111 fang.arjun

///C
Arjun:
A nomad...
Fang:
Oh, the prince... What can I do for you.
Arjun:
Oh, nothing, I... I've never talked to someone from Kotan before.
Fang:
I'm sure it is awkward, given our two lands history.
Arjun:
I suppose. But I'm an awkward person, so I'm used to it.
Fang:
Heh... You're nothing like the person I envisioned.
Arjun:
What did you expect?
Fang:
A scoundrel, like most of the lords I've interacted with.
Arjun:
I see...
Fang:
It's nice to know there are lords like you though. You seem much like Orion. You are kind, but not afraid to use force to maintain peace. That is how the Kotan... Well, it is what I wish the Kotanese were...
Arjun:
Not afraid... I would go that far. I'm a coward. I'm scared constantly. Everyday I just want to go home, but I can't allow myself to do that.
Fang:
If you are so frightened then you should be proud regardless. A true coward would have left long ago, but you still stand here. ... You aren't the only one who feels this way either, also.
Arjun:
You too?
Fang:
Yes.
Arjun:
That is nice to know... Everyone else is so fearless. It is good to know there is someone I can relate to.
Fang:
We're about the same age too... Arjun, do you think we could be... friends?
Arjun:
I think we could. We could indeed. I would love to be your friend!
Fang:
Great...

///B
Fang:
Arjun! Slow down! Take a break!
Arjun:
Haa... Ha.... I suppose I should, thank you.
Fang:
There are no enemies around. I'm sure the others won't mind if we sit for a bit.
Arjun:
Thank you... You know, Fang.... you're the first person I feel like I can really relax around.
Fang:
Really?
Arjun:
I have other friends here, of course... But they're all older than me, among other things... I feel like I don't have worries with you around.
Fang:
Haha... I feel the same way, really.
Arjun:
Hard to imagine the imperial prince and a nomad becoming so close.
Fang:
Yeah...
Arjun:
How come we can't all just get along like we do?
Fang:
I'm sure there are many reasons... Ways of life, faith, or simply how different they look. And... As much as I don't like most Deimosian nobles... It is my people who are the aggressors in the end...
Arjun:
Do you think there is a way to stop them?
Fang:
No... There are so many different tribes with different desires... Make peace with one, you make an enemy of another.
Arjun:
I see...
Fang:
Regardless, this will never affect what we have, right?
Arjun:
Never.

///A
Arjun:
Fang, I feel truly blessed to have met you.
Fang:
The feeling is mutual, Arjun.
Arjun:
......... Fang, I...
Fang:
Hmm?
Arjun:
... I am afraid we might part ways in the future...
Fang:
I guess you are right... Others might not understand us. And you have too big of a responsibility to ignore it...
Arjun:
That's why... Fang, would you accept this gift from me?
Fang:
A sword?
Arjun:
This is a ceremonial sword from a long forgotten people. It has been one of my great treasures and a lucky charm. I want you to have it.
Fang:
Arjun... Are you aware of this Kotanese tradition?
Arjun:
Huh?
Fang:
In our culture there are two gifts that are sacrosanct. Stones that fall from the sky... And ancestral weapons.
Arjun:
Ah... I didn't know that. Though, this sword's origins are unknown... Our family simply always had it.
Fang:
That is good enough... And I accept your gift. I shall treasure it always... But in exchange... I give you this. It... is what remains of my family's sacred bow. Another tribe massacred mine a long time ago, along with my parents.
Arjun:
Are you sure you want to give this to me?
Fang:
As sure as you wanted to give me your sword.
Arjun:
............ Then I shall accept this as well!
Fang:
......
Arjun:
......
Fang:
So then, even if we part ways, we will now always have a piece of each other with us.
Arjun:
Yes...
Fang:
You know, Arjun. Weapon gifts are seen as the more... romantic one of the two.
Arjun:
Ahhh!? Really?
Fang:
That make you nervous? We could trade back...
Arjun:
N-No! I wouldn't do that...
Fang:
Teehee...