CHAPTER 07:CLASH OF WITS

The sun hung low in the sky casting shadows across the courtyard of the royal palace as Lawrence and Leong sat down on a bench deep in conversation it been several days

Since they're unexpected encounter in the forest and the tension between them had simmered beneath the surface waiting for slightly provocation.

"So leong" Lawrence started His tone casual but tinged with curiosity "tell me more about your life in forest. What is like living with a bunch of tree-dwelling hermits?"

Leong chuckled his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah. Yes the hermits of syrena. They're lively bunch always up to something exciting whether its brewing potions or communing with woodland spirits.

Lawrence raised an eyebrow his sarcasm dripping like honey . Sounds positively enchanting. I'll have to schedule a visit sometime. Perhaps I'll bring some picnic basket and some fairy dust.

Leong laughed his smile widening "oh I'm sure they'd love that.just make sure to watch out for mischievous spirits, they've tendency to steal snacks.

The playful banter continued, each jibe and jest escalating in intensity as Lawrence and Leong sparred words. But beneath the surface there lingered undercurrent of tension a silent acknowledgment of truth that lay between them.

As conversation turned to more serious matters, Lawrence sarcastic nature collided with Leong light-hearted humor igniting a spark that threatened to engulf them.

"You know Leong" Lawrence said his tone tinged with frustration"not everything in life is a joke.sometimes you've to take things seriously, for instance responsibilities.

Leong smile fell replaced by defensiveness"and what would you know about responsibilities Lawrence? you've spent your whole life in luxury, shielded from the hardship of the world".

Lawrence bristled from accusations,his temper flaring" luxury or not I'd my share of challenges unlike you,I didn't have luxury of flolicking the forest while the rest of the world moved on without me".

Leong eyes flashed with anger his playful demeanor giving way to his raw emotions " Don't you dare judge me , Lawrence. You don't know anything about what I've been through, what I'd to endure.

Their voices rose echoing the stone walls of the courtyard as their argument escalated each word was like a dagger slicing through the fragile bond that had began to form between them.

As the argument reached its climax Lawrence and Leong stood face to face their chests heaving with emotions. The air cracked with tension the weight of their words hanging between them.

And then in a moment of clarity, Lawrence's anger softened replaced by a pang of remorse.he saw in Leong eyes pain and loneliness mirroring his own, the scar of life marked by hardship and loss .

"Sorry" Lawrence said his voice barely a whisper."I didn't mean..."

Leong held up a hand cutting him off " no Lawrence. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I let my pride get the best of me, and I said things I didn't mean".

They stood in silence for a moment.then slowly tentatively Lawrence reached out and hugged his brother

"Truce?" He asked his voice soft with sincerity

Leong stayed silent for a moment then hugged back his brother tightly "truce".

As they hugged the tension between melted away, replaced by newfound understanding and respect. They may have crashed in their words but in their hearts, they both knew they were more alike than they cared to admit.

As they walked back into the palace, Lawrence and Leong shared a glance, a silent promise to put aside to put aside their differences and face the challenges ahead as Allies not adversaries.

For in each other they found a kindred spirit, a brother bound by blood and forged in fire

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