[CAMARAX KINGDOM – CASTLE CAMARAX]
"My King…I bring dire news. Two days ago, a small village on our border was burnt to the ground. There were no survivors." Elencia said solemnly as she delivered the report to the king.
An eerie silence overtook the great hall as the council of five advisors remained silent. Although the council had their own meeting chamber deep within the castle, they preferred to spend their time meeting in the throne room…perhaps as a reminder to the young King of their vital importance with their incessant ramblings.
The council was an odd contradiction of old bones and worn bodies…but their eyes remained sharp and alert. They had advised prior sovereigns for centuries and were thus regarded as priceless living relics of the nation's past.
"My King, the council has determined that this is an act of war. We should respond with force. Drive back those invaders!" The Chief Councilor Thornell said with force.
"My King…if I may," the young woman said respectfully.
"Speak freely, Princess Elencia." The King said with a honest smile. He was indeed a young King…by appearances he was roughly 30 years of age. The crown had been passed to him as a result of an untimely death of his father. With only a few decades of experience in statecraft, the crown felt heavy on his shoulders…made heavier by the constant evaluation from the council.
"Our scouts have observed these invaders for months now…we believe their goal is not conquest, rather they seek materials…mana crystals to be precise." The Princess said with conviction.
"They are after what all men seek. Power. Pure and simple." The Chief Councilor said with force as he objected to Princess Elencia's observation.
"Mana crystals? If that is what they are after, then we will know the truth soon enough. Perhaps we can reach a peaceful agreement. Please send a messenger…we wish to discuss terms with the invaders." King Isandor commanded to the council.
"Yes, my King. I that is your wish, we will handle this matter." Tornell, the Chief Councilor, said as they rose from their chairs and bowed in deep respect to their King.
[THE ROSE DINER]
"Oh…a party of four tonight? Who is your friend?" The hostess at the Rose asked seeing the usual gang with an additional person. Her eyes roamed up and down in appreciation of the muscular young man standing in front of her.
"This is Hector…he will be joining us from now on." Arthos answered politely.
"Oh? That's great…we look forward to seeing YOU more often," the hostess said in a flirtatious voice as she confidently turned in a dance-like move and led the party to their usual table.
"My name is Lila by the way…if you need anything…anything at all just let me know. The iced tea is great. I can sweeten it up for you, if you like." Lila said as she winked at Hector.
The diner staff had grown used to seeing the trio…they quickly became "regulars" and came in for dinner at least a few times a week.
"I'm pretty sure she was flirting with you." Kristan said to Hector.
"Oh…that? I don't think so…it's her job to be nice to customers." Hector replied dryly.
"Boys can be so clueless…THAT was flirting. The way she looked at you and the way her voice changed…you can't fake that…she is into you." Kristan said with authority.
"What else do girls do when they are interested in someone?" Wain asked nervously.
A devious smile appeared on Kristan's face. Truthfully, she really enjoyed taunting and teasing Wain…there was just something irresistible about his innocence and naivety that made things even funnier.
"Well…if a girl is interested in a boy, and the boy doesn't make the first move…then the girl will invite him to dinner, alone. She will take her time and get dolled up in a tight little black dress…" She slowly and softly traced a seductive outline with her hands around her curves as she spoke.
"Then…after dinner they…" Kristan said playfully as she deliberately paused for a long while holding the suspense as long as possible.
"They what?" Wain asked anxiously…like a fly caught in a spiderweb unable to move.
"They eat them!" Kristan replied as she burst into laughter.
The guys laughed too enjoying the lively banter…poor Wain was way out of his league.
[…]
After dinner, the group said goodnight to Hector, who lived in a rented apartment a few blocks away from the orphanage. The group took the same route back to the orphanage and every time they made sure to stop by the corner where the blind boy sat.
"Hello again…it's us. We brought you dinner…here. It's grilled pork…pretty good tonight. We also brought you a jacket…the weather will turn cold soon." Arthos said as he handed a warm plate and a jacket to the blind boy.
As usual, the boy's only response was "thank you."