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The bell struck eight. 
Already the night had grown dark and cold but the inside of the Leveilleur estate was warm and inviting. As was tradition the family hosted a grand party, guests from all over the city gathered in the white marble halls to celebrate the festive period. In the great hall the children gathered among them the elder children of the hosts. Alisaie bounced annoyedly, forced into a dress she hated. Alphinaud chuckled beside her, he had often joked that Alisaie was more boy than she was girl. That statement was supported further when their parents' dearest friend Ser Montichaigne came to deliver their gifts. As a skilled toymaker, all the children in Sharlayan looked forward to the gifts he brought. 

Alisaie bounced onto the nearest chair unceremoniously tearing the paper from her gift. She gasped and squealed excitedly.
“Ishgardian tin soldiers!” She gasped looking up at Alphinaud. “What did you get brother?”
Alphinaud took the seat beside her and gently unwrapped his gift. Unlike his sister, Alphinaud’s fingers were gentle as he removed the wrapping. Impatiently Alisaie tugged the wrapper sending the whole box tumbling to the floor.
'Whoops!” She said sheepishly as Alphinaud  knelt down to lift the box.
‘Careful Alisaie!” He chastised her. “You could have bro-”
Alphinaud stopped his expression saddening as he heard the faint rattle of the box. He carefully lifted the lid to see his gift, his heart sank further as he beheld the beautiful figure inlaid into the box. A soldier, dressed in the fineries of the old Ala Mhigan regalia, his olive eyes shone beneath his crop of light blonde hair. As stunning as he was, Alphinaud sighed as he lifted the doll in two halves.
“You broke it sister…”
“I'm sorry.” Alisaie looked away embarrassed. “What even is it?”
“I don’t know..”

“He is an Ala Mhigan nutcracker.” A new voice cut over the siblings.
“Ser Montichaigne!” they chorused looking up to see the elder elezen standing above them.
“He's beautiful,” Alphinaud brushed his thumb over the intricate paintwork. “But his legs..”
“Not to worry, give him here.” Ser Montichaigne held out his hand for the pieces. Carefully Alphinaud passed the two halves to him, he felt a strange sense of loss once the toy was no longer in his hands. Ser Montichaigne pulled a small toolkit from his breast pocket and laid the nutcracker on the table next to them. After a few moments, he turned and held  the nutcracker in his hand once more.
“There we go.” He smiled, handing it back to Alphinaud. “Do be careful with him. The fixing where his legs slot in is cracked ever so slightly. I will come by after Starlight to  repair him fully for you. For now he will be okay if you are gentle with him.”
He gave Alisaie a look, subtle but warning her to also be gentle with the toy that was not hers. Alphinaud smiled and took him back inspecting him once more. He felt an odd connection to the toy, something about its eyes sparked curiosity, as if the small toy was more than it appeared.

Alphinaud had time to ponder the nutcracker as the party drew on, he watched as Alisaie lined up her soldiers in battle against their Mother’s famous gingerbread men, the battle was fierce and the Ishgardian tin men emerged victorious. People slowly began to leave, returning to their own homes before Starlight hours were upon them. Alphinaud and Alisaie were shepherded to bed by their parents, each bestowing them with a kiss to the forehead as they said their goodnights.

Alphinaud tried to sleep. 

He looked at the grand chronometer in his room: a quarter bell to midnight. His thoughts were drawn back to the nutcracker, standing proudly on the fireplace in the drawing room. It took only a moment for him to make the decision to get up. He slipped on his night shoes and house coat and quietly made his way back downstairs. The nutcracker was still on his perch above the dying fire, watching over the remnants of the gingerbread man and Ishgardians battle.

He carefully picked him up, ensuring to hold his legs securely. He could feel the slight wobble of the hinge as Ser Montichaigne had advised. He sat himself on the floor placing the nutcracker between the two opposing armies. Alphinaud thought he looked like a fine commander, regal even between them as if he would unite these armies in a great alliance against a common foe.

Lost in his fanciful thought, Alphinaud did not hear the sound of scurrying behind him. He tilted the Nutcracker from side to side, the light reflecting on his sword as if preparing for battle. His thought was interrupted as the chronometer struck twelve behind him. Alphinaud gasped, the Nutcracker falling from his grasp to the floor. His legs remained attached but as Alphinaud stood him back up he could feel the slight give in the hinge. He had to be more careful with him as Ser Montichaigne had said. 

The scuttling grew louder, Alphinaud startled as he saw the first flash of white pass across the floor. Turning his head to follow the movement Alphinaud suppressed his horror as the small creatures flooded into the room. He jumped up and onto the nearest sofa abandoning the soldiers as the small creatures swarmed the armies.
“Sineaters!” He exclaimed, staring down more closely at the uncommon household pests. Never before had he seen so many together like this. He looked towards the door ready to make a run for it when-
“CHARGE!”
The new voice halted Alphinaud's escape, turning the young elezen blinked several times, hardly able to believe the sight he was seeing the Nutcracker, his Nutcracker, was charging into battle against the sineater vermin. Behind him the Gingerbread men rose to join the fray, fighting back against the awful creatures. And they were not the only ones. As the Nutcracker passed the Ishgardian Tin Soldiers turned and marched behind their commander. Alphinaud stepped down from the sofa to get a closer look, as he leaned in to see the Nutcracker more closely it almost seemed As if the toy was growing in size. Impossible , Alphinaud thought but then why did it seem like suddenly they had all grown? Even the sineaters were bigger than they had been.

Alphinaud frozen, the height of the fiends now matching his own, rooting him to the spot as several turned towards him. He looked hurriedly around the room realising with sheer horror that he was no bigger now than the toys they had been gifted earlier that evening.
‘Behind me Young Master!” A booming voice rang behind him. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder, turning Alphinaud was able to see clearly the olive eyes of the Nutcracker. The doll strode past him and deflected a blow meant for the elezen. And then another and another until all that opposed them were halted. But there were still many sineaters on the fields of battle. 
“Stay behind me,” The Nutcracker commanded once more, his gaze fixed forward suddenly alert. Alphinaud kept to his back peering behind the side of him looking to see what had drawn his attention so suddenly. A creature, far greater than the ones that had come from the skirting boards approached them. The smaller sineaters parting ways to let their master through. 
Alphinaud backed away wide eyed as the obese looking creatures waddled forward. It looked, Alphinaud thought, like an over stretched and stuffed toy. A lopsided crown adorned his head and the rolls of flesh spilled out at his neck and stomach, peaking out from stips of purple fabrics. To Alphinaud's horror a second face was visible peeking out from around his middle.
‘Vauthry..!” The Nutcracker snarled, raising his sword. The fighting continued around them, the Gingerbread and Ishgardians Tin Soldiers forcing back the sineaters away from their commander.

Alphinaud backed away until his back hit something hard. He turned to see he had reached the Starlight tree and a present carefully wrapped beneath it. He reached up and clambered into the nearest branch, watching the battle from the safety of the pine needles. He watched the Nutcracker charge forward, the sineater king surprisingly nimble, using two small white wings to gain momentum to his movements. A golden blade collided with the Nutcracker's steel blade, clashing in an array of manouveurs. But the size of Vauthry still kept him at a disadvantage, the Nutcracker was experienced, pressing his enemy at every turn. Victory was almost certain, that is until a swinging strike sent the Nutcracker tumbling to the ground. Vauthry laughed, relishing in his misfortune and taking advantage. The Nutcracker grasped his hip, right where the damaged part was.
“Oh no!” Alphinaud gasped. "The broken hinge!”

The sineater King raised his sword high, his laughter bubbling into a vicious mockery as the Nutcracker struggled to reach for his own sword and push himself to his feet. Alphinaud needed to do something, anything to help him. He was too far away to reach him on foot if he clambered from the tree, he looked desperately around looking for anything he could use to help. His eyes landed on an icicle shaped ornament, hanging from the branch to his right. He grasped the ceramic ornament and pulled, the thin cord breaking as it caught onto the pine needles. Alphinaud cried out as the needs shook free, tumbling down around him. Thankfully they glanced off his housecoat, leaving him unharmed. Alphinaud had no  time to marvel in his state of health, a quick glance down to the warzone below made him cry out in anger. 

Vauthry, the sineater King held onto his sword firmly, the blade swung down with speed, a sure strike to the incapacitated Nutcracker. But Alphinaud had his own weapon which he had hurled with all his might. The icicle shattered on impact, striking the sineater King on his chest. With a howl of pain he recoiled backwards, dropping his sword. The Nutcracker looked up catching the sword single handedly, with a sweeping motion he brought it up yelling through the pain he felt to strike the heart of Vauthry. The following screams echoed across the battlefield. The sineaters screamed alongside their King as they shrivelled backwards retreating into the dark shadows bereft of their fallen king.

Alphinaud clambered down from the branches, landing roughly on the floor. He felt pain in his knees as he picked himself up running as fast as he could to the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker rose to his feet shakily, using the enemy's blade to support himself.
“Are you alright?” Alphinaud halted behind him.
“Young Master.” The Nutcracker turned. “Thanks to you, our enemy has fallen.”
The soldiers around fell silent forming ranks behind their commander. At the head two figures stepped forward, falling to their knees before them both.
“My liege,” the Gingerbread soldier bowed their head. “The battle is won.”
“We are in your debt, Young Master.” The Ishgardian Tin Soldier followed. “Without you all this would be lost.”

The soldiers rose gesturing around them. Alphinaud gasped, no longer was he inside his living room. Around them all the wood and furniture melted away into a beautiful snow covered forest. Alphinaud looked around marveling at the sudden  chill as fresh snow began to fall from the sky.
“Impossible…”
“Not impossible” The Nutcracker clasped his shoulder. “All of this is possible because of you.”
Alphinaud turned to the Nutcracker, there was something different about him. Was it the light reflecting off the snow or did he somehow seem more life-like? The hand on his shoulder squeezed softly, each digit fully formed and independent, the uniform he wore became cloth, cut finely around his torso. No longer was he the same nutcracker toy Alphinaud had been gifted that evening. In front of him now was a hyur, a leader, a-

“My Prince!” 

The soldiers chorused, all lowering to bended knees. The Prince stepped forward, his arms outstretched, no longer wooden but as real as Alphinaud was.
“Rise my friends,” he smiled, eyes shining brightly. “It is good to see you all as you were, free from the curse that bound us.”
“Hail prince Arenvald!” The soldiers rose.

As Alphinaud looked upon them now, he could see clearly their true forms. The leader of the gingerbread soldiers stood strong, her rolanberry blonde hair tousled lightly in the gentle wind. Her soldiers behind her looked out of place in the winter surroundings, their clothing more suitable to desert climes. But they did nor shiver, all of them smiled and nodded their heads as their Captain turned and began marching them through the trees.
“We shall go on ahead to the city, your Highness.” She announced bowing once more. “I shall inform the Regents of your return.”
“Thank you Captain Lupus.” The Prince nodded at her.
“Allow us to escort you back to the palace, your highness.” The Ishgardian soldier bowed deeply, blue eyes sparkled under a mass of black curls. Prince Arenvald nodded at him gratefully.

Alphinaud watched in awe, as the Prince turned to him once more.
“Master Alphinaud.” He held out his hand to him. Alphinaud took it without question. “Allow me to introduce myself to you properly.”
The Prince took his hand and raised it to his lips. He kissed Alphinaud's fingers softly.

'I am Arenvald. Prince of the Four Realms.” His smile was dazzling. Alphinaud stuttered, unable to produce any comprehensible words. “You have my thanks, master Alphinaud, without you we would surely be lost to the tyranny of the sineater King.”
“Y-you’re welcome.” he stuttered, finding his voice. “What is this place?”
“We are in the Realm of Ice. One of the four that make up this world. It exists alongside your own, hidden except to those who are able to see.”
“Why me?” Alphinaud wondered. “How can I see it? How can I get home?”
The Prince chuckled, placing a comforting hand atop Alphinaud's head.
“Fear not, you will wake in your own bed As if you had never been gone.”
“This seems too fantastical.” Alphinaud rubbed his head.
‘Allow me to explain further?” Arenvald looked at him with concern. "Come with us to the palace. Celebrate with us and I shall tell you everything.”
“Alright…’ Alphinaud followed as Arenvald began to lead him through the forest.

They began to walk, the snow continuing to drift softly around them. 
“The lands are made up of four realms.” The Prince tucked Alphinaud's small hand into the crook of his elbow. ‘Each one  governed by its own ruler, and above them all the King ruled them all.”
Alphinaud listened avidly as Arenvald began to explain.
“But beneath us an enemy rose, one who did not wish to live in the shadows of the Royals or Reagents. They called themselves the ‘Children of Innocence' led by a vicious and cruel leader who proclaimed himself their King.”
“Vauthry..?” Alphinaud asked.
“One and the same.” Arenvald nodded. “He amassed an army of sineaters and rode against the Capital. The battle was devastating. My father was lost, and Vauthry unleashed a curse upon all who remained in the castle including myself. We were banished into your realm, cursed to take the form of children's toys. I never got a chance to truly say goodbye to him.”
“I am so sorry.” Alphinaud squeezed his arm comfortingly. “That must have been terrible for you.”
“It was, but I would not let our banishment cull my spirit.”

They had reached the end of the forest, the trees parting now to reveal a beautiful lake. At the centre an island rose covered in bright houses and buildings surrounding the castle at its centre. Four bridges connected the island to the surrounding lands. Alphinaud marvelled at how the lands changed, to the left the snow gave way to rich earth, covered in autumnal coloured foliage. To the right, the ice gave way to dense wildflower meadows and after that on the shore opposite, Alphinaud could see what he could only describe as trees made of sweets. 
“The Four Realms…” he whispered with awe.
“Yes.” Arenvald pointed to each in turn. “The Realm of Ginger, the Realm of Flowers and the Realm of Sweets.”
“Incredible.” Alphinaud was truly amazed at the view. 
The Prince chuckled and guided him to the closest bridge. Alphinaud gasped as he felt the chill of ice beneath his fingers as he took hold of the hand rail.
“It's ice!” He exclaimed.

“Fear not Master Alphinaud, it is sturdy.” The Captain smiled at him. “I have marched many men across this bridge, she will not break.”
“Aye never fear young master she holds us all!” A blonde haired blue eyed soldier grinned at him.
“And do not fear you shall not slip.” Another spoke, this one equally blue eyed but with ink blue hair, coming up beside his comrade.
“Shall we?” The Prince drew Alphinaud’s attention back.
“Y-yes.”

True to their word, the bridge held without question. Nor did Alphinaud’s footing falter. As they drew closer to the island Alphinaud could see people bustling about at the gates. Cheers erupted as he walked still arm in arm with the Prince. Arenvald smiled and waved to the townspeople as he walked through the streets. The townsfolk were an eclectic mix of people, natives of the Four Realms Alphinaud could only assume. The buildings like the people were a conglomeration of culture, encompassing all the Realms. Unmelting ice sculptures stood proudly, surrounded by baskets of hanging wildflowers almost in every doorway. Bushes of berries bustling with fruit lined the walkways and on every corner vendors with all manner of food and sweets. It would be impossible not to get lost in the streets if not for the Prince's guidance, together they followed the winding path up to the castle. As they entered the gates, four figures came before them, each one rushing forward in joy. Arenvald released Alphinaud’s arm and stepped up to greet them.

“My Prince!”
“You have returned!”
“You have been missed.”
“My liege, it is so good to have you among us once more.”

“Lady Iceheart.” He approached the woman in front. “How valliant your soldiers fought. Without them I would not be here to stand this day.”
She swept into a bow, her long silver hair glistened, snowflakes sprinkled softly around her. Without her name Alphinaud could see she was the regent of the Realm of Ice, her long flowing blue dress sparkles with ice crystals.
“I am glad to have you among us once more, and to see so many brave soldiers returned to the Realms.”
Arenvald clasped her hands tightly before turning to the others.

“Satrap Varshahn.” He turned to the only male of the group, an exotic auri with green scales and flowers. Surrounding his head. “I have missed the smell of your blooms. They have continued to bloom more beautifully in my absence I see.”
His red eyes shone brightly, his tail swished excitedly as he dipped into a sweeping bow.
“I knew you would seek comfort in their blooms, my liege. Welcome home.”

“My dearest Sugarplum Fairy.” He kissed the hand of the smallest, a young girl with ginger hair. “I hope these two have not given you much trouble in my absence?”
She giggled, dipping into a curtsey, her frilled dress bouncing with her. 
“Do not worry my Prince. I am more than capable of keeping them in line.”
There was a mischievous glint to her blue eyes, and a wiseness that betrayed her true age, clearly she was a child only in appearance.

“And Madam Ginger,” he approached the last woman, she stood strong and proud. Her blonde hair pulled back into a golden clasp. “Our men have  returned to their homes hale and healthy. Invaluable to our victory. Thank you.”
“My dearest Arenvald.” She embraced him tightly. “We never doubted this day would come. Tell me, is it true that the Children of Innocence are truly defeated?”
“Yes my dear Ginger.” Arenvald returned the embrace. “We have driven back the enemy for good and broken the curse placed upon this land!”

His last words were projected loudly. Not for the Regents but the people who had gathered to witness the Princes’ return. Cheers erupted around them, people shouting in joy and offering their congratulations.
“Of course, I would not have made it without one more.” Arenvald gently took Alphinaud’s hand. “Without the Young Master I would have surely perished.”
“Thank you for returning our Prince.” Lady Iceheart dipped her head at him.
“We simply must celebrate!” The Sugarplum Fairy clapped excitedly. “Gaia!”
She turned and called to a well dressed woman behind her of similar age. Where Sugarplum was fair this girl was the opposite from her dark hair to her striking features, sharp against soft.
“Yes my Lady?” She bowed deeply.
“Wake up the kitchens, we must serve the finest treats for the Young Master!”
“Of course my Lady.” She bowed and began to bark orders.

Alphinaud was swept up in excitement. All around him people congratulated him and the Prince for their victory. Arenvald never left his side, curling his hand back into his elbow once more as they greeted the people. The celebration was grander than any party his parents had thrown. A feat Alphinaud had not thought possible but as he stood in the Great Hall watching as the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier twirled around the dance floor to enthusiastic applause, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. His parents… Would they be looking for him? How long had he been gone? It felt like hours. Longer, they will have woken now and discovered his absence. Unless-

His Prince, ever attentive, noticed the shift in his posture. He turned to him with a comforting squeeze of his hand.
“Young Master whatever is the matter?”
“Either this is all a fanciful dream…” Alphinaud lowered his eyes to the floor. “Or if it is real I will have to leave and never see you again.”
“Alphinaud.” The Prince knelt before him, raising his chin to catch his gaze. “You have nothing to fear. Real or not I will always be with you. However I assure you what you see here is real. I am real.”
He placed Alphinaud's hand, dwarfed in his own, to his heart. Alphinaud could feel it beat, the soft rhythm steadying him.
“You will see me again.”
The confidence in his words was a comfort to Alphinaud. He could not explain the warmth that spread through him as Arenvald smiled gently at him.

For the first time since arriving Arenvald left his side with the promise to return momentarily. He swept into the middle of the hall leaning down to whisper into the ear of each of his Regents. Each one smiled and nodded in turn before making their excuses to the surrounding crowds. 
Arenvald returned, motioning for Alphinaud to follow him. Arm in arm once more they left heading into a smaller but no less grande room, at the back an ornate throne rested beneath four banners. One for each Realm; Ice, Flowers, Sweets and Ginger. The Regents all stood beneath their banners, matched perfectly, waiting for the Prince to approach.

“Thank you for joining my friends.”
They all bowed and curtsied in response.
“This night draws to an end and so back to our own lives we must go.”
“Everything is ready as you asked.” the Satrap bowed.
“Thank you.” 

Arenvald released Alphinaud's hand and coaxed him forward. He saw now, they almost all held something in their hands. First to approach him was Lady Iceheart, the pale maiden handed him a small wooden box. Alphinaud took it in his hands carefully.
“To replace those returned from the field.”
He opened the lid to find a row of tin soldiers.
“Thank you,” Alphinaud smiled. “I am sure Alisaie would have been deeply upset at their absence.”
“Without a doubt, Young Master.” She smiled at him.

Next to offer to him was the Sugarplum Fairy. 
“These will be more delicious than any you have ever tasted.”
Alphinaud opened the box, unsurprised to see a box of gingerbread men.
“I would have thought they would come from Madam Ginger not yourself my Lady?”
“True they are made with her signature spice,” she chuckled. “But none make better biscuits than me!”
“Thank you.” Alphinaud stacked the boxes neatly. “I am sure they are delicious.”

“One last gift Young Master.” Madam Ginger spoke now. “For you.”
Alphinaud was not surprised when Madam Ginger opened the box for him to reveal a nutcracker. It was exactly as it should be. Olive eyes, blonde hair, just like the Prince.
“He's beautiful.” Alphinaud said quietly, sadness creeping into his voice again. “I will keep him, you , close always.”
Arenvald smiled at him. 
“I don't doubt that Young Master.” The Prince leant down and kissed his forehead softly. “Likewise I will keep you here-”

The Prince placed a hand over his heart. Alphinaud smiled, a warmth spreading through him as he watched The Prince. His eyelids felt heavy, as did the three boxes in his hands. He felt the Prince's hand on his shoulders as He began to succumb to the weariness seeping through his bones. He tried to focus on Arenvald as he spoke but he could barely catch his final word:

“-Always.”

Alphinaud woke up with a start.

He blinked, bleary eyed, trying to figure out where he was.
“Brother! Hurry up!”
“...Alisaie?” He rubbed his eyes.
“Who else you dolt!” The annoyed voice called from outside his door. “Hurry up already! Ser Montichaigne will be here any moment for lunch!”

She bashed the door a final time before leaving. Alphinaud shook his head. He had been having the strangest dream. He tried to recall the details.
“The Nutcracker!”
The details flooded back. The sineaters, the war, Vauthry, and the Prince. His Prince. He looked around for the boxes he had been given by the Regents, the soldiers and the Nutcracker but he could not see any of them. 
“Why would you..” Alphinaud cast his eyes down. “It was nothing but a dream.”

Without his usual Starlight cheer Alphinaud dressed and headed down to the main parlor where his family waited.
Alisaie sat on the floor surrounded by her opened gifts, the Ishgardian Tin Soldiers lined perfectly on the lower mantle.
Alphinaud looked up, and sure as it had been the night before his Nutcracker stood proudly from the top watching them all.
“Come now Alphinaud, open your gifts before the others get here.”
His mother herded him towards the tree, Alphinaud sat down next to Alisaie and began to unwrap.
His gifts were lovely, full of the usual things. Books and clothes among others. 
“Taste these brother!”
Alphinaud spluttered as the gingerbread man was shoved into his mouth. Coughing he took a bite and chewed. His eyes went wide with how amazing they tasted. 
“Aren't they the best you've ever tasted?” She hovered annoyingly in front of his face.
“Quite sister,” Alphinaud took a smaller bite now that he was not choking. “Better yet when they have not been forced into your mouth.”
“Pffft.” Alisaie chuckled. “Oh look, there's an ornament missing!”

Alphinaud Followed Alisaie's hand on the tree, it was glaringly obvious that something was missing. Their mother always decorated the tree to perfection, each ornament carefully placed neatly. But on one of the lower branches behind Alphinaud something was missing…

“The icicle…” Alphinaud gasped.
“It must have fallen,” Alisaie began to sift through the wrappings. “I bet it’s around here somewhere.”
“Perhaps..” Alphinaud wasn't so sure. That was exactly where he had climbed the tree in his dream. Coincidence? There was no time to ponder when the front bell announced the arrival of their guests. A moment later Ser Montichaigne entered accompanied by their father.
“Happy Starlight children!” He greeted them jovially. 
“Happy Starlight Ser!” They chorused back.
“What a fierce battle took place here!” The old man laughed. Alphinaud crooked his head at the weird choice of phrase. “Your armies have defeated all this gift wrap, have they Alisaie?”
“Oh absolutely.” She beamed with pride. Showing him them lined up in neat lines.
“Fantastic.” He nodded his approval. “And how is your Nutcracker?”
“He's up there, so he doesn't get broken again.” Alisaie folded her arms innocently, speaking before Alphinaud had a chance.
“Do not worry, my apprentice will fix him up, he is just hanging his cloak up, although…”
Alphinaud crept up beside Montichaigne as he carefully picked up the nutcracker.
“Although?” Alphinaud asked watching Ser Montichaigne examine the toy.
“He looks as good as new. As if he was not broken at all.”

He held out the nutcracker to Alphinaud who turned it over carefully. The hinge felt secure in his grip. 
“How odd...”
“Ahh Master Lentinus, come take a look if you would.” 
Ser Montichaigne turned away from Alphinaud to the man who had just walked in. 
“Children, this is my apprentice, Master Lentinus.” Ser Montichaigne gestured to the man. Alphinaud froze, staring at the hyur, staring at the olive eyes peeking from beneath his crop of blonde hair.

“Hello Young Master.”