[Starhaven Gate]
Ten years had passed since Key left Starhaven to train at Guru's Temple. Now, the town welcomed him back, the whisper of the wind carrying faint memories of his childhood, mixed with curiosity about all that had changed during his absence.
The town's main gate towered before him, its shadow cast wide across the ground. Standing beneath its massive stone walls were two familiar figures, Guardians he had once known well: Nemu and Polos.
Nemu was broad and muscular, with thick brown hair, while Polos, even larger, had jet-black hair that gleamed in the light. They looked almost exactly as he remembered.
But as their eyes fell on Key, their expressions shifted.
The young man before them bore little resemblance to the boy they had once known. His hair now brushed his shoulders, his body lean yet athletic, and his once-soft features had sharpened into a calm but striking handsomeness. His piercing gaze made him nearly unrecognizable.
Key wore a white long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, and boots. At his hip hung a katana, glinting faintly beneath the light.
The aura he radiated made Nemu and Polos instinctively wary.
This was no longer the child they remembered, but a seasoned fighter, someone not to be underestimated. Even though they were larger than him, a troubling thought crept in: could they even defeat this young man if he were an enemy?
That thought vanished the moment Key waved warmly and called out with a cheerful smile.
Key (beaming):
"Mr. Nemu! Mr. Polos! It's been so long!"
Key (with a laugh):
"The gatekeepers haven't changed a bit. It's so good to see you again."
Polos narrowed his eyes, suspicion clear in his voice.
Polos (frowning):
"Wait… who are you? Have we met before?"
Key paused, his brow furrowing slightly.
Key (hesitant):
"Me? I'm K—"
Nemu (cutting him off):
"Key!"
Nemu's face broke into a broad grin as he stepped forward and gave Key's shoulder a hearty pat.
Nemu (laughing):
"Good heavens, you've grown! Did you finish your training at Guru's Temple?"
Polos still looked doubtful, his disbelief written all over his face. Slowly, realization crept in, shifting his expression from confusion to shock.
Polos (stammering):
"K-Key? Is it really you? You've got to be joking…"
His voice carried raw disbelief, but the corners of his mouth curled into a faint smile. Still, uncertainty lingered in his eyes.
Polos (shaking his head):
"You've changed so much. For a moment, I thought you were about to attack us."
Key turned to Nemu, nodding gently.
Key (softly):
"Yes. I just finished my training. The moment I was done, I came straight back here. I couldn't wait to return home."
A faint smile lingered on his lips.
Key (lighthearted):
"Honestly, I was half-worried you'd forgotten me. Ten years is a long time."
Though he kept smiling, a flicker of curiosity passed through his eyes as he tilted his head toward Polos.
Key (teasing):
"Why would I attack you? Do I really look like some sort of criminal?"
Polos shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
Polos (uneasy):
"That's not what I meant… It's just… the aura you gave off earlier. It felt strange."
Nemu chuckled, shooting Polos a mischievous look.
Nemu (grinning):
"Don't mind him, Key. He got scared, that's all."
Polos flushed, his brow furrowing.
Polos (defensive, raising his voice):
"What nonsense are you spouting? You were the one who was scared!"
Nemu only laughed harder, while Polos fumbled for words, pride warring with the truth he couldn't quite deny.
Key shook his head with a smile, raising his hands as if to calm them both.
Key (gently):
"Alright, alright. No need to argue. I understand. After all these years, it's natural you wouldn't recognize me right away."
Polos exhaled, finally allowing a small smile, though traces of embarrassment still colored his face.
Polos (sighing):
"Key, go on. Visit your parents first. Don't waste your time standing around with someone like Nemu."
Nemu (protesting):
"What's that supposed to mean, Polos?"
Polos (smirking):
"Oh, and if you have time later, stop by Garcias. We can catch up there."
Garcias—the small restaurant run by Key's parents. A place holding countless memories.
Key's expression softened, and the thought of its food stirred a familiar hunger.
Key (smiling warmly):
"Of course. Thank you, Mr. Nemu, Mr. Polos. I'll see you both soon."
With that, Key stepped past the gate and into Starhaven.
The town he once knew now felt strangely unfamiliar. The streets were cleaner, the buildings more numerous, but the air still carried the warmth he had missed for so long.
Before heading home, he decided to wander for a while. He wanted to see what had changed, letting nostalgia wash over him as he rediscovered the new face of his homeland.
[The Flower Garden]
The gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers across the Garden of Starhaven. Beneath the towering starwillow, children gathered in laughter, their voices ringing like tiny silver bells swaying with the wind.
At the heart of their circle stood Prince Nexa Starfall, nineteen years of age, tall and noble in his black and white royal garments. His deep violet eyes glimmered softly as he listened to their chatter, his presence radiating a quiet comfort that words could never capture.
The children adored him, not merely as their prince, but as a teller of tales, one who breathed life into the legends of Nebura's past. Twice each month he came to them, to play, to share stories, and to fill their young hearts with the beauty of olden days. Yet on this day, a different kind of curiosity sparked in their eyes.
A freckled boy, brow furrowed in confusion, finally asked:
Boy (Hesitant):
"Prince Nexa… why have we not seen you in the garden so often lately?"
Nexa crouched down so his gaze met the boy's, his smile warm and reassuring.
Nexa (Softly):
"Ah, I have been traveling to other towns within the kingdom, tending to my duties. That is why I could not come for the past month."
The children exchanged glances, their curiosity now burning brighter.
Child (Eagerly):
"I have never been to another town!"
Another Child (Interrupting):
"Nor have I! But I want to visit Sunhal one day. My uncle lives there, and he promised to take me."
Child (Wide-eyed):
"Where is Sunhal? Is it far away?"
A young girl, her eyes sparkling with wonder, lifted her voice.
Girl (Excitedly):
"Prince Nexa, how many towns have you visited?"
Child (Quickly adding):
"Yes! And how many towns are there in our kingdom?"
Another Child (Cheerfully shouting):
"Please tell us everything, Prince Nexa!"
Nexa chuckled, raising a hand to calm the small but fervent crowd.
Nexa (Smiling):
"Very well, very well. I shall tell you about all the towns of Nebura, including the one I have just returned from."
His voice, calm yet captivating, drifted across the garden like a gentle spell, pulling every child into the world of his words.
Nexa (Continuing):
"Our kingdom holds six towns, each with its own wonders. Right now, we stand in the capital. Do you know its name?"
Child (Shouting with pride):
"Starhaven!"
Nexa (Nods, pleased):
"Indeed! Starhaven is the heart of Nebura, lying at the very center of the land. It is known for its beauty, its enchanting flower gardens, and, of course, the castle where my family and I dwell."
The children nodded eagerly, their faces glowing with pride in their home.
Nexa then turned back to the boy who had spoken earlier.
Nexa (Kindly):
"You said your uncle lives in Sunhal, did you not?"
Boy (Beaming):
"Yes!"
Nexa (Smiling):
"Then allow me to tell you about Sunhal. It lies to the east of Nebura, close to the sea. It has been two years since my last visit there. Sunhal is home to the greatest fishermen and shipwrights in the realm. They craft ships so strong they can conquer the fiercest waves."
He paused, his smile deepening.
Nexa (Playful):
"And the food… ah, the seafood of Sunhal is unmatched. Fresh, savory, beyond compare."
The children fell silent in awe, some of them already imagining the taste of Sunhal's delicacies.
Nexa (Continuing):
"To the west lies the town of Evesholt. That was the first town I visited on my recent journey. Evesholt rests upon the edge of Nebura's Ancient Forest. Its people are hardy and self-reliant, living in harmony with nature. They are hunters, woodcrafters, artisans of rare skill. I spent five days among them, learning their ways and admiring their craftsmanship."
He let the children imagine towering trees and the hidden mysteries of the forest before he spoke again.
Nexa (Calm, steady):
"From there, I journeyed south to the town of Dawnsville, set upon the banks of the River Luminara. This town is ever lively, famed for its bustling markets and grand festivals. By fortune, I arrived as one of their great celebrations began. Music, dancing, and colors ablaze on every corner…"
He spread his arms wide as if embracing the memory.
Nexa (Smiling):
"It was as though I had stepped into a dream."
The children's eyes widened, their imaginations painting the shores of Sunhal, the wilds of Evesholt, and the brilliant revelry of Dawnsville.
Nexa (Lowering his voice with purpose):
"After ten days in Dawnsville, I pressed on to Lanvale, the last town of my travels. Lanvale lies near the border of the Kingdom of Novalot. It is heavily guarded and holds a strategic position, surrounded by thorny thickets and fortified walls. I stayed three days within its gates."
He straightened slightly, his tone solemn now.
Nexa (Grave):
"And do you know that Lanvale was once the site of a great battle, in the reign of King Artha?"
The children gasped, some holding their breath.
Nexa (Nods slowly):
"Yes. King Artha led our armies to defend Lanvale from invading foes, and his victory secured peace for both Nebura and Novalot. To this day, the people of Lanvale honor his legacy."
One of the boys began to count on his fingers, then looked up in confusion.
Boy (Innocent, puzzled):
"Starhaven, Evesholt, Dawnsville, Lanvale, Sunhal… Prince, that is only five. You said there are six towns. What is the last one?"
Nexa's smile returned, touched by the child's cleverness.
Nexa (Gently):
"The sixth lies to the north. It is called Nordstaria, a place of balance and ingenuity. Its folk are master smiths and cunning merchants, forging blades of unmatched quality and crafting intricate goods sought throughout the kingdom. Yet, unlike the other towns, Nordstaria is a land of peace, where life flows at a calm and steady rhythm."
The children listened, wide-eyed and silent, as if their world grew larger with every word spoken by their beloved prince.
A little girl furrowed her brow, doubt flickering across her face.
Girl (Puzzled):
"But, Prince Nexa, you said you spent five days in Evesholt, ten in Dawnsville, and three in Lanvale. That is only eighteen days. A month is longer than that."
Nexa laughed, his deep voice ringing with mirth.
Nexa (Grinning):
"You are absolutely right. I did spend only eighteen days in the towns themselves, but do not forget, the roads between them are long. Travel takes time, and I had to rest along the way."
The children nodded in unison, satisfied with his explanation. Their admiration grew deeper, their minds filled with visions of distant lands and grand adventures waiting beyond Starhaven.
Without their noticing, someone had approached in silence. Princess Rhea Starfall, twenty-one years of age, stood behind Nexa. Her gown of gold shimmered beneath the sunlight, and in her hand she held a small bouquet of blossoms. With a teasing lilt in her voice, she spoke.
Rhea (Teasing):
"Nexa, are you telling King Artha's tale again? You always sneak that in somehow."
Startled, Nexa turned, a faint blush rising to his cheeks.
Nexa (Feigning annoyance):
"And why do you always appear out of nowhere whenever I'm in the middle of a story?"
She smirked, her elegance mingling effortlessly with her cheer.
Rhea (Lightly):
"Because I enjoy watching how much these children adore you. And because you always make history sound more exciting than it really is."
Meanwhile, not far from the garden, Key strolled leisurely toward his family's modest inn and eatery, a small establishment tucked away near the flower gardens. The air was fragrant with blossoms, refreshing each breath he drew. Passing by the lively scene beneath the starwillow, his eyes briefly caught sight of the gathered children. Their laughter and games stirred something within him.
Key (To himself, thoughtful):
"This garden feels more alive than ever before."
Amid the crowd, two figures stood apart, radiant in both bearing and attire: the prince and princess of Starfall. Yet Key did not know who they were. He gave them only a fleeting glance before continuing on his way, his mind already set on reaching the inn, where Hans and Laura awaited him.
What Key did not realize was that his presence had not gone unnoticed.
In the midst of his tale, Nexa suddenly fell silent. A sharp current of energy had swept across the garden, brushing against his senses. His violet eyes narrowed, following the figure of the young man walking away. His heart quickened.
Nexa (Inwardly, tense):
"What was that just now? It felt like a beast prowling through this very garden."
He studied the stranger's retreating back, trying to grasp the strange sensation that had unsettled him.
Nexa (Suspicious, unsettled):
"Did that overwhelming aura come from him…? No, that is impossible."
Beside him, Rhea too had felt something, though not the same as her brother. Her gaze lingered on Key when their eyes briefly met, and unlike Nexa's wary instinct, something softer stirred within her.
Rhea (Inwardly, breathless):
"Who is that man? He's so handsome… yet I have never seen him in this town before. Is he from another town? Or perhaps a visitor from a another kingdom?"
For the first time in her life, her heart fluttered with a feeling she could not name, awakened by no more than a fleeting glance. That brief encounter left a mark she could not easily brush aside, a spark of curiosity that began to grow quietly within her.
The children noticed the sudden silence between the prince and princess. Confused, they exchanged looks before one of them asked.
Child (Innocent):
"Prince Nexa? Princess Rhea? …Are you okay?"
Snapping from their reverie, the siblings exchanged a quick glance, then masked their unease behind gentle smiles.
Nexa (Soothing):
"It's nothing."
Rhea (Softly, reassuring):
"Yes, Don't worry"
The children relaxed, though curiosity still flickered in their eyes. After spending a little more time with them, Nexa and Rhea bid their farewells. Nexa promised to return with more stories, while Rhea smiled warmly, though beneath her composure swirled a storm of unanswered questions.
As they walked back toward the palace, neither spoke. Both remained lost in thought, their minds bound to the memory of the stranger who had crossed their path.
For Nexa, unease gnawed at him.
Nexa (Inwardly, grim):
"How can someone radiate such power without drawing the notice of the town?"
For Rhea, the question was simpler, yet burned just as fiercely.
Rhea (Inwardly, wistful):
"Who is he?"
The young man who had walked through the garden without pause had left more than silence behind. He had left a ripple, a lingering impression neither prince nor princess could ignore.