Before the prince stood Hani, her hands heavy with bundles of herbs, and her belt-laden bags brimming with remedies meant to heal the wounded and the weary.
The moment she caught sight of the prince, she called out, "Greetings, my prince… I heard your voice, so I came, otherwise I was making my way to your library, for you are ever found there. But today… what brings you here?"
The prince noticed a small hitch in her breath as she spoke, and the prince could not help but ask. Prince's eyes glinted with quiet amusement.
"Ah… the thunder of Keifer's horse was so fierce that it dragged me from the library. I had no choice but to come."
Hani's gaze narrowed, sharp with awareness.
"My prince, you know him well… he has always been so… passionate and quick to act."
Keifer cast her a sidelong glance, a shadow of mischief in his expression. "And yet… my heart longs to leave you wandering in the wilds''
Hani stiffened. "Who would wish to speak with you?"
"Otherwise," Hani said, a hint of warmth creeping into her tone, "My prince… I have found the very herbs and remedies that will heal those in need, swiftly as if by magic."
Very well, I shall take my leave," she said, starting to move.
Keifer's voice followed her, tinged with surprise.
"And where are you headed, into the wilds?"
She shot him a sharp glance. "Yes… to seek remedies for fools like you," she said, a hint of amusement in her tone. With that, she turned and disappeared into the forest shadows.
As she walked along the winding paths of the castle grounds, her thoughts wandered.
First I must deliver these to the healer… then I shall meet Aela. After all these days, I will see her again, and there is so much to speak of… so many things to tell.
She moved onward, lost in her reflections, the sun casting long patterns across the cobblestones, and the forest whispering secrets in the wind.
She was just about to continue along the winding path when, suddenly, Aela emerged from the shadows, stepping gracefully onto the sun-dappled walkway.
Hani's heart leapt, and a bright smile spread across her face at the sight of her old friend.
But her gaze was immediately drawn to Aela's hair. Its once-vibrant locks now seemed dry and brittle, lacking their usual sheen.
"Aela… why do your tresses look so parched and fragile?" Hani asked, her concern barely contained
Aela offered a polite, serene smile. "Hani… give your friend a moment to speak," she said softly.
"By the way, how have you been? And did you find what you were searching for?"
Hani's lips curved in a mischievous yet warm smile. "Ah, yes… I have found it. In fact, see here—this is exactly what I was about to deliver. Come, let us go together and present it to those in need."
Hani looked away from the big windows . "May I share a thought?" she said quietly, her voice was just as full with happiness, but carrying weight.
"My grandmother used to say that a woman's trials and burdens are often written in the state of her hair and the expression of her face. They are subtle signs of what the heart carries.
Aela… we will always fight side by side to protect our kingdom, and together we shall leave this world as well. Do you accept this vow, my friend?"
Aela looked at her with a face that wore a gentle smile, yet her eyes betrayed something entirely different beneath the surface—something fierce and resolute. After a brief pause, she spoke softly, her words like a quiet promise carried on the wind.
"Yes… why not? I will honor this vow—if I have a friend like you by my side."
In that moment, the forest seemed to lean closer, the golden sunlight catching on their hair and the bundles of herbs they carried, as if the world itself acknowledged the strength of their bond. Side by side, hearts aligned with unspoken determination, Hani and Aela moved forward, ready to face whatever trials awaited them—together.
Before long, the two of them arrived at the healer's chamber. The wooden door stood half open, and the scent of dried herbs filled the air.
Hani knocked lightly. "May we come in?"
The healer looked up from his table, surprise lighting his face. "Ah—Hani, and Aela as well. You two—"
Aela quickly spoke before he could finish. "Hani has come to deliver the herbs she was searching for. She found them after a great deal of effort."
"Is that so?" the healer said, stepping closer. "Let me see."
Hani carefully placed the herbs on the table. The healer examined them, nodding with approval.
"Well done, Hani," he said warmly. "To accomplish such a task at such a young age is truly impressive."
Hani lifted her chin proudly. "Healer, have you forgotten who I am? I am very brave and strong. I'm not afraid of anything."
The healer chuckled softly. "Yes, yes… I know that very well, Hani."
For a brief moment, his gaze shifted toward Aela, studying her thoughtfully. She noticed, but quickly turned away.
"Come, Hani," Aela said. "We should go. I must deliver these valuable metal tools to Captain Sumin."
Hani nodded, and the two friends turned toward the door. Within moments, they disappeared down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly through the castle halls.
They soon arrived at a wide, open field where the soldiers trained. The air rang with the clash of wooden swords and the sharp commands of instructors. Dust rose beneath the boots of young scouts as they practiced their drills beneath the bright sky.
Aela hesitated before stepping forward. "Ah… Captain Sumin," she called, her voice carrying a slight uncertainty. "These are the items you requested."
At once, the captain turned around. His sharp gaze fell upon them, and he began walking toward them with steady, commanding steps.
Hani watched him approach, her thoughts racing.
Every time I see him, it feels as though everything inside me will spill out, she thought. He's only a few years older than I am, yet the authority he carries makes it seem as though he rules over everyone here.
Her eyes followed his confident stride across the training ground.
And somehow, she continuously thought, the moment I saw him, all my bravery disappeared… as if it has gone on vacation somewhere far away.
She sighed inwardly.
Well, it does make sense, she admitted to herself. He commands the scouts after all… and he was the one who trained me as well.
Around them, the sounds of clashing blades and shouted orders continued to echo across the field as Captain Sumin drew closer, his presence alone enough to quiet the restless energy of the training ground.
"Hani… why are you trembling?" Aela whispered beside her, unable to hold back a quiet laugh.
Hani shot her a sharp look. "I'm not trembling," she said quickly, her voice rising as she tried to hide her embarrassment. "And it's nothing like what you're thinking."
Just then Captain Sumin reached them and extended his hand. "Give those to me."
Aela passed the items to him, and hani was trying to maintain the air of bravery she always carried.
The captain examined them carefully, turning the metal tools in his hands. "Hmm… these seem well made," he said thoughtfully. "They should prove quite useful in battle."
Suddenly, he paused and frowned slightly. His nose twitched.
"What is that smell?" he asked, glancing around. "Where is that awful scent coming from?"
Hani clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stay calm. "Dear Captain," she said, her tone carefully controlled, "that is the fragrance of herbs, not a smell."
Sumin raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. "Very well. You may go now."
Aela bowed her head politely. "Yes, Captain. We are leaving."
They turned to walk away, and Hani muttered under her breath, just loud enough for Aela to hear.
"As if anyone would want to stay here with you anyway."
Aela tried hard to hide her smile as they disappeared from the training grounds.