A Patch of Green
Note: First entry for the Arslan Senki Fall Festival. Just a short piece set after the war. I went on a tree planting activity last weekend so that was the inspiration for this. It's a bit random but I feel that given Arslan's open-mindedness, he would be an environmentally-conscious leader. And of course, I had to have this scene between him and Étoile. I won't get into the details of her presence there. She just is there, continuing to interact with Arslan.
Enjoy and please let me know what you think!
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"What are you doing out here so early in the morning?"
Arslan looked up as Étoile approached him. In the light of dawn, the Lusitanian knight seemed like an ethereal figure. The prince was almost distracted from his task. But when Étoile finally stood before him, a curious look in her eyes, Arslan remembered what had been keeping him busy.
He showed her seedlings that he had successfully planted in the small patch of earth. The green leaves made a stark contrast against the drab colors of the palace walls, brightening up the surroundings significantly.
"There isn't enough green in the city," the prince said simply, "I wanted to change that."
Étoile gave him a look of mingled puzzlement and amusement.
"I never imagined you to be the gardening sort," she remarked.
"I'm full of surprises," Arslan replied with a grin.
"Don't I know it," Étoile said, returning the smile.
They had returned to Ecbatana and after a long and arduous struggle, they had reclaimed the capital of Pars. But the city had been ravaged by war and it would take much time for it to be restored to its former glory. Arslan had been tireless in his efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate and he barely paused to rest, despite his victory. But he had not been alone in his efforts, and the support of his dearest friends had helped him succeed where others would have failed.
Étoile watched as the prince finished planting another seedling, patting the soil above it with his spade. She had come to learn that no task was too menial for him and that he quite enjoyed performing chores and simple errands, even if others of his rank and position would only leave such chores to the servants. There was truly no other noble like him and she wondered at herself for not having noticed this from the beginning.
Perhaps I had been too prejudiced against nobles and Parsians at the time, Étoile thought. But she had since then learned to be a bit more open minded. Thanks to him.
Arslan stood up and wiped his hands with a rag. He smiled as he admired his handiwork, half a dozen seedlings, securely planted in the small patch of earth just outside the palace walls.
Étoile noticed that Arslan had chosen a simple-looking but sturdy variety of tree, not anything fancy or ornamental. And somehow, this matched his own personality. He was proving to be a most practical ruler as well as a compassionate one.
They mused on the seedlings for a few moments. The small, green leaves were beginning to turn towards the sunlight, welcoming a new day.
"This will be an interesting legacy," Étoile commented with an earnest smile. One of the many good things the young prince of Pars will leave behind.
"It's hardly a forest, but it's a start," Arslan remarked with satisfaction, "I hope they take root and grow big and strong. So that, hopefully, someday they may provide shade and support for someone in need."
