Chapter 1
A boy ran out of one of the many kitchens of Anor Londo, bread in hand as he made his great escape. "Come back here!"
He had a wide grin on his face as he took a sniff of his hard earned food. Not even in the gods' name would he turn back. He'd been running on pure excitement when he hid in his father's cart. Well, excitement and a few fruits here and there.
His father was a merchant, he had some sort of deal here. Well, him and a few hundred others. Some sort of great feast he overheard.
And so he took his chance. Miss out on probably his only chance of making it into the City of the Sun? The most talked of city in every village? The City of the Gods? Lose the chance of leaving his own boring village? No way! He need not say any more.
He spared a glance behind him and saw a fat bald man chasing after him, his hands on his knees as he gasped for air. He laughed out loud and ran around a corner-
He crashed into something hard. "Oof!" The boy rubbed his head and spared a glance at what stopped him.
It was a knight. And another was by his side.
The knight's armored gauntlet dug into his shoulder. "Let go of me! That hurts!"
"Trespassing mongrel. You shall pay for your insolence." The knight spoke through clenched teeth.
"Wait! He is my son, let me deal with him." His father appeared from the edge of his vision.
Oh no.
"And you let him into these halls unattended?" The knight tightened his grip on his shoulder.
"Stealing food at that!" The fat chef, finally caught up to them, shouted while panting heavily for air.
"Maybe the both of you should pay for your crimes." The knight moved to his father-
But the other knight stopped him by the shoulder. "Leave them be. He's only a child." A gruff voice said.
"But he has stolen food! You know what this is all for don't you?" The knight holding him whined.
"No harm has been done." He gestured to the bread, untouched by the boy's mouth. "His father will deal with him." His gaze lingered on the parent, before forcing the knight to unhand the boy and took the bread from his arms. "Scurry along now. And don't cause any more trouble."
The boy rubbed his shoulder and sighed in momentary relief.
"Arslan." He jumped at the voice behind him.
"Y-yes?"
"You will apologize. Now." He pushed Arslan in front of the fat chef.
His eyes were glued to his feet. "I'm sorry." Arslan muttered under his breath.
His father slapped him on the back of his head. "Ow!"
"Louder. Look him in the eyes."
"I'm sorry!" He looked up to the angered beady eyes of the chef, before his father also apologized for him. Come on, it was just one piece of bread! Arslan looked back down at the ground.
"We've much to discuss."
There goes my chance at enjoying this trip.
.
.
Thankfully, his father was a very merciful man and had him help around the kitchen. Lifting heavy things around and whatnot.
"Hurgh!" He put the crate down onto a shelf. I could use some food.
Arslan groaned as he stretched and wipes sweat off his brows.
He went to pick up another crate as he overheard some of the staff and merchants speaking-
"We do all this work and we can't even enjoy any of the festivities. Bah! Lords and their high horses, can't eat with us common folk." Arslan stuck his head around the corner to see a small gathering of servants and whatnot.
"Watch what you say. I heard that some maid had disappeared after she spoke badly of the Great Lord Gwyn." A girl spoke.
"Hah! Stories and other nonsense." Another man spoke.
"Apparently the Great Lord is bringing his daughter to the banquet." The man had a slimy grin on his face.
"And?"
"You don't know? Gwynevere the Princess of Sunlight, apparently she's a beauty. Got a bountiful round bosom I've heard." A few men laughed at the comment before a few maids quickly shushed the lot. "She's probably got a pair bigger than my lard-of-a-wife!" The men guffawed without regard.
"And his firstborn, the god of war they call him. Must be a sight."
Arslan sighed as he carried onwards to another crate. Though, it would be a nice sight I admit. He felt heat rising to his cheeks. He quickly shook his head and forced the indecent thoughts out of his mind.
Back to the crates. Sooner I get finished, the sooner I get to go exploring, he thought mischievously. He just had to not get caught this time. A grin formed on his face.
.
.
The sun had finally reached the horizon. Servants had all been sent off to their quarters to rest for what small amount of free time they had. But for a certain someone–
"Hah!" Arslan ran out of the crowded quarters he and a few others had shared, including his father. No one had seen him sneak out.
His first goal, find a way to sneak into the banquet; second, rightful acquisition of food. Third well, he was all alone here, maybe make a friend or two? Didn't really plan much out now that I think about it.
Even at fourteen years old – almost a man – he wasn't the brightest.
Arslan knew he couldn't leave the enclosement they were in through any of the exits. The lot of them were pretty much imprisoned until the banquet was over. Not that we can take part, of course.
He had to find another way to get out of here… The walls? Arslan spared a glance at them as he stalked the courtyard he entered. Too tall.
He groaned. Through the sewers? But then he remembered the grime, sweat, dirt and every other foul thing they washed off after their work. Oh, the smell. It was a crowded place but at least they had gotten the chance to wash off after all their work and journey, right? Yeah I'm not going down there.
Arslan laid down on a bench and his eyes lingered on the moon and ghost-like clouds surrounding it. It had a certain beauty to it, mainly in that it didn't blind him when he looked at it unlike the sun.
Finally an idea struck him. What if I disguise myself as a butler? "Hmm." Yeah, no I'm too short - for now.
A servant then? Better, a server. He could serve food at the banquet. Didn't solve his problem of getting out of here first however. Or did it?
Arslan quickly got off his bench and ran for the men's quarters to look for an outfit that would fit him.
.
.
He itched his bottom, the man who wore this must've really liked fleas. Sadly it was the only thing that could fit him. It was a little oversized but it would do. A simple white shirt and black overalls. Now all he needed was an excuse to get past the guards. Maybe a crate or two… might as well have my own feast.
He quickly grabbed the least heaviest crate he could find in the storage room. It was a little too easy to get inside, it seems like they thought no one would steal. He headed towards the gates.
Wait what do I say?
But Arslan had already approached a guard without thinking.
"I'm here for a delivery." He blurted out.
The knight had turned his head towards him. "You're on the wrong side of the gate."
"O-oh? Let me just get on the other side, then." Arslan moved past the guard.
But the knight grabbed him by the shoulder. "Boy. What are you doing?"
"I'm just d-delivering this crate to, uh, someone." He could feel sweat run down his back.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm just-"
"You're the same boy who stole bread. And why are you stealing again? I'm sure your father keeps you fed." He sighed.
Oh. It was the nice knight who let him go.
"You realize there are consequences for your actions right? If it wasn't me who found you- again, who knows what they would have done to you. Not only you, your father and the men in your room."
Arslan didn't know what to say. He didn't think of any of that.
"This food you've got, this is all for their precious banquet, and they'd kill whoever tried to steal from them. Lords that is." The knight released his grip on Arslan's shoulder and grabbed the crate from his hands. "Now get on with it, go back to your father."
Arslan stood there before the gates, mouth agape. He could sprint past the guard, but what happens after?
"Wait please." Arslan pleaded. "I just wanted to look around, that's all."
"At midnight? It's dangerous, especially for a child."
"I'm not a child." He clenched his jaw.
"You act like one, that's for sure." The knight sighed. "Now get out of here."
Arslan turned around and sprinted back to the courtyard. He grinded his teeth the whole way there, he was sure if anyone were beside him they'd hear it.
He approached the bench and on impulse, he kicked it.
"Ow!" He massaged his foot, regretting it instantly.
Arslan laid down on it, massaging his hurt foot. "What now?" He muttered to himself. His eyes found their way to the moon, once high in the sky straight above him, now sinking into the horizon.
There goes my adventure.
Arslan rested his eyes on the sky until the sun finally let loose its rays that lit up the world. He took it as a sign to get back to the quarters, lest anyone find him.
.
.
"Arslan." His father shook him. "Wake up."
Arslan laid on his bed, unmoving. "Wake up son." He shook him again, but Arslan did not move.
His father, impatient, took the best course of action. He grabbed Arslan by the ankle and yanked him out of the bed. "AAH!" His father grinned.
"That hurt…" He rubbed his side.
"Let's go. We're leaving." What? So early?
"Yes, our business here is finished and we must go home."
"B-but we haven't even been here that long." I've been stuck here doing work the whole time.
His father left the room, beckoning him to follow as he rubbed his eyes and yawned.
And he saw a magnificent sight. Well, sort of. Dozens of people were at the gates all heading back home, he assumed.
"Why is everyone leaving?"
"They are all merchants. Business is done and so we leave. We didn't come here to enjoy ourselves." He said the last part looking at Arslan.
Arslan sighed. He knew he was in trouble when they got home. He didn't get much sleep either, the sun had just crossed the horizon from what he could tell.
"Come on. Help me with the cart." His father walked away from their quarters and Arslan followed.
"Is the banquet today?"
"Yes."
"Will we get to see it as we leave?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"We would block the roads, so we take another."
"Can't see it even a little?"
"Child, help me with the cart." Arslan went off to get the horses to pull it along and they both took their seats. Better than sitting inside a box. As they made their way to the gates a devious thought made itself known to Arslan.
Get past the gates and make a run for it?
He looked in the general direction of the huge castles of Anor Londo. It'd be insane, but possible. They weren't all too far from the main keep after all.
"Hmm." Arslan put a hand to his chin.
His father gave him a look, but let out an exasperated sigh before looking back ahead.
The two reached the gates and waited in line, getting their carts checked. There are quite a lot of us. I could slip away unnoticed.
The knights walked over to their cart after finishing the one in front of them, and one he recognized. Abashed, he turned his face away, and heard a silent chuckle from one of the knights. "Looks like you listened for once. Last night-"
"Shh!" Arslan turned his head to see his father showing their hold to another knight. "Keep it a secret would you?"
"My lips are sealed."
He heard his father come back and climb up onto the seat and Arslan turned his attention back on the road. His father grabbed him by the shoulder, forcing Arslan to look at him. "Let's go home shall we? We're going to have a talk with your mother when we're back."
Arslan didn't reply. He didn't want to leave so early, he wanted to see more of Anor Londo. After all, this was the only time he'd ever left his village. He turned his eyes down to his feet.
Wait one minute. He had the clothes from yesterday on. The outfit a servant would wear. And the apron. I could… no, should I?
Their cart passed the gate and went onto a short bridge. Not now. Arslan looked at his father who's eyes spared a glance at him before turning back to the road. Oh I'm in so much trouble if I do this. He steeled his resolve, waiting for his chance.
Arslan had only one chance.
They crossed the small bridge, and the road they were on was enclosed by towering castles and walls. There were alleyways but he had no idea where any of them led, he'd have to take his chance anyways. Arslan leaned over to look behind his cart, looking at their enclosement and the large main castle of Anor Londo their food would be served in.
Can I even sneak into that? It must be filled with guards. 'They'd kill whoever tried to steal from them.' He probably meant intruders too.
But he was only a kid. Why would they care about some peasant child?
He looked at his father once more and muttered under his breath. "I'll- uh, see you later?" And with that Arslan jumped off the cart and sprinted towards a nearby alleyway. He didn't look back, even when his father called for him.
.
.
Arslan heaved in deep breaths as his legs burned. Hands on his knees as he spared a glance back. No one was following. He slumped down against a wall and sat on the floor.
However precarious his situation was, he still spared a few laughs. The sun was high up in the sky. Light bled into every street and alleyway - even with clouds in the sky. It was a beautiful sight - even through the horrid heat.
Banquet must start right around now, the lords party quite long from what he heard. He wiped the sweat off his brow and got up.
Where to then?
Straight for the castle? He looked down at his disguise, it wasn't ruined but it had a little dust on it. It'll do. Might even get to enjoy some food. He felt his lips curl upwards.
Arslan walked through the alleyways in the direction of the main keep, keeping an eye out for guards and his father alike.
He went around a corner and finally saw it. A huge road leading to the main keep. Large carriages pulled along by horses, bigger than usual. Arslan had never seen the Lords in person, but he heard that they were large, larger than humans, that they towered over humans like giants.
Guess he'd have to find out.
Arslan looked around until he saw a small group of servants carrying around a big palanquin. An opportunity!
He quickly walked over and no one seemed to regard or stop him. Though-
"Oy! Who're you?" One of the men carrying the palanquin called out to him.
"I'm here to help." Arslan walked along with them and squirmed his way in between two of the servants. "An extra pair of hands ain't a problem is it?"
They grumbled something about aching backs and let him help.
None of the men seemed to question his presence, only sending glances his way as they all carried the palanquin through a huge gate and into the keep where the banquet would be held. It was close to the enclosement that he stayed the night in but he didn't worry about anyone recognizing him. He was just an unimportant boy after all.
And so Arslan and the other men stopped near a huge set of doors and slowly dropped the palanquin. The men went to the door and bowed and Arslan followed suit - one man went to open the door and held his hand out.
Arslan sneaked a glance but did not get up from his bow. He saw a pale hand grab the rough callused hands. She wore a black gown that seemed to absorb light. It flowed behind her as she walked away from them, one man following. He got up from his bow and saw she had dark black hair, darkest he'd ever seen. The lady was also taller than him by at least two and a half heads. Am I really that short? Though it seemed she also towered over the man next to her.
His eyes wandered around as he saw more Lords leave their carriages and palanquins.
"You boy, follow us." The men and he carried the palanquin away into an empty area right next to the main keep, located close to the main gate but not visible from it. For Arslan, this meant this was his chance to slip away and explore the castle.
Arslan looked up at the castle. It was a beautiful sight, large walls and three pointed ends at the top. Biggest he'd ever been close to. The sunlight pouring in made the sight all the more enjoyable. He followed the men inside through a small hallway, specifically made for servants he heard.
The noises of distant chatter soon echoed throughout the halls. Arslan broke off from the group and rounded a corner, curious to see what was happening. He saw many lords and ladies gathered together in the inner ward right in front of the gate.
He also saw the lady who's palanquin he was carrying around. And was she a sight to see. Her pale skin seemed to shine with her dark gown and black hair. A strong jaw and high cheekbones. Whoa… She's beautiful. But so were all the others gathered. Not a single person was one he could call ugly. Gods for you.
While not the most noticeable, Arslan could see normal human royalty among the gods, but they all seemed content with staying in the back, hidden from the rest of the crowd.
They had the symbols of their countries on them, ones he'd studied and recognized. Astora, Catarina, Thorolund, Vinheim and some others be couldn't remember.
The chatter was soon silenced by the heavy footfalls of The Great Lord Gwyn. The ruler of Anor Londo and all of Lordran. Arslan could feel his knees buckle at the imposing figure, but he didn't fall, afraid of the sound it might cause. Gwyn was like a light in the room, everyone flocked to him.
"My lords, my ladies, my friends - all of you, I thank you for coming," Gwyn waved his hands in front of him. "Today we are here to celebrate my son's great accomplishments and victories against the dragons!" He clasped his son's shoulder from behind and brought him in front of the crowd, eliciting polite claps. "Nigh a hundred dragons slain in his last battle!" The firstborn rubbed the back of his head. He soaked in the sight with eager eyes. Quite the figure. "And now, in his honor, we shall feast!" Another woman emerged from behind Lord Gwyn, and walked hand in hand with his firstborn to the feasting halls. A wife?
Arslan shook himself out of his stupor and ran along the corridors on the side of the main path. He wouldn't dare enter the halls through the front entrance lest he felt like losing his head.
There are too many doors in this place! How does one not get lost here?
Eventually, Arslan bumped into someone.
"Oof!" He looked up to their face, and thankfully it was just a maid.
"And what might you be doing wandering around?" The maid looked him up and down.
"Uh, I was just finishing-"
"Well you're in luck, I've got work for you." Oh bugger. "Come with me." The maid dragged him by the collar into a room full of carts, trays and silverware. "Take these into the hall, along with those." She pointed at some pitchers and cups. "Hurry now! Here they come!" She smacked his back and he quickly went over to the silverware.
And not for the first time, he thought - Well, I'm going to die now. He didn't know the first thing about serving anyone!
Shouldn't be hard, just pour wine into their cups and walk away, he tried reassuring himself. Maybe he could just give his job to some other willing fellow? Sounds like a plan to him. His only plan…
Arslan pushed his tray out of the room and back into the corridor. He followed a few others until they reached a huge double door. The maid guiding all of them pressed her ear against it and held a hand up, silencing all chatter.
"Now please! Come and enjoy yourselves!" The booming voice of Gwyn was heard by all and the maid pushed open the doors.
Arslan's eyes widened at the sight. There were large chandeliers hanging all around the hall, one huge one in the center and below lie an empty spot he assumed was for dancing, tables scattered all around the hall and a small band of musicians at a dais near the end. And behind that were some huge spiralling steps that led to a balcony that oversees all of the hall and the outside of Anor Londo. The sun shined through and its rays lit up the gigantic chandelier; it lit up the center of the room in like moonlight.
A cart hitting him from behind reminded him of the present.
As the Lords and Ladies flooded in taking seats, Arslan had to serve them with the utmost sense of propriety he had used in his whole life. It was either that or his head.
An insufferable amount of time had passed and the party had still carried on till the sun was at the horizon and Arslan was still stuck serving the gods with as much propriety he could muster.
They were quite the excited bunch he'd have to say. They seemed to never tire.
"Wine?" He held up a tray to a Lady who waved him over, and he realized it was the same one that walked with Gwyn's firstborn. She wore a rather loose fitting white outfit. He felt a blush creep up his face as his eyes drifted towards her bosom - which was eye level to him. Arslan forced his eyes up to see a woman with beautiful dark brown hair, almost red, warm golden eyes and a smile that seemed to radiate light. She smiled at him, and seemed to realize his sudden embarrassment. "M-my lady." He forced his eyes down. Why are they so tall?!
"Thank you." She grabbed a glass and put a hand up to her bosom, chuckling.
Arslan quickly retreated and took deep breaths. Can't do that again. He looked over at the balcony, it could be his salvation. He gathered himself and took his tray of wine up the stairs.
He reached the top of the steps to see an empty area - emptier than what was below that is - for those who seek respite from the banquet. Arslan spared a single glance back to see the dance floor cleared and strings played. That's my cue.
Reaching the top, Arslan walked past the pillars showered in mosaic and leaned on the railing.
He gazed out at the horizon and watched the sun set and sky darken. Not the adventure I planned. He heard a couple of shouts and laughter from behind. How much longer is this banquet gonna last? He sighed.
Arslan's eyes darted to the tray of wine he left on the floor - A drink doesn't sound bad. He crouched down to grab a glass-
"Aghh!" He yanked his hand away and fell on his bottom.
Why are there snakes here?!
The snakes hissed at him before pulling away. His eyes were glued to it as his heart pounded his chest. It retreated into… a white robe? Why are there more of you?!
They all hissed but went silent. His eyes traveled up the robes, it was ordained with gold and had intricately designed gloves, but his eyes went further upwards until he saw-
He gasped, loud enough that the reason he did, heard it.
Pale skin, seemingly untouched by the sun, a sharp jawline, high cheekbones, white hair that reached her shoulders and golden eyes that impassively stared at him.
He couldn't help but blurt out, "Are you an angel?" The lady in question flinched at the question. And Arslan instantly regretted it. "I- I mean, forgive me!" He kneeled in front of her, eyes glued at the floor. The lady didn't say anything for at least a minute, instead she stood there, silently. Sweat dropped onto the floor, until finally-
"Rise, I will forgive your..." She even had a soothing voice, soft spoken yet loud. Arslan got up from his aching knees, but ignored it, intent on getting away. "You… you are a servant." He could hear her jaw clench at the realization. Oh gods.
"I'm sorry my Lady, I must see to my duties." He looked at her once more. The moonlight made her look ethereal but also intimidating, so he kept his composure.
Arslan also realized that she was in fact, shorter than him, by his thumb at most.
He turned around to walk away-
"I did not excuse you." Now the voice was stern, commanding. She opened her mouth to speak-
"Gwyndolin!" They both turned their heads to see the firstborn of the Great Lord Gwyn walking towards them. Arslan could feel eyes peering straight into his soul, he was afraid.
"Brother." She replied.
Brother?
It took him a while to understand the weight of what she said.
Daughter of Gwyn? He looked back at the lady.
"Come down will you? Gwynevere and I were wondering which corner you've come to call home." The firstborn towered over the both of them, and his presence alone was enough for Arslan to almost piss his pants. "Made a friend?" He looked over to Arslan.
Gwyndolin's golden eyes pierced into him. "No. Just a mere servant." I'm safe! "And I believe I will be staying here." She ended mulishly.
"Oh alright," The firstborn grabbed Arslan's shoulder. "But if you're going to stay up here, it won't be alone. What use is a banquet if you are all by yourself?" He laughed loudly and before Gwyndolin could reply - "Keep Gwyndolin company would you? I'm sure it would be better than serving those pompous lords drinks until they pass out." No. I would rather be doing that.
Gwyndolin opened her mouth to argue but- "You can either stay up here with your new friend and have a nice friendly chat, or follow Gwynevere around." At that, she blanched and turned away from the both of them choosing to instead look out at the expanse of the city.
The firstborn child of Gwyn shot him a serious look, "Take good care of him alright? Or else."
Unfortunately, Arslan was too shocked and afraid to have listened to the words properly, instead nodding frantically and bowing.
"O-of course, my lord." The words were quickly spat out, ingrained from moments before.
Father- no, someone get me out of here!
"Good lad." Then he walked away, whistling.
In a tense and awkward silence, both he and Gwyndolin stared out towards Anor Londo. This is suffocating. He hated silence.
"Nice view right?"
Gwyndolin didn't reply. Great job Arslan.
"Would you care to learn my name?"
"The name of a servant does not matter to me." So you're one of those people. He thought with a little disdain. Those highborns who think they're better than everyone.
"So it shouldn't hurt to hear it. The name's Arslan, a pleasure." He stuck a hand out, before quickly realizing just who in the gods' name's he spoke to.
Gwyndolin shot him a glare before saying, "You need not listen to my brother's wishes. Leave, I believe you have duties to see to."
'Or else.' He heard the words again in his head. This seems to be his job now. "Gods, this is horrible." He snapped. Oh shi-
Gwyndolin turned on him, golden eyes ablaze with fury. "You dare! Do you not know who I am?! I am Gwyndolin, child of the Great Lord Gwyn!" But it seemed that Gwyndolin was not finished, as she opened her mouth once more.
.
.
Gwynevere turned her head towards her brother as they stood together and listened to a few other lords and ladies. "Brother. Do you hear that?" There was shouting, if one listened past all the chatter and ambience of the party.
He shrugged. "I believe that would be Gwyndolin, he's made a friend." Truly? A joyous moment. Gwynevere smiled. However, shouting is not a good first impression. I'll be sure to tell him later.
"We'll be sure to ask Gwyndolin all about it when this is all over." They both shot each other knowing grins.
"Though, I'm a bit worried." He said.
"How so?"
"This friend is a servant, a human. I fear Gwyndolin is going to end up killing him." Oh dear. That may be a problem.
"Let us hope for the best then," She stuck her hand out as music began to play. "Shall we?" Her brother took her hand and took her to the dance floor.
.
.
Gwyndolin was heaving for breaths. How dare this… this human speak to him like this! Does he not have any sense at all?
The human, Arslan, was crouched on the floor, clutching his ears and breathing heavily. A fitting punishment. Gwyndolin used his sorceries to make sure his voice would be heard loud and clear for this human. He felt tired, however, he casted the spell without his catalyst. He acted on impulse.
Did this fool really think he could be a friend to him? A human especially?
Arslan didn't move from his spot, in fact he didn't react when Gwyndolin tried to speak to him. "Get up, do not grovel." Am I being ignored? Once again, anger coursed through his veins, but he held off on saying anything just yet.
Finally he stood back up, but didn't turn to look at Gwyndolin, instead muttering something incomprehensible.
"Are you going to stop yelling?" He said silently. Gwyndolin did not yell.
"I am not-" He noticed Arslan flinching at the words, as if they were spoken loudly. Oh. Gwyndolin quickly undid the hurried spell and spoke once more, "The spell is gone." Arslan did not flinch this time.
Why is he not leaving? Did his brother have something to do with his persistence? He'd be sure to tell him not to do this ever again.
There lay a tense silence as the two of them decided not to say anything to each other. Though Gwyndolin saw him open his mouth but close it again many times. Good, the silence is better-
Arslan turned towards him, looking him straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry." He rubbed his forearm. "For saying, uh- that. Will you forgive me?"
Gwyndolin was surprised, it sounded genuine and when he looked into Arslan's eyes. He felt his anger wisp away with a breath and he replied, "It is of no consequence. Do not do it again." He added for good measure.
Arslan seemed to relax, his shoulders slumping down and he swiped some sweat off his brow. Then he grinned and for what, Gwyndolin did not know. Silence followed but it was not tense with fear, his apology helping alleviate it. Awkward was the word Gwyndolin would use. He knew speaking to others was not his strong suit, Gwyndolin only spoke to his brother and sister after all.
And to speak to a human of all things. They seemed close in age, but still. What would they speak of anyways? Why am I thinking so much about it? Outwardly, he held a calm and impassive visage as he usually did, internally he was a maelstrom of brooding.
He was starting to think following Gwynevere around as she tried courting every man would have been the better choice.
Music and distant laughter soon filled the air and the moon's rays lit up the balcony.
"How long do these banquets last?" Arslan's voice grounded him to reality.
"It can last one whole day." He replied.
"Really? All day and night?" Yes. It irritated him when his brother and sister brought it along. He nodded in response.
"Ugh." Arslan leaned his back on the railing and looked back to the party. "Want to leave?"
What?
"I believed you had duties to see to?" Gwyndolin was caught off guard, he never thought of just… leaving.
"I'm sure they won't mind if I were gone for a while. What do you say- my lady?" It did not bother him that Arslan thought he was a woman. It was how he was raised by his father and he would obey, he couldn't fault the human. Only his brother and sister knew his body was that of a man.
And the more he thought about leaving, the more enticing the idea was. It is not like he was doing anything here. He could have been practicing new sorceries or studying more scrolls. Things that were far more valuable than a banquet. Besides, he would rather not ruin their fun with his presence.
Gwyndolin looked back at Arslan. But with him? A human? What would father think?
It should not be such a big problem. He is only a servant, and only a boy at that. These parties were insufferable anyways.
He let his hand fall into Arslan's outstretched palm.
