Chapter Text
"Master..."
The back of Gala's eyes felt like burning as tears envelop her eyeballs. She took a deep breath... She knew this day would come, that the person who looked at her as a living, independent being would leave and go back to their own time.
She took another deep breath and finally, tears fell from her eyes.
Merlin patted her head and gave her a little smile for comfort.
Merlin and Morgan decided to take the talented Gala to their trips and to mentor her. Little Gala did not hesitate to say yes.
"But before that..." Merlin uttered.
"What? Lets go. Don't tell me you forgot your toiletries" Morgan rolled his eyes.
"Let's inform the Regulus that we'll be away for a while." Merlin smiled.
"Huh? For what?" Morgan frowned.
"We did promise them that we'll oversee the relations between the wildborn and Halians. It is good to inform them of our whereabouts."
"Well, count me out." Morgan replied and started placing empty scrolls in his bag.
"Alright, we won't be long." Merlin smiled and nodded. "Lets go, Gala."
Gala nodded and the teleportation magic instantly made them reach Halia.
The place was still flooded and food was still scarce for everyone.
Little Regulus Abundius was surrounded by his attendants while he read through various scrolls.
"Regulus," Merlin gently called out to him.
"Oh! Merlin!” Abundius smiled and waved at her. His eyes still has that childlike innocence despite the burden of his responsibilites.
Merlin and Gala slowly approached him.
"Regulus, we will be away for a while to travel and to learn various magic." Merlin informed him.
"Oh but..." Abundius uttered, partly worried about how to keep the wildborn's promise of food security.
"Worry not, I will give you this echo stone. We will teleport here if needed be. But please be reminded that this can only be used once." Merlin handed him the yellow echo stone for communication.
Abundius's tiny hands gently held it then nodded.
"Alright, but why do you need to travel?" Abundius tilted his head.
"Me and Morgan have decided to train Gala as our student. We have to travel to train her better and to learn more magic." Merlin explained. "But we will return here in regular intervals to oversee things."
The little Regulus's eyes looked at the wildborn beside Merlin. He smiled and nodded.
"I see." He replied. "I hope you visit here when you get back! Every time you visit, I'll make sure Halia will do better as it did before!" He childishly grinned at Gala.
"Yes, Regulus. We will." Merlin gently uttered.
"If that is all, then, I wish you luck on your journey!" He waved and finally Merlin activated her teleportation magic again.
"The Regulus asked us to visit him again. Remind me that, Gala." Merlin chuckled.
"Yes!" Gala happily replied.
Once every year, Merlin asks Gala to give a visit to the Regulus so she could practice her teleportation magic.
The first time she used it, she accidentally teleported at the Regulus's home while he was eating his dinner.
"Wha–??" Abundius stood up and his eyes widened.
"Uhmm... Hi?" Gala embarrassingly waved.
"Gala... What are you doing here in my home? Aren't you supposed to be practicing your magic?"
"Well I AM practicing my teleportation magic! What do you think??" Gala giggled.
"Hahaha," Abundius laughed heartily. "Come, have dinner with me." He offered and set a plate for her. "Its not much... I just gave my bread to the refugees earlier... But I hope it is to your liking."
He scooped some soup on her bowl and placed the bread on the plate.
"Are you sure...? This is like half of the meal you're having... Its okay, I–" Gala hesitated but Abundius shook his head.
"Yes, its good to share food... Plus... I'm always around old people... Its nice to hang out with someone my age once in a while." Abundius admitted.
"Alright, then..." Gala sat on the chair opposite to him. "Don't mind if I do"
The soup wasn't exactly tasty and the bread was stale, but Gala didn't mind.
She told him stories of her adventure and in return, Abundius told her of the steps he'd decided to take in order for Halia to prosper again.
"That's amazing!! So what else did you see??" Abundius was eager to hear of her travels.
The night was deep and it was finally Gala's time to go.
"You'll visit again, right?" Abundius asked.
"Yes, well... I'm not sure exactly when but I'll try my best to visit at least once a year." Gala answered and started the magic circle for teleportation.
"Oh wait!" Abundius blurted out as he grabbed a jar of hard candies from his side table. "Here, I like these, I'm sure you'll like them as well!"
"But..." Gala hesitated, not wanting to abuse the hospitality he's given.
"Its okay, its for you. You're travelling and I heard its nice to have candies while travelling." Abundius insisted.
"Alright... Well, I'll give you something next time I visit! I appreciate this, thank you!” Gala childishly smiled then vanished.
Years passed by and she didn't miss a year of seeing him. They watched each other grow up and Gala saw his hard work to make Halia prosper.
"Huh? What's this?" Morgan looked at the small magic circle on the floor of their living room. On top of it was a sealed envelope with a signature all to familiar too him.
He bent down and retrieved the envelope.
"From the Regulus... Huh? Is there an emergency? Since when did he know how to do magic??" Morgan frowned and just as he was about to open it, Gala busted the door open then ran full sprint to tackle Morgan.
"OOOOFFFF!! Ugh!" Morgan fell on impact and on top of him was Gala, snatching the envelope from him.
She stood up and patted her dress then went back to her room.
"HEYYY!! WHAT THE FUCK?!" Morgan angrily knocked on her door that was imbued with a sealing magic.
Dear Gala,
I hope you've been doing well, I know you are!
On my end, we have found a way to reduce the flood slowly through channeling the flood waters to the soil outside. Remember when I told you our herbalist found a way to have the seeds grow healthy? We planted them and it's been bearing fruit! Now, we're trying to grow wheat on the same plot of land.
We will filter the flood water and use that filtered water for the crops in Mirehold. I think master Bakis said it was called irrigation? We started the irrigation's construction and an apparatus that can filter the flood water. It was quite tiring but just imagining Halia being in its glory gives me the drive to go on. I really do hope to see this through... Merlin was right, us humans do have to make our own path.
Gala, I hope to see you soon if you have the free time. I can't wait to see you and hear of your adventures.
Sincerely,
Regulus Abundius
Gala slowly read the letter, understanding every words written, imagining his voice as she read through it, not realizing her lips formed a small smile.
She neatly folded the letter and placed it back on its envelope.
She then walked to her bookcase and pulled out a box made out of hardwood. Inside was the other letters Abundius had sent her. She placed the letter on top of the others then sealed the box with magic.
Gala then went back to the living room and found Morgan and Merlin.
"So, how was that letter from your loverboy?" Morgan teased and Merlin giggled.
Gala pouted. "Hmph, he's not a loverboy."
"I heard Halia's doing better now." Merlin nodded. "Are you going to visit him again, Gala?"
"I don't think we have the time... Aren't we leaving tonight?" Gala asked.
"Good news for you, little miss, I found something from our last trip that I still need to decipher. I'll be staying here for a while. You and Merlin can go on without me this time." Morgan replied.
"We can go tomorrow morning." Merlin yawned, feigning tiredness. "I'm quite tired... I need to rest for a bit."
Morgan looked at her with a dead expression. "Really? You're a literal goddess. You don't get tired the same way normal beings do!!"
Merlin giggled then went to her room. As she passed by Gala, she whispered, "Go on, you can visit him but return here by morning." She smiled.
Gala's eyes widened and she smiled wide.
She went to her room then grabbed a basket full of candies, sweets, and other items she was intending to give him.
Using teleportation magic, she was able to teleport in Halia but she couldn't see Abundius any where.
A soldier approached him.
"Lady Gala." He called her.
"Oh! Sir Talos! Have you seen Abundius anywhere?” Gala looked around and behind Talos.
"He's currently in training. I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you." Talos lead the way.
"Training?" Gala tilted her head.
"Haha, it seems like he haven't told you but since his coming of age, he's been taking his physical training seriously."
"Physical training? But why? We aren't at war, aren't we?"
"Yes, but, he also wanted to learn how it is to be a soldier. He did say that he cannot command the military if he won't go through the same hardship as soldiers do."
Gala giggled. "That does sound like him."
As they walked, Gala noticed the drastic change in people's eyes. They look more healthy and their eyes are now full of hope in contrast with the first time she saw them.
The houses and roads were slowly being constructed and renovated.
They reached the North of Halia where the soldiers were doing their daily routine, exercise and mock combat.
Abundius was against a man his size, both of them held spears. Gala could make out that he's been practicing his footwork very well the way he's evading his opponent's attack. Abundius smiled and chuckled as if taunting his enemy.
Just then, his spear broke and she could hear him say "oh shit!" Then started using his fists.
Just as their mock combat concluded, master Bakis halted it and reminded that it is time for the Regulus to attend to other matters at hand.
"Huh?" Abundius pouted.
"While I do agree that physical training is necessary for you, there are still plenty of paperworks need to be done. I don't want you tiring yourself out before you even start it." Bakis reminded.
Abundius sighed and handed his broken spear to his opponent.
"Lieutenant, please continue training the Regulus tomorrow." Bakis requested. "I will also call the physician to treat your wounds." He then turned to Abundius.
"Yes sir." The Liutenant replied.
Abundius walked towards Bakis and Gala noticed a huge bruise on his right eye and blood dripped from it.
"Abundius!! You're wounded!!” Gala blurted out and he looked at her.
His fatigue seemed to go away as he smiled widely and waved at her.
"Gala! You're here!" He ran to her, leaned down, and gave her a tight embrace.
Around them, the soldiers didn't mind and continued on doing their tasks as it if was a normal sight for them.
"You're sweaty!!” Gala pouted and gently pushed him away. "And wounded!!" She frowned at him and grabbed his wrist. She marched towards the nearest bench.
"Sit!" She ordered.
"Yes, ma'am." He smiled and obeyed her.
He looked up at the frowning Gala while she used her magic to heal his wound and bruise.
"You can't even open your eye!" She nagged.
"Haha, it's not going to kill me." He chuckled.
"It will if it gets infected." Her tone made him feel that he'll just have to agree with her otherwise, she'll get angrier than she is right now.
He felt her gentle healing magic against his face, he closed his eyes and let her to the job.
Gala looked at him, a familiar face but at the same time unfamiliar. The same little boy who was trying to hold Halia together several years ago is in front of her, now all grown up and strong.
His short wavy hair was stuck to his cheek due to his sweat and his features had become sharper.
He smiled and looked at her.
"Done. Do you have any other wounds?" She asked and he shook his head.
He stood up and the gap between their height has grown once again from the last time they saw each other.
"Heh, are you always this short?" He teased.
"IM NOT SHORT! I GREW TWO CENTIMETERS!!" She reasoned out.
"Ohhh someone's irritated. What happened?" Abundius asked.
She pouted then looked away.
"Morgan almost saw the letter you sent me." She admitted.
"Okay, and? I mean I didn't write anything cheesy there..." He smiled.
"Yeah but..."
"Do you want me to write you love letters instead?" He teased and chuckled.
Gala's face and ears turned red.
"TH- THAT'S NOT WHAT I–!" She stuttered.
"Hahahaha, you're too cute." He gently pinched her flustered cheek. "You're right, I'm sweaty right now and I stink... I think I need to take a bath first."
"Yeah you should." Gala looked at him and pinched her nose.
"HEY my stink isn't that bad!" He pouted and Gala giggled.
He turned to his attendants. "Gala is my guest for today, make sure she's comfortable in my home." He commanded. "I'll take a bath first then meet her afterward."
"Yes, Regulus. We'll prepare your bath." They replied.
"And as for the paperworks..." He looked at master Bakis who shook his head knowing he'll skip doing his paperworks. "I'll do it tomorrow." He grinned and Bakis let out a heavy sigh.
"I'll see you later. I'll be quick." He whispered to Gala then jogged away to the bath house.
"Lady Gala, do you need help in carrying your parcel?" They offered but she shook her head.
Although she knew the directons to his home, she let them lead her.
"The Regulus had always considered you as his closest friend, Lady Gala." Bakis uttered.
"Likewise, master Bakis." She smiled. "He's probably the only one my age I hang around with."
"Not even with the Wildborns?” He asked.
"Well, I did make some friends but Abundius has gotta be the first one."
The old master Bakis let out a hearty laugh. "Ah, I remember how you disguised yourself as a human years ago."
Gala giggled.
"And even when the Regulus saw your Wildborn form, he asked if you could be kept as a pet." He laughed. "Who knew that you two would go through so much and still be friends after years passed by."
"Well, its just one day of slacking off... The Regulus had always been on time with his deadlines... And its just one day of you visiting him every year." Bakis nodded. "I'll let it slide this time."
They arrived at Abundius's home and Gala placed the basket she'd been carrying on the side table. She sat on the bench then looked around.
His home was nothing like the home he had before. Now, it looks more spacious, tidy, and sturdy. The living room had a long table lined with scrolls, papers and letters. At the side, bookshelves full of books, scrolls and other documents and on the other side was a small kitchen, table with snacks, food and some drinking water.
A closed door was near the side of the bookshelves that leads to his bed room.
The attendants placed various dishes, food, drinks and fruits by the table. They then offered Gala some dried fruits and nuts that she nibbled on while waiting.
Shortly Abundius arrived–now wearing his usual white outfit, lined with gold and on his head is a crown of golden laurel leaves.
He gestured for the attendants to leave and apologized to master Bakis regarding the delay of his paperworks. Master Bakis reminded him to finish everything by tomorrow then left.
Abundius sat by the table and gestured for Gala to sit beside him.
She slowly walked towards him and sat beside him. He then placed various food on her plate then on his.
"I'm quite hungry after today's activity." He smiled while pouring juice over Gala's glass. "There's bountiful harvest this year, I hope these are to your liking."
Sharing a meal with Gala had always been an important event for him and he wants her to enjoy it too.
Gala smiled at the plate full of delicious food in front of her, remembering how he always shares what he has.
"You've come a long way... Your Highness." She uttered and tasted the meat pie.
"Haha, of course. I have to. Otherwise, Halia might be ruined again." He replied while munching on his bread with marinated meat. "So, how's my favorite mage?"
"Merlin?" Gala innocently asked.
"Nah, she feels unsettling sometimes." He shuddered. "I'm talking about you, how have you been?"
"Unsettling? Well, I have been learning more and more. Morgan has been teaching me plenty of spells too." Gala shared. "I've been making various potions too..."
She continued sharing her experience as they ate their lunch.
"You use this potion then poof! Your hair will be silky smooth!” She happily said.
"So you haven't perfected this potion yet?" he asked while drinking juice.
"Nope, but you get the gist."
"How many times did Morgan got bald with him being your experimental subject?"
"Uh... A few times..." She scratched her cheek as he laughed. "BUT I always use rewind spell if that happens!"
He noticed a bit of crumbs on the side of her lip. He unconsciously reached out and wiped it with his thumb.
Gala's eyes widened and her heart pounded. While Abundius noticed his inappropriate action, he decided not to say anything or dwell into it.
He took a deep breath and looked by the window.
"The sun in still up, wanna stroll with me?" He stood up and offered his hand.
Gala accepted his offer and held his hand.
It was the afternoon and outside, kids were running around and playing. It was a sight that Gala loved to see.
"Its the Regulus!" The children recognized him and ran towards him.
Abundius smiled at the kids and ackowledged them.
"Woah.. A wildborn..." They looked at Gala with fascinated eyes.
"Yes, her name is Gala and she's the High Priestess... Well, soon-to-be, of the Wildborn. Make sure you respect her too, alright?" Abundius reminded them in a gentle tone.
"Yes, sir!" They replied in a snappy tone then went back to playing.
"They look healthy and plump." Gala giggled.
"Haha, tell me about it. Our herbalists worked non-stop for children's vitamins and medicines. The other elders did push for a better healthcare for Halians." He happily shared. "I agree, Halians now are as healthier as they could ever be. They're not hungry, they love this land, and they're healthy and happy... Just like how Halia was before my father died."
"You're not plump though. You should get plump so people will actually say that Halia is an agriculture-driven region!" Gala joked.
"What!" He laughed. "Is my fit body not to your liking? Didn't know you're into fat dudes who sit around and eat all day."
"I DIDN'T SAY THAT! I WAS JUST JOKING!” Gala explained but Abundius just laughed it off
Their stroll led them to South Halia. Gala remembered that this place used to be a poverty-stricken area, but now, South Halia is thriving.
They have their own fields, cattle, even people's market so they dont have to travel all the way to North Halia.
As they walked around, the people greeted Abundius happily.
"Its not always that I get to show you around Halia since you always visit me so late." He chuckled.
The two walked back to North Halia.
At Abundius's place, they both climbed into the open area above his home where a bench, table and a shade was set.
"This place is nice for stargazing at night." He uttered as they sat on the bench. "I don't know much about constellations and star reading but you do."
The two looked at the vast, and endless starry skies.
Abundius laid his back against the wall and crossed his arms.
"Say..." He uttered. "You look at me and what do you see? A man or a child?" He asked in a soft voice, still looking st the skies.
"Hm? Why the question?" Gala asked.
"... Sometimes, when I make decisions, I always get questioned. Most of the time they imply I do not have that kind of wisdom." He took a deep breath. "So... In your eyes, am I still the same kid you saw years ago or have I grown into a man now?"
Gala abruptly stood up infront of him. She frowned and was visibly furious.
Abundius was taken aback, in his eyes, even if she was furious, she still looked adorable.
"WHAT DID THEY MEAN BY THAT?!" She pouted.
"I uh... I just thought that they think I'm not mature enough to be a Regulus... The same way as they thought before." He explained.
Her hands turned into a fist.
"YOU ARE THE BEST LEADER THIS REGION COULD EVER ASK FOR!! EVEN WHEN WE WERE KIDS YOU WERE ALWAYS THINKING OF YOUR PEOPLE FIRST!! A REGULUS EATING STALE BREAD BECAUSE HE GAVE THE REST OF HIS FOOD SO HIS PEOPLE COULD EAT?!?! BAH!! OHHH!!!" She stomped her feet and Abundius let out a hearty laugh.
"THEY MAKE ME MAD!! WHO ARE THEY LET ME TALK TO–" Gala's anger suddenly subsided when she saw him smile at her.
"Thank you for being angry on my behalf, Gala." He softly said.
Feeling the sudden burst of tiredness from her crash out, she heavily breathed.
"... Even before... You were always ahead of everyone... Always carrying a burden surpassing your age." She quietly uttered.
Gala looked at the man in front of him, even when the people surrounding him tried to change his heart... Even when some unsatisfied Halian started an uprising to dethrone him, he stood his ground and worked hard for Halia to prosper, always trying his best not to leave a citizen behind.
Suddenly, she felt tears from her eyes. How could they make him feel such a thing even after all he's done?
He gently held her wrist and pulled her against him. His large hands carefully held her body close to him as he wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Gala embraced him back as she sobbed.
"Gala..." His voice was low and soothing. "Thank you for seeing me as I am."
She nodded and embraced him tighter.
"I look at you and I see a man who is full of love and wonder... Other people can shut up..." She uttered in between sobs.
He chuckled.
"I see. Since its the High Priestess's and my favorite mage's opinion, I'll take that to heart."
She finally calmed down and pulled away.
Abundius smiled gently at her, still holding her hand.
"Lets get inside. Its getting cold out here." He stood up and held her hand tighter.
Inside his home, Gala handed him the basket full of items she wanted to give him, sweets, candies, preserved fruits, scrolls that contain various engineering and architectural research, and some ornaments to decorate his home.
"Wow, this is plenty! Thank you!” He happily ran through the items then opened the jar of candies.
"I made those!" She proudly said but as Abundius ate one of the candies, his eyes suddenly teared and his face turned sour. "Do you like it?"
Despite the strong sour taste of the candy, he nodded then swallowed it whole.
"Ye-yeah... It was good..." He uttered, not wanting any more of those candies. "These scrolls..." He unrolled them and looked at the figures.
"Morgan said that these might interest you. Some people we've helped gave this to us as a sign of thanks so I thought I should just give it to you."
Abundius's eyes widened as he read through the figures and drawings that depicts flood waterways, irrigation and other helpful charts.
Gala smiled at him.
He then rolled it neatly and placed it on the table.
"These are great gifts Gala..." He uttered then placed the little chicken statue and boar statue into his book shelves.
"Thank you, really." He childishly grinned at her. "Oh, I also have a gift for you." He excitedly said as he opened his cabinet.
Under the drawer, he pulled out a cloth, tied with colorful thin strings.
"Here, open it." He placed the item on Gala's lap. She carefully pulled the string and revealed an off-white cloak with subtle patterns of wheat embroided on it.
She gasped and hurriedly tried it on.
It fits her perfectly.
"That looks good on you." He looked at her. "There are also pockets inside, you can store your candies and other little items."
"It has pockets?!?! Ohhh!! This is so pretty! Thank you!" She twirled and swayed.
"Its not much but I'm glad its to your liking." Abundius yawned, feeling his exhaustion. "Oh right, are you going to stay for tonight?"
"Merlin said I have until tomorrow..." Gala replied as she folded her new cloak neatly.
"I only have one bed... I should've asked earlier so I could have them put another bed for you."
"Hm? But we always sleep beside each other when I'm allowed to spend the night here." Gala tilted her head.
Abundius scratched his cheek.
"... Well its..." He looked at her sitting on his bed and his heart thumped. "I'm a man now, Gala... The last time we slept beside each other was way back years ago..."
Gala comfortably wrapped herself in his blanket. "Alright, and?" She yawned.
"... Never mind. Lets get some sleep... I'm sleepy." He surrendered then grabbed another blanket and laid on his back beside her.
"Good night." Gala uttered and closed her eyes.
"Good night."
The following morning Gala woke up first, she looked at Abundius who didn't move an inch from his position.
Her eyes seemed to evaluate his face, she thought that he's grown into a handsome man.
"Gala... I can feel you staring." He uttered without opening his eyes.
His arm then wrapped around her waist.
"You're leaving..." He softly said as he opened his eyes, seeing Gala looking at him; she nodded.
"Merlin says I should return by morning..." She reminded him. He sat then stood up.
"Alright," He stretched. "I'll wrap some food for you while you draw your magic circle."
"Oh! Thanks..."
She started drawing her magic circle and Abundius filled Gala's basket with bread, cheese, preserved meat, and butter.
He went back to his room and Gala had finally finished her circle. He placed her cloak over her shoulders and gave her the basket full of food.
"I added some more so you can share them with Morgan and Merlin. They have my thanks for keeping Halia safe, too." He gently smiled.
He wanted her to stay even just for a few minutes but he stopped himself.
"Thank you, Abundius. These are plenty! I'll see you soon!" Gala smiled.
Her smile was embedded on his mind. He touched her cheek as the circle beneath her feet glowed faintly.
Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her.
As their lips touched each other, they were wrapped in a feeling unfamiliar but so warm and pleasurable for the both of them.
Gala also wanted more but he slowly pulled away.
"Take care, Gala." He smiled.
"HEY!! WAI–" Her eyes widened, unsure of what just happend and finally, the magic circle glowed brighter, transporting her back into the Arcane Council.
Gala vanished from his room and his face bacame flustered.
"Ah... I couldn't control myself the last minute..." He paced back and forth his bedroom. "What if she hates me for kissing her..?!?! Shit... Shit... Shit... What have I done!!!”
He laid on his bed and felt tired, he hadn't slept a wink with Gala beside him. He embraced the pillow that she used and fell asleep to her scent.
Shortly, Master Bakis forced him to finish his paperworks today.
By his office table, piles of paper surrounded him. He took a deep breath and thought about how he misses her already.
"Gala... I miss you already..." He muttered as he fell into a nap.