35 Actions Speak Louder Than Words (2/2)

Delicate strands of the girl's long hair fall in front of her face, causing her to place a strand behind her dainty ears from the swift wind.

”Actions speak louder than words, Princess.” The man whispered lowly as if he were speaking to himself.

The little girl, feeling as though she had detected something from the man turned to look in his direction - her hair fluttering gently through the falling wind.

His eyes were vacant almost as if he were lifeless. A blooming chrysanthemum that lay in his hand was slowly crushed within his grasps.

With dazed eyes, the girl watched as the crushed petals quietly drifted onto the grassy ground.

Suddenly, the man turned his dark gaze towards the little girl. A certain sharpness could be seen within them.

”Make sure to keep your distance from your Uncle, Rin.”

…

”Screech--!”

Feeling a soft sensation against his cheek, the young boy sleeping soundly suddenly stirred awake from his sleep.

Slowly, fluttering his dark long lashes his dewy eyes gently open to instantly reveal a pair of light shining emerald gems.

Flashing his glassy dazed eyes, the boy sits up from the soft cushions while gently rubbing the edges of his eyes.

Once the boy's vision cleared, he looked down to see a brown feathered falcon resting in his lap - its dark pupils staring up into their emerald ones.

”Morning Ju,” The boy chuckled lightly releasing a delicate almost musical sound. ”Guess we should head out now huh?”

Ju screeches in response - it's eyes placing on an 'obviously' stare.

”Ahaha! Alright, alright I'll get ready!” The boy laughs. ”While I do that, inspect the area for any guards.”

Lightly bobbing its feathered head in response, it stretches its wings before taking flight into the air and heading out of the small room's wooden window.

Shaking his head with amusement, the boy scratches his head lightly while looking around.

The inn he stayed in was slightly old and run down but still, considered suitable if one didn't care for quality. The room's wooden floors revealed a few opened holes as for the walls, they were covered in a pale sickly color.

”Make sure to keep your distance from your Uncle.”

Suddenly recalling those familiar words, a faint expression formed on their face.

Strange...it's been so long since they last remembered him.

Sighing, the young boy stands up to start the day.

The past is in the past.