gaeistis-fields of red (Original)

even leaders can be untrustworthy

As the carriage rocked around on the unpaved road. Hitting rocks and gravel. Veranos could not help but ask "why is Cilliya so important?" the king looked up as he rested his index and thumb on the side of his face which was resting against the window. Taking a deep breath the king opened his mouth and said "lets just say that she is special" Veranos was not satisfied with the vague answer of the king. It sounded as if he wanted to hide something. Something which the king could not say. Veranos leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and said. "Please if you could be so kind. Elaborate" the king shuffled around uncomfortably trying to evade the answer. Looking in all directions. Veranos became frustrated and sighed as he said. "Kheain. Don't be so secretive" Veranos said. He dearly wanted an answer as he frowned in frustration." The king looked towards veranos. His frowned face shocked Veranos a little as he realized that he had called him by his birth name. "Don't ever call me by my name again. I know we have known eachother since we were young but there are still rules!" the king said as he frowned in utter disgust as he pointed his finger towards Veranos' face. Veranos, unable to utter a single word, rested his back against the red cushioned couch he was sitting on. The air in the carriage fell silent as both avoided each other's gaze. One looking down at his watch, the other watching out of the window. As the cogs of the watch turned as each second passed by, Veranos could sense that whatever the king was hiding was something either dark or too dangerous to speak out.

As Veranos gazed out of the window. Watching people sell food or products. He knew that eulithia had more to it than what it showed on the surface then suddenly as the bright blue sky filled with birds faded. A dark and gloomy cloud covered eulithia. Heavy rain poured out in masses as the people returned to their homes. Some ran with paper above their heads to protect them from the rain. Others took their tattered shirts off. Yet it was to no avail as their bodies still became soaked. "In about a month from now there will be an annual ceremony. It is to pay respects to divinos and the immortal goddess."

The king said. As he covered his mouth slightly while leaning against the carriage window. Inside Veranos knew that the king wanted to imply that he wanted to invite them to come with him. "So you want me and Luxia to come too?" the king nodded. Feeling irritated as he frowned. "It is at the grand church. I'm sure you passed it when you arrived." Veranos tried to think back to the day they first arrived. The people who were baking and cooking food, the jormungers they met at the gate. Then suddenly Veranos remembered. "The one with those giant machines right?" Veranos asked. The king nodded while still looking out of the window. Veranos nodded as he tidied up his suit again. Feeling a little bit anxious. Yet he shrugged it off as just one of the mood swings the king had. Nightfall had arrived as they approached the palace's front entrance. Veranos could see 2 maidens, waiting patiently for their arrival. Both deftly standing as their hands rested against their abdomen. The golden bordures of flowers were dimly lit by the light behind them. "Where is luxia?" Veranos thought as he had hoped to see her enthusiastically waiting with the two maidens. Yet there was no sign of her. Only 2 maidens and 6 jormungers were visible. "We have arrived" the coachmen said as the carriage came to a full stop. Veranos looked at the king who still looked as if he had stumped a toe. Not saying a word, the king left the carriage and walked over towards the maidens. His strange demeanor confused the two as the king walked past them. Not even giving a glance. The two maidens looked back at Veranos. Thinking that he had something to do with them. Veranos shrugged as he thanked the coachmen before walking over to the maidens too. "Sir? Has there been something which upset the king?" Veranos looked at the bright golden haired maiden. Immediately he recognized that it was Zelana as he glanced towards her long bangs which touched her breast slightly. Veranos shook his head in confusion "I have no clue sorry." "oh" Zelana said as she put her hand in front of her mouth. Then she noticed that Veranos forgot his bag which he had brought with him. "Shall I help you carry your belongings?" Zelana asked as she glanced over to Veranos. Veranos nodded and Zelana walked over to the coachmen who was waiting. She could feel that the coachmen was a bit annoyed. Both by the king's ignorance of his service and by Veranos who forgot his belongings. "My apologies." Zelana said as she apologetically bowed. The coachmen gave a irritated glare before he said "don't worry" Zelana could feel that he was beyond the point of acceptance,