|| Chapter 18 || Faerim City

The snow will help you find what you seek...

Within the thin delicate flakes of ice, there us meaning...

Dare not deny it...

Dare not betray it...

...

Moulin... wake up...

The blindingly glaring sunlight reflected on moist silver pupils as the eyes blinked, rows of long thick eyelashes fluttered provocatively. An uncomfortable tug pained the youth's head, realizing he had slept without letting his hair down.

Moulin released a throaty groan as he turned over on his right, the sound of the shuffling blankets loudly heard inside the room. As if the morning was mercilessly denying his want of sleep, Moulin could undeniably feel the warm light of day resting on his back. With another groan, he reluctantly pulled himself up from his back and unconsciously rubbed his eyes. While doing so, soft footsteps neared him and a hand lightly fixed his disheveled appearance Moulin was completely oblivious about.

"Good morning, third young master. The sun is currently high up in the sky. It's time to freshen up" A familiar modulated voice calmly spoke to him. Pola pulled the yawning young master carefully off the bed and led him to the washroom. She exited after leaving the young master to wash just like every normal day.

A few minutes after washing up, Moulin was staring at his reflection on the silver-bordered mirror longer than he originally does every morning. His mind finally exploded with inquisitiveness about the child-like voice speaking to him in every dreamless slumber. Like an itch he can never scratch. He was dying to know but there was never a hint that could help him. A child who is infinitely knowledgable about Ice ability wielding?

"Young master?..." A faintly concerned voice called behind the wooden door of the bathroom. "I have prepared your breakfast..."

"I'll be out in a second" Moulin responded.

In time, he will be able to find out every secret.

He wore the clothes prepared by Pola and ambled out of the door with smooth footsteps. A line appeared between his brows as he scrutinized the room he had occupied. It seems he was once again transferred to another room while he was sleeping and he had thought Emlen was particularly different from his elder brother, turns out he isn't. These brothers of his really have the knack of becoming kidnappers.

A couple of knocks sounded from behind the Dark wooden door while Moulin finished his breakfast with a full stomach. The white-headed young man was too satisfied with his meal, distracted with himself as the door opened with a creak.

"You're up? Good "

The second young master stepped inside the room with Snow trailing behind him. Once the little fox saw Moulin, he hastened to hop on his master's lap and cheerily made himself comfortable. Emlen had fed Moulin's precious little fox as soon as Snow woke up. The fox was quite cooperative with him like a tamed pet which surprised Emlen. His little brother's pet was quite intelligent!

"You woke up quite late which was very unusual since you always woke up before dawn. Perhaps you were really tired yesterday..." He neared Moulin and stroked his little brother's smooth hair, tenderly. He did recall Moulin had slept early last night maybe his reading made him drowsy.

"I think so..." Moulin uttered, remembering the voice who called him out yesterday. He wasn't certain if it was the childlike voice in his sleep for it was deep and low which he had mistaken for Emlen's voice.

Emlen brought him back from his thoughts when he patted Moulin's shoulder. "It's pretty lively outside do you want to stroll around? The City is preparing for the midnight festival for tomorrow's Moonflower blooming. We can buy a few things you might like" Emlen was acting his usual more-doting-than-Maxille behavior. He wanted to let Moulin realize that this second brother is more awesome than that eldest brother of his. A giant grin etched his handsome face, full of victorious pride.

Moulin's eyes sparkled as he gave out a radiant smile. He originally wanted to stay and read more of his books but touring the Mystical City of Fearim sounds more exciting. He nodded in response truly enthusiastic about his day today.

With a laugh, Emlen patted Moulin's head. His little brother is incredibly adorable!

"However, Fearim is a big city filled with many terrible people. A beauty like you will most likely be an excellent target so I want you to cover your hair and stick close to me at all times. Big brother will protect you"

"But I can protect my self..."

"Haha, of course, you can but it's better to not take any chances. The last thing I want is for you to disappear again" Emlen flashed a smile but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. Moulin was his precious little brother and he will not let him out of his sight. A small light flashed beneath the cuffs of his right hand where a small bracelet was fastened.

The youth's silver eyes blinked aware of the flash of worries he had seen through his brother's magnetic grey eyes. With a small nod, smiled heartily at Emlen "If that is what big brother wants, I will gladly do so".

His smile was like a warm fire immediately thawing away the worries in Emlen's heart. He was resisting the urge to wrap his big arms around Moulin and hug him right, never letting go. Clearing his throat, the second young master told his younger brother to get himself ready, completely unaware of the redness of his ears. Pola lowered her head, hiding her pleased face. Yes, no one can resist her young master.

Unfortunately for the personal servant, she was left in the room to finish unpacking and preparing Moulin's clothes for the gathering. She needs to make her young master extraordinarily stunning to the point of madness! And then every one will be a slave to his beauty.

Exiting the big inn where they had stayed, Moulin widened his eyes at every place he would set his eyes on. A red scarf hooded his face, concealing his white hair and brilliant eyes.

The streets were crowded with countless people moving in every direction. His eyes beamed at an elegant male elf holding the hand of an elven child as they walked right passed him and a woman with furry cat-like ears, her tail swayed as she walked. His eyes watched many people from different races walk past him as they went on with their day. The smell of various delicacies, expensive perfume, exotic flowers, and many more from numerous stalls was quite stimulating. The people must have gathered here for the festival.

Moulin was already trying to adapt to the countless surprises Corahn had pushed in front of him but he still could not help but be astonished. This world is really majestic...

Even though he hadn't seen even half of Corahn but he was still awfully fascinated. Snow snuggled closer in Moulin's arms as he watched his master's curious eyes as Moulin looked around eagerly.

"Moulin, don't stray from me, alright?" Emlen pulled Moulin by his side as he gestured at two guards to follow them. It wasn't this crowded before he went up to check on Moulin. He cursed internally at the number of people trying to make their way through. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to take Moulin out today but the expectant look in his brother's eyes was like a hammer pounding his regrets into dust.

The group walked through the gaps of the sea of people, frequently stopping every time Moulin finds something he finds delightful. The third young master dashed from one store to another, sometimes buying and sometimes not. Shoes clicked on the stony streets as a red scarf-covered boy curiously gazes at a row of beautifully crafted trinkets. The gems were exquisite.

Half an hour later, Moulin spotted a big sculpture fountain as their group arrived at the town square. A beautiful woman with long wavy hair reaching down at her ankles held a giant vase where the fountain water poured out. Gold bracelets hanged from her wrists and ankles and a small diamond-shaped crystal was embedded between her brows. It glowed a bright bluish light that did not lose to the light of day.

"Moulin, Do you want to eat something?" Emlen asked his guarded posture almost made him look like Moulin's guards.

"Sugar Lotus! Honeyed Leaf bread! and a bottle of Stifola juice!" He answered almost immediately, eyes bright and full of life. "Hurry, brother! I'll wait here at the fountain". Snow also yipped in agreement.

" Alright, alright..." Emlen nodded. He left after ordering the guards never to let Moulin out of their sight. The two men shuddered at Emlen's deep soul choking gaze as they watched over Moulin as if their life depended on it.

Silver eyes full of curiosity, examined every bit of the sculpture's body, admiring its magnificence. She was like a goddess, filled with vigorous strength, enough to topple down countries.

"Beautiful isn't she?..."

A fruity voice spoke out of the blue.

Moulin glanced at his left to see a tall man with mahogany hair, visibly uncombed. Glacial blue eyes, pointy nose, and a wolfish face. He looked quite young to be a flesh trader but most faces hide their demons and Moulin would never make a scene within a bustling crowd.

Moulin raised a hand to ease the guarded looks of the knights behind him. The man noticed his movements and nodded to him.

"I reckon the young master does not seem to recognize her?..." He began.

With a shake of his head, Moulin answered "I don't..."

"Nithialauna, Goddess of Protection, people say if your tears fall on the waters of this fountain she will grant you eternal protection" His eye flickered with interest as he stared at the gem on her forehead. "The crystal protects this city from harm and repels demonic kind. Of course, these were just the sayings from old people".

"You seem to believe it..."

The man paused "I do...". Lowering his head he gazed at the waters, bending the sunlight shimmering within. "However, that was a long time ago. Presently, I think this city is filled with walking demons".

Moulin's eyebrows rose. He was confused with this man's sense of speaking, he spoke as if he had lived a world of lies.

"..." Moulin turned away making the decision of ignoring the negative man beside him. He didn't want to involve himself with a man who is blind to see even a wee bit of joy around him.

His silver eyes silently gazed at a couple of children splashing fountain water on each other's faces, their merry laughter sounded like tweets of happiness. The children ran towards a woman which seems to be their mother, She scolded them but not forgetting to worriedly wipe their wet faces.

"Your views seem to be lacking... perhaps there could be one or two people with hearts as pure as the waters of this fountain. You never know..." Moulin smiled.

A sudden chuckle broke from the man's lips "That is quite unusual for a person who believes that most faces tend to hide their demons..."

The smile on Moulin's face froze. His head whipped towards the man only to see him walking away with a smirk on his face.

Did he fust read my thoughts?

As the man walked away, Moulin fixed his gaze at his back noticing the strange symbol sewn on the black leather tunic at his back. An intricate design of golden threads embellishing a dragon encircling a longsword piercing through the majestic sun. Sharp thorns surrounded the sword as if no man could be worthy enough to wield it.

One look and Moulin instantaneously knew this was a guild crest possibly belonging to the Azuran Imperial Academy. If his memory was accurate, he recalled that Lady Phaelona was an important figure within this particular academy. Unfortunately, he knew nothing about the school except for the fact that only ability using maeruthans can enter.

Realizing that he lost his sight of the man in the crowd, Moulin turned away decidedly pretending as if he had not spoken to anyone. That was a strange conversation...

"Moulin, did you wait long?" A breathy voice called out to him. Emlen was regretful of not ordering someone to buy the treats for his little brother.

"Brother, you are sweating heavily" Moulin took out a handkerchief and gently patted the drops of sweat on Emlen's moist forehead.

With a hearty laugh, the second young master relished the feeling of Moulin's concern for him. He watched his little brother jovially eating the food he had bought for him in big bites. Carefully leading Moulin to stroll through the street of stalls, Emlen led the group as they moved forward.

At the same point of time, heavy boots walked steadily through the crowd, tapping loudly on the rough stoned streets. Glacial blue eyes swept through the area and after an effort of looking, the man finally found two familiar people carelessly stopping by a stall selling a variety of colorful fruits.

The same man Moulin had conversed with smilingly walked over towards his friends. Fortunately, one of the pair caught sight of him.

"Rowan! You spawn of a Gnarl! You dare walk off like a ghost when you should've been keeping watch!" Varick, the red-head man, cursed at him while pointng out his index finger.

"Nice to see you too. How's your injury? Remind me if it's getting worst " Rowan slight bumped his fist on Varick's shoulder making the poor man grit his teeth.

"Shut up. The Lord is waiting for us back at headquarters. I don't even know if we can come back alive after we see him" A shudder crept up his spine as if the bells of death had rung. He clutched the bag of sugar lotuses as if it were his final food that he could eat.

"Where were you?..." A stoic man who was silently observing the area glanced at Rowan with eyes like chips of black ice. His raven hair cleaned and combed and his strict expression faced his irresponsible comrade.

"I was checking the town square for any sight of the Fraunces heir, however, I only found his brothers and he wasn't with them. I figured if we keep an eye on his siblings we might find him shortly " Rowan answered, earnestly. Fhorg, the man before him, was the best in bringing out the fear of every member of the guild. Even Rowan could not help but fulfill his job appropriately under the inspecting eyes of Fhorg.

Slightly nodding at his blue-eyed comrade for his slight competence, Fhorg led his team of three through the crowded streets of the city thin the intent of reporting back to the Guild Headquarters. By tomorrow, Noble children will be gathering inside the Midnight Garden of the Vernallia Family, they must find the young heir of the Fraunces Household as soon as possible.

Twitching and perking ears, A particular snow-white fox within Moulin's embrace glanced at somewhere sensing a foreboding presence at a place unknown to the little Mystic beast.