Grand Epic Elemental

Chapter 1: Ishkhandar

"Welcome, weary travelers!" he said. "Your journey was long and arduous. Please make yourselves at home and join us later for our banquet!"

"Many thanks, Your Majesty!" the merchants and Leiyu replied.

With his head still downward, Leiyu turned his eyes towards the two people flanking the king. To the left of the king was a man who appeared to be in his late thirties. He had long dark brown hair tied in the back and covered at the top with an ornate square doppi. He also wore an embroidered chapan, although his was not as ornate as the king's.

The one to the right of the king caught Leiyu's attention. This person dressed similarly to the king, albeit in lighter hues, and had long silky auburn hair piled up into a half bun held together by a flame-shaped golden ornament. The hair ornament, forehead jewelry, earrings, and necklace were all adorned with rubies. On the face were two peach blossom eyes with amber irises, a delicate nose, and softly curved lips.

Who is this? Leiyu thought. The queen? No, she looks closer to my age. The princess perhaps?

He was intrigued, to say the least.

***

If the palace interiors did not already impress Leiyu, the banquet certainly did.

There were plates of palov piled high with rice, meat, carrots, and onions, steaming bowls of laghman filled with hand-pulled noodles and spices, stacks of flatbread, and platters with kebabs, dumplings, and fresh fruit.

Leiyu opted for the samsa since it was easy to hold. He bit into the flaky crust and savored the flavorful mutton filling. Before taking another bite, he spotted a lone figure with auburn tresses sitting at a corner table, sipping from a golden goblet, lost in thought.

The princess? he thought.

The lone figure glanced in his direction. He averted his eyes and turned his attention back to the half-eaten samsa.

***

The evening air was cool as Leiyu strolled through the palace gardens. Fragrant flower petals were strewn about and streams of water meandered throughout the grounds. He started walking onto a gently arched bridge.

Coming from the other side of the bridge was a familiar figure with flowing auburn hair and lilac-colored robes, flanked by two palace guards.

He knelt. "My lady..."

The auburn-tressed figure gasped and started to laugh softly.

Leiyu looked up. Did he say something wrong?

With laughter like gentle music, the figure grinned.

"I am...Prince Thallios!"

***

King Xenon was walking down the corridor when the man with the square doppi caught up with him.

"Your Majesty, did you not attend the banquet?"

"I do not care much for these things anymore. It is for the others. The palace is only open to the public during this time of the year."

"I saw His Highness the Crown Prince there, although I am not sure how long he stayed. Actually, I am surprised he joined us earlier. It has been a while since you two spoke."

The king sighed. "I encountered him in the courtyard and told him he should come to greet our visitors."

"That was surprising as well, Your Majesty. We do not normally give merchants such formal greetings in the throne room."