My Appreciation, For You || Ruith

[ April ] 

The village's markets were busily spirited with joyful noise and conversation. Exuberant steps slapped across the stone streets, and the noise synchronized with the bells of hanging decorations swaying in the pleasant breeze. 

Early afternoon, it was, and when many gathered in Aster, the village closest to the castle, to trade goods with others as the street markets opened. This had always been something I looked forward to. At the markets, I could acquire souvenirs from the neighboring provinces I wished to explore one day. Blue crystals from the frozen-over Glacier Province or delicately crafted horns from the bountiful Rust Province, rumored to play a tune so beautiful that the orange-colored leaves danced. 

I yearned to explore more of this world—to go further than where my eyes met the horizon. Taegen had taught me about the delights of the other three provinces in the world of Ophinem. 

The sun offered warmth most hours of the day in the Daylight Province. Wearing the sun's glitter, the grass danced beneath it with gratitude. The environment was dry, but the sun performed many wonders for the people beneath. It became a remedy for the sick, unhappy, and unfortunate. 

Snow was native only to the Glacier Province. Fortresses were built from wood and stone, able to withstand turbulent winds. All that existed was covered in a hat of white that hardened during nightfall when the temperatures plummeted. It seemed uninhabitable, but that was far from true. For the snow provided protection from enemies, water to bathe and drink, activities for the children, and a sight to see for those with developing eyes. To mold the snow, manipulate it, and create from it had become the way of life for the people in the North.

In the East existed the Rust Province. The weather's rust created beautiful, rotting trees. Crisp leaves littered the ground with colors resembling extravagant metals and greens. The sun's rays in the East were placid and comfortable, like a warm hand pressed against one's cheek. The weather cared for its people, gave them rich colors to view, and tall hills to race across. In the breeze whispered serenity. 

Separated by miles of land, the provinces were, but united by God, as elves bowed and worshipped Him, grateful for the land, thankful for the sun, for their families, and for their magic. Because it existed the belief that without God, elves would not have been created, and their lives abundant. 

I fervently wished to travel between the provinces and experience the joys of every environment. But there would always be bounds for the prince—soon to be king. My father had ruled that I was not to stray from my own nation. I could not escape my responsibilities. I could not escape him.

However, I didn't worry about this now. Nor could I enjoy the markets this perfect afternoon and yearn to explore. Only the thought of the human occupied my mind.

A slope ran through the village, with large stone stairs that provided direction. I descended them.

Taegen caught my shoulder and gently squeezed. "We should eat first," he suggested with a charming smile. 

My frown disagreed. "There will be a meal when we return. I want to go to the foreign stalls before everything has been traded out."

With flickering eyes, Taegen gestured to a nearby stall on the side of the wide street, where a small man stared excitedly at me. A deeper frown curved my lips. I observed Taegen, partly bothered to witness the discreet amusement behind his smile.

"He seems excited to serve you. Let's not keep him waiting," he sweetly said, and he waited much too patiently for my reluctant feet to move. 

"Your Great Highness!" The man beamed as I stepped under the tent of his stall. The dark material provided pleasant shade from the gentle sun.

Eagerness creased around the man's eyes as he provided my hand two sticks of candied grapes. "This batch was just made, Your Highness. I hope they're worthy of your opinion."

I inspected the grapes and the sugar glaze encasing them. They would be terribly sweet, but I could not insult the man who'd worked hard on them. So, with a whisper of a forced smile, I took the first grape into my mouth. Fortunately, the green grapes were sour beneath the sugar, making the sweetness a hint more bearable. As I took another bite of the treat, I thought back to the candy bar Simon had given me. I'd finished it secretly that night, curled in my bed with a smile. 

What I'd do to have another one of those now. If it meant Simon would give it to me, I'd eat enough until I was nauseous. My desperation to see him again almost frightened me. I banished the distracted thoughts and focused on the man before me as he radiated pure excitement. 

Eventually, I swallowed my last grape. "That was delicious. Thank you."

"You spilled syrup onto your clothing, Your Highness!" the man grieved. With a napkin, he reached across the table to groom me. 

Taegen lifted a hand, putting a stop to it before it'd even begun. And I understood what my guardian's gesture told me. I accepted the man's napkin with a gratuitous bow and cleaned myself. That earned me an amazed smile as he witnessed how I helped myself as if the title of prince defaulted me as spoiled. 

Brimming with vigor, the man gestured around his shop. "Please take a hundred more. I would love to cater these to the castle!"

"Um…" I sought Taegen's assistance, and he chuckled beside me.

"Let us walk around and think about it," he offered. Then he pulled the other candied stick from my hand and winked at the man. 

On the village streets, the same occurred. Stall owners called me over to spoil me with treats and food. To be kind, I ate everything I was offered, so long as it didn't contain meat. Many also had gifts prepared for me and clothing that proved too large, but my lithe frame would hopefully grow into. The village people adorned me with hair pieces and sparkling bangles. 

I was not surprised by this. It was every time I came into town, the village people would praise me, offer me too many gifts to hold, and make conversation. For this reason, I only visited the village when Taegen accompanied me. I was not well-spoken. And I was intimidated by so many desiring to kneel before me when I was just a person like them. 

When the foreign stalls came into view, my arms were sore from tight jewelry, my stomach full, and my shoulders aching from holding satchels that carried various things. Heavy things. With an amused air, Taegen had let me carry it all. Everyone's gazes had fixed on me as I walked with the luggage, and they'd offered to hold my things. Taegen had only sent them away, so I'd smiled at them all, explaining that I could carry my own things. 

Eventually, once the lesson was learned, Taegen freed me of the labor so I could breathe again.

As I'd predicted, the foreign stalls were scarce because we'd taken too long to reach them. Mild annoyance rooted in me. My sole reason for having Taegen bring me to the markets proved fruitless. I sighed downheartedly, and my shoulders sank. But then I looked at everything Taegen carried for me and remembered the kindness of everyone I had encountered. An acquiescent smile graced my lips.

Today had not been a complete waste as I appreciated the many interactions I'd had. I could return home to rest now. My body was sore from my training this morning. 

We returned to the castle, and the readied servants relieved Taegen of my belongings. 

"How was your afternoon at the market, Your Highness?" a female servant asked me kindly.

I smiled small. "It was nice, thank you."

She bowed with a genuine smile. "A bath has been prepared for you. Please make your way to your bathroom."

I bowed my head as well, showing my gratitude. "Thank you."

I strolled down the halls of my home until I reached my private bathroom. Pushing the tall doors open had a breeze of rose fragrant air caressing me. I glided across dazzling green tiles, walking a distance to reach the white stone platform in the center of the room. There, a tub filled with steaming water and bubbles awaited me. 

Taegen followed me up the steps with a stool in hand. With it, he sat behind the bathtub, a welcoming expression to him as he waited for me. A snowflake of peace shivered up my skin. With Taegen here, the remaining servants exited the bathroom to give us privacy. I exhaled my relief and inhaled glee.

And my cheeks warmed to a degree I knew was noticeable. But I hid my joy from my guardian because I was mildly upset with him.

I stripped my clothing and stepped into the bath. The hot water instantly relieved my muscles from the pent-up soreness they'd earned this morning. I sighed, the most content.

For a few long moments, Taegen exuded silence, allowing me to relax. Slowly, he undid my braids. His hand came into my bathwater, cupped it, and bathed my hair with it. The water dripped onto my face and bare chest. And my heart swelled when Taegen lathered soap in my hair and massaged my scalp. 

In the Meadow Province, it was law that unbonded elves were to wear their hair in braids until they found a mate. Our hair pattern was usually concealed, even from family. However, I didn't hide myself from Taegen despite what was conventional. Although I never asked for it, I secretly yearned for the free moments he had to wash my hair. I craved the love he poured unto me by grooming me. 

I had memories blossoming over the years of Taegen washing mine and Elion's hair. And whenever he had, I felt loved. So vulnerably and sappily loved. 

"We had a lot of fun today," Taegen said as he combed through the ends of my hair with his fingers. "Was there a particular moment you enjoyed the most?"

I rolled my eyes, although he could not see it. "You knew the village people would crowd me, yet you did not allow me to go to the foreign stalls first as I wanted."

"Oh? Did I happen to get in your way?"

"Don't pretend not to know," I fired, bringing my knees to my chest.

Taegen chuckled deeply, and it was a lovely sound. "Hm, alright. It had been a while since the village people saw you. Could you tell how eager they all were when you arrived?"

"It isn't like I've done anything for them."

"But you have, lovely." Taegen's voice played an adoring note. "Relationships are just as important to people as shelter and food. Elves need intimacy—connections and love with others to survive. What you've proven today and every time you visit the village is that you acknowledge their needs."

I looked over my shoulder, curious about Taegen's response. He smiled at me and continued.

"There are village people who have only themselves, yet you spoke to them all. You smiled and filled your belly with their food. You bowed before them with gratitude. To someone who has no one, you've become their reason to live. You've become their connection."

My eyes widened. "I did all of that?"

"You did," Taegen said proudly. "The people adore you and the kind of prince you've become. Your father wishes to make a sloth out of you—a prince who knows manners to only him. All he cares about is your ability to wield magic and obey him. But I've raised you with etiquette. You can hold your own things, clean your own messes, and serve your own dishes. You don't discriminate between who has more and who has nothing at all. The village people are amazed to see such a polite prince." 

As I heard this, gratitude for my guardian consumed me. If he had not been around, it would have been my father to influence my character. I sank deeper into the water, no longer annoyed that I had missed the foreign stalls. 

I was somewhat glad to have been someone to another. The responsibility of being someone's connection frightened me, but with Taegen's help, I trusted I could become who the village people needed. 

When my bath was finished, I dressed quickly and braided my hair. My father wasn't present at our evening meal, and I was glad to eat alone with Taegen. Despite his earlier lecture about me being able to care for myself, he still served me. I had not an appetite, but when he piled steamed vegetables and heapings of rice onto my plate, I ate until I was full. If not for Taegen taking care of me, I would not have eaten at all.

He spoiled me, and I knew this well.

In my bedroom, I changed into a satin nightgown. However, before I could blow out my room candles and get comfortable in bed, I noticed a gift box on my blanket. I watched the door as Taegen stepped into the room.

"What is this?" I asked, inspecting it in my hand.

Taegen smiled fondly. "Open it, and we'll see together."

"Is it from you?"

"It is."

Eagerly, I sat on my bed and pulled the blue ribbon from the box. Once I opened it, amazement stole my next breath. I picked up the large, marbled stone native to the Rust Province. The crevices were crammed with rust and gold flakes, making the exterior appear reflective and glittering. I cast my magic around it and witnessed the dazzling allure. My eyes shook with emotion, with genuine glee. Carefully, I returned the palm-sized stone to the box and wiped my eyes. Too easily emotional, I was.

Taegen considered my reaction with a growing smile. "I know you yearn to explore but cannot due to your responsibilities here. So, I hope this token of the Rust Province can give you a small vision of what the land is like."

I could not stop the tears that my eyes drained freely. I wiped them, embarrassed.

"If I didn't know you, lovely, crying after receiving my gift would give me the wrong impression," Taegen mused.

"I'm sorry," I choked. 

Taegen was always so considerate of me, always so loving. He disciplined me, took care of me, and performed adoring gestures. Guilt gnawed at me for having considered life wasn't worth living once Elion had passed. How could I have been so unappreciative of my beloved guardian?

"Don't be sorry." Taegen approached and touched my head. "You've always been a crybaby. My crybaby Ruith—"

"No, not about that." I wiped my eyes a final time and mustered the courage to lift my gaze. "Taegen…I don't always know the right words to say. Like a child, I still cry when I can't express myself. But right now, I know exactly how I'm feeling."

Taegen's lips parted in quiet surprise. His eyes danced over me before latching onto my gaze.

"I love you, Taegen. And I'm sorry I…" I felt more tears, "…that I don't acknowledge all you do for me. I'm truly grateful."

Taegen regarded my confession with silence, truly astonished by me. Then, his cheeks warmed a jewel-pink color. And he laughed. He laughed loudly and harmoniously, and that was enough to startle my tears to a stop. 

"My, where is this coming from? Why do you believe you can't speak well when you confess to me like this?" He laughed some more, and my own cheeks warmed. Eventually, his amusement simmered. Taegen touched the familiar spot on my head and looked deep into my eyes. "In your own way, you've always shown your appreciation for me, Ruith. But thank you for voicing it. I truly feel special to you."

I closed my arms around him, muttering the three words from earlier as I was overcome with affection. "I know things have been different since Elion died…but I'm so grateful I still have you."

Taegen brought me closer to him, held me as a father would, and loved me as a father did. "My darling Ruith, Elion will always be with us. And you two will always be more special to me than you'll ever know…"

"…no one can ever love you two more than I do."