The Winter's Bloom

Part One - Adventurous Hymn {2}

{2}

Troublesome Trip

Hues of yellow and orange illuminated the sky as the sun rose and the moon fell, each ray as alive as the summer breeze. Birds sang in the branches, while the snow fell from them like a waterfall, and the temperature rose to a warmer number. Citizens left their houses, shops opened and soldiers strolled around the city, while the castle in the middle stood as imposing as ever.

As his eyes darted from the street to the women in the castle's training grounds, they both in the middle of a spar, he stood from his bed in the same instant. He yawned as he exited his room and made his way through the hallway, his vision quite blurred and his body still drowsy, but the mind focused on the journey ahead. He stepped in a slow yet consistent rhythm, while he often stumbled against objects and almost tripped on the carpet, but nothing too... dangerous.

He left the principal gate, and for a second his eyes drifted back to its sight. The castle had been projected by Christopher, who once used to be one of the greatest engineers on the continent, and it did honor his title of the greatest builder of the generation. The exterior matched the interior with perfection, so much its elegance compared to the Royal Palace's outskirts, though not as huge as the Emperor's gardens and grounds.

"Morning."

Elena approached Alexander and flicked his ear, her expression serious as she sighed with annoyance. "We got some serious attention issues here." She said while she placed a hand on his back and squeezed with a bit of strength.

He shuddered for a moment, but regained his concentration thanks to her. "Ah, sorry... I get lost in my head sometimes."

"So much you didn't even hear Lord Christopher talk to you?" She pointed to him, then retreated and walked to a distance.

"We all want to give you our farewells, Alex. Since today you'll leave us for a while..." He sniffed and placed a hand on his heart, but flinched a moment later. "Wait, where are the beers? Julian!"

"This drunkard..." Julian stepped toward them, and pushed Christopher away to meet Alexander, a proud smile on his handsome face. His blue eyes glimmered with excitement at his son's future, and the wind blew his white bang for a moment, only to return it to the side of his forehead. "I want to give you something," He said with a stern tone, and the hand on his back came to reveal a wrapped gift.

Alexander took it with a smile on his face. "Wow, for me? That's so sentimental of you, dad, but thank—"

"—Just open it."

Everyone watched as Alexander unwrapped the gift; Elena almost jumped in curiosity while Helen leaned closer to see, and Christopher watched from behind. Julian coughed up before Alexander's hands finished their job, and once they did — a diamond necklace in turquoise revealed itself. Its gleam was special, like it was contained inward in contrast to the common gems.

"It's an artifact that will protect you once you break its gem. Use it wisely, because it can only be activated once."

Alexander tilted his head and passed the necklace through his head until the gem stopped close to his chest. "It's perfect, father. I couldn't ask for anything better."

"It's a high level artifact... really rare. Where did you find it, my Lord?" Elena said in awe, her eyes narrowed as she inspected the gem with her gaze.

"There was a hidden dungeon close to the frontier with the East. It was the treasure hidden there." Helen said, her hands extended while in the background, a pair of servants brought two horses. "Seems like its time for you two to go."