The Greythorns

An Unexpected Encounter

It isn't every day that a helpless child  from the past would end up as a king to a great kingdom. Even rarer if its the greatest kingdom in the surrounding lands. It was very unexpected, but for that special child, it changed the course of his life forever.

It was a long time ago, where the land was ruled by Ari Blackborn, a great king that inherited the kingdom from his father. He took pride in helping his people and always tended to their needs until there were no more that needed his assistance.

But one faithful day, Ari had went on his daily strolls through town, doing favors and helping people, and the like, and he was helping the Tavern's owner restock some beer and food for his tavern. He spent countless hours helping, until dusk. After his work was satisfied, he started to walk back to his castle.

Along the way, he heard the faint sound of crying in a nearby dark alleyway. Ari stopped, to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. He heard more crying, followed by loud whimpers, in the alleyway just ahead. Ari walked towards the alley and to his discovery, he had found a small child.

Ari immediately started to worry, and quickly inspected the boy. It was a small boy, no older than the age of 4, looked a little sickly, and had torn up clothes. Ari bent down to meet the boy's eyes. The child had a pair of beautiful hazel eyes.

"How did you get here?", Ari asks.
The boy points out to the open walkway. It seems the boy can't speak, but could understand what he was saying.

"Ok... Where are your parents?", Ari asks. The boy hesitates, and quickly shrugs. He shifts his gaze away from Ari's face and his eyes start to gleam in tears. It seems he doesn't know where his parents are, Ari thought.

"I'm sorry...", Ari starts, and also begins to think of what he can do.
"Um... Do you need a place to lay your head?", Ari asks. He isn't sure that is what he should've said.

The boy slowly tilted his gaze back at Ari, and slowly nods. Ari quickly glances behind him, and then makes his decision. "Ok... Can you walk?", Ari asks. The boy rises to his feet, and nods. Ari rose and signalled the boy to follow him. And so they began to walk to the castle.

  It was a rather long walk to the castle. Ari knew this, but he was used to it. But he hadn't considered the boy's stamina, as far as walking long distances. Even while seeming sickly, he was actually keeping up. Though, he had an undeniably hungry look about him. Ari could go for some food himself.

When the two arrived at the castle gates, the guard quickly greeted their king, and silently questioned his little plus-one. "He's with me.", Ari says. The boy's eyes are filled with wonder and awe.

They first entered the great hall, where they were met with a few maids. Ari went over to talk to them and explain the situation. The little boy was filled with curiosity of his surroundings. There were grand paintings of men and women that filled the hall, a grand ceiling, decorated with unmistakable sapphire chandeliers, giving the hall a blue-tinted light. A long dark, royal blue carpet along the floor, the extended to a grand stairwell at the end if the hall.

Finished with conversation, Ari asked the question he had been wondering his way up here. "What is your name?", Ari asked.

The little boy took a minute, as if he needed to remember his name. "Nuebiko." he replied.

"What a fine name.", Ari smiled. "Were going to get you cleaned up, and I'm assuming after the long journey of a walk, you would surely be hungry. After you have a bath, we shall have supper." Ari said.

Nuebiko nodded, as it sounded familiar, but faintly foreign. Ari then signaled for the maids, and then signaled Nuebiko to follow them. Ari sighed, and was thinking of getting a wash himself.

After the two had their own separate washes, the maids had lead Nuebiko to the dining hall. Ari, was already seated at one end of the table. Nuebiko sat two chairs away from him.

Ari took to notice his hair. He had very dark brown hair, with specks of silver every now and then. Perhaps the child wasn't human. It reminded Ari of his father. He felt a slight warmness inside, giving out the ghost of a smile.

The chef, had brung out some fancy foods that Nuebiko hadn't seen before. He immediately started to feel his stomach hurt, and his mouth started to water. At the very least he knew to be patient.

The chef had plated an assortment of foods. Varying from different meats, fruits, vegetables and rice. Surely a kings feast. Ari thanked the chef, and dismissed him. Nuebiko stared at his plate in awe. His stomach was hurting badly, and the smells of the food in front of him were taunting him in a way.

Air looked over at him and smirked. "You can eat if you want." Ari said. Not even a second later, Nuebiko started to inspect his plate, and then looked over to the left and right of his plate. The utensils seemed familiar, and he quickly remembered the fork, spoon and knife.

He poked at his food and took small bites, as to sample, before taking larger and surer bites. Flavors exploding in his mouth, filling him with newfound joy. Ari couldn't help but kind of stare at Nuebiko, adored. It reminded Ari of himself. He felt in a way connected to the boy. It was very odd.

Ari didn't marry, and so didn't have a Queen, but realized he was more or less by himself in the castle. Ari also didn't have any brothers or sisters, and so there wasn't going to be an heir to him either. Ari wondered if Nuebiko had a family of his own to go back to after tonight. Maybe he would try to ask again tomorrow.

The two finished their meals, and then the maids escorted Nuebiko to a large room with a bed. There was also a window that was across the room. Nuebiko went into the bed and quickly fell asleep. Ari took a peek inside the room to check on him. He noticed he slept so softly.

Ari went over to his grand bedroom and went to sleep. He would ask more questions tomorrow.