Noah
The morning smells different here. Not of stone corridors and polished wood like the Reizei estate, but of bread baking, herbs hanging by the window, and smoke curling lazy from the hearth. It's too warm, too gentle. I almost don't trust it.
I sit at the table, Lyraea across from me, bouncing one foot against the bench. She looks far too awake for someone who dragged me halfway across the forest yesterday. Her father is gone, off to hunt, Lyraea told me.
Which means I'm alone with… her.
Then a woman steps into the room humming under her breath, carrying a tray of bowls. Dark hair falls in soft waves down her back, a streak of flour dusted across her cheek. Her eyes land on me, and there's a softness in them I can't quite meet without squirming.
"You must be Noah." Her voice is warm, but steady, like a blanket laid over cold shoulders. "I'm Serenya Emberveil. Kael's wife. Lyraea's mother."
I nod quickly, too quickly. "Yes, ma'am."
When had i become so shy?
She laughs lightly, setting the bowls down. "Ma'am? Oh no, that makes me sound ancient. Serenya is fine."
Lyraea grins at my awkwardness, chin propped on her hand. "Told you she wouldn't bite."
I shoot an annoyed galre at her, which only makes her grin wider.
Serenya places a bowl of steaming porridge in front of me, topped with a drizzle of honey. "You've had a long journey. You'll need your strength back."
"…Thank you." The words come out smaller than I mean them to.
She sits across from me, folding her hands. "Kael told me what little you shared. You're far from home. That's not easy for someone your age."
I freeze, spoon hovering. "…I do not want to be a burden."
Serenya tilts her head. "A burden? Noah, listen to me. No child who's lost his way is a burden. You're a guest. Our hearth is yours until you find your path again."
Her words press into me like gentle hands, and I don't know what to do with them. I lower my gaze and eat, because it's easier than answering.
After a while, Serenya leans back, her eyes still warm. "Kael believes he can help you find a way home. Until then, you'll stay with us. You'll be safe here."
Something loosens in my chest, just slightly. "You'd do that… even though you don't know me?"
She smiles softly. "Kindness doesn't require knowing. Only choosing."
For the first time in days, maybe weeks, I let myself breathe a little easier.
Lyraea
Later that day, I found Noah outside on the porch, staring at the horizon like it owed him answers. His shoulders were all hunched up, like he was trying to fold himself into a pebble. Naturally, I decided to interrupt.
"So," I said, plopping down beside him.
He remained calm surprisingly, i thought hed jump so high that he'd levitate off the bench. "What is it with you and sneaking up?"
"I don't sneak." I swung my legs. "I arrive. There's a difference."
He groaned, pressing his hand to his face. "You're impossible."
"Correct." I leaned toward him, grinning. "Now spill. Where are you from? What's it like?"
His eyes flickered, the pebble he was fiddling with nearly slipping from his hand. "…It's complicated."
I jabbed him with my elbow. "Not good enough. I dragged you out of Tyuinwood, you at least owe me one story."
He sighed, long and heavy. "…The Reizei estate."
I perked up instantly. "Estate? As in noble manor? As in shiny marble halls and chandeliers and guards in ridiculous hats?"
"…There were chandeliers."
I gasped so loudly a bird shot out of a nearby tree. "Knew it! You're a fancy-boy!"
His mouth twitched, definitely trying not to smile. "I'm not."
"Please. Next you'll tell me you ate off golden plates."
"…Silver."
"Silver?" I clutched my chest dramatically. "The tragedy! How ever did you survive such poverty?"
That did it..., he laughed. An actual laugh, sharp at first, then softening into something real. It startled me almost as much as it startled him.
"See?" I said smugly. "Knew you had it in you."
He shook his head, still chuckling. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculously charming."
His laughter came again, brighter this time. And there, just for a moment, the weight on his shoulders looked lighter. Like he wasn't just the lost boy clutching shadows, but someone my age... someone who could smile.
I leaned back, arms behind me, watching the sky blush gold with the setting sun. "So, noble-boy, what else? Secret gardens? Hidden treasure rooms? Rooms so big you could get lost in them?"
He hesitated, then shrugged. "There was a library. Bigger than this whole house."
I nearly fell off the bench. "A whole library?! And you left it behind? You absolute madman."
His smile faded just slightly, shadow slipping back in. "…I didn't choose to..."
My chest tugged. I nudged him gently with my shoulder. "Then maybe one day, I'll help you find your way back. Until then…" I grinned. "You've got me. And my mother's porridge."
That earned another laugh, quieter, but real.
We sat there as the evening deepened, crickets starting their nightly song. The world felt softer for once, and I promised myself, I'd keep him laughing, even if I had to tease him about chandeliers and silver spoons forever.
Because Noah Reizei was lost.... was finally beginning to look alive.
End of Chapter.