As we exited the warm embrace of the palace walls we entered an overwhelming abis of agony and despair, life was of nothing but an insect for these people but that didn't matter it would all end soon. These peoples lives were nothing more than meaningless, but there desperations to live was notable. I do not pity them for this is the truth behind every hidden wall and door. The harsh reality that nothing is perfect, it proves the worth of each and every single life some less valuable than others. I will one day put down my judgment onto all these fleeting lives and show them my will and aspirations.
In our carage we brought food and water. As me and Albern handed food to the sick and poor I noticed his demeanour change he went from shy to caring and outgoing, as he helped the poor walk from there little hitches and stick up tents I realized that I wished them all to be gone, I wished for them to disappear into nothing… a world without them would be simply perfect no suffering and no pain. I wished this as a thought deep down in my heart which I very well knew was wrong and disgraceful.
Orion: " Albern shall we head to the orphanage? "
Albern: " Yes we shall "
Orion: " you know never in my life did I think I'd be down here helping the poor " I said with a giggle.
Albern: " Yes me too, I never thought I'd be capable. "
As we arrived at the orphanage Albern seemed uneasy almost like he was scared we walked into the gates to see children running and play with toys. When they noticed us they became curious and confused.
Girl: "who are you misters"
Albern: " we have come with toys and snacks for all of you" Albern said with a gentle and kind smile.
Children: "wow do you hear that they've brought us food and toys!"
Girl: " Is that really true misters? You've brought us toys and food to keep?" She said with a twisted face she looked confused and unsure.
Orion: "yes little girl that is true" j said with a laugh.
As we handed out toys I noticed Albern looked sad, but I thought we were doing something that he'd like.
Orion: " what's the matter Albern?"
Albern: " oh nothing, it's just that I wish I could have done this sooner there are so many children that would have been happier if I had done so" he said looking at the ground trembling.
Orion: " well there's nothing you could have done if you were a slave your whole life you know"
Albern: "that's not entirely true."
Orion: "What do you mean?" I said with a confused expression.
Albern: "well you see I once fought in the blood war where I killed hundreds upon thousands of people yet I still couldn't save the person I loved most"
Orion: "wait I don't understand; you were part of a war? When was this?"
Albern: "this was 5 years ago, I was a tool used for war, you see I come from Lumani the kingdom of war, I was born and raised there before I was sold off"
Orion: "is that so, how did you end up here in my kingdom than?"
Albern: "thats a long story and now is not the time for me to tell"
Orion: " The fireworks should be starting soon shall we head back to the city?"
Albern: "yes we should head back"
The sky erupted in color, golden sparks showering down against the deep violet of night. The people below cheered, their thin voices rising in a chorus that echoed up the cliffs toward paradise.
Beside me, Albern stood still, his broad frame outlined against the glow. His golden eyes followed the trails of light, yet his expression did not change. For a moment, he almost looked carved from stone.
Orion: "You're staring like the sky owes you money."
I elbowed him lightly in the side—not that it made him flinch. My arm just bounced off the mountain he called ribs.
Albern glanced down at me, his lips twitching, but he didn't speak.
Orion: "Oh, come on. Not even a smile? You're ruining the mood. I'll have to report you to the Fireworks Committee for unpatriotic behavior."
Albern: "There is no such committee."
Orion: "Not yet. But give me an hour and a quill."
That earned me the smallest huff of a laugh, quick and sharp, as though it had escaped before he could stop it. I grinned, proud of my victory.
The sky bloomed again, streaks of silver and crimson scattering like spilled wine. Children below screamed in delight. Albern's gaze drifted down to them, and when he spoke, his voice was quiet.
Albern: "They look at the sky as if it's theirs. As if the world belongs to them."
Orion: "Doesn't it?"
He didn't answer right away. His golden eyes stayed fixed on the children, on the way their tiny hands reached upward as if they could pluck the sparks right out of the air.
Albern: "I used to watch fireworks with her."
The words slipped out so soft I almost missed them beneath the crackle of the sky. His jaw tightened as soon as he said it, as if he regretted letting me hear.
I tilted my head, studying him.
Orion: "Her?"
He didn't answer.
Orion: "Don't tell me you're keeping secrets. You'll break my heart, Albern. I thought we were inseparable."
He still didn't look at me. The silence between us stretched, filled only by the distant cheers of the crowd. Then he muttered:
Albern: "War doesn't just take lives. It takes moments like these."
His hand flexed at his side, fingers curling into a fist. For the first time tonight, I felt something cold stir in my chest.
I wanted to tell him the truth—about the thoughts that had been whispering at me all day. The way I had looked at the starving faces and thought, maybe this is mercy, maybe it's better to end it all than let it go on.
But I didn't. Instead, I leaned against him, letting my head bump against his shoulder like a child pestering his older brother.
Orion: "You think too much. That's your problem. Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, not mourned. You brood, I jest. Balance restored."
Albern shook his head, but the tension in his shoulders eased just slightly. Another explosion lit the sky, casting his face in red and gold. For an instant, he looked ancient, older than his years, worn by shadows I could not name.