Chapter Text
A clean swift strike hit Clive straight on his chest, making him gasp for precious air as the oxygen was knocked out of his lungs. He toppled over like a dry sack of potatoes, miserably failing to catch his fall on top of that which only served to worsen his situation upon impact on the hard ground.
“Fuck...” he groaned as ragged breaths fell from his mouth, rubbing the sore area on his chest which was certainly bruising already. It was his poor attempt to recover from the blow he received and considering from whom it came, he should have known better that it would at least take several minutes before he recovered. Still, he tried to hasten the process and in response, his body punished him for that, worsening the throbbing pain that overtook his senses.
The culprit behind Clive's sorry condition observed the young boy rolling in agony across the floor with hawk-like eyes, dissatisfied about the poor display of his teachings he had spent years clobbering into his student.
“What is wrong with you, boy? It's not like you to be distracted during your training,” Commander Murdoch's voice boomed, the deep echo of his voice bouncing from the walls of the castle's indoor training room.
Clive's azure eyes searched for the tall man until they found him, finding him standing a few metres away with his arms crossed in front of his vast, muscular chest. The black-haired teen knew his mentor well enough to tell at first glance that Commander Murdoch was disappointed by the performance he showed today. Clive couldn't even say anything back because he was well aware of that very fact as well.
“If this was actual combat, you would be dead by now. I hope you realise that boy,” the Commander continued a few moments later when his student didn't show any signs of answering his initial question.
Clive, still lying on the ground, had to bite back the angry snarl that bobbled from deep within his chest. His teacher's words stung, very much so at that, but he knew they were nothing but the honest and cruel truth. If this was a real fight, he would be soaking in a pool of his own blood, perished and having failed his duty to protect Joshua, his beloved little brother for whom he would do anything, literally anything. Even something as ridiculous as pulling down the stars from heaven he would attempt if Joshua simply asked for it. Sometimes, he wondered if anyone understood just how much he loved his baby brother...
A sudden harsh bonk with a wooden training sword on his head pulled him away from his thoughts and back to the training room where he was still facing one Commander Murdoch who showed no mercy on his current condition.
“Fuck!” Clive cursed once more as he held his now sore head, burning pain flooding through his nerves and linking with the ongoing ache from his chest.
His mentor released an annoyed and defeated huff through his nose as his student failed to pay attention yet again, even after he had pointed out that said lack of awareness was equal to certain death on a real battlefield.
“Let me ask you again, Clive. What is wrong with you today? It's not like you these days to be so unaware of your surroundings during your training,” the man offered while he took a seat on the floor as well.
There was no point continuing the practice until Clive was able to focus again. He didn't mind being rough with Clive when it meant the boy survived the fights of the future, but in the end, this was still training. He had no intention of inflicting serious injuries on his student. Not only would Elwin have his head for that, but he would never be able to forgive himself if something happened to Clive under his watch.
Patiently, he waited for Clive to open up about what was bothering him, but the teen remained silent, merely looking to the side, unable to meet his searching gaze. Murdoch sighed about the boy's refusal to talk which left him with only one option. He would have to guess his way through until he found the reason for Clive's distraction, albeit he was pretty sure he had already a good idea of what was on the boy's mind.
“Is this about Joshua's upcoming birthday?”
Clive's reaction was immediate, showing that the Commander's guess was indeed correct. The teen's head snapped towards the man, his mouth opening and closing in rapid motion, stumbling over the mass of words that wanted to leave all at once. The boy's eyes were as wide as a Chocobo's who had sniffed a crate filled to the brim with Gizar herbs too and Murdoch was unable to suppress the amused snort that escaped past his lips.
“How did you...” Clive eventually pressed out after he sorted out his words, bewildered at how easily his mentor figured out the issue that had been on his mind for weeks now.
Back then he was able to push the matter to the back of his mind, perusing himself that more than enough time was left to find a proper gift for his baby brother, but as the day grew closer and closer he became desperate because he didn't find the time to go into the city and purchase a present Joshua would like, too busy with his training and other duties as Joshua's first shield.
This eventually led to him being in his current position, his chest hurting and a bump forming on his head where he was being struck by his mentor, while Commander Murdoch looked deep into his eyes and challenged him to tell him that it wasn't Joshua's birthday, but something else that was bothering him.
Clive buckled under the stern gaze directed at him and caved in at the end. Averting his gaze, he found the laces of his boots suddenly very interesting. He ran his fingers across their surface, following their trail with his fingers all the while he hoped his teacher would give up eventually and let the matter be. However, the old man was adamant, not yielding in the slightest despite the uncomfortable silence enveloping them at this point. The teen sighed and accepted his fate before he murmured his response.
“It's true,” he whispered, his voice so quiet that Commander Murdoch thought he imagined it at first. Clive felt the demanding stare of his mentor drilling deeper into him making it obvious that Murdoch was not satisfied with the answer so far. Clive suspected unless he told the man everything he wouldn't leave the training room any time soon, maybe even sitting here until it was deep into the night.
He sighed again, his shoulders sacking in utter defeat. Since the Commander had guessed correctly from the beginning anyway, there was probably no point in trying to hide anything from the man. Finding the strength to meet his mentor's gaze again, Clive began to share what was bothering him.
He told Murdoch everything, how he tried to find time to pay the town a visit but never found the proper time to do so, how he thought there were still enough weeks and days left before his brother's birthday until they had suddenly all but vanished, slipped through his fingers before he knew it. During his every waking moment at this point, he could only think what to gift to Joshua because he wouldn't dare to appear empty-handed on his beloved brother's birthday.
While Clive told the tale of his current predicament, his mentor listened carefully without giving away what he thought about it, giving the boy the room he needed to express himself properly. He didn't judge nor did he say anything back in return either.
When Clive was finished with his story he rose to his feet and dusted himself off, his cheeks showing the smallest hints of red. He could hardly believe he told his mentor everything about his current troubles. It was not like himself to speak so openly about his emotions with other people. Joshua, of course, was an exception to that, but considering what his worries were about, his brother dropped out as a possible candidate to whom he could pour his heart and soul out.
“I... I'm sorry for bringing this up. I will try to focus from now on. Please let us continue with the training, Commander,” the black-haired teen said, taking his usual stance.
However, his mentor didn't show any signs of continuing the practice of swordsmanship. The old man had risen to his feet by now as well, but instead of preparing himself for battle, he merely looked at Clive.
“Commander Murdoch...” Clive uttered confused, not sure what he should make out of the unusual behaviour of his mentor. Normally, the man was the first one to be ready for their training season, always a bit too eager to teach him a lesson in Clive's opinion. He only meant the best of course, but it was still tough, no matter how often he faced the man.
Therefore, seeing Commander Murdoch so unresponsive in the face of a battle was unnatural, to say the least. Clive tilted his head sideways and was about to address his mentor again, but said man beat him to it.
“The training is over for today,” he said matter-of-factly, surprising Clive beyond imagination.
“Furthermore, you are relieved of your duties for the remainder of the day as well. Use it as you deem it suited best for you, boy.”
If Clive was surprised beforehand, he was utterly shocked now. His mouth fell open upon hearing his mentor's words trying to say a billion things in less than a second. The result was nothing more than a stuttered mess that tumbled past the teen's lips. It took him a couple of attempts before his tongue managed to form a coherent speech.
“But Commander... You can't-”
“Of course I can as I have shown just now,” his mentor cut across him. He stashed away the wooden training sword, finalizing that the practice was indeed over. Turning around he said to Clive “Go and look for a present for your brother, Clive. I know how important he is to you. Until you get him a proper gift, you won't be able to focus on your training anyway so leave already, before I change my mind.”
“But-”
“Don't make me repeat myself, Clive,” the Commander warned, the teen immediately shutting up. With nothing but silence circling mentor and student, the words slowly sunk into Clive alongside the implication they carried.
He couldn't believe that his strict teacher allowed him this much freedom. A large smile found its way on his lips before he knew it and he all but beamed at the old man.
“Thank you, Rodney,” he said with a bow of his head, forgoing even the title and last name he normally used when he addressed his mentor. After that, the teen all but sprinted out of the training room, leaving the Captain Commander alone.
The tall man released a deep and heavy sigh, brushing with one hand through his short hair before it stooped at its back and massaged the area. “Can't believe a soppy little story like this moved me... damn brat...” he muttered to himself, watching how the door leading inside the room fell shut on its own.
Shaking his head from side to side, he went to grab Clive's sword and stored it away as well. In his excitement, the boy had left it behind and the Commander swore he would be extra hard on their next training lesson to make up for today. Deep down he knew he was lying to himself right now because he was going to let it slide one way or another, but his own stubbornness prevented him from openly admitting that fact.
“To think I would grow a soft spot for the little lordling... I guess I'm getting old,” he said to himself, feeling safe enough in the solitary room to speak his thoughts.
“It's good to hear that you are honest with yourself for a change, my dear,” a new soft voice suddenly said from behind him. It took all the years he had spent on the battlefield to prevent the shriek bubbling in his throat from going any further. Still, his shoulders stiffened as he turned around in haste, finding his wife standing inside the door frame of the second entrance.
“Hanna?! How long have you been there?!” He questioned surprised since he didn't notice his wife's entrance.
“Long enough,” the woman chuckled in return, warm delight swirling in her eyes.
Mortified that he was caught red-handed, Commander Murdoch turned away. “You must be imagining things, Hanna.”
He had to admit it was a very poor attempt to salvage the situation and unsurprisingly it only earned him more chuckles from his wife. She knew him better than anyone else after all and could easily tell when he was dishonest.
Unexpectedly, she embraced him suddenly from behind. “But you know, seeing this soft side of yours reminded me why I fell in love with you all those years ago. You have a good heart, Rodney. I am certain that is why Elwin trusts you with the young lord.”
“You think so?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I see,” he responded, accepting the words of his wife as truth before he sighed softly. “Please, just don't tell Clive about what you heard. Otherwise, it will get to his head.”
“Don't worry. It will be our little secret. Do you think he will find a proper present for dear Joshua though? The preparations for the banquet on the boy's birthday are almost complete and I imagine his mother will drown the young lad with gifts.”
“I'm sure he will find something. If not, the next lesson will be hell for the boy.”
His declaration caused his wife to chuckle again and this time, he joined with his own laughter.
XXX
Meanwhile, Clive had left the vicinity of the ducal castle. Some guards and other servants threw questioning stares at him on his way out. They were all accustomed to his daily schedule and knew that he should be under the guidance of Commander Murdoch at the moment. However, none of them chose to address the matter and after their initial surprise, returned to their duties.
The teen was grateful for that. The last time he had time for himself during the day felt like it was ages ago. The last he needed at the moment was to explain the unexpected shift in his schedule. He had a mission to complete and he was resolved to find the perfect gift for Joshua even if that meant he had to turn the entirety of Rosalith upside down. Nothing could stop him anymore. This was probably his only remaining chance before the great day and he was going to use it.
He folded his arms behind his back and whistled a soft tune as he walked towards the city square where most of the merchants should be around this time of the day. The sun had long past its zenith in the sky, but the day would still last for several hours, more than enough time as he deemed.
Clive needn't worry about the townspeople either. They were busy with their daily activities, so most of them passed him by without realising who he was. Only a few recognised him, shocked about the oldest son of the duke strolling through the streets without guards. Due to his daily training, his reflexes have improved a lot, so he was fast to put his finger on his lips and wink at them, silently asking them to not make a commotion about his current whereabouts.
He only had to do this a couple of times though because he was one amongst many, lost in the mass walking through the busy streets. It was liberating to see people not bowing to him wherever he went. He may be his father's son, but Clive never viewed himself better than any of the other citizens of the Great Duchy. If his mother were to hear his thoughts, he was certain she would severely punish him because for her such thinking was nothing short of blasphemy. He was glad he came after his father who had a far simpler sight of political affairs. At the same time, Clive wondered how his mother never grew tired of all the scheming behind the scenes. They were related by blood, but the teen couldn't comprehend what was going through his mother's mind.
However, he didn't want to waste his precious and rare free time with his family business when it wasn't connected to Joshua. He continued his march and soon enough arrived at his goal. He noticed by the many loud yells filling the air, each voice trying to be louder than the others to attract as many customers as possible.
Soon, the mass of walking people dispersed in different directions, the town square offering more than enough space for all of them. It was laid out circularly with a large garden located in its centre and several smaller ones forming a ring around the core garden. From the middle of each patch of green a water fountain shot towards the air, watering the surrounding plants even on the hottest summer days.
Countless flowers from all over Valisthea grew in the gardens Rosalith was famous for. It was said that many of them normally required a specific climate to bloom which should make it impossible that they survived in an environment that was far away from their natural habitat.
During his studies of history, he once heard that Rosalith was named after the vast fields of roses that once bloomed in this area before the town was founded and replaced them bit by bit. The story continued that the people from back then were saddened when the natural beauty slowly perished as the city grew, so they began grooming the roses in small gardens to preserve them for the future. Out of gratitude, the roses blossomed each year vibrantly and eventually this extended to other flowers as well. There was no telling if the story was true or not, but whenever he had the opportunity to observe the colourful beauty of his home, Clive figured there was a true core to the tale.
Around the gardens stood the temporary shops of the merchants, turning each patch of green into a small island people were flocking to like moths to a blazing flame. Whenever the customers felt tired, they could rest inside the flecks of nature before they continued to the next islands.
Looking around, the black-haired teen wondered where he should start. The square was enormous and housed so many merchants, that it was hard to decide which one he should try first. Clive continued for a while longer before he concluded there was no point standing here all day. He would just go to the closest one and see how things developed from there on out.
His first pick led him to a stand selling grilled meat on skewers. This was not going to work as a present for Joshua for numerous reasons albeit he was certain his baby brother would have enjoyed the stand nonetheless. Considering his brother's position, it was nigh impossible to take a simple stroll across the town's square though, a thought that saddened Clive ever so slightly.
Not wishing to let his high spirits die down, Clive hastily went to the next one, not before he purchased one of the skewers for himself though. His stomach protested the moment he was about to leave empty-handed, something that didn't escape the shop owner's business, basically shoving one of the skewers straight into Clive's face. It was an immediate loss for the teen when the delicious smell of grilled meat filled his nose. Furthermore, he bought an extra one he could give to Joshua later on. It was the least he could do alongside sharing the tale of this little adventure.
The next one was not any better, maybe even the worst of all possibilities because a multitude of vegetables were displayed. That, of course, included carrots and upon their sight, Joshua's disgruntled grimace jumped to the front of Clive's mind, causing the teen to chuckle ever so slightly.
With fondness, he remembered all the times during dinner when his brother looked at him with pleading eyes to eat the carrots in his stead. When Clive decided to become his brother's shield years ago, he didn't expect that would eventually include protecting his baby brother from vegetables. Not that he minded because, unlike his brother, he did enjoy carrots. And if by eating them he could cast a smile on Joshua's lips all the better.
However, with his current hunt for a present still ongoing and the fact, that he was still equipped with meat skewers, Clive skipped the stand of greens and went on to the next one. Before he could see it, he smelled the shop, a multitude of fine and exotic fragrances filling his nose.
When he arrived it came to no surprise that his third business offered a wide array of perfumes, collected in fancy vials. They looked expensive, so his eyes searched for the price tags. When Clive spied them, he almost doubled over when he saw the many digits written on them. This was definitely a miss too because Joshua had never shown interest in perfumes up to now. If anything, he disliked them when his frown was anything to go with whenever their mother demanded his presence at whatever event she had planned.
Making another hasty retreat, Clive continued on his journey to find the perfect present. He visited every merchant he could find on the town's square, looking through their expense, hoping he would find what he was looking for. When he was honest with himself, he had no idea what he should get exactly for his brother. Due to his family's wealth, there was basically nothing Joshua didn't have. Add on top of that that their mother was making a fuss almost every day, claiming that Joshua required even more items than he already had, and his problem was perfect.
The sun travelled across the horizon while Clive was busy circling the centre of Rosalith. Soon enough it was setting for the day, the blazing orb hanging low on the horizon. Meanwhile, Clive had made absolutely no progress in his quest. He saw many interesting, fascinating, weird and funny things, but nothing sparked the enthusiasm he was hoping for, the feeling overwhelming his entire body, telling him he found what he was looking for.
“God damn,” he grunted as he flopped on the grassy ground inside one of the gardens, exhausted and disappointed from his lack of success. All the precious time he gained due to Commander Murdoch's kindness was gone by now and it was slowly but surely getting time for him to return to the castle. By now, his absence most likely had alerted the guards and knowing his worrywart of a father, the man would turn the entire Duchy upside down to find him if necessary.
He groaned at the thought of what was waiting for him once he returned and prayed it wouldn't turn out to be too bad. Honestly, Clive couldn't find it in himself to really care about his father's worry right now. The teen was still without a present for Joshua and there was almost no time left anymore. The orchestrated banquet to celebrate the Phoenix's dominant's ninth birthday was only two days away and Clive doubted he would get another chance to look for something he deemed suitable as a gift.
Worst of all, most of the merchants were currently closing their shops for the day, the buzz of moving crates and carts echoing all over the square. This meant his available options for purchase were rapidly decreasing, adding even more to his fast-growing dismay.
The teen grumbled under his breath and spat out the dissatisfaction he felt about the lack of progress on his hunt. The words that tumbled from his parted lips were easily enough to cause an uproar in the castle if his mother were to hear them. He could vividly imagine her fuming expression, trying to keep the damage as small as possible if word should spread that the oldest son of the current duke had no control over his mouth.
The thought of causing trouble for his mother caused him the tiniest bit of delight, but the prospect of getting re-educated in the aftermath did not, so it was better when his words remained in the confines of the garden he was currently in, the flowers, bushes and trees his only witnesses. Or so he thought.
From somewhere behind him sounded a soft chuckle, startling Clive so much that he leapt to his feet in less than a second. Turning around he was ready to flee, feeling like a Chocobo caught plundering a crate of Gizar herbs.
His eyes located the source of the chuckle in no time. It was an elderly lady sitting on the closest bench. The teen wondered how long she had been there because he was certain she wasn't there when he came.
She offered him one of the kindest smiles he had ever seen, the wrinkles on her slightly tanned skin adding to the impression. Her white hair caught in a long ponytail fluttered in the soft breeze blowing through Rosalith.
“My, my. A young man of your stand shouldn't use such language, Lord Rosfield,” she said, although Clive could tell the little jest in her voice.
Still, feeling totally embarrassed that someone did hear what he muttered, an elderly lady nonetheless, he apologized with a deep bow.
“I'm sorry you were forced to listen to that.”
It was the least he could do, but the old woman waved him off.
“Now, now, my child. Don't apologize for expressing your emotions. It's important to let them free because otherwise, they will cause trouble for you sooner or later.”
“Right...” he lamely said in return, knowing that her words were the truth. He still felt ashamed of himself despite her reassurance.
She must have noticed how he thought about the event, so she addressed him again. “Why don't you keep this old woman company for a short while?” Patting this spot right next to her on the bench, she smiled gently at him again, her warm expression drawing him in like a moth to a flame.
He hesitated for a brief moment before he accepted the invitation, seating himself at a respectable distance. Neither of them said anything after that. For Clive, it was awkward at first, but the tranquillity that poured from the elderly lady in thick waves soon enveloped him entirely, putting his racing mind to rest.
He was aware that he was exhausted, but up to this moment, the true extent had alluded him. But now it caught up to him all at once. His feet burnt, protesting from the lack of a break throughout the day. His legs felt like jelly, surprising Clive how they didn't give out on him while he was marching around the square. Hoping to elevate the pain even if only slightly, Clive stretched his limbs, moaning as pain sparked like a lightning bolt in the sky.
A pair of opaque and yet sharp eyes observed his doings without getting noticed, not surprised that the boy was tired.
“My Lord Rosfield, forgive me if this sounds intrusive, but I have seen you walking around the town's square for quite a while, visiting all those merchants. From what I saw, I believe you didn't find what you were searching for. Mayhaps I can be of assistance? I have spent all of my life in Rosalith and know all the little tricks to get around.”
Taken aback, Clive's jaw parted in surprise, having not expected that someone managed to pay attention to him even when he was hidden within the moving crowd of people. His reaction caused another chuckle to escape from the old woman's throat.
“I might have grown old, but my eyes are as sharp as they have always been. Furthermore, you are the spitting image of your father when he was around your age and with nothing but time in my hands, it was easy to keep track of you,” she explained, smiling again at him.
Clive stared for a short while longer at his elder, trying to remember if he had seen her somewhere during his hunt, but nothing came to his mind which was not much of a surprise. Countless people had flocked the square for the majority of the afternoon and unless one was looking for a specific person, it was impossible to recall every face.
Shaking the thought from his mind, he searched the old woman's eyes before giving his response. “Thank you for your offer, but I don't wish to concern you with my problems. I appreciate-”
“Nonsense my dear,” she cut across him before he could finish his speech. “What are age and wisdom if not shared with the younger? Tell me what is troubling you and this old woman might be able to help.”
Her entire face lit up when she renewed her offer, grinning from ear to ear. Clive had to admit that her words were truthful as well. He spent most of his free time trying to find a present for Joshua and was still empty-handed. Maybe she would be able to help.
“Okay... if you insist, I will accept your offer. Thank you for taking your time for me.”
“Of course, my dear. Now tell me what's bothering you.”
“This is about my brother and...”
Clive told her everything. How he thought enough time remained until his brother's birthday and how the days slipped through his fingers without him really noticing before it was already too late. He mentioned how his mentor ended the training early to give him the chance to look for a gift which led to him walking around the town's square, visiting each merchant he could find only to end up with empty hands on the bench he was sitting on right now.
“I tried to find something, anything that he might like, but nothing could really convince me. Some of the shops I visited had really interesting stuff, but I couldn't imagine Joshua would like it.”
With a defeated sigh he added, “I'm afraid I could search the entire world and still find nothing.”
The elderly lady patiently listened to his tale and his complaints, staying silent for most of the part. Only now, after he was finished, she broke her silence, another chuckle filling the air around them.
“It's too soon to stick your head into the earth like a Chocobo,” she said in stern mockery, casting a small smile on his lips.
“That being said, I have to agree with you. Even if you were to search the entirety of Valisthea, you would probably find nothing the young lord already possesses.”
Upon her words, Clive's shoulders sunk in defeat for he had come to the same conclusion after spending hours on the large market.
“That is if you only search for physical value,” she added a moment later, catching his attention.
“Physical value? What do you mean by that?” Clive asked.
“Exactly that, my dear. You can purchase the rarest gems as a present, but that doesn't mean the person they are meant for will like them because there's something far more important than physical value.”
Clive, at this point, was almost bursting from curiosity, leaning forward so much that he could lose his balance at any moment. Words were not needed for the woman to tell he was desperate to hear what she was talking about. Not wishing to torture the boy any longer, she revealed what she was referring to.
“It's emotional value, my dear.”
“Emotional value? What do you mean by that?”
Not answering his question, the elderly lady pointed at the meat skewer he was still holding on, safely secured in wrapping for Joshua to enjoy once Clive returned to the castle.
“Am I correct to assume you bought this for your little brother because he couldn't come here but you didn't want him to feel left out?”
Clive gazed at the food in his hands for a moment before he turned back and nodded. “Yes, I did.”
The woman smiled softly at his response. “See? You already know what emotional value is. Simple gestures like this are far more precious than anything else in this world. You bought him the food because he couldn't come here in person, showing that you thought about your brother all the time. He will know that and that's why he will enjoy the meat skewer. The same applies to your present. It can be literally anything as long as it reminds your brother of you and the bond you two share.”
She paused for a brief moment, her aged eyes staring deep into his pair of azure ones before she continued.
“From the few times I saw the young lord, I can easily tell he adores and loves you, my dear and I know you feel the same way by simply looking into your eyes. I'm certain you will be fine.”
The woman's words echoed in his mind long after they had bid farewell to each other. Clive had bowed in gratitude after she shared her wisdom with him only to be waved off again, the elderly lady simply stating she was happy that she managed to help him.
He didn't have a proper present yet, but he felt closer than before. It eased most of the weight from his shoulders, allowing his head to ponder freely about the countless possibilities swarming his mind by now.
“Emotional value... anything that reminds Joshua of me...”
Repeating the words the woman had spoken to himself, he allowed them to fill his consciousness to the brim until they were the only thing he could think about. He even stopped his trek back home and came to a complete halt, his gaze turned heavenwards as he was lost deep in thought.
Clive felt tranquil then and there, a rare sensation considering the busy schedule he went through day after day again. He wasn't allowed to lose himself in his mind like this very often, so he enjoyed the moment. The teen imagined the face of his beloved younger brother, partly hidden by soft strawberry locks. Azure eyes searched his matching pair and when they found each other, the Joshua currently residing in his head smiled brightly at him, sheer happiness pouring from his brother's entire frame.
Suddenly, a single thought entered the front of his mind, an idea of what he could gift Joshua on his birthday. The spark inside his heart which he missed throughout the day emerged with vigour like a blazing fire and Clive immediately understood that he finally knew what his present would be.
A large smile appeared on his lips as the idea took form, resuming his journey back to the castle with a small skip in his steps. However, for a moment he looked over his shoulder and thanked the old lady for her wise words. Of course, she wasn't present anymore, but Clive had the feeling his gratitude would find its way to her one way or another.
“Thank you!” He shouted, drawing the attention of some of the passers-by. They looked curiously at him, whispering behind raised hands but he didn't care.
After that, unless he wanted his father to send a search party for him, the teen hurried back home with haste for he had stretched the limits of staying out far enough by now.
When the castle gates came into sight, Clive found Commander Murdoch standing at the entrance. The man's sharp eyes narrowed when they spotted him, the teen averting his gaze from his mentor as he sheepishly closed the distance between them.
“I'm sorry,” Clive merely said, already knowing what must have transpired during his absence.
In response, the Commander didn't say anything for a long while, fuelling the growing guilt inside of Clive until he simply sighed.
“Don't worry about it lad. You are a young man more than capable of handling himself, but you know your father as well as I do. I managed to calm him down in time though, so there's nothing to be sorry about. More importantly,” he eyed the meat skewer in Clive's hand suspiciously before continuing, ”Please tell me this is not the gift you got for your brother.”
Startled at first, Clive soon laughed at the claim. “Surely you jest. This is just a small token I got for Joshua because he would have loved to see the market with his own eyes.”
“Thank the Founder,” the Commander breathed, earning another laugh from Clive. Ignoring the boy's mirth entirely, he looked him up and down, frowning when he saw Clive didn't hold on to anything else.
“But from the looks of it, you didn't find anything?”
At his mentor's questions, Clive's laughter subsided and was replaced by a happy and content expression. “I did find something, although I had a little help.”
“Help you say?”
“Yeah, but I will tell you another day. It's pretty late already and I want to get my souvenir to Joshua as soon as possible.”
From the Commander's look, Clive could tell that the man was itching to hear everything. Yet he stepped to the side and allowed Clive to pass.
“In that case, you better hurry then. Your brother was quite worried when word spread that you haven't returned from your trip yet.”
“I will and thank you again for your help, Rodney,” Clive said with fondness in his voice, not waiting for an answer before he darted insight, following the path that led to Joshua's chamber. He grew up in the castle and knew every hallway and shortcut like the back of his hand.
It took him less than five minutes to manoeuvrer the candlelit passageways and arrive at his brother's refuge. He was about to knock when the heavy wooden door suddenly creaked open at rapid speed, a mop of aureate curls the only thing he could perceive before he was tackled into a hug.
“Clive!” Joshua shouted, his frantic voice bouncing from the stone walls of the hallway as he clung to his brother.
“Where have you been all this time? The guards said you went out and didn't return for a long time. Mother seemed indifferent, but father was so worried. Without the Captain Commander's interference, he would have searched the whole town for you!”
Clive chuckled. “I heard about that already. I'm sorry for staying away for so long,” he apologized, patting Joshua's head. “There was something important I had to attend to.”
“What?” Joshua asked, still clinging to his brother without showing signs of letting go any time soon.
“I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't tell you just yet.”
At that, Joshua's face fell and it felt like someone had punched Clive directly into the guts. His brother was his greatest joy, but also his greatest weakness. Matters only worsened when Joshua's expression turned into a pout and he gave his brother the kicked-sad-puppy look.
“Joshua, please don't give me that look. Here! I brought you something else in return!”
Otherwise, Clive might have broken down and given Joshua his birthday present on the spot. However, with the boy's attention averted it didn't come to that.
“I know you had already dinner, but what do you think about a little late-evening snack?” Pulling out the meat skewer, he presented the treat. Joshua's eyes lit up at the sight.
“You went to the market?!” Joshua exclaimed excitedly, “The one the guards always talk about?”
“Jup and I thought I could tell you about it as your good night story while you eat this,” Clive responded, waving the skewer from side to side. The teen didn't get a verbal answer and was instead pulled inside by his brother, the door falling shut behind them.
“Please Tell Me Everything, Clive!”