"Alright, I think I'm starting to get it now. You pass this bridge every year to meet your family that moved away?" Kemal hums to himself as Azul nods excitedly. "Wow, I can't believe you listened to all that!" "Mhm.. so why not go through ship since you have the money." "If I used a ship or boat you wouldn't be talking to me."
Awkward. That totally made it awkward for Kemal but that's no fault of Azuls. This walk has been long. Wherever this bridge is heading, certainly it's far. The sun set a long time ago and the night is getting old… Maybe it's best to turn around.
"HAH!?" the man flinches at Azul's sudden outbreak. "Don't give me that face! Don't turn around! Come on!"
So he can at least understand social cues… I guess staying wouldn't hurt.
"What's this?" Kemal points within the limits of their vision. That seemed to be a crossroad and some firecamp on the bridge, yet it's too far and dark to see much.
"That's where the bridges meet and where people come to take a break."
That left Kemal in some thoughtful silence before he raised his head. "Did we walk that long?" "Yes."
The realisation sure hit. Kemal's legs started aching just enough to urge a rest.
"You're a good distraction..." "Thank you?"
I don't think he took it as a compliment.
Was it even one?
Azul, on the other hand, seemed perfectly fine. If I'm not interfering, he might keep going. Kemal clears his throat to stop him.
"Let's take a break there.." a quiet mumble reached the man's ears before he nodded eagerly. "Whatever you need!!"
Oh no…
His steps slowed as the distance finally closed up and more figures could be seen, there's people there!
That's not good, what if they wanna talk to me as well?
Maybe now isn't the time to be a coward. Azul could see the hesitation in Kemal's step "if you wanna we can-" "rest, we will rest." He was cut off firmly, the boy's stride turning confident.
The best decision he could think of was to focus on himself and his body's needs - which obviously equaled to survival.
Finally stating his decision, he saw a terrifyingly familiar expression he would recognise on Azul's face, Happiness, who almost made him feel home.
When they finally arrived at the long dreaded area, there was some talking and some polite nods to acknowledge the newcomers.
Azul almost called out to someone but his expression faltered as he stopped to consider. Lost in thought, Kemal watched his expression shift back and forth until finally, it settled on his usual joy demeanor.
"Finally settled?" Kemal asked sarcastic. "I think so"
I wonder what went through his head.
It's comfortable talking with him. Though it can't be said the same about the camp… Maybe it's him being paranoid, but Kemal can't help feeling eyes follow him, almost unwelcoming. He was receiving some rather judgemental stares since his arrival.
Azul led Kemal to an empty bench while taking the seat right next to him.
With a look around, you could tell there were not just travelers, but for whatever reason, also some who seemed to be of higher status.
Some wore elegant robes, their hair silky long and luscious, while others wore clothes more familiar to Kemal. Close to thick shirts and rather silky pants.
It was hard to tell without a touch, but the fabrics looked nothing like Kemal knew. What did he even know anyway ?
Azul sat there fidgeting with his pouch nervously, while Kemal turned uninterested, losing himself to rest in his daydreams.
"Azul.." a voice called out interrupting Azul's fidgeting. "Ah, general, hello" "it's been a while has it not? How's the family?"
"They're fine." Azul responded lackluster.
Their surroundings turned less and less vibrant, people focusing on the growing tension between the two men.
A few more awkward questions and half hearted replies later, the 'general' finally pointed out the elephant in the room.
"So, what's with your new friend?" Azul's eyebrow twitched and Kemal finally snapped out of his reverie.
This made him take a second glance at himself and what he had on. His clothes were nothing but dirty rags, no wonder people looked at him like some sort of insect.
I guess i am a beggar.
His eyes wandered back up from his attire, only to meet the general's smug expression.
Rough features, black hair tied back in a long, luscious ponytail, leather armor, and a broadsword occupying the seat beside him—he was a total egoist. Kemal had seen this kind of behavior ever since he was a child.
He wouldn't show it, but he was starting to get irritated. "Is there a problem?" "Not at all? Why would you assume that?" "I am not assuming, I was simply wondering" "so you'd wonder if I am that kind of person?"
"Are you not?" Blunt words cut the bickering men off.
A heavy silence fell on the entire group of travelers.
Kemal was staring down the general, his eyes unwavering, leaned back on his seat while Azul fell silent.
"Excuse me.. i must've misheard-" "no you didn't"
The man's eyebrow twitched, his cocky smile twisting in annoyance.
He let out a laugh, his hands clapping onto his thighs, restraining himself from reaching for his sword.
Tension grew as Azul's eyes never left the general's hands.
"You're a funny little one, aren't you?"
Little... LITTLE?!?!
Under the tamised light of the firecamp, you could see Kemal's perfect face waver. The slip of Kemal's demeanor did not escape the general, who immediately cracked a smirk.
"Ah… I shouldn't let little things get to me..."
Little.....
The general leans back, swinging his arm over his blade's hilt.
"Maybe I should be a little more accepting!" He laughs out loud, seeming to calm the people seated down, thus lessening the tension.
LITTLE... I'LL SHOW YOU...
Kemal was about to get up when suddenly, a hand popped up in front of him, holding a pouch.
"Uh?" "It's candy from my home! You should try it!" Azul looked insistent as Kemal reluctantly grabbed the bag of treats.
"Open it!" Holy shit his eyes are glowing! I'm opening it, alright!!
The boy opened the bag just to be met with a sweet aroma intoxicating to the nose.
Eagerness took over as Kemal looked in to see a bunch of candied goods, both soft outside and hard inside.
"Oh.. thank you!" "You aren't eating any.." Azul looked dejected but Kemal could only place his hand on the healthier man's arm. "I have no appetite.."
A hum could be heard from the general, cleanly ending his words while he was leaning back.
Peace, they have settled on peace. For now.
Holding the pouch with his cupped hands, Kemal spent a good chunk of time staring at it till the sunset finally started to rise, replacing the calming veil of the night.
Some people previously asleep were starting to open their eyes and the silence gave way to the groaning sound of the waking up travelers. The general and Azul, who were resting and hadn't spoken a word since the 'little' incident, woke up as well at Kemal's words.
"I'm ready to go.." he yawned out as he got up, still holding the pouch.
"Leaving?" The general asked with a raised eyebrow and a hoarse voice, yet Azul practically jumped straight up at the words, willing to obey even if Kemal told him to jump into the water.
"I guess I just feel like you're a big problem." Kemal scoffs as he walks off ahead, Azul chasing after him with all his bags.
The general was about to counter attack but he let out a sigh instead, closing his eyes again, willing to let it go as the pair left.