Chapter 10: "Guardians and First Bonds"

The Duchy of Auren – Moon Castle, Evening Sky

As night claimed the evening sky, the Moon Castle's grand stone hall slowly filled with the glow of chandeliers and soft lights. Crystal goblets and elegant porcelain plates were arranged on the table, silver-embroidered cutlery laid out silently—all centered like a ritual.

First to arrive, as always, was General Felix. His posture remained impeccably military. Next, Velora entered with measured steps; her shoulder‑length purple hairpins and graceful dress gave her an air of nobility, but her eyes… They were watchful and cautious, like a vigilant observer. She sat, surveying the room quietly.

When the doors opened again, Arwen, Miller, and Brien entered. Arwen led the way, head held high. Miller followed—silent and introspective—while Brien's gaze flickered around, both tense and curious. Seating themselves, an unspoken balance emerged: Velora faced Brien, Miller sat beside Arwen, and Felix positioned himself near the head of the table, keeping all in view. Velora cast a brief glance toward Brien, lips curling slightly—not in speech, but in observation.

Dinner began: warm lamb, spiced vegetables, and crystal decanters of water were served. After a few moments of silence, broken only by silverware, Arwen spoke first:

Arwen: "It was interesting watching you in the courtyard, Brien. Your movements were unexpected. Is that innate or a conscious technique?"

Brien (setting down his fork): "I'm just trying not to fall. My head's a bit sensitive. Staying on balance is necessary to keep my thoughts from running away."

Arwen nodded gently. Miller let out a quiet chuckle.

Arwen: "Your answers are as unpredictable as your fights."

Brien: "I'll take that as 'creative'… or 'indecisive but effective.' Either works."

Velora watched closely—his movements, his words, how he maintained balance without drawing attention. She thought: "His answers aren't sarcastic, but defensive… there's something behind his smiles, maybe even hidden from himself."

As silence threatened to return, Brien reached for his glass—but his wrist skewed, and he spilled water across his chest.

Brien (self-deprecating): "The castle has blessed me. Perhaps I was too central to the Auren ring…"

Miller bowed his head, trying to suppress laughter. Arwen remained locked on Brien as she replied:

Arwen: "If the castle gives you water first, soon it'll show you fire."

Brien: "It gave me water and took my shirt. If we're talking balance… this is more than enough."

Miller (leaning toward Arwen, quietly): "He's honest. That's his defense."

Arwen, after a pause: "What if you had no defense at all?"

Brien (earnestly): "Then I'd see clearly who I am. I think that's why I'm still defending."

Velora frowned slightly, looking from Miller to Brien before speaking inwardly: "He speaks as though playing—but his words are deliberate. Not slips, softened truths."

Miller looked at Felix; their eyes met. Miller inclined his head; Felix returned a subtle nod.

Felix, quietly: "I understand."

Brien, continuing to tease his wet shirt: "If this shirt doesn't dry by morning, I demand it be warmed by the royal fire. Or this laughter will freeze solid."

Miller: "If you freeze, I'll wrap you in a blanket and carry you. But if you stay quiet while I do it, that'd be better."

Brien: "Silence is against my nature—but I might try it."

Arwen studied Brien a moment longer, then raised her glass.

Arwen: "Tomorrow morning… I'd like to take a short walk with you. Some answers need silence."

Brien: "Walking is no problem. But warn me when it's for silence—I don't like surprises."

Velora smiled quietly but remained silent. She thought: "I like entertaining people, but I must unravel why Miller is so serene."

Narrator (Voice‑over): That evening at the Moon Castle, more was shared than meals—there were those who carried silence and those who wielded their words like shields; Velora saw through quiet, Arwen measured with irony, Felixwatched the balance, Miller offered warm loyalty, and Brien spilled water and smiles.

Moon Castle – Upper Corridors, Night's End

Dinner ended; laughter gave way to hush. Only half‑empty goblets and candlelight remained. Felix was the first to leave, standing, offering a quick salute to Miller and Brien, then exiting through the back door. Velora cast one final glance at Brien, smiled, and withdrew toward her chambers—her silence restrained yet elegant.

Only Arwen, Miller, and Brien remained. Arwen stood:

Arwen: "Come. I'll show you your rooms. This castle isn't kind to those who wander at night."

Brien (stretching as he stood): "I don't trust my sense of direction. But if I find a bed, I'll resign myself to fate."

Miller inhaled deeply; the day's emotions, fights, and conversations echoed in his mind. Arwen led them down the stone corridors, where torches flickered against the walls—steps echoed in the silence.

On the stairs, Brien leaned toward Miller, whispering:

Brien: "This castle is eerily silent. Hope there are no talking paintings."

Miller: "Where you speak, no other voice is needed."

Brien: "Fair enough."

Arwen, glancing back for a moment, offered a slight smile—silfully.

At the corridor's end stood three doors. Arwen opened the first.

Arwen: "Miller, this is yours. Everything's prepared. I suggest rising early tomorrow."

Miller (bowing): "Thank you, Arwen."

She opened the second:

Arwen: "And Brien… yours is here. The door isn't locked. Just please wake here in the morning."

Brien (leaning forward): "Unless the castle teleports me to another plane, I'll be here."

Arwen (arched brow): "Someone like you… I imagine you'd make trouble even in your sleep."

Brien: "Maybe. But politely. I won't disturb an enemy's slumber."

Miller smiled and entered his room. Brien saluted and followed. Left alone, Arwen walked a few steps, then paused—touching the carved stones with her fingers. In her mind:

Arwen's Inner Voice:

"There was no one left to challenge me… until they arrived."

"Miller… measured, patient. Strong but controlled. Decoding him will take time. But Brien…"

"He fights without thought for himself. Instinctive. Unplanned, yet effective. And… is that why I envied him just now?"

"At the big table, he drew all attention—not just with words, but his truth."

"I've shaped myself for years with sword and discipline. Could his naturalness make my years irrelevant?"

"Or… should I try to understand him?"

She leaned back, closed her eyes, and whispered to herself:

Arwen: "Maybe… it's time to redefine what strength truly means."

Moon Castle – First Light of Dawn

Sunlight streamed through the western towers as the stone walls glowed like golden dust. The castle was still hushed; in the corridors, only distant sounds of servants setting cutlery could be heard.

Brien still tossed in bed, murmuring:

Brien: "A lizard gave me a surname in my dream… then called me 'your tea-boy Reaper'… Oh, the castle's getting to me."

A gentle knock, then a poised yet firm female voice:

Velora: "Good morning, Brien. Miller and you are expected below. You must get ready. There will be a naming ceremony."

Brien (lifting his head): "A name? Living without one was easier. No signature needed… but my soul felt lighter."

Lower Hall – Silver Salon

A long white‑cloth table stood in the center of the hall. Velora waited before the castle's carved stone walls, holding a slender box.

Miller was already standing. Arwen stood by a window where light and shadow met. When Brien entered, he scratched his head, still clad in his wrinkled robe.

Velora: "I've called you here today not just for honor…but for responsibility."

She opened the box to reveal golden brooches adorned with nested lunar rings, each bearing the Auren House emblem.

Velora: "Since you set foot in the Kingdom of Leonhardt—not only Pendragon, but I too have been observing you. Today, I bestow upon you the guardianship…and the name of House Auren."

Miller inclined his head respectfully. Brien squinted at the brooch, whispering:

Brien: "Now I'm official. So next time I leave something at the market, I'll even get taxed."

Velora: "You are now Miller Auren and Brien Auren. And with your name comes greater responsibility."

Bolbin's Entrance

At that moment, a short, round-faced man with a pleasant smile entered. He wore a pale blue vest, his glasses perched on his nose, hands folded before his chest.

Velora: "Meet the castle's chief steward, Bolbin. Daily order now falls to him."

Bolbin (excitedly, in a rich voice): "Masters! Good morning! In the Moon Castle, every pillow is my concern! If someone has a toothache, I'll make the broth; if someone's cold, I'll spread the blankets!"

Brien (whispering to Miller): "This man isn't a steward. He's a secret god. A god of soup and blankets."

Miller (smiling): "'Bolbin's religious creed: whatever's in the kitchen, is good."

Servant Assignments

Velora: "With your new roles, each of you will receive a personal attendant."

Bolbin snapped his fingers. First, a slender yet sturdy young woman entered—short black hair, calm eyes.

Bolbin: "Leyna will assist Miller Auren—one of the rare few who can carry a teapot and sword at once."

Miller: "Pleased to meet you." Leyna bowed respectfully, silent but composed.

Velora (continuing): "And for Brien Auren… someone special was chosen."

The door quietly opened. In strode a tall, muscular, dark-skinned man with deep black eyes, wearing an old leather jerkin. A rusty dagger sheath hung at his belt. His footsteps left echoes in the hall.

Bolbin: "Here is Garron. A former mercenary. Quiet, but takes orders like a blow."

Garron (in a low voice): "My duty is to serve. Just give the task—don't expect questions."

Brien (staggered, stepping back): "This… this man is my attendant? I thought—I wanted a chatty apprentice. They sent me a Witcher."

Garron (expressionless): "Not towel. I'd advise a shield. Mornings can be harsh."

Brien: "My morning routine was prayer, water, and silence. Now someone will ask 'are you breathing?' instead of 'are you awake?'"

Miller (turning away to hold back laughter): "I think you're lucky. Now you have someone to smack you with a shield to wake you up."

Brien: "That... that could happen politely, right?"

Arwen, standing against the wall, narrowed her eyes but kept her face unreadable. Internally, she thought: "Exactly how I want it... Brien's spontaneity must grow only under control."

No one knew Garron had been assigned on Arwen's request.

Narrator: The House of Auren welcomed new names and attendants—but the most powerful changes lay not in brooches, but in the steps taken. Brien was gaining not just a name, but a shadow.

Moon Castle – Morning, Kitchen

Sunlight filtered through the small window of the stone-walled kitchen, where a bustle reigned—yet only one person stood out. Brien, still in nightwear, hair disheveled, spun through the kitchen.

Brien: "Whoever put the blackberry jam here— forgive me, but it's mine… And why are the pastries so far away?! One's driven to climb the ceiling from hunger!"

He rummaged through shelves and boxes, half a croissant in his mouth. One hand held bread, the other a jam jar. Behind him—a silhouette: Garron, still and silent, like a shadow on the wall.

Brien (stepping back): "Friend, is it legal to stand like a ghost at dawn? I'm more sociable with the salt shaker."

Garron (calm, low): "My duty is to protect you."

Brien: "Protect me from cheese in the cupboard? Look, I already ate it."

Garron was silent, stepping forward. Brien tried to slip away.

Brien: "Okay... left, then run. Maybe I'll escape in the milk room…"

He backed up—and Garron remained there.

Brien: (about to explode) "Look! Please, I just want three bites of breakfast alone. Alone! Like a romantic date! Why am you following me?!"

Garron (expressionless): "I assess risk based on fork direction. If there's danger, I block it."

Brien (hands on head): "This man treats breakfast like a war simulation… Why did I even take the surname?!"

Meanwhile – Royal Library

In the east wing's soaring bookshelves, Miller sat at a table reading an old tome. Crystals and texts on the Reaper line were spread before him. Leyna sat opposite—silent, watching.

Miller: (turning a page)

"When the crystal reacted, my eyes went black then bright orange. This… could be more than a Reaper essence."

Leyna: (softly)

"Vartikan. The instinct of fire. And Nebulis… a spiritual connection."

Miller (gazing): "You seem to know these."

Leyna: "I'm only curious. Your power… is unconventional. Balance matters."

They fell into a calm silence—not uncomfortable, but peaceful. Like two people working side by side without needing words.

Miller: "Working with someone like you… strangely easy."

Leyna: "I feel the same."

At the Same Time – Moon Garden

In the southern courtyard walled with stone, Arwen trained alone—dual swords in her hands, dancing between shadow and light. Her movements were precise, elegant, and furious. Each strike felt like an imprint of her inner comparisons.

Arwen's Inner Voice:

"Miller… balanced. Calm. Yet filled with spark."

"Brien… chaotic. Yet every mistake seems a hidden advantage."

"And me… I've trained my body and mind for years. But Brien, even in his mess, draws attention."

She let the swords fall, breathing hard—not from exertion but from thoughts.

Arwen's Inner Voice:

"It's not fair. But there is no fairness on the battlefield."

Continued Scene – Voice‑over Hits Home

Morning, Moon Castle West Corridors, After Breakfast

Brien, bearing a jam jar and bread, walked slowly down the stone corridor. Footsteps echoed—but they weren't his. Behind him—once again—Garron.

Voice‑over (Narrator): As the castle's young guests adjusted to their new attendants… Brien waged war for solitude and breakfast.

Brien (suddenly stopping): "Wait… wait a second!"

Garron stopped too.

Brien (raising his head, as if speaking to the air): "Listen! That voice… that narrator… No one hears it but me."

Voice‑over (Narrator): Brien's hands trembled; loneliness pulled him into an inescapable shadow.

Brien (waving the bread): "Enough! Narrate my bread! I just want to eat jam! There's no poetic meaning here!"

Garron, expressionless, breathed.

Brien: "Garron. I give you your first real mission. Find that external voice—and shut it up. Alright?"

Garron (low voice, narrowing eyes): "I cannot pinpoint its location. But it might be within you."

Brien: "Within me?! I don't do spiritual stuff, okay? Last month I watched a séance—but this is different!"

Voice‑over (Narrator): Brien felt hopeless. He wasn't dealing only with a bodyguard anymore, but the universe's narrator.

Brien (hands on his head, shouting): "Stop it! Don't describe me! I just eat jam! Don't say I ate it 'compassionately'—it's just breakfast!"

Garron (expressionless): "Lemon contains high vitamin C. If you wish to stay strong, you must listen."

Brien: (closing his eyes) "Nothing is ordinary in this world, is it?"

Voice‑over (Narrator):

But… but I'm only telling your story… If people don't understand you, what then?

Brien: "Don't humiliate me! At least say I ate the jam respectfully, okay?"

Back in the Library, Miller paused mid‑read, raising his head.

Miller (whispering to Leyna): "Did you hear? Brien again… arguing with someone."

Leyna (without looking up): "With something unreal again?"

Miller: "Yes. This time it sounds like he's wrestling with the cosmos."

Final Narration: Brien may never find silence. But one thing is certain: he's now facing an inner turmoil so bizarre, even Garron can't solve it.

Brien (leaning against the wall, defeated):

"I've got a servant, a voice, and a maddening morning."