Tales of Time

The King of a Better Tomorrow

[Mathias T. Midnight]

As acting supreme ruler while the King was gone, Ranismai stood silently upon the desolate balcony. She stared down at the beautiful hustling and bustling city streets that lay before her. The ever-beautiful civilization she had helped the King rebuild ever since The Dark Ages and The Victory. An accomplishment she kept praising him about mostly because he always claimed to have not have contributed much even though it was he who did all of the work. Such a foolish man, she thought.

The cool morning breeze blew through her long, glistening, snow-white hair as she closed her eyes. Taking in the rare rays of sunshine that sheepishly peeked past the horizon. Soaking in the sweet memories of what once was and what now is. Oh, how times have changed. Honestly, with all of the time that keeps passing by, it always leads to a much better future. Something she would have never expected throughout her long eons of existence.

But never mind that; what a beautiful day today was. 

How could it get any better?

“Gran-Gran Mai!”

A sweet voice rang out from behind her as soft footsteps could be heard dashing upon the shimmering marble floors. The wholesome giggles of an innocent child were soon followed by small arms wrapping around her legs. Her thin frame made it quite easy for said child to hug her in a tight embrace.

Smiling warmly, Ranismai, or rather, Gran-Gran Mai, turned to the little one and crouched down to face them. Gingerly reached her hand up to pat their head. She wasn’t exactly the physical affection type. Regardless, she tried her best to make sure everyone around her was happy and safe. That was what she was brought back for, after all. Born a Guardian, always a Guardian… Even in death.

“Good morning, my darling Nihli. How was your sleep?”
Perking up, the child in front of her smiled broadly and began speaking in a rapid-fire fashion. Like a brand-new jukebox on loop. 

“It was great, Gran-Gran Mai! I had a super cool dream where you and Daddy were sparring like you used to and brothers and sisters Jax, No-No, Chris, RiRi, Sarv-y, Dede, Sol, and Jay-Jay, and me were all watching!” The one Ranismai called Nihli exclaimed as he hopped around in much excitement. Before pausing (for once) and looking to the ground, upset. His little voice wavered in the wind, “When… is Daddy going to come home?”

The older paused. A somber smile then dawned upon her face as she thoughtfully tilted her head. She couldn’t tell him the truth. How could she? This poor innocent soul was merely just a young boy. A boy innocently oblivious to the world around him. It was better just to keep him that way. For now.

“Soon, darling. Very soon.” She spoke in a soft voice, “Your father is just very busy doing amazing work… He will be back before you know it.”

At these words, Nihli perked up a bit. That warm grin returned, but she could see the shakiness in it. He was always a perfect Ray of Sunshine like the King always said. So, without a second thought, Ranismai came up with a plan to hopefully turn that nonexistent frown upside down.

“Hey now, how about we do something for your father before he gets back?” She slowly stood up and gently held Nihli’s hand in hers, leading him back into the castle, “A big surprise that he will surely love.”

“YEAH!”

The boy exclaimed, ecstatic as he immediately yanked Ranismai through the large doors and into the palace. The two were instantly greeted by the soft sounds of silence. At least Nihli was feeling better now. Much better. 

Large empty halls with a long red carpet leading to every single room in the building. Colorful glass windows lined every wall as the morning sun shined brightly through. Illuminating the grand fortress that they called home.