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lunarsands · 5 months

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ESMP S1 Fanfic - A Garden’s Path - Ch 2

Characters: Mythical Sausage, Scott Smajor, Bubbles the Dog, Sir Carlos, appearances by the rest of the cast of Empires SMP S1, featuring blaze-hybrid emperor TangoTek, and introducing: The Children of Mythland (specific characters to be tagged when they appear in each chapter)

Relationships: MythicalSausage/Scott Smajor, LDShadowlady/Smallishbeans, Shubble/Katherine Elizabeth, TangoTek & SolidarityGaming, Joey Graceffa/Xornoth

Tags: Empires SMP S1 AU, scosage, adoption, fluff, wholesome, so much wholesome fluff you would not believe, a bit of angst here and there, Sausage has a few nightmares for Plot reasons, acknowledgement of amputation (not sure how else to tag that but just in case)

WARNINGS: fantasy racism (human v elf), loss of parent (with adoption inevitably comes orphans), minor character death in a later chapter

Chapter Summary: The debut gala for the princes of Mythland proceeds and the boys meet a wide variety of rulers from across the Empires. Most of them seem determined to embarrass Sausage, Scott has a heartfelt conversation with Gem, and Xornoth spends some quality time with his nephews. Later, Azahar asks for a special favor, which his fathers are happy to provide in order to foster his interests.

(Also available on Ao3!)

[ Prologue ] [ Chapter One ]

[A/N: Sorry for the delay in updates, irl stress and writer’s block hit me hard. I made a few revisions and moved some events to other chapters, hence the title change on this one]

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Chapter Two – The First Gala

The day of the gala, along with cooler autumn weather, seemed to arrive in no time at all. The castle was abuzz with activity as finishing touches were added to the ballroom and other guest areas, while the boys spent the morning half-excited, half-worried, until the early afternoon when it was time to get ready. Rather than simply have servants help them while they themselves got ready, Sausage and Scott were quick to don their own outfits, both wearing a mix of red and yellow in Mythland style with matching fur-trimmed capes. The main difference was elven-styled filigree on Scott’s clothes as well as his crown being made of ice crystals. They then assisted the boys.

The combination of Rivendell and Mythland styles had come together nicely under the tailor’s skillful eye; embroidered patterns of shining gold that mimicked Mythland heraldry ran down the front of each doublet, accompanied by matching gold buttons. The same pattern repeated along the outer seam of their leggings and encircled the top of their color-coordinated boots.

Sausage was currently brushing Elowen’s hair, wearing a glove over his prosthetic hand to avoid any strands getting caught in the metal joints. He hummed a calm, quiet tune while the boy fidgeted slightly. Azahar was reading the guest list and practiced saying the names of the rulers to himself. Scott had gone to greet an early arrival, so Sausage had taken over braiding the sides of the younger boy’s hair.

Elowen fidgeted some more. “Is it going to look okay if you do it? I never had my hair long enough before.”

“I promise I’ll make it look nice. I’ve been practicing on Dad’s hair. His looks fine today, right?”

Elowen nodded without thinking, subsequently pulling his hair out of Sausage’s fingers. Sausage smiled and gently picked up the strands that were intended for the braid. “Sorry, Papa.”

“It’s all right. We’ve got plenty of time. And Dad can fix it when he gets back if you like that better.”

“No, it’s okay.” The boy tried very hard to stop fidgeting, but once Sausage finished both braids and had moved to secure them together at the back of Elowen’s head, he blurted, “What if I trip? And fall? And break my crown? What if everyone starts laughing, and they think I’m a bad prince?”

“Oh, well… Then I’ll just have to throw them in the dungeon!” Sausage chuckled and walked around in front with the hairbrush to playfully dash Elowen’s fringe over his eyes.

“But – I – I don’t want that either! I’d be the one who broke something!”

Sausage now parted the boy’s fringe neatly to either side. “I promise you won’t be in trouble. Only people who are mean to my son on his special day will go in the dungeon.”

A voice familiar to the human but unknown to the boys called from the doorway, “Well, sounds like I had better make sure I get along with my new nephews, because I would really hate to have to stay in the dungeon every time I come for a visit. I have to hand it to you, Sausage, you’ve got a good grasp on the protective parent thing already.”

The purple-haired elf wearing Rivendell regalia who leaned around the doorframe grinned, only for Scott to push past him into the room. “If you keep going with the puns, I’ll throw you in the dungeon. Boys, this is your Uncle Xornoth. He likes to make jokes about Papa’s prosthetic arm. Xornoth, this is Azahar and Elowen.”

Xornoth stepped fully into the room and bowed. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I would have liked to see you sooner, but your Dad left me to run a kingdom by myself, so I’ve been very busy. This gala was just the break I needed, so thank you for becoming my brother’s sons!”

Azahar looked at Xornoth with uncertainty at his casualness while Elowen came over to join him. “Um, you’re welcome… sir?”

“Psht, might as well call me ‘Your Highness, King of Rivendell’! Uncle, uncle! You can call me Uncle, or just Xornoth, or ‘that silly guy related to Dad’!” Xornoth laughed for a moment, but when both boys continued to look unsure, he bowed again – apologetically. “I’m sorry, forgive me, I do like to try to keep the mood light. I am genuinely pleased to finally see you in person. Your dad has told me about you in letters and I was happy to get the invitation. I wanted to be the first here, and it looks like I made good time.”

He now more politely took Azahar’s hand and bowed over it, then did the same to Elowen, smiling softly when the latter tried to offer a brave smile. “Welcome, my nephews, to the family. I hope we can chat a little more later. I have to join the other guests, but I’ll see you out there soon. Don’t worry too much about impressing anyone today, and it’s okay to be nervous, too. If it would make you feel better, I can tell you all about what happened at both of your fathers’ debut galas—”

Scott took his brother by the elbow and pulled him toward the door. “That’s enough for now, I think. You can go.”

“Aw, Scott, don’t you want me to tell them about how much mischief little Sausage got into when he still had his original arm?”

“No. We’ll see you downstairs.” Scott closed the door in his brother’s face, then sighed.

Azahar covered his mouth to hide a laugh, while Elowen’s curiosity was now piqued. “Did Uncle Xornoth fight the dragon that ate Papa’s arm, too?”

“No,” Scott replied, “He was somewhere else at the time. But he helped us when we got home after that, so Papa could rest.”

Sausage cleared his throat as he removed the glove and set it aside. “Let’s not worry about that old story right now! It’s time for the present! And presents! Are you ready for some stuffy ceremonial traditions, and then some fun dancing and chatting with everyone?”

“Yes!” the boys chorused, trading hopeful looks, eager to finally see the crowns that had been mentioned.

Scott leaned in to comment to them, “Papa thought the ceremonial part was very boring at his gala. Uncle Xornoth wasn’t wrong about the mischief part.”

“Excuse me! Excuse me!” Sausage protested. “My grandfather was a very boring man! I know there are supposed to be a bunch of official things that go along with this, but we’re taking the shorter route today so everyone can have a good time sooner!”

As they left the anteroom and crossed toward the curtained area over the staircase that led down into the ballroom, Azahar pondered to himself why Sausage had specifically mentioned his grandfather, and no other relatives. He kept the thought to himself for later; up until now he had been more concerned with the adjustment period and getting to know only his new parents, with less thought given to his possible extended Mythlandian family.

The grand staircase had three levels that wound downward until it reached the polished marble floor. Sausage peeked out through the curtains to see how the gathering below was going, then smiled back at everyone. “Okay, everything looks ready. Just wait here until you’re called. We go out first.” He sketched a bow to Scott, then held out his left arm. Scott smiled and hooked his arm around Sausage’s, then also gave the boys an encouraging nod.

Beyond the curtain, the herald announced, “Your hosts, Lord Sausage and King Regnant Scott!”

The two rulers exited through the curtain, pausing on the top step to give a brief wave, then walked down to the first landing.

“And presenting: Prince Azahar and Prince Elowen!”

Azahar quickly squeezed Elowen’s hand, then they copied their fathers as they stepped out. Scott and Sausage parted, waiting to either side for the boys to join them, then they all walked down to the next landings. On the final landing awaited two attendants who held cloth-covered red cushions. It was here that Scott moved to the side so that the boys had center stage with Sausage, who turned to the attendant on the left and lifted the cloth.

Upon the cushion sat a gold filigree crown with a shield-shaped ruby in the center, stylized swords crossed over it in protective symbolism as well as serving the practical purpose of holding the gemstone in place. Sausage held up the crown then lowered it onto Azahar’s head.

He then turned to the other attendant. The cloth was lifted to reveal another filigree crown with a six-sided pale blue agate in the center, this one with snowflake-shaped details keeping the gemstone centered. Sausage lifted it and then placed it over Elowen’s hair, nestling it just right where his braids were secured.

A ripple of applause flowed through the crowd. Elowen seemed about to shy away, but Sausage took his hand with another encouraging smile. Scott saw it as a cue to step forward and take Azahar’s hand. They both used this as a way to guide the boys to face the ballroom, then raised their joined hands and bowed. The applause continued, then the kings moved down the rest of the stairs with their sons.

Xornoth was already waiting to the right, clearly trying to contain his grin to an acceptable level. Sausage and Scott halted on the last step as the other elf bowed. The herald called from the landing, “The Monarch of Rivendell, Xornoth!”

“Good evening, Your Highnesses. It is a pleasure to meet the young princes.” Xornoth snuck in a wink and whispered to the boys, “Again, as it were. We’ll hang out after you get through the guest list.” He straightened and subtly glanced over his shoulder where other rulers were lining up behind him.

Scott and Sausage nodded in polite accord, then Xornoth meandered over to the other side of the staircase. He accepted an offered glass of chilled cider and casually watched the rest of the typical proceedings as the herald announced each ruler in turn.

“The Codfather, Jimmy, of the Cod Empire!”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” Jimmy gushed as he bowed then looked the boys over. “This is real! You really both became fathers!” He grinned incredulously at Sausage and Scott, then composed himself. “Ahem. Greetings from the Cod Empire, young princes!” he announced in an exaggerated formal tone, then added quietly, “You make sure to give these two lots of trouble. Do it for me, your Uncle Jimmy!”

“You’re not their uncle!” Sausage hissed quietly, “Get out of here, Jimmy!”

The Codfather bowed again but also traded grins with Sausage as he moved aside.

“Blaze Emperor Tango, of the Tek variety!”

The boys couldn’t help staring at the flame-haired man, whose crown appeared to be made of floating staves that seemed almost molten – or, at the least, were glowing. “Ohhh, these are princes! They’re like mini-kings! I get it now!” There was glee in Tango’s red eyes with their closely-matching red sclera as he leaned closer, then he sharply drew back. “Oh, sorry, I’m forgetting the overworld etiquette. Hi! Nice to meet you! Greetings from, ummm, the Burning Dark!” He started to bow, then took another step back and bowed fully, avoiding any of his flames getting too close to the royal family. After they nodded politely back to him, he jogged off after Jimmy.

“Count fWhip of the Grimlands!”

“Hi, hi! Hello, young princes! Sausage, I can’t believe you pulled this off, it’s so fancy! Good to know you haven’t broken my best work while running around playing, as I’m sure you’ve been doing!” fWhip gave a wink then said in a more serious voice, “I’ll take a look at it later, just in case. I can only assume you haven’t broken it yet.”

Sausage made a shooing motion with both hands to prove the prosthetic one was working just fine. As fWhip began to move away, Sausage leaned between the boys to mutter, “This is one of the parts I hate. It’s boring standing here, and you have to be polite while listening to all sorts of nonsense like that. I think it’s easier to just chat out on the floor if someone has something to say, instead of all this blah-blah-blah.”

Scott nudged him, then outright pulled him back into place. “We can complain later. Do I really need to tell you to be the one to behave, Sausage?”

The human laughed behind the back of his hand, then cleared his throat. “No, no. I’ll set a good example. Serious time, boys. Well, serious but polite.”

“The Wizard GeminiTay of the Crystal Cliffs!”

Gem’s eyes twinkled as she stepped up. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you, Azahar and Elowen! You look like such a proper family standing together like this! I hope Sausage hasn’t been embarrassing you too much with his recklessness. Sausage, you better not be getting them involved in your recklessness, either!”

Sausage huffed. “Is everyone just going to poke fun at me this whole night? This is a special event for my sons! You stop embarrassing me in front of them! Now go tell everyone behind you to not bring up anything else! My god!”

Gem laughed at his supposed outrage. Encouraged by her reaction, Elowen found some of his nerve. “Yeah, don’t pick on my papa! He’s been super nice to us! And he makes sure we don’t do anything dangerous! He only lets Azahar use the practice swords, and—”

Gem gently laughed again, then bowed to him. “I believe you, Prince Elowen. And I expect you to be just as outspoken when you come to my school for further magic lessons.”

Realizing the outburst might have been out of line, Elowen shrank back a little, but Scott put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and smiled down at him.

“PearlescentMoon of Gilded Helianthia!”

“Hello, boys,” the farmer queen greeted, her tone warm but mischief in her eyes.

“Pearl,” Scott said warily, “I know that look of yours. You’re up to something.”

“Why would I be up to something?” she replied with a cheeky smile.

“You brought them battle axes or two-handed swords, didn’t you, Pearl?” Scott accused flatly, although the corners of his mouth betrayed amusement.

“Well, it’s never too early to consider their favorite type of defense,” Pearl explained. She smiled at each of the boys in turn. “That aside, it’s a pleasure to meet you. If Sausage ever gets too soft on you with training, you can come battle with me.”

“Um,” Elowen replied, “I’m learning magic. I’m not old enough for real swords anyway.”

“Thank you, Auntie Pearl,” Azahar said, deciding to test out the familiar title even though this was the first time they had met. “Maybe we can talk about it after I move up from practice swords.”

“Calling me ‘aunt’ already! That’s honestly very sweet of you, Prince Azahar. We can definitely talk more in a bit, and I’ll give you some tips on the weak spots in your dads’ fighting styles.”

“Pearl!” Sausage scolded, “Didn’t you hear what I told Gem? And just because I lost my sword arm doesn’t mean I have weak spots! Come on, now!”

He continued to grumble as Pearl went on her way. Scott patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’re not bored now.”

“If I didn’t have to stand here, I’d go get some food.” Sausage then whined, “Can we get rid of this tradition, too, in the future? This part isn’t fun, right, boys?”

“Actually,” Azahar said with some mischief of his own, “It kind of is.” Elowen covered his mouth with both hands to hide his laugh.

“Oh, fine,” Sausage responded with a gusty sigh. “Since it’s for you, I’ll let everyone keep teasing me. I bet they’ll tell you all sorts of stories about me when I’m not around, anyway. Just remember, your papa is a brave adventurer!”

Pixlriffs offered a laugh, too, as he stepped forward despite their discussion drowning out the herald announcing him. “That is what I’ve heard.” He, at least, bowed low. “Your majesties. It’s lovely to meet you, Prince Azahar and Prince Elowen. I see bright things ahead for the future of Mythland with such lively young people ready to follow in their parent’s footsteps.” He leaned in to whisper, “Although, maybe be a little more careful and don’t lose a limb on your journey.”

“Not you too, Pix!!” Sausage squawked.

The Copper King grinned. “This could be a new tradition for you. Keep Lord Sausage humble so he doesn’t start bragging so much at parties.”

“I’m taking notes,” Sausage warned. “And so far, the guest list for the next party is getting shorter! Unless the boys want to invite someone, so you better be nice to them, at least!”

Azahar whispered to Elowen, “I think he really is going to throw people in the dungeon.” Elowen giggled, but when Pix was literally overshadowed by the next person in line, the boys took on looks of awe as their gazes went up, and up…

Elowen was so stunned that he blurted, “G-Giant blue fish lady!”

The equally overshadowed man with a green streak in his hair standing next to the smiling sea queen corrected, “Giant blue axolotl lady, actually.”

The herald’s announcement made it over their chatting this time. “Queen Lizzie of the Ocean Empire and her husband, King Joel of Mezalea!”

Lizzie didn’t seem to mind the mix up. “Hello, tiny princes,” she said, sounding a little awkward, herself. “It is nice to meet such good new additions to the Mythland monarchy. I wish you well in all your endeavors.” She bowed without even reaching low enough for them to see the top of her head.

Joel followed with a bow of his own. “Well, I don’t think I can beat the formality of that! Hello, lads, nice to meet you. Remind your dads to tell you how rich Mezalea is!”

“Joel,” Scott said with a patronizing smile, “Rivendell is known for its gold as well.”

“Scott, we’re not in Rivendell,” Joel fired back. “What does Mythland have? Iron. You know what’s pretty common? Iron. Gold is rarer and more beautiful! Also, if we’re going to talk Rivendell, there is wool. You know what wool is if you try to build with it? Susceptible to fire. What does Mazelea have? Terracotta. It doesn’t catch fire and comes in just as many colors as wool, and—”

Lizzie quickly interrupted to rein in her husband. “Now, now. No arguing between empires today. We need to set a good example for these potential future rulers. It wouldn’t be good to make enemies when neither my empire or yours have an heir yet, Joel.”

Sausage resisted the urge to step between Scott and Joel. “I think enemies might be a strong word. A little friendly competition between empires is fine, right? Mythland does well with imports of dark prismarine and terracotta, after all!”

Joel sighed and muttered, “Right, right. I was only saying that Mazelea has rich culture that these nice young lads might like to hear about.” He held a hand out to Lizzie regardless of actually being able to reach her hand. “We shall take our leave since we are taking up too much of your time at the moment. Come along, dear wife, we shall sample some of the food.”

The royal family watched them walk away with mixed amused looks at Joel’s parting tone.

The boys’ attention was next drawn down as the herald announced, “Guardian Shrub of the Undergrove!” Neither of them had met a gnome before, nor a fairy as Katherine closely followed.

Scott glanced around when it seemed Katherine was the end of the line. He murmured to Sausage, “Where’s Joey? I know he sort-of falls under ‘other’ on the invitations, but he should still be following ruler obligations and giving greetings.”

“Um. I think he got a little distracted by something else.” Sausage held his right hand up to block his left from everyone else’s view as he pointed to the other side of the staircase, where Xornoth and Joey were chatting away over drinks. Sausage uttered a short giggle. “Maybe some things don’t change—”

Scott quickly elbowed him to shush him, but no one else noticed their exchange since the boys were busy marveling over Katherine’s wings.

“So, you have them all the time?” Azahar was asking. “You don’t need a magic tattoo or flight gadget?”

“Nope,” Katherine answered, fluttering her wings so that they could see how they were different from the bird-like wings created by elven magic. Shrub had remained to watch the demonstration.

“Th-They’re really pretty,” Elowen stammered, internally hoping he wasn’t saying anything out of line.

Katherine smiled at him. “Why thank you, Prince Elowen.” She then snuck a glance at Shrub before stepping aside to be facing Azahar, while Shrub moved to face Elowen. They curtsied at the same time, then Shrub asked, “Would your highnesses do us the pleasure of having the first dance with us?”

The question – or perhaps being officially addressed in such a way – broke through Azahar’s sturdy calm and now he was the one to stammer. “U-Um, we would – we would be…” He looked to his parents for a cue, but they were distracted by Xornoth and a winged man who hadn’t been announced by the herald, but had the bearing of someone important.

Or self-important. He was currently complaining that since he hadn’t been let to the front of the line, seeing as how he was such a great ally to Mythland, he found it insulting to have to stand as last in line.

Azahar mustered up a serene smile and placed one hand on his chest, sweeping the other out at his side as he bowed. “We would be honored, your ladyship, your guardianship.” He straightened and extended a hand to Katherine. Elowen stared at him for half a second, then hastily copied him, ending with a hand held out to Shrub.

The movement of the boys heading out to the middle of the ballroom with the two leaders beside them seemed to be the perfect signal for the musicians to start the dance set. The sudden rise of a violin almost drew Sausage out of scolding Joey for not simply lining up at the same time as everyone else then maybe he would have been further up in the line and not at risk of having insulted his sons by not properly presenting himself, and Sausage had half a mind to throw him in the dungeon for an hour or two—

Further interruption came when Xornoth reached between the arguing pair to offer his hand to Joey. “If I might have this first dance, dear ruler of The Lost Empire?”

Joey tittered, feigning bashfulness. “Oh, my. Why yes, dear Monarch of Rivendell, I would be delighted.”

Scott and Sausage traded looks as if both were trying to hold in an outburst of laughter. They were – fortunately – distracted from their secret amusement by the approach of Pearl and Gem. Pearl simply grabbed Sausage by his left hand and hauled him toward the dance floor, while Gem took the politer, formal way by curtsying to Scott then holding out her hand. He also accepted and they followed the other two.

Sausage took note of Azahar and Elowen seeming to have a handle on everything alright on their own. Then he grinned at Pearl. They soon somehow managed to turn their dance into aggressive battle stances despite the tempo of the music.

Scott kept an amused eye on Sausage as much as he maintained a watchful one toward the boys, but so far it looked like they were having fun. From what he could tell, both Katherine and Shrub were accommodating the young elves’ inexperience with formal dances.

Meanwhile, Gem was being patient with his distracted state. She kept her palm pressed against his despite the swivel to his head. “They’re doing just fine,” she assured him. “I think you can relax a little. The rest of us are just as happy for you, and no one will get upset if they literally step on someone’s toes.”

“It isn’t the rulers I’m worried about,” Scott replied, finally returning his attention to her face, where a sympathetic smile awaited him. “I’m worried how either of them will react if that happens. I think Azahar can handle it, but Elowen gets nervous in crowded places full of strangers. He knows these are all responsible leaders here, but he has only just met everyone, and—”

“Scott. Calm down. Out of everyone here, Katherine and Shrub are probably going to have the most patience and kind words for the boys. Shrub knows how precious every child can be, and Katherine knows how best to nurture fragile life. Now, I’m not saying anyone in particular suggested they ask for the first dance, but there might have been some discussion ahead of time…”

Scott gave her a relieved smile. “Thank you, Gem. Maybe Sausage and I were more nervous about this than our boys were.”

“I could tell by how antsy Sausage looked during introductions.”

“I think that was just Sausage being Sausage,” Scott said with a chuckle.

“Has he been doing alright throughout this? No issues with the boys being too curious about his arm?”

“Sausage improvised in the moment and told them a dragon had eaten it. They were impressed that we fought one alongside our friends Gem and fWhip. No particular details about the dragon, of course.”

“Of course,” Gem agreed in a murmur. She quickly scanned the area. “I’ll pass that along to fWhip, but you know we’ll—"

“I know,” Scott cut her off as Jimmy and Tango happened to twirl too close. “I appreciate it, Gem.”

She nodded and smiled with a measure of bittersweetness, aware of how the children weren’t the only ones a secret was being kept from.

They finished the dance by bowing to each other, then Gem slipped away through the crowd of changing partners to find her brother. Scott turned to look for Sausage, but ended up with Xornoth holding up an outward-facing palm to him. They shared a grin and made exaggerated bows to each other before taking up positions to await the music.

Meanwhile, Jimmy had sidled up to Sausage, but it was merely to cut in and whisk Pearl away. Sausage took the moment to skim the crowd and check on his sons; he saw that they were now standing with Pix as Katherine and Shrub took their leave together. He smiled in relief, since it looked like the first dance had gone well for the boys.

Then he abruptly found an enthusiastic Tango popping up in his line of vision. The blaze hybrid started rambling about how amazing everything was, and that he would love to have the honor of dancing with one of the party’s hosts. Sausage agreed with a grin, happy that the newcomer was enjoying the social life of the surface world.

Three dance sets and some chatting with various emperors later, Azahar and Elowen stood by the grand staircase taking a break while simply watching the adults continue. Xornoth wandered over with a plate of tiny pastries and sat down on the steps beside them. “Hello again, nephews. How are you liking the gala so far?” He held the plate out to them, inviting them to help themselves to some desserts.

Elowen took one but before biting into it said, “It’s really fun! I thought it might be scary. Well, it was scary at first, being up on the stairs with everyone looking at us… But everyone has been nice. I’m not worried about messing up as a prince anymore.”

As he ate the pastry, Xornoth reached to pat him on the head, although being careful not to disturb his crown. “I’d say you’ve been very princely so far.” He then glanced to Azahar for his thoughts.

“It’s very different from what we were used to in our village back home – back in Rivendell,” Azahar replied, thoughtfully gazing around the ballroom. “The only thing we knew about royalty was what was in storybooks.” He then grinned at Xornoth. “No one said silly things about the kings in those stories. Everyone treats Papa like they know he gets into trouble all the time. But they’ve had good things to say about him, too – and about Dad. So, I feel like I’ve been able to learn from this, making it more than just a very fancy party. It’s been nice to meet so many different people from other empires. When I get older I’d like to go see all the places everyone is from, and hear their stories.”

“A fine goal,” Xornoth replied with approval. “Perhaps one day you could be Mythland’s ambassador.”

Azahar rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I don’t know yet if I want a… royal position like that. Dad said I can just be a kid for now and not worry about having a job as a prince.”

His adopted uncle nodded as he munched on a pastry. “Wise words. My brother isn’t half-bad at this parental guidance thing.” He offered the plate to them again.

After taking one and chewing it pensively, Azahar inquired, “Do you… mind if I ask what you know about Papa’s grandfather? He hasn’t talked about any other family much. This was the first we had heard of him. And… if it’s okay… yours and Dad’s parents, too?”

Xornoth smiled gently. “I suppose I can tell you a little. I’m not sure how much of it is my place to tell; your papa might share the stories with you when he’s ready.” He placed a splayed hand against the center of his chest. “Our parents went on a diplomatic mission to another elven kingdom across the world, leaving me in charge as eldest son. Now, as for the Infamous Z. Kielbasa – the ‘Z’ is silent – he was very strict about proper behavior and tradition, which is probably why your papa is so mischievous…”

He regaled them with his assorted knowledge for over half an hour, including little hints about Sausage’s adventures, and was just about to share embarrassing accounts of Scott trying to get a handle on his ice magic when Joey sauntered over.

“Hello, Xorny… I was wondering if you’d like to dance some more – with me.” The ruler of The Lost Empire then blinked as if only just now realizing Azahar and Elowen were there. “Oh, riiight, these are your… nephews. Look, I’m not good with children, okay? But, um, it is nice to meet you, I guess.” Joey took the plate from Xornoth and pressed it into Elowen’s hands. “Here, have more snacks, and… have fun over here. Bye~”

Xornoth found himself being pulled to his feet and back toward the dance floor. He managed a small wave, which Azahar returned while Elowen stared after the pair as he absently ate another pastry. “That was… kind of weird.”

Azahar laughed and grabbed the remaining two pastries before Elowen devoured them all. “I think that parrot-man has a crush on Uncle Xornoth.”

“Is that what a crush looks like? How can you tell?”

“Just a guess.”

The two princes went back to watching until Shrub came over and asked Elowen to dance with her again. Azahar entertained the thought that she was being considerate of how the younger boy would be comfortable dancing with someone close to his own height. Azahar himself turned down an invitation from Pearl, who nodded in respect and looked for someone else who was available.

Azahar then wandered over to the group of musicians and stood where he figured he might be the least obtrusive as he observed the way in which the violinist brought forth melodies from the strings.

He got a little too caught up in it, because he didn’t register when the set changed to a slower tempo, nor did he pay attention as dance partners switched to a majority of the romantic partners in the group – until Elowen began tugging at his sleeve while saying in a hushed voice, “Azahar! Look at Dad and Papa!”

The older boy looked to where his brother was indicating. He saw Scott and Sausage in the middle of the floor with a hand on each other’s waist, their other hands clasped together, and dreamy smiles on their faces as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Azahar smiled softly. Elowen leaned against him as they kept watching, enchanted, then he whispered, “If the other thing was what a crush looks like, I think this is what being in love looks like.”

“Yes,” Azahar agreed. “I think they love each other very much.” He hugged Elowen around the shoulders with one arm. As the set wound down, he reached for Elowen’s hand and stepped out onto the floor. “Come on,” he said with a persuasive smile. The two slipped between the other couples and came to a halt where they could beam up at their parents.

Sausage glanced at them first; he removed his hand from Scott’s waist and held it out to Azahar. Scott then did the same with his hand held toward Elowen, and as the musicians switched to an upbeat set, the four of them danced together.

It wasn’t clear who started the chain, but soon all of the others had linked hands and were dancing in a circle around the royal family. Xornoth broke away from it to put himself between his nephews, and he smiled with fraternal love at his brother while mouthing the words, “Here’s to a new future.”

~*~

After another round of official traditions in the form of bidding each guest a good night, the boys took their leave to get ready for bed. Azahar held his crown between both hands, getting a better look at it. He gazed at the swords crossed over the jewel before placing it in front of the row of books on the dresser. “I forgot to ask if there’s a proper way to store these for the night. I don’t know what Papa does with his crown.”

Elowen giggled. “His doesn’t look like it would be comfortable to sleep with it on.” He held his crown up so Azahar could put it next to his.

The older boy gazed at the two crowns side-by-side and smiled softly. “It’s almost like we’re in a fairytale of our own. Two little boys from out in the countryside chosen to be princes of a foreign land.”

“We could write our own story and put it in a book!”

“Maybe someday. Let’s wait to see what other adventures we have. You’ve got a chance to become an amazing ice wizard – unless there’s something else you’d like to do?”

Elowen hopped up onto his bed and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Not really. Dad said there is a lot to know about using magic, and I know it’s gonna take me time to learn all of it! What about you? Do you wanna do something besides learn sword stuff?”

“I was thinking of something… but I guess it can wait…”

Elowen leaned back on his hands and regarded his brother critically. “Azahar, are you nervous about something?”

“Um, what makes you say that?” The older boy tried to be casual as he adjusted the position of his crown on the shelf.

“I just… kinda get this feeling, like… you’re acting in a way I’ve never seen you act before.”

Azahar chuckled lightly. “You’ve caught me. Well…” He sat down on his own bed. “You know how Dad has his magic, and Papa is a good sword fighter? I’m thinking of something we haven’t seen them do, so I’m not sure how I would learn, or if it would be a bother because they like to spend time with us with magic and sword lessons.”

Elowen needed to think that one over. He eventually nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense. Are you gonna tell me what it is?”

“Maybe wait until I ask them so we’re not both disappointed,” Azahar admitted sheepishly.

Elowen jumped down and ran over to hug Azahar around his middle. “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll say yes! You did a really good job at being a prince today! You could even ask for it for your birthday!”

Azahar hugged him in return. “I hadn’t thought of that. That’s a good idea. Thanks, little brother.” They parted and grinned at each other.

“You’re welcome, big brother!”

~*~

Azahar waited to make his request for a solid three weeks before Elowen egged him on enough to finally ask. He chose one of the days where he and Sausage were having a lesson – and, he had to confess, one where Azahar threw himself into it with unexpected ferocity due to nerves. When their practice fight ended in a draw, father and son took a moment to rest beside the weapons rack before Sausage stowed his blade and took out two drying cloths, tossing one to Azahar so he could wipe the sweat from his brow.

Sausage patted at his own face, then disconnected his prosthetic to allow some air to flow around the cuff protecting his stump. He laid the prosthetic on top of the cabinet containing the cloths. “That was a great match! I think with a little more practice you’ll be able to defeat me! And once that happens, you can move up to training with Pearl. I have to warn you, she won’t go easy on you like I have!” He winked and grinned.

“Actually, um…” Azahar contemplated the cloth in his hands, then glanced at the weapons rack – where Pearl’s gift of a two-handed broadsword awaited the right time and the gain of strength. “I think I would like to take a break from having only sword lessons. I was wondering, um, if it would be alright to ask, um…”

Sausage started to look at him with concern. “You can always ask me anything! Is – Is everything okay? Does it feel like the lessons are too hard? We can scale it back if you need to! You don’t have to fight Pearl any time soon, either! I was just joking about that.” Sausage laughed awkwardly, then cleared his throat. “Sorry. You’re, uh, not usually this hesitant.”

Azahar uttered a nervous laugh of his own. “Y-You’re right.” He took a deep breath. “Papa, since my birthday is next month, I wanted to – well, I would like to – ask for something specific instead of having it be a surprise. Well, I guess two things. And I’ve been thinking about this for a while, so I’m not trying to be impulsive, and I don’t think you would have to worry about me losing interest and wasting time or money on it, or…”

Sausage nodded eagerly to show his support, eyes wide and with an also broadening smile. “Go ahead, tell me! What new interest do you have?”

Azahar continued, “At the gala, I really enjoyed listening to the violin music. May I… have a violin, and could you have someone teach me how to play…?”

Sausage hopped on his toes and moved his arms to clap his hands – but forgot for a second that he had removed his prosthetic, and so he stopped short, staring, as his left hand crossed in the air with nothing alongside his outheld stump. “Ah – heheh.” He retrieved his prosthetic and pointed it at Azahar. “You absolutely may! I’ll contact the court musicians to see if someone is available to be your tutor, and if not, surely we can find someone – even if we have to bring them all the way from Mazelea!”

“Thanks, Papa. I’ll work hard to learn just like with your lessons. W-We can still have sword lessons because I love spending the time with you, but I would like to try new things, too.”

“Of course, of course!” Sausage agreed, attempting to re-affix his prosthetic while fidgeting around, his body simply on automatic gesticulation mode as he talked. “You and your brother can explore anything that interests you! It doesn’t have to always be things Dad and I do, but it worked out so nicely that they can bond over ice magic! You and I could have found something else to do together, too, if you weren’t interested in sword-fighting! Botany for one thing, or alchemy, or a little bit of engineering. I can’t rely on fWhip for help with this thing forever! But don’t you go feeling pressured to learn that, either! I can learn new things, too!”

“Papa—”

“Yes, sorry— see, this is exactly what I mean. Sometimes it’s a little finnicky when I put it on by myself. I need to talk to fWhip about that when he does the next upgrade…” Sausage seemed to be having trouble holding his stump at the correct angle to slip the prosthetic into place without it catching on the fabric cuff.

“Papa, let me help.” Azahar took hold of the prosthetic by the forearm section. He smiled gently at Sausage. “Elowen and I can do things for you, too.”

Sausage chuckled softly. “I’ve gotten used to relying on Dad. Thank you, son.” He held still and instructed Azahar on the best way to fit the inside basket structure over the fabric cuff. Once it was settled in place, he flexed the fingers then lowered his arms. “The Winter Market opens in a few days. I think I know just the booth we can stop by for a finely crafted violin!”

~*~

As promised, once the market had opened and Sausage had enough free time, the four of them went on a nice outing to peruse the wares with the eventual intention of buying a violin for Azahar. Elowen kept close to Scott’s side this time, since Sausage was the one most familiar with the craftspeople of the market. The younger boy tried not to be too clingy, but Scott would gently squeeze anytime Elowen started to grip his hand too tightly.

When they found the booth, there was a lengthy explanation of how the type of wood that was used to make an instrument affected its sound, then the craftswoman played a few of the different ones she had for sale so Azahar could decide which he liked best. She even let him try the one he chose right there at the booth, giving him a brief introductory lesson and helping him to hold the bow correctly before he ventured into coaxing notes from the strings.

Azahar handled it as if it was the most fragile thing in the world, but the craftswoman assured him that once he had established his connection with the instrument he would understand its limits. Elowen watched and listened with fascination, although he kept his hands in tight fists against his legs, similarly terrified of breaking something by accident.

Scott and Sausage looked on, happy with how joyful and excited Azahar appeared regardless of how cautious he was handling the violin. They were all too aware of how he might have let this opportunity pass him by in order to ensure Elowen was the happier of the two.

There was plenty of chatter around them to override the sound of the violin, and Sausage was drawn to gaze at the surroundings, feeling content to see Mythland bustling with so much life and activity.

Yet, his attention automatically snapped toward a young voice calling out, “Papa, I want that one!”

Across the lane was a booth selling cloth dolls. A little girl was jumping up and down while pointing at one that wore a frilly princess dress. A wistful expression fell over Sausage’s face as the girl’s father took the doll from the seller and handed it to her; she promptly hugged it tightly and thanked him.

Scott noticed that Sausage was distracted, and followed his line of sight. “Fatherhood has turned you sentimental. That’s quite a look you have in your eyes. What are you thinking…?”

Without glancing away from the father and daughter as they walked away with the girl holding the doll wrapped in one arm while holding her father’s hand with the other, Sausage asked, “Do you – Do you think the boys would like to have a sister?”

~*~

That evening they had a family discussion wherein the boys agreed that having another sibling could be fun, and arrangements were made for another trip to Rivendell the following month. The carriage – and the two kings – would go without royal adornments to distance themselves from too much influence again.

When that day arrived, Azahar and Elowen waved as the carriage set off from the stable yard. Sir Carlos and Bubbles, charged with keeping watch over the princes, waited on the steps into the castle, allowing the boys to take their time and mentally adjust to their parents being away for the first time since they had come to Mythland.

Elowen was actually pondering a different question. “If I’m like Dad with magic, and you’ve been learning with Papa, what do you think our sister might end up like?”

“Maybe she’ll be like Bubbles.”

“No, that would be weird!”

Bubbles barked, sounding like she had taken offense at that comment. Azahar, meanwhile, laughed. “We’ll have to wait to find out. Come on, my violin tutor will be here soon. You can sit in on the lesson.”

“Yay! You know, even when you only practice a few notes, it’s so pretty to listen to.”

[To Be Continued in Chapter Three: The First Princess]

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