Duvainor, having taken Eldryssa where she had been lodging, made his way to the home that his family had provided. His family. Compared to the time he had spent with Eldryssa, going back to the house was as if going back to a completely different reality. Yes, he told her at the end of their time of his standing as a noble. To his surprise and relief, she still accepted him for who he was, not what he was. Of course, he was careful not to make any advances that seemed too personal as she had told him of the times where there were men that had made such advances. He had thought that if he were to have been any other typical noble, he would not have had any hesitation in doing such things as well. Quite frankly, he was glad that he wasn’t.
He moved his hand to undo the part ponytail that was done before the time with Eldryssa. Yes, he was thankful that Taethorn had assisted him in picking out his outfit but with his hair as well as the flower and horse for the ride to the festival, it had seemed…a bit too much in the young lord’s opinion. Eldryssa enjoyed them nonetheless, resulting him to be relieved. He watched as one of the maids approach him as soon as he stepped into the house.
“Welcome home, young lord,” said the maid, giving a curtsy. “Did the courtship go well?”
“It was not like that,” replied Duvainor, rolling his eyes though his cheeks tinted pink. “It was just an outing with a friend, is all. Anyways, where’s Taethorn?”
“He had gone to sleep not too long after you have left,” answered the maid. “Shall I go wake him for you?”
“No,” answered Duvainor. “That’s not necessary.”
Taethorn, to Duvainor’s knowledge, had been working hard as a servant to ensure Duvainor’s well-being and the ability to work as a noble’s son. He had been doing that for as long as Duvainor could remember. Upon being in Bree-land and his decision to stand on equal grounds with those around him outside of the house, the young lord came to more of a realization that Taethorn was like a close friend to him. Duvainor wanted to talk to him about it but every time he tried to, Taethorn would get preoccupied with other matters. Still… Taethorn deserved the rest at least.
“I’m retiring for the night…,” said Duvainor.
“Do sleep well, young lord,” said the maid. “Oh. And remember that you have a meeting with the mayor tomorrow. Seeing how it is spring now, he would like to know how you are faring in this land.”
Duvainor only replied with a nod before walking to his room without waiting for another curtsy. This life that he was born in was a cruel awakening after spending time with Eldryssa. All he could do as the only child was to endure it and do what he had to do. This was his life after all. He only wished that he could see her again.
