya, it is only natural that his subordinate shall take the lead for a bit of time. Do not worry, I am sure you are very much capable of doing so without a hitch."
Alhaitham nodded, perfectly hiding his nervousness behind a mask.
Lesser Lord Kusanali crossed her arms and thought for a moment. "Alright, I believe we are all ready to begin. Nilou, you are welcome to perform the dance you have prepared."
"Okay, I am ready. It is an honor to perform this dance in front of everyone." Nilou smiled, happiness blooming from her like a bouquet of flowers.
"Remember, enjoy yourself." Cyno nodded, a small smile of encouragement.
Encouragement, right.
Alhaitham cleared his throat and nodded. "Do your best."
"I will."
She spun around, as lightly as a feather and thus, the opening ceremony began.
Kaveh had never felt more alive until this moment. The power of art and beauty was all around him.
From the flower crown on his head to the joys and laughter of the people bustling in the Grand Bazaar, all of it left him craving for more.
He could never understand the scholars who believed that such expression of the human soul’s affinity to beauty could be considered a waste of time.
In his eyes, art was eternal and couldn’t be quantified by money. Its own rarity and uniqueness made it valuable in itself.
As a student of the Ksharahwarer Darshan, and an architect, Kaveh was an artist. To create magnificent pieces of art and constructions, one had to cultivate one's own inner creativity and inner imagination, after all.
That was something he knew Alhaitham would never understand.
The Haravatat student lacked any degree of understanding when it came to the art. He only perceived it as a means to increase the economy or boost the need for cultivating the mind on a logical standpoint. Kaveh could already see himself screaming at Alhaitham that he lacked any form of romantic wisdom.
Blinking away any thoughts about Alhaitham, Kaveh watched Nilou enter the stage to begin her performance.
Magic was all around her as she twirled and gracefully owned the stage. Flowers, water and light danced around her in perfect harmony.
Nilou's dance left him with stars in his eyes and his heart could only cry for more as she bowed the last few steps of performance. Kaveh's own body reacted before his mind could register and got up to applaud her.
The whole crowd cheered the magic of the art and Kaveh almost felt emotional. Who would have believed there would come a day artistry would finally be celebrated and cheered at the same level as a scholar's academic success?
Ever since the people of Sumeru had access to the strange phenomenon of dreams, Kaveh allowed himself to believe. To hope that one day, artists and creativity would have its place in the Akademiya. He was willing to fight tooth and nail for it to happen, even if he had to argue with Alhaitham all day for it.
"Thank you Nilou for a breathtaking performance."
Nahida took over the stage and stood beside her. The General Mahamatra and the Akademiya's Acting Grand Sage and scribe remained a few steps back.
"Now, I would like to let our Akademiya's new Acting Grand Sage, Mr. Alhaitham, open the festival with a few words to remind every single one of you that Wisdom starts within us.”
The crowd welcomed the scribe with a few claps.
Alhaitham stepped forward and faced the audience of the people of Sumeru.
"Welcome to the Subzeruz Festival." He began.
A few cheers welcomed the speech gracefully. Kaveh reluctantly clapped, wondering how in the world was he, of all people, going to introduce the people of Sumeru to the magic of art and creativity.
"On behalf of the Akademiya and all the scholars in Sumeru, I wish everyone here a happy celebration. As everyone knows, the Subzeruz Festival is an old celebration originated from a time where gods alike gathered for a banquet. Unfortunately, the Akademiya had forbidden such traditions to carry on and had allowed the people to forget the importance of celebrating our Archon. Today, we are celebrating Lesser Lord Kusunali’s birthday, and a new beginning. May today be marked in History. To the people of Sumeru, this festival is a new pivotal moment for our knowledge. I now declare the Subzeruz Festival open!"
A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd and a traditional band began to play the first notes of Sumeru's festival music.
Kaveh himself began to clap, emotions taking over without guilt. For once, he was free to let his emotions and artistic enthusiasm out into the world. Sumeru was finally free.
When Alhaitham had stepped onto the stage and delivered his speech, he looked at the crowd and the variety of people facing him. Everyone with their own uniqueness were part of the festivities. They were all a part of Sumeru.
Looking at the crowd, the scribe spotted the forest rangers with Tighnari and Collei, as well as Dehya herself with the mercenaries.
It only took a moment for Alhaitham to realize that the young man dazzling under the lights standing amongst the crowd was Kaveh. He was already wearing a flower crown.
Alhaitham had almost forgotten his entire speech at the sight.
He hadn't seen Kaveh since the night before. Kaveh had told him about the importance of art, in all its forms and how it made the charms of a festival, but Alhaitham did not see it this way.
Kaveh had an unrealistic and romanticized perception of the world that trespassed the border of reality.
Alhaitham did not bother with such trivial matters, only facts and results were important in the long term and the means to achieve it. The aesthetic of a certain subject was to him only secondary concerns.
Kaveh disagreed.
This disagreement led to another fight which resulted in them both returning to their respective rooms for the rest of the night.
Seeing him now, surrounded by art and music, Alhaitham almost wished he saw things from his perspective.
If only for a day.
As he stepped down from the stage and joined the crowd to try and enjoy the celebrations, a few scholars required his immediate attention.
"Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham!"
The latter reluctantly turned around to the scholars. He wasn't surprised to hear praises and constructive criticism for his speech.
"As a Haravatat scholar, I cannot express how grateful I am that you represented us during the speech. Your eloquence and confidence was a sight to behold." One scholar exclaimed.
"I do have to say," another scholar added, a female student from Kshahrewar, "It lacked a bit of creativity and depth. Everything was only on the surface-level and almost informative. As a speech, there should have been more emotion and soul to captivate the audience."
Another student from the Amurta Darshan intervened.
"Not really, I think his speech was well-received. Not everyone attending the Festival is a scholar, Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham was only managing everyone's comprehension of his speech. I think it was universally well delivered."
Alhaitham cleared his throat, already sensing the need to simply walk away.
"Are you saying that non-scholars are all illiterate? That is very close-minded of you." The first scholar argued.
"I never said such a thing."
"And I believe it is time for me to take my leave." Alhaitham finally spoke.
All three scholars turned to him in surprise but all nodded.
"Of course, Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham. Remember to reconsider your position as a Grand Sage, as a Haravat scholar, I will be supporting you."
He briefly acknowledged their words before making his way out of the endless debate on his written speech. Despite his constant reluctance to become Grand Sage, rumors were circling around about him still considering the idea. It was nothing close to the truth.
As he walked away from the group, he could hear the young Kshahrewar student picking up on the conversation.
"How would he make a good Grand Sage? I've heard from the mercenaries that he had stolen the divine knowledge capsule. Some rumors say that he even used it as a way to overthrow former Grand Sage Azar."
"You mean that he's more of a lunatic than he used to be?"
"Who knows? Maybe he had always been this way."
Nothing Alhaitham hasn't heard before. Being called a lunatic among fools was a confirmation that he was indeed much more competent than any of these scholars only relying on their books and studies to survive. He wondered who really had gone insane.
As he tried to put as much distance as he could from the group of scholars, Althaitham made his way to the merchant stalls where many visitors enjoyed the foods and products the city sold exclusively during these special times.
"Alhaitham, you- Just wait!"
Frowning, the scribe turned around only to see a breathless Kaveh, leaning on a stall to catch his breath.
"What do you want?" He crossed his arms, watching Kaveh dramatically placing a hand against his chest.
"Aren't you going to fetch water for your senior? Can't you see I've been struggling to catch up with you!" Kaveh complained, arms dramatically thrown in the air.
And just like that, Alhaitham didn't think he looked that mesmerizing anymore. That flower crown no longer had any effect.
"I wasn't aware you wanted to talk to me again. Considering how I won the argument last night." Alhaitham shrugged.
Kaveh scoffed, "Hah! What a joke, the only argument you won was with yourself!" He retorted.
Alhaitham frowned.
"Alright that sounded better in my head, but you know what I mean!" His roommate sighed.
"Was that all you wanted to tell me?"
"Yes! No wait no!" Kaveh stepped in front of him to stop him. "Can't you show a bit of effort, I'm trying my best here."
"I still do not understand what you want from me."
"Look at you, here I am, trying to compliment your speech and you are already making me regret my unspoken words!"
"Compliments? And yet all I heard since you called me were complaints. It seems like it's really hard for you to step out of your comfort zone and by that what I mean is, talking about yourself." Alhaitham stated.
Kaveh groaned, already looking annoyed by Alhaitham's constant talk backs.
"You know what? You don't even deserve my praise. I wanted to be a good senior and support you in your career developments but you make it so difficult that I won't even tell you anything anymore." He crossed his arms, looking away in frustration.
"So was it all done for self-fulfillment purposes? I may only be your junior but I'm no ingenuous scholar and I have no need for validation."
"Argh you!" Kaveh fumed, fists clenching.
As the argument seemed to only grow, the Knight Of Flowers, Farris, who delivered sweets and chocolates to children and adults, joined the commotion.
"Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham, Mr. Kaveh. Have you received your box of Omidvaar sweets? Every citizen of Sumeru is invited to take home their own collections."
As they both turned to Farris, they noticed that two boxes of sweets were handed to them both. The box's own decoration reminded Kaveh of a field of Padisarah, it was very pretty.
"Oh! A box of sweets? No, I have not. Is it given for free?" Kaveh gently accepted the box, intrigued by the green bow keeping the box's secret hidden.
Alhaitham was about to decline the offer when Farris enthusiastically began to recount the history behind the boxes.
"Indeed, the Dendro Archon bestowed us with a traditional event that happened every year during her birthdays millennia ago. As the Gods reunited to celebrate, the people of Sumeru as well as the people of King Deshret all participated in the event." He explained, "It has been said that inside every single box is given 10 candies. During the festivities, the Dendro Archon bestowed her magic on only 4 candies in all of Sumeru. The citizens who happen to receive the magical candy would be granted a wish."
"A magical candy?" Kaveh exclaimed, holding the box closer to his chest while Alhaitham listened intently.
"How would one know they have eaten a magical substance?" The scribe asked, intrigued.
"The story continues when the Goddess of Flowers ate a magical candy during one of the many celebrations. During these times, it had been said that the Goddess Of Flowers had experienced a vivid dream that she had wished could last forever."
"It was true that for some times, dreams were barely even a recurrent thing for adults in Sumeru. No wonder why so many people would want one of these boxes." Alhaitham concluded.
"Exactly! Whoever gets to eat a magical candy, wins this event and will have the chance to speak to the Archon herself."
"How fascinating! A magical candy and a meeting with Lesser Lord Kusanali. It is better than any sum of mora!" Kaveh carefully held the box in excitement.
"All citizens of Sumeru would get a box of candies, may luck be on your side." The Knight Of Flowers smiled and turned to another group of people to give them their boxes.
Alhaitham stared at his own box of candies indifferently which only annoyed Kaveh.
"What? Are you going to say that you don't believe in myths and magical candies?"
"Not exactly." Alhaitham shook his head, "I actually thought that the chances of getting a magical candy in a single box are almost impossible, the percentage of it happening being close to 0.0001% to be exact." He simply stated.
Kaveh only grew astonished at the fact thrown his way.
"So unromantic of you, as expected. Have you ever considered that the simple idea of that percentage existing was the exact reason the event was created? It brings anticipation, joy and hope. It would feel like a miracle: a magical event had been bestowed on the receiver. All the charms of a festival!"
"Why would anyone believe that would happen to them? The population in Sumeru City alone is too grand for any of our boxes to even reach that percentage. Especially considering that the Avidya Forest as well as the Desert's people will also participate in this event."
"Oh how hurtful it is to hear you say such blatant and stabbing words. There is no charm or romance, only numbers and facts coming out of your mouth. Logic doesn't create art or dreams Alhaitham, I thought we have already discussed this." Kaveh massaged his temple, feeling a headache coming.
"And I have already told you, I do not dwell on such distractions. What result would it give me in the long term?" Alhaitham sighed.
"Happiness? Hope? A better outlook in life outside of your boring routine?" Kaveh listed as if they were facts.
"My life brings me happiness and I do not need hope to achieve what I need." He said before shoving the box into Kaveh's arms. "Anyway, it is time for me to take my leave. I still have papers to attend to."
He was about to walk away when Kaveh stopped him once again.
"W-wait! Are you not joining everyone else? Even Cyno agreed to participate with us in the other events."
"I didn't come here as a citizen of Sumeru. My job was to deliver a speech and I have done so. Now I must go back to the House Of Daena." Alhaitham walked around Kaveh to find a new path out of the Grand Bazaar. "Oh, and keep the box, I do not need hope to continue living my life."
The Akademiya's Scribe left the Grand Bazaar, unknowingly disappointing the architect who had been eager to finally share his passion freely with his roommate.
After spending all day in the House Of Daena, Alhaitham returned home late at night with a few books he borrowed from the library.
The Akademiya’s academic matters were not to be taken lightly and Alhaitham still had a lot of work to do before the end of the week.
A few steps into the house, Alhaitham quickly noticed that Kaveh was still out and about, celebrating the festivals with his friends.
It was a perfect opportunity to carry on his work duties.
After getting rid of his coat and headpiece, the scribe made his way from the kitchen to his bedroom only to find a written note on his desk with unsurprisingly, his candy box, unopened and waiting for him.
I came back to grab a few drinks from the storage. Don’t worry, I will make sure to add it to the list of things I have to pay back. Here are your candies, don’t let logic stop you from the joys of a celebration.
Kindly, Your Senior,
Kaveh.
Alhaitham sighed and headed to the shower.
Hours later, he made himself dinner and made sure to wrap the leftovers for Kaveh when he would come home. It wasn’t because he cared, rather, when Kaveh usually came home with a few drinks in his system, he would always create havoc in the kitchen. Alhaitham only ensured that tonight would be peaceful.
After wearing a more comfortable attire, he settled himself in the living room. Books and papers took office around him, the box of candy resting peacefully on the coffee table now while he sat on the floor, using the couch as a back rest.
He was reading the 16th page of a 30 page report on the meetings concerning Tighnari’s classes project undertaken in Pardis Dhyai. Usually, he would read such reports in only a few minutes and yet something was bothering him. Kaveh’s words were haunting his thoughts and the box’s presence on the table in front of him made it hard to focus on his work.
Have you ever considered that the simple idea of that percentage existing was the exact reason the event was created? It brings anticipation, joy and hope.
“Ugh.” Alhaitham shook his head trying to focus.
Nahida had indeed organized this event for people to enjoy and celebrate. It wouldn’t be considered rude if he did not participate in minor activities such as candy tasting. However, wouldn’t it be academically irresponsible for Alhaitham to pass on the experience?
He didn’t need a candy to have an opportunity to talk to Lesser Lord Kusanali so nothing extraordinary would come out of it and yet, a part of him was intrigued. What was in this box that made people so eager to get one? Was it the simple feeling of anticipation, as Kaveh put it? To be chosen? Or was it the eagerness to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali?
With a reluctant sigh, Alhaitham reached for the box and opened it. The candies were in fact all in different colors, but nothing magical seemed to be coming out of them. They were just simple candies that anyone would see in the market.
Picking one, Alhaitham finally ate one of them.
The first thing he tasted was the common taste of a sugary flavor and fruity aftertaste. Nothing out of the ordinary. It was a regular candy.
This was ridiculous.
After eating the 5th candy, Alhaitham concluded that the candies didn't provide him neither joy nor hope. No change in his life.
"Kaveh and his unfounded theories." Alhaitham shook his head, carrying on with his work.
As the hours went by without a hitch, he was already mindlessly eating the last candy with no proof of Kaveh's argument. Alhaitham was right, the chances were extremely low.
As the night turned into the morning, he heard the sound of a key unlocking the front door. He stole a glance at the clock.
2:00 A.M
Kaveh usually stayed until three. Very unusual, especially during a festival.
Alhaitham closed the book and put it aside on the floor. He watched Kaveh walk into the house, completely sober.
"What have you done with the drinks?"
Kaveh jumped, not expecting anyone to be at home.
"Oh. You're here. I thought you would still be at the Akademiya." Kaveh took off his jacket and approached the sofa.
"Take off your shoes! Where do you think you are?" Alhaitham frowned, briefly eyeing his shoes.
"Shut it, Alhaitham, I'm tired."
As Kaveh threw himself on the couch and closed his eyes to relax, Alhaitham observed him, intrigued.
He didn't seem drunk at all. How odd.
The flower crown was gone as well. How disappointing.
A weird feeling stirred up in his stomach.
Woosh. It all hit him at once, almost like a punch in the stomach, cutting off any air from entering his lungs. His head hurt.
Alhaitham groaned and closed his eyes. The book fell off his laps as his hands reached up to grip the sides of his head. It felt like it was going to explode. He couldn't breathe anymore. What was happening to him?
Kaveh hadn't realized how close he was to falling asleep until Alhaitham woke him with random noises. What was he doing?
He opened an eye and saw him holding his head in pain.
"Alhaitham?" He called, unsure of what to do.
The architect sat up and with hesitation, carefully placed a hand on his shoulder only for the latter to jump at the sudden touch.
"What's going on with you, Alhaitham?" Kaveh rose up this time as his friend’s breathing picked up.
He threw himself on the floor next to Alhaitham and tried to lift his head up to see what was happening.
Nothing looked outside of the ordinary except for the huge migraine he seemed to be having.
"Hold on a second, let me get some water!" Kaveh stumbled to his feet and hurried to the kitchen. He grabbed a glass and poured some water before heading back to the living room only to see that Alhaitham wasn't there anymore.
He turned and ran to the man’s bedroom. He pushed the door open and stepped in. He saw the thousand sheets of papers scattered around his desk and frowned.
"Alhaitham? Where are you?"
"Kaveh."
Kaveh turned and saw his figure standing in the bathroom. Pushing the door open, he froze, meeting Alhaitham's gaze through the mirror.
His eyes.
They were no longer blue.
They were now purple.
Alhaitham felt odd.
Something was definitely abnormal to him now. His surroundings felt different.
His sight was the same, but he perceived things very differently. His brain was in shambles and he didn't know how to process the tons of new information in his brain.
It gave him a headache.
Sitting next to Kaveh also felt different.
Alhaitham couldn't really understand, but his mere presence made him feel uncomfortable.
He did not understand why his thoughts would go in certain directions and why he couldn't stop himself from thinking about what to do about it.
Even worse, he couldn't see Kaveh the same way. Looking at him now felt nauseating and he didn't even know if he could even handle being this close to him.
"I told you, I feel fine."
"You feel fine?” Kaveh scoffed. “How am I supposed to accept this as an answer? Your eyes just changed colors completely. This is not good. Have you used a divine knowledge capsule?"
"Do you see any capsules around you?" Alhaitham deadpanned, ignoring the tickling feelings in his fingertips.
"No! All I see is an arrogant scribe who doesn't want to tell me what is going on! Are you pulling a joke on me? Is this your revenge for what I've done at the Grand Bazaar? Because if it is, this is very irresponsible of you." Kaveh crossed his arms, offended. "Scaring your Senior is not a way to deal with arguments, Alhaitham."
Alhaitham closed his eyes and sighed. Who was the arrogant one now?
A thought occurred.
He has a right to be arrogant. Kaveh is, in every way, talented.
Here it went again. These weird thoughts. It was more consistent and always nagging at him to do something, or say something. It was not normal.
"Earth to Alhaitham!" Kaveh snapped his fingers in front of him, waking him up from his thoughts.
"What is it?"
"I asked you if you feel any dizziness or sickness, it could be an allergy. Your eyes are indeed very purple…" Kaveh explained and leaned forward to stare deeper into his eyes.
Alhaitham's heartbeat picked up tremendously.
Too close!
His eyes were mesmerizing.
Alhaitham brought his hand into a fist, holding himself back from pushing Kaveh away.
Whatever was happening to him was not something he was going to be solved with Kaveh around. All his senses and critical thinking disappeared around him.
"I need to leave." Alhaitham blurted out and stood up, creating a huge distance between them.
"What do you mean you need to leave?" The blonde man stood up, surprised.
Alhaitham hurriedly gathered his papers and books.
"I meant, I'm going to my bedroom. I still have a lot of work to attend to and it is not some allergy that is going to stop me."
"Since when are you allergic to anything?" Kaveh sighed, watching him leave in a hurry to his room.
"You do not know everything about me." He only got a reply before his bedroom door closed behind him.
An allergy that made Alhaitham's eyes turn purple. How odd.