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Chapter 3: The Fire Priest

Stepping out of the Council Chambers, Keahi offered a small smile to Elder Fudo, who of which had spent the rest of the meeting glancing sideways at him with a concerned gaze. The elder was worried about him, he being only a few to realize that Keahi did not like to be reminded of his fate over and over again, especially in such a callous manner.

Still, Keahi tried to reassure the older man that he wasn’t that upset with her remarks, even though he was certain the elder didn’t believe him for a second. After his ‘confrontation’ with Flamenca, the meeting progressed as usual, Flamenca all but ignoring him with an occasional remark subtly thrown at his direction. It made the meeting uncomfortable for all involved. Even more so when they realize that there was virtually nothing they could say or do to stop such appalling behaviour of their Princess.

And didn’t she know that?

“Master Keahi,” A gentle voiced called out, pulling Keahi away from his thoughts. “Good morning.”

Looking up, Keahi felt a genuine smile touch his lips as one of his few cherished friends appeared before him, casting a gentle as ever gaze over him. “Oh, Bharath, good morning,” he greeted in return.

Bharath Krishanu had been his friend for as long as he can remember; they grew up together at the Fire Temple, his father a Head Priest at the time. He was one of only a very few that didn’t treat him like he was the Peace Keeper and nothing else. Although, he did call him master like everyone did for his role in life, but he didn’t do it in such a way that reminded him of his fate. Bharath treated everyone with respect and simply treated him kindly, like if he were his younger brother.

Still, there were some days that Keahi felt somewhat small when he was in Bharath’s presence, which would only make Bharath feel absolutely terrible if he ever confessed it. He was modest to a fault and would punish himself if he ever thought that someone was questioning themselves in his presence.

Though, how could anyone not question themselves? Bharath had long, slightly messy black hair that seemed to shimmer like black satin under the light of the sun. It reached the small of his back with shorter bangs framing his face, enhancing his bright ruby red eyes that were always filled with warmth and compassion.

His regal clothes were white in colour with black and gold trimming. His robe had long sleeves, the outer jacket touching the floor, left to fall freely and loosely over his lithe frame, tied simply by a buckle at his collar bone. Under the robe he were a simple pair of black pants with black boots and a simple white shirt that brushed against the hem of his pants.

He walked, no, glided with such grace, which such poise, it left no question that he was the most talented Fire Priest presently residing within the Fire Temple.

Bharath was truly a beautiful person, both inside and out. Kind, generous, friendly, he was also somewhat motherly, taking the time to look after and care for anyone and everyone around him. Despite only being three years older than Keahi, Bharath was greatly respected by nearly everyone he meets.

Keahi really looked up to him. He was everything he wished he could be, but know he will never achieve.

“How did the Council Meeting go?” Bharath asked with sincere interest and with a subtle sense concern as Keahi moved to walk next to the slightly taller man.

Keahi winced at the question. “Not too good, I’m afraid,” he replied sombrely.

“Oh, I see,” Bharath murmured, sounding solemn and distraught on his behalf.

Keahi had to smile to himself at Bharath’s typical response. Even though he shouldn’t, he often took on the burdens of others, which was another reason Keahi respected him so. He was a genuinely caring person, especially toward him.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Master Keahi,” Bharath said with a comforting voice. “Princess Flamenca is an overbearing leader, I’m sure if you had continued question any of her decisions, she would have done whatever is necessary just to prove you wrong.”

Yes, there was nothing to argue against that here.

“Yes, I know,” Keahi sighed as he rubbed a hand over his face, feeling weary all of a sudden. “I just...nothing.”

He just wished she wouldn’t rub in the fact that he was going to die one day and she was the one who will see to it all the time.

“Master Keahi...” Bharath whispered softly under his breath, his porcelain features creasing into a look of concern. His frown soon cleared though, being replaced with his usual expression of parental affection. “Why don’t we go have something to eat? I bet you are hungry, right? You didn’t have breakfast again this morning, did you?”

Keahi blushed at being caught out. “Ah, well...”

“Then come,” Bharath said as he hooked his arm through his, patting the back of his hand as he continued to smile. “I’ll make you something.”

The blush adorning Keahi’s cheeks grew deeper in shade, a small sense of guilt gnawing at his chest. Bharath was always fussing over him, not that he minded the attention, but really Bharath must have other more important things to do?

“There’s no need for that,” Keahi said hurriedly.

“But I want to,” Bharath retorted before Keahi could say anything about his self-worth and continued to smile that disarming smile of his, tilting his head to the side cutely in question. “Is that all right?”

In all honestly, there was no way Keahi could ever say no to Bharath.

“...Alright then.”

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