// Chapter 5 \\

"Oh, I so wished you all could stay longer," Leeyon made a small pout of her lips. This earned a glance from her Captain of the Guard from where he stood a gap behind her.

"Yes. Well..." Heeyoung fixed her ruffled red skirts of her Southern Court dress before smiling up to Leeyon, "There will always be another opportunity, won't there?"

Leeyon's eyes were fixated on Heeyoung's as she smiled, causing The Serpent to break out into a smile as well. Leeyon chuckled as she jovially commented, "Ah, I suppose you're right."

I watched as Hongjoong broke into a smile from their interaction as he stood next to the glowing oval ring door that— when peered through— revealed a lush green jungle filled with exotic bright colors. The Southern Court looked as vibrant as ever from my view of its portal. Along that could also be seen a bit of red statues which I fondly remember lining the garden entrance to the Southern Court palace.

We'd all gathered for our departure at the top of the tower that loomed over the ocean and, underneath, Venelia. There we stood on the very top platform of the place which glittered in the bright sun that casted its shine across the endless plain of water we could see high above here. The platform we stood on was entirely made out of limpid glass. Three portals stood glowing in their oval forms— thin white currents circulating the gateways that lead to the three different worlds we deemed our homes. The one briefly described was the Southern Court.

The next held a vast dark terrain of blues and greens with now golden stars lining the skies. An elaborate stone brick walkway was there with a few white blooms protruding from over the small stone wall where a garden stood. A few more white plants— along with gold, blue, and other night colors— could also be seen from here. The other side of the brick walkway revealed a river which laid like a reflecting ribbon on the dark ground, weaving back to where a silver waterfall could be seen falling from a different stone wall of the palace. Off in the distance from that was a vast forest which was completely shrouded in darkness or part of its vegetation glowed and illuminated the land. However, the center of all of that— where the walkway led— was a pair of large golden doors where two silver guards were stationed on either side. The Night Court.

The last gate portrayed a picture of a large white and pink palace. Or at least, the gazebo entryway. White and frost green vines curved around the pillars of the gazebo, holding deadly sharp thorns and delicate roses that were a perfect pink or a stunning rose gold. In fact, the white wood-carved floor held a carving of a rose as well. Down the stairs from that was a large white marble sculpture.

It was of a man in an ancient suit of armor and curly bangs tossed over his face, almost hiding his stone eyes. He had large, strange pointed ears that curved behind him. In one hand he had resting at his side, he held a worn sword. The other, he held up in front of his body, of which his body was also drawn towards. His hand was delicately stretched outward, fingers spaced, at the medium sized hoop— or so-called ring— he held there. It was a simple, smooth and round ring of an odd, useless shape. His eyes looked upon it from underneath his bangs with fondness Almost as much fondness as I had looked upon the statue for the thousandth time.

I briefly directed my attention behind the stature to the large white doors that were wide open for Yeosang's return. Not a guard in sight, which always surprised me since Yeosang's court always seemed to have less tragedies in Taker attacks and general conflicts. The entryway looked over the vast meadow of colorful flowers below before it led into a flowery forest barely visible in the distance. The Spring Court.

The High Monarchs of each court stood there, waiting to pass through the gates. We only stopped to say our farewells to the Eastern Court High Monarch, who was now delve deep into conversation with Heeyoung. It became quite evident from this trip that Leeyon and Heeyoung could carry on a conversation for hours on end.

"Alright, Heeyoung," Hongjoong called out in an impending yet sweet voice of an older brother, "We'll never leave at the amount of talk you've been having here."

Heeyoung glanced over at her brother with a slightly annoyed look, before she bursted out into a smile once more. She sighed before glancing back to Leeyon, "Right, well... another time then."

"Definitely," Leeyon nodded in agreement, grinning to Heeyoung, "Eastern Court's doors are always open to you."

"Thank you," Heeyoung bowed her head before turning around to join her brother who was inclining his head to Leeyon.

"As is Southern's," Hongjoong offered in a friendly manner, "We'd be happy to have you."

"When the day is right," Leeyon tilted her head, "It would be my honor," Leeyon's gaze suddenly landed on my own then, causing me to stiffen, "Especially you, Star. Take to visiting my court whenever you'd like."

I slowly nodded at her offer, "Of course..." I tried to allow a small smile to form on my lips. I had to admit, it was failing.

I could sense from Leeyon's falter in her smile that she could tell the same. The High Monarch neatly folded her arms behind her back as she shifted in her position, "Right... well, do feel better soon."

For some reason, I wanted to frown at her statement. I plastered a fake smile instead with the bow of my head, "I plan to."

With that, I directed my attention over to my antlered friend. Yeosang made eye contact with me as I did so. He stood there in a white buttoned shirt that was frilled with a spectacular petal pattern at the ends of his sleeves. Above that, he wore a pale pink vest which tucked in— doing well to reveal the gracing shape of his torso— and matched well with his white pants which were tight. Extra frill swayed in the breeze from an attachment on the right side of his white belt. Fitting to the rest of his outfit were his white and pale pink laced boots that almost came up to the bottom of his knees. His turquoise eyes glimmered as he gave a kind smile to me. He approached then.

"This is where we part ways for now, then?" Yeosang asked in a soft, alluring voice as he took to standing next to me, casting his eyes into mine which surprisingly pulled a smile out of me.

I smiled half to myself and half towards the familiar playfulness that was returning to Yeosang right as we were about to leave. Except, it felt as if it were mixed with something other. I felt my chest tighten at the look he was giving me, causing my cheeks to sting. I almost leaned towards his presence beside me before I had a pang of realization at that feeling and what it reminded me of. I leaned away instead and took to casting my eyes to the ground, my smile slipping slightly.

What?

I brushed it all off with the roll of my shoulders and gave a smaller smile as I looked up to Yeosang. I spoke a bit plainly, "Yeah, for now at least."

Yeosang nudged my shoulder then, sending an appealing spark through it that I found myself both pulling towards and pushing away from.

"Just don't go dyeing your hair pink to match with me again," Yeosang snickered slightly at his words and gave me a wink.

The playful words eased me back into pushing away my alarming thoughts. I gave a genuine smile once more with a bit of a laugh as I flipped my hair back, "You really think a bit of dye can overpower a magical enchantment that holds a strong grip on my features?"

Yeosang tilted his head towards me, blossom petals falling delicately from his antlers, his honey-smooth voice quiet yet oh-so clear, "No magical grip could conquer your features."

Just like that, the rush of emotions had flooded all throughout my body, almost causing me to quiver and fall in some sort of blind weakness. I nervously grinned as I cleared my throat, backing away slightly, "Well, I doubt it will be as long as our parting of court selection when we'll see each other again."

"Ah, I do believe you're right there," Yeosang nodded in his genuine tone. His smile grew slightly.

Or was I just seeing things?

Suddenly, I felt a tug from my side before I was pulled into the embrace of a smaller figure. My hand gently moved to embrace him, caressing over his strong and smooth auburn strands— the same of which tickled the front side of my neck as Hongjoong buried his face there. I felt the same push and pull I had for Yeosang at that moment. Perhaps I found myself overwhelmed because I found no desire to truly be there in that moment. At the same time, I wanted nothing more than to stand there. I only hugged my smaller friend back as I spoke no words. I allowed my head to tilt down, resting my chin on his shoulder. I glanced up to the figure that was behind him.

Heeyoung gave me one of her teasing smirks that had a question passing through my head. This was interrupted by her cough, which had Hongjoong quickly backing away from me. I almost would've tumbled into him if he hadn't balanced me with his hands he placed on either side of me. His eyes were wide with a bit of realization before they slightly crinkled and his face broke out into a smile. He gave a small laugh then, causing me to smile as well.

Hongjoong fiddled with a strand of his hair, looking to the ground with a satisfied smile before looking back up to me, "I guess we'll see each other sometime soon then?"

I slightly grinned, "Yeah, sometime soon."

There was a jolt of something in me then at my own words. I didn't allow it to let my smile waver but the panic as my heart began racing was quite unusual and irrational.

Hongjoong smiled and began to open his mouth to say something more. However, he paused, a slight blush finding its way to his cheeks.

"At this rate, we'll never be leaving for home!" Heeyoung mimicked her brother in a higher pitch voice before she bursted out into laughter.

I couldn't help but let out a laugh myself and I even heard Yeosang chuckle from beside me. Hongjoong frantically looked over to his sister, face becoming redder, as he gave her a stare. He tossed his auburn mullet back with a sigh.

"Fair point then," Hongjoong's eyes found their way back to me, something pure twinkling in them, "I guess we shall part ways now."

"Long goodbyes don't seem uncommon in your group," Leeyon commented from where she stood away from us. She had her arms folded but she openly watched us with a fond smile. It grew a bit as we set our attention on her.

"Well, we've known each other for quite some time," Yeosang replied with the tilt of his head and a fair, charming smile deeming his features.

Leeyon let out a chuckle, "It would be surprising if someone couldn't tell that from the way you all interact."

I heard Yeosang snickered back in agreement.

"Well, we should be going," Heeyoung pointed out, interrupting the rest of the conversation. She inched towards Hongjoong, almost seeming prepared to drag him away.

I agreed with Heeyoung with a tilt of my head and a sorry sigh from my lips, "That we should."

I found myself growing stiff as everyone fell silent from our statements. I then began to awkwardly make the move of stepping away from them. I shyly waved back to my group of friends who did the same back but only more strong and profound. Slowly, I moved myself towards my portal. To the night terrain that laid beyond it. Home. A shiver went down my spine before I turned back to everyone.

Hongjoong was the first to comply with our words as he looked to his sister and took to following her to their portal of the Southern Court. Yeosang nodded along before he too turned to his portal and began walking towards it. He gave a kind smile to Theron who had stood next to the portal the entire time, quick to return his High Monarch's kind gesture. I finally looked back to Leeyon who waved towards me as a final goodbye.

I guess this is it. Funny for a group who seems to take so long with their goodbyes, we sure do a terrible job of making them formal and proper. I almost wanted to chuckle to myself. Almost.

I waved back to Leeyon, glancing to her left to the tan figure of her guard that stood there. I didn't allow my shred of happiness to be shriveled as I thought of Como's comment from the other day. Call me absurd, but I almost believed myself to have seen a pale piercing blue glare from under the curls of his lush black hair. He was facing away from me. I almost wished to scoff at him— to ask for the marketier to reveal his true nature. I did not— as I didn't truly wish to.

Almost too much true nature was revealed to me on this excursion— in this one day.

I batted that away once more as I gave my last final gaze to the surroundings of the Eastern Court and stepped through the gates to the land shrouded in eternal night. The ambiance of distant ocean waves and expansive currents of wind were replaced with a comforting environment and a comforting cold atmosphere. Harmonious creatures of night sounded from the gardens, carrying their spirit of ancient song through the aura of this place. I let out a deep breath I hadn't found myself to be holding.

Home.

Both peace and dread dwelled in my stomach in that one moment. The feeling didn't last long, however, as there was a slight creak before the broad golden doors before me opened to reveal the inner white main hall of this palace entry. Dark blue and purple tapestries and lace hung from the sides accompanying the ivory and black furniture that was organized on either side of the room. At the end were two broad staircases jutting down from the second floor in a curved manner. Beyond them was a grand hall that led into the more intricate parts of the palace which grey a darker shade of grey as they went until they fully turned black. Before all of that stood a figure in dark blue and silver robes. Her slightly frail, yet gorgeously aged figure smiled towards me as her eyes found mine.

I glanced behind me one last time to find a beautiful overlook of an illuminated neon city below where a portal to the land of the ocean had been before. I turned back and gave a small smile towards Nanny.

"Welcome home, my little owl," Nanny spoke in a revering voice.

I ran towards Nanny then, not caring what the guards, other delegates, or court members that roamed my hall thought of the sight. Nanny gave a bit of a disapproving eye but didn't make a move or comment as I tilted my head towards her, "Glad to be home."

She turned to walk further into the palace and for me to follow along which I took to doing. I waved my hand to close the doors behind us.

"I see you smell of the land of the sea," Nanny took into account, causing me to chuckle.

"The ocean breeze does bring a powerful scent. One I know you have a disliking towards," I glanced down to the old lady who was haunched over and gave a glaring look confirming my words.

She sighed then as she looked back down, "Yes, but I suppose if it's something you enjoy so much, I can put up with it."

"Perhaps it will do well for your aging," I remarked with a twirl, finding a lively mood to take over my light-lifted heart.

Nanny smiled to this with a small nod of her head, "Ah, perhaps it will," She tilted her head, "Although, I do believe I'm managing well on my own."

I hummed in agreement as I inspected the wrinkles of Nanny's features, "You do seem to be magically gaining some youthfulness."

I could've recalled having seen more wrinkles adorning her skin that had now see to lessen in their creases.

The lady chuckled, "Night, if I recover my youth, it would be a miracle my owl!"

The two of us laughed over this for a brief moment before we let silence drift between us. We walked for a bit of time that way.

"Star," Nanny addressed, causing me to look down her way. Her head was lowered, facing away from me, "Do you have any plans here... for your court... anytime soon?"

I grimaced, finding my eyes having made their way to the ground as I bit my lip, "I haven't, no."

There was a slight unapproved sigh from Nanny. One that only had guilt throb inside me for the slightest of moments.

"You are this court's High Monarch, Star," Nanny allowed the truth to slip from her lips. She looked up to me then, "Please, remember that that is your role."

I solemnly nodded, "Right," I tried to smile a bit at the thought of my role. It faltered, "I'll start planning on everything."

Silence drew on once more as we looked away.However, it wasn't entirely quiet from all the shifting Nanny was doing. It was almost like something was itching at her— something she found she had to say. Until she sighed and gave into that thought.

"It's time," The older lady simply stated in a bit of a hush voice.

I knew exactly what she spoke of, causing the familiar sorrow to sweep its way into my mind. I still found myself asking anyhow, "For what?"

Nanny glanced at me with her dim, dark, and wise eyes, "For picking a new Captain of the Guard."

​​​​​​

To say the simp war that will break out in every reader's mind that will be catestrophic is an understatment.

That or ship wars.

ANYWAYS, Yo the sheer jOY of writing this chapter I'm going to need to write more things like this... so prepare to suffer 🤡

REMEMBER:​​​​​​

1. Smack dat butiful star

2. Leave a comment talkin abt dis tea

3. Share dis tea induced book with yo fwends

WHY? Because I appreciate it 🥺

\\ See u in the next chapier :3 \\