A WHISPER AMIDST THE ASHES

The royal Gardens of Astria, an oasis of serenity amidst a kingdom built on war and fire, stretched before Xeraniel and Arden like a forgotten dream. The towering hedges swayed gently in the breeze, their emerald leaves illuminated by the flickering glow of enchanted lanterns. Flowers of every imaginable color bloomed in defiance of the cruel world outside the kingdom, their fragrance blending into the cool night air. Beyond the garden walls, the distant murmurs of Astria's bustling streets were nothing more than echoes of reality.

Xeraniel stood near a marble fountain, his silver hair catching the dim glow of the lanterns, his usual mischievous smirk absent. His deep blue eyes, filled with an uncharacteristic stillness, traced the delicate ripples spreading across the water's surface.

Arden stood beside him, her violet eyes reflecting the pale moonlight. She was clad in her usual dark attire, her figure blending into the shadows, but there was something softer about her posture tonight. She gazed the flowers, her fingers lightly brushing against the petals, as if afraid they would crumble beneath her touch.

"You don't belong here," Xeraniel's voice was quieter than usual, devoid of its usual teasing edge. "A place like this…. It's too gentle for people like us."

Arden smiled faintly, her eyes not leaving the flowers. "Maybe," she whispered, "But sometimes…. I think we need places like this. To remember what we're fighting for."

Xeraniel chuckled, but it lacked his usual arrogance. "Funny. I always thought we were fighting to survive."

Arden's fingers lingered on a crimson blossom, her voice trembling slightly. "Survival… it's not enough anymore, Xeraniel. I look at these flowers and gardens… and wonder if we'll ever have something like this again. Something untouched by death."

Xeraniel's gaze shifted to her, studying how her eyes darkened with the weight of memories she never spoke of. "You think about that a lot, don't you?"

Arden sighed, wrapping her arms around herself. "I have to. Someone needs to."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The fountain's gate trickle filled the void between them. Finally, Xeraniel exhaled, leaning against the cold marble. "You always were the hopeful one." His smirk returned, but it was softer now. "Guess that makes one of us."

Arden looked at him, the corner of her lips tugging a faint smile. "And you? What do you hope for?"

Xeraniel hesitated, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. The weight of his blood-soaked memories he carried, threatened to suffocate him. "I…. I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've spent so long running from it all, I never stopped to think about where I was going."

Arden stepped closer, her presence steady and grounding. "You're not running anymore," she said softly.

Xeraniel blinked, surprised by the warmth in her voice. And then, slowly, she leaned against him, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. She was surprisingly light, but it carried a thousand unspoken words.

For the first time in a long while, Xeraniel didn't pull away.

His lips twitched into the ghost of a smile, one hand hesitantly resting on the hilt of his dagger. "Heh… if you tell anyone about this. I'll deny it."

Arden closed her eyes, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Deal."

And in the quiet of the garden, surrounded by the beauty that felt too fragile for their own war-torn hearts, they allowed themselves to be normal for a moment.

In the livelier parts of the capital, Jean walked with his hands tucked into his coat pockets scanning the vibrant cityscape. Merchants shouted their wares, children laughed as they chased each other through the lantern-lit streets, and soldiers on patrol eyed him with cautious respect.

Beside him, Ana walked with a spring in her step, a playful grin dancing on her lips. Her long silver hair swayed with each movement, and the twin daggers at her waist gleamed ominously under the flickering light.

"So," Ana chimed, her tone dripping with amusement. "Enjoying the sights, or are you brooding again?"

Jean sighed, rolling his eyes. "I don't brood."

Ana gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "What? Jean Halloway not brooding? Is this an alternate reality?"

Jean shot her a withering look, which only made her grin wider. "You're insufferable," he muttered.

Ana skipped ahead, twirling around to face him as she walked backward. "Come on, lighten up! The city's alive tonight. You should try enjoying it for once."

Jean raised an eyebrow. "I'm not exactly the 'enjoying' type."

Ana's grin turned mischievous. "You just need the right motivation. Without warning, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward a nearby stall.

The vendor grinned at them. "Something for the lady?"

Before Jean could protest, Ana plucked a caramelized apple from the cart and shoved into his hand. "Here, If you don't enjoy this, I'll personally report you to the commander for being too serious."

Jean narrowed his eyes but took a cautious bite, chewing thoughtfully.

Ana watched with an expectant grin. "Well?"

Jean swallowed and shrugged. "It's…. tolerable."

Ana rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

They continued walking, the warm glow of the city casting long shadows. Ana glanced at him the corner of her eye, her smile softening. "You know… you're not half bad when you're not acting like some war hero."

Jean smirked. "And you're not half bad when you're not being an annoying little pest."

Ana gasped, feigning shock. "Jean! Did you just compliment me?"

"Don't push it," he muttered, though there was hint of amusement in his voice.

She looped her arm through his, her grin returning full force. "Admit it. You'd be lost without me."

Jean sighed, but he didn't pull away. "Unfortunately… you might be right."

As they walked through the lively streets, for a fleeting moment, the weight of war seemed distant. The night stretched on, filled with banter and teasing. The city lights faded in the distance, but the warmth of their shared moments lingered-each of them carrying a small, fragile ember of hope amidst the darkness.