Tales Of The Heart

(48)

Eira was at the well, sleeves rolled up to her elbow as she washed clothes. The sun was dipping low, casting a warm glow over the small courtyard, and she was so focused on her task that she didn't notice Zaid approaching until his shadow stretched beside her.

"Eira", he greeted softly.

Startled, she looked up, and for a moment her cheeks flushed as she met his warm gaze.
"Oh, Zaid", she murmured, quickly looking back down at the clothes, her fingers moving faster than before. "I didn't... see you there",

Zaid offered a soft smile, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to find the right words. He wasn't normally this nervous, but with Eira, everything felt a little different.
"I, uh... wanted to tell you something", he shifted slightly, feeling his heart race as he watched her continue to wash. "I found a work today... at the blacksmith's",

Eira's hands paused mid-rinse, and she looked up with a bright smile that made his heart skip a beat. "Really? That's... that's wonderful, Zaid", She ducked her head quickly, seeing the constant gaze of Zaid, focusing back on the water, but he could see the faintest hint of pink on her cheeks.

"Thank you", he said, his voice soft. "I am still learning, but the owner thinks I have potential. It... it feels good, to finally have some direction", he shuffled on his feet, the words he had rehearsed slipping away as he watched her.

"You deserve it", she replied softly. She risked another glance up, her shy smile making his chest tighten. "You have always worked hard, Zaid",

The sincerity in her voice encouraged him, and he took a small step closer.
"You know... I would like to tell you more about it sometime. Maybe... when you are free?", he cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "Only if you want to, of course",

Eira's eyes widened a fraction, and she nodded, though her gaze flickered away again. "I would... I would like that",

A small silence fell between them, the air filled with unspoken words. Zaid felt the urge to say more, to somehow tell her what had been building in his heart, but he knew he needed to be patient. He didn't want to rush her or make her uncomfortable. So he settled for something simpler, softer.

"Thank you, Eira", he said, his voice barely a whisper. "For... being here",
She looked up, her smile shy but genuine. "Of course, Zaid",

With a final nod, he turned to leave, feeling lighter and more hopeful than he had in a long time. As he walked away, he couldn't help but glance back, catching her watching him for just a second before she quickly looked down, her blush deepening.

He smiled to himself. This was enough, for now.

●○●○●○●○

Day by day, Shahzaib's skill and patience earned him respect among the trainers, though none knew of his royal past. His humility and dignity spoke volumes, each movement during his training were precise and purposeful. It was as if every swing of his sword, every stance he practiced, was not only for honing his skill but for strengthening his spirit.

Nearby, Zaid was progressing swiftly under the blacksmith's guidance. His hands were now marked with small burns and hardened from the forge's heat. The satisfaction of shaping raw metal into tools and weapons had sparked a passion in him which he hadn't expected.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and bathed the town in a golden light, Zaid finished hammering the blade he had been working on and wiped the sweat from his brow. Looking over, he saw Shahzaib sheathing his sword after another long day of training, as he approached. Zaid couldn't help but grin.

"You know", he said, his voice laced with pride and a hint of mischief, "I would say we are both pretty good at this whole thing",

Shahzaib chuckled, the warmth of brotherhood in his eyes as he clapped Zaid on the shoulder.
"Perhaps it id exactly what we needed", he replied.
"Out here, we are not defined by titles or wealth, just by what we are willing to give and endure",