#thread 05

For the past week, all he had heard about was the Phthian prince. His father had heard great things about him, apparently. Heard that he was charismatic and loved by his people, that he was strong, brave, that he was talented, and so much more. Menoetius had not even met the young prince and he already liked him better than his own son. 

Patroclus had hoped, perhaps foolishly, that Achilles would be disappointing in person. His reputation was so spotless that it seemed impossible that he could really be all that. He was desperate for his father to find a reason to dislike him, just as he never ran out of reasons for his own son. Though, he knew it was foolish. His father would often point out other boys and ask, “Why can’t you be more like him?”

The day Achilles arrived, Patroclus stood at his father’s side, lips pursed together. He already hated the man and he hadn’t even met him. When he entered, he wasn’t sure what he felt. His blond hair was long and smooth, his skin looked soft, he had a twinkle in his eyes and just the way he walked seemed somehow fluid and dance-like. Patroclus stared at him, saying nothing as his father gave his own greetings. He was dumbfounded and while he could not claim the prince wasn’t beautiful, he certainly hated him even more for it.

“Oh, this is my son. Patroclus.” The king added after already making acquaintance. He was an afterthought. “Perhaps you can show him to his room?” Menoetius asked, looking towards his son now. He just knew what he was thinking, hoping Achilles splendor would somehow rub off on him if he spent more time around him. He’d outgrown pettishness, though. So he nodded. 

{❀}—; Even now, Futaba couldn't help but wonder if everything in the world really was as it seemed. Things like magic or monsters could never exist, right? Living in a city like this, Futaba couldn't help but be curious of such things. It was difficult to explain but after learning more about Koi's history, it left her wondering about magic and other impossible things. She probably sounded like a child wondering things like this. Even so, it couldn't be helped. Something about Koi was rather mysterious. How everything really came to be, how it was organized, it was like nothing had any more than a vague explination. As she learned more about this city, Futaba found herself wandering to new places almost every day. It wasn't like she had much else to do.

{❀}—; The sun was halfway above the horizon and few clouds circled around the sky. A perfect day for a walk really. It seemed today her feet took her away faster than she had realized and before she knew it, Futaba found herself in a large garden. Her eyes widened as she looked around the area. It seemed unreal, did places like this really exist? Some of the flowers reached nearly as tall as she. Who knew what could be hidden beyond these flowers. With great curiosity she continued through the gardens. It almost felt like she wasn't suppose to be here, it seemed like a place that would be off limits to normal citizens. "It's beautiful..." She said softly to herself. It seemed like she was the only person here, didn't other people know about this? Considering the large gate she had stumbled upon at first, you would have thought so. However the large floral and other plants did keep it hidden from anyone simply walking by.