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It had been a long day for Sumeru's Archon. Nahida had a hard time gaining the trust of her people and an even harder time reinstating new Sages. If it weren't for the few who believed in her, she'd still be locked away like a bird in a cage.
The Sanctuary of Surasthana held some bad memories for her but it was also the only home she had since her rebirth. Even so, after all that happened, she struggled to take a step toward the ornate building.
For years, she was imprisoned there, left alone, forgotten. Each and every one of her birthdays, she found herself wishing and hoping that things would change but every time, she was disappointed until only recently.
The newly reinstated Sages didn't trap her or make her feel worthless like the others did, but she could see the lingering doubt in their eyes. After all, she was still just a child struggling to understand herself and her rightful place in this world.
The bustling of thoughts in her mind stole away her awareness. Her eyes were so fixated on the doors to the Sanctuary that she didn't hear the approaching steps until a voice spoke.
"Is there something troubling you, Lord Kusanali?” Nahida jumped at the voice, turning to see none other than the ex-Acting Grand Sage and current Akademiya Scribe, Alhaitham. She had to crane her head all the way up to be able to level with his piercing eyes.
“Not at all, Scribe Alhaitham.” For a moment, his eyebrow furrowed. She could tell he didn’t really believe her. “It’s just that…” she glanced towards the Sanctuary of Surthsana in all its glory. “Though this is my home, it doesn’t quite inflict the same comforting feeling I’ve often read in the few storybooks I’ve come across.”
Alhaitham brought a hand to his chin in thought. He seemed to carefully consider what she was saying. Nahida couldn’t help but wonder if he’d give others the same careful consideration or if she was just a special case for simply being an Archon. A head of golden blonde hair came into mind as the thought struck her. No, he wasn’t just giving her special treatment due to her Archon status.
“If that’s the case, would you like to join me for dinner at my house? You should be warned, a quiet and peaceful atmosphere is the last thing you’ll experience there.” Nahida chuckled but her face quickly gave way to a sad smile.
“Thank you for the offer but I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding, Lord Kusanali. You’d actually be doing me a favor by postponing the inevitable argument I’d end up having with my roommate over some random topic he’s become emotional over.”
Nahida peered up at the Scribe that towered over her. Though he was a scary figure at first, he did have bouts of kindness he’d exhibit on occasion in the most unorthodox ways. What his criteria were for lending a hand to a struggling peer was something she couldn’t fathom.
“Then, I would like to take you up on that offer, Scribe Alhaitham. By the way, Nahida is fine.”
“The same applies to you.”
The two of them took off for Alhaitham’s house located in the center of Sumeru city. Alhaitham led the way there, occasionally looking back to make sure Nahida was still following him.
As they approached the residential areas, the bustle of people increased and Nahida lost her way in the crowd. She tried to politely move past people but they were unaware of the face of the new Archon and ignored her. Due to her short stature, Nahida quickly found herself stumbling. If not for the hand that caught her, she would’ve hit the pavement. The next thing she knew, she was being lifted up and set onto a strong pair of shoulders.
“It’s easier this way. You won’t get lost.” Nahida nodded as she clutched onto grey strands of hair.
On Alhaitham’s shoulders, it was an entirely different world. Alhaitham was a little taller than average so the view below was stunning to see. For once, Nahida could peer down at the heads of others. She didn’t have to worry about her long hair getting caught on anything nor did her feet hurt when she’d exhausted her child-like body.
Is this why Wanderer appreciates flying so much? She thought to herself. Unbeknownst to her, Wanderer simply liked peering down at people because it made him feel superior, but dear reader, I ask you keep this knowledge to yourself or the Wanderer will be in for a very shocking surprise the next time he appears in front of the Dendro Lord.
Alhaitham didn’t say anything else until they had reached the entrance to a house tucked under the city street.
Upon placing his keys into the lock and opening the front door, Alhaitham’s arm was quickly grasped and ushered inside by a very disgruntled Architect. Blonde hair askew and eyes wide as he peered up at the being sitting on Alhaitham’s shoulders, Kaveh didn’t wear the sunny smile he was known for.
“What in Kusanali-” muttered the blonde. Alhaitham coughed.
“Nahida will be accompanying us for dinner.” Still in shock, Kaveh simply nodded, his eyes focused on the way Nahida was braiding locks of Alhaitham’s hair. She found it was a good way to keep her hands busy and her nerves at bay. The Scribe didn’t seem to mind let alone register Nahida was doing it.
Kaveh shook his head, rubbed his eyes, and slapped his face in that order before muttering something Nahida couldn’t catch and returned to the kitchen where dinner preparation was well underway.
“I think you’ll be safe from others’ carelessness now,” Alhaitham said as he reached to gently grab Nahida and lower her down onto the couch.
The couch was a dull green color but the red-orange cushions that adorned it made it more vibrant and eye-catching. She grabbed a cushion and examined it closely as Alhaitham sat beside her, pulling out a book.
Curiously, Nahida peered over to see Alhaitham reading a very familiar Inazuman light novel. She audibly gasped upon realizing the romantic connotation of the words lined on the page.
Typically when Alhaitham was at the Akademiya, he would be reading books on Ancient runes or in some cases, a guide to literary devices used in foreign languages, but this was quite a shock for the Dendro Lord.
Alhaitham was a stoic and independent individual. Though there’s no doubt he was capable of compassion, empathy, and the like, it was…rare to see the Scribe interested in anything remotely romantic. You’d need a certain level of emotional understanding to feel what the characters do in the story and Nahida couldn’t quite see Alhaitham donning an entire alter ego just to be with his beloved as the plot went. Still, Nahida felt the desire to meddle a little into the life of her Scribe upon seeing him thumb the page to chapter seven.
“Do you think the Prince and Scholar will have a happy ending?” She had expected Alhaitham to be embarrassed or caught off-guard but he was as emotionless as ever when he answered.
“Naturally.”
“Oh, why is that?”
“Because anything recommended by Kaveh is bound to end happily.” Nahida chuckled as the man in question marched into the room, an apron loosely tied around his waist and a spatula in hand.
“Of course! Given the option between a happily ever after and a depressing tragedy, why would anybody pick the latter?” Nahida couldn’t contain her giggles at the Architect’s passion. She leveled with the blonde who reminded her of an aggravated jadeplume terrorshroom.
“Humans often read a variety of books not just to gather knowledge but to also gain new experiences. It’s similar to how Alhaitham is reading this novel to better understand you, Sir Kaveh, due to his interest in you.”
At Nahida’s remark, the Scribe’s ears turned a deep shade of red. Have I said something wrong? She wondered. Though, Alhaitham didn’t say anything when she tried to meet his eyes. Kaveh on the other hand had the biggest grin plastered to his face.
“Oh? My Junior is interested in me? Is this what all this is about?” Alhaitham waved his hand in the air, actively denying Nahida’s claim. Nahida stared up at the blonde in confusion. “Forgive me, Lord Kusanali, I should explain. Alhaitham had been badgering me about my choice of novels all week so I suggested he read one. I thought his interest was to belittle me but it seems my dear Junior had other intentions in mind, hmm?” Kaveh slyly smiled at the other who abruptly got up and made his way to the kitchen.
“Is dinner not prepared yet? You Kshahrewar are so inefficient. Anyone from my Darshan would’ve had such a simple dish on the table by now.” Kaveh visibly bristled at the comment, falling into Alhaitham’s trap of changing the topic easily.
Nahida watched as the two argued over their Darshans as they plated the table. Though their words were poison, their actions were the opposite. The two of them worked in perfect harmony as they set the table, even remembering to make room for Nahida.
She had been so sure her conclusion regarding their relationship was correct. What was a couple if not harmonious with a few twists and turns? Was that not what Kaveh and Alhaitham exhibited?
Dinner was an intriguing affair of Alhaitham’s silence while Kaveh rambled on about the Scribe’s shortcomings. Nahida didn’t need to read his mind to know that Alhaitham loved hearing the blonde speak. The evidence was in his headphones. She’d noticed some time ago that the faint green glow of them signified their power level but they were always off whenever Kaveh walked into the room. Of course, too absorbed in complaining, the renowned architect never took notice.
She nodded along to Kaveh’s rants, providing her own input here and there. Unlike the Sages she’d grown used to dealing with, Kaveh didn’t dismiss her and instead took her opinion into account which opened up a whole new discussion. It was a rewarding affair for the both of them.
Nahida picked up her utensils and tried cutting into the slab of meat on her plate with some struggle. Her hands were just too small and ill-equipped to finely cut the meat. She sighed as she gave up, moving on to her vegetables instead.
As she was about to stick her fork into a piece of broccoli, her plate was being pulled away by Alhaitham. Wordlessly, he cut up Nahida’s food into small bite-sized pieces for her to consume before returning and continuing with his meal.
“Thank you.”
***
Once he’d eaten, Kaveh’s mood had settled down and he’d resorted to curling up on the couch beside Alhaitham who had pulled out the Inazuman light novel from before. Kaveh leaned against him, a sketchbook balanced on his lap as he drew a rendition of the Palace of Alcazarzaray. He peered up from his drawing to look at Nahida who awkwardly stood by the table, unsure of what to do.
“Feel free to sit down anywhere you like. We typically drink a cup of tea shortly after dinner.” Nahida nodded her head not really sure how to approach the two. The other couch was filled with books and clothes from Kaveh’s habit of organizing Alhaitham’s things.
There was some space next to the Scribe so she very cautiously took a seat but accidentally slipped onto his lap since the distribution of weight was uneven.
“I-I’m sorry, I’ll move.” As if he didn’t hear her, Alhaitham simply wrapped his arm around Nahida’s body and pulled her onto his lap completely before returning to his book. A little embarrassed about being treated like a child, Nahida looked up at the Scribe only to receive a pointed look.
“I apologize, Nahida, but Kaveh insists on having precisely 2/3rds of the couch to himself to ensure maximum artistic potential as he calls it.”
“It’s a real thing, Haitham! This position allows me to draw on a slanted surface making my proportioning more accurate compared to drawing on a flat surface which warps the view-” and just like that, Kaveh was rambling on with Alhaitham listening closely. Kaveh wouldn’t be able to tell but Alhaitham didn’t turn a single page of his novel the entire time.
Sitting on the Scribe’s lap turned out to be more comfortable than she imagined. She could feel her eyes slipping closed as she struggled to stay awake. Distantly, she felt gloved hands smooth her hair back and the feeling of being lifted and planted somewhere else.
Nahida did not dream of the Sages who imprisoned her that night. Rather, she dreamed of spending a day with her saviors, creating flower crowns and riding around on someone’s shoulders.
***
Upon waking up the following morning, Nahida realized that the smell of mildew did not invade her senses as it usually did. She opened her eyes to be met with a quaint scene of a desk and bookshelf embellished in golden sunlight. The desk was littered with blueprints but an obvious attempt at organization was made.
She stood up rubbing her eyes and gazed at the bed she was sleeping in. Some of the finest Liyuean silk met her fingers when she went to touch them. The room itself, although small and bare, also held a sense of elegance and style.
Eager to find her hosts as she’d definitely overstepped her boundaries by spending the night there, Nahida exited the bedroom.
She saw Alhatiham was sat with a cup of coffee on the couch with Kaveh beside him. The Architect was leaning sleepily on his shoulder as Alhaitham sipped from his cup. Kaveh’s hands were reaching far and wide as he told Alhaitham a story to which the Scribe just nodded along, giving his input on occasion.
The scene was so domestic that Nahida didn’t want to interrupt but it wasn’t long till Alhaitham sensed her presence, greeting her as she walked over to them.
“Good morning, Nahida. Did you sleep well?” Nahida nodded before looking down at the floor in shame.
“I seem to have overstayed my welcome and I apologize for that. I didn’t think I’d fall asleep so easily. I usually have a lot of trouble-” she cut herself off upon realizing she was oversharing. She coughed as she slowly made her way to the entrance, prepared to leave.
“Um, wait! Lord Kusanali?” Kaveh reached a hand out toward her as he spoke. “How would you like to stay for breakfast? Haitham and I were just about to eat.” Nahida shook her head.
“I couldn’t possibly stay any longer. I’ve already troubled the two of you enough.”
“You were no trouble at all! In fact, I enjoyed your company. It was nice to have someone to converse with other than this stoic Junior of mine.”
“I don’t think-”
Alhaitham shut his book. The loud snap of its pages brought her attention to him. “As predicted, the ending was sufficient.” Nahida half-expected Kaveh to go off on a rant again but the blonde wasn’t apparently a morning person. He sleepily rubbed his eyes as he cuddled back into Alhaitham’s shoulder again.
“So, they lived happily ever after?” Nahida questioned. Alhaitham nodded as he stood up. Kaveh grumbled but followed along, tugging Alhaitham’s cloak as they both made their way over to Nahida.
“They did though I can’t help but feel something is missing from the story.”
“Oh?” she questioned “And what would that be?” Alhaitham gave it some thought as he carefully took her small hand into his and led her into the kitchen. He helped her sit at the table beside Kaveh who looked like he was about to topple over from fatigue.
“They’re a happy couple at the end but then what? Shouldn’t readers receive some form of assurance so they know their relationship proceeded past what was written?” The question stumped Nahida for a second as she resurrected the memories of the light novel.
“Haitham, that’s what you call open-ended so readers can imagine for themselves what happened. It's a creative way to inspire others to write their own stories.”
“Oh? Then what sort of ending did you conjure up for the Scholar and Prince?” he asked. Kaveh accepted the plate of waffles Alhaitham handed to him.
“I like to imagine they continued to work together to resolve the problems their countries were facing.” He turned to Nahida. “What about you, Lord Kusanali?”
“Just Nahida is fine and I always thought they’d spend their days alongside their friends and the little girl whom the Prince found his ambition to protect. If you think about the events of the story, she was a main factor in the development of the plot. The Prince wouldn’t have gone to such lengths if not for her.” She turned to Alhaitham who had sat down after serving up the remaining two dishes.
“I’d like to think the Prince and Scholar started a small family of their own, similar to how their friends adopted the little girl. Wouldn’t you agree, Kaveh?”
The Architect choked on his waffle before downing it with his mug of coffee.
Nahida couldn’t quite tell but there was something different about the two. They hadn’t argued once that morning. At the very least, she thought Kaveh would fuss over Alhaitham’s decision to let her stay there since she’d taken up his room. Upon realizing she’d stolen away Kaveh’s bed for the night, she gasped.
“Oh, I just realized I’d taken up your residence, Sir Kaveh. It must’ve been such a rough night for you!”
Kaveh went red for a moment before he stuffed his face with a mouthful of waffles. Alhaitham chuckled as he tore a piece off his own.
“Don’t worry, Nahida, Kaveh had a very comfortable night of rest. We enjoyed having you over so don’t feel as if you’ve burdened us somehow.”
“Where did Kaveh sleep? Your house seems to only have two bedrooms unless…he slept in your bed? But then where did you sleep, Alhaitham?”
“ON THE COUCH!” Kaveh yelled. “HE SLEPT ON THE COUCH!” Kaveh quickly stood up from his seat with an empty plate. Alhaitham merely shrugged as he dragged Nahida’s plate over to cut into her waffles.
“Oh, I can do that myself, Alhaitham.” He didn’t respond and continued before giving the plate back with perfectly cut, bite-sized portions. “Thank you.”