Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Intruders from the red kingdom!" Owen jumped from the roof of one of the new houses right in front of the gates.

Queen Shandrea walked to him with Nom and 4c on her tail. Eloise and Graecie were also there.

"Uhm... Hello! Uh..." Cherri stood in the gates with Apo by her side. Princess looked nervous but friendly.

"Hello princess Cherri. How can we help you?" Shan gave girl a friendly smile and nodded to Owen. Knight glared at Apo but let visitors in.

"Um... I just wanted to know if i can see your nature mage. We are kind of friends and last time i heard from him was weeks ago." Apo let out a quiet sigh.

It was funny how the knight disliked the mage while her princess was friends with him. That forced Apo to tolerate him even if she clearly was very annoyed.

"I'm so sorry but unfortunately you can't see him right now" Shan glanced at Nom who looked nervous now.

Blue kingdom only knew about Scott leaving. The only person who knew more was Nom but he refused to talk about it.

"Oh... Okay... Is he at least okay?"

"Stop hiding your mage! Princess just wants to see him. That's it. We mean no harm-!!" Cherri smacked Apo slightly.

"We hope he is. He went to visit his hometown. He should be back soon tho" Shan looked at the sun. "It's been a long time"

"Oh! Okay! Can you let me know when he gets back?" Cherri looked at Queen Shandrea with her best puppy eyes.

Water mage chuckled and gave her a nod. "I'll make sure to inform you when he's gonna be here"

Cherri bowed to Queen ignoring Apo muttering someone behind her. They both went back to their kingdom.

"Nom. I really need you to tell us what happened" Shan spoke while still looking at the path.

"I'm afraid i can't tell you anything my Queen... I can guarantee you that Scott will be back soon..." Nom bowed to the Queen refusing to look at her.

"Guys! I think i see him! Look up there!" Everyone looked up where Eloise was floating in the air. She pointed on the mountain.

"It's Scott!" 4c jumped in excitement and was about to go to mage but Nom stopped him.

"Let's wait for him to come here"

Scott walked to them but stopped keeping a distance. His eyes were empty. Nom gulped.

"Hi guys. How are you all been? I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly without saying anything" Scott smiled softly but Nom didn't believe this.

"Scott... Is..." Nom glanced at the others.

Owen and Graecie stood by each side of the Queen. Eloise was floating behind Scott and 4c was right next to Nom.

Scott looked in Nom's eyes and shook his head. Nom run to him and pulled him into a hug. Mage immediately broke hiding his face in knight's shoulder. He was unable to hold his tears anymore.

"Scott can you please tell us what happened? Nom refused to tell us anything" Shan carefully walked closer. She didn't want to disturb them but she was too curious.

"May i tell them...?" Nom whispered into Scott's ear gently holding him in his arms. Elf nodded slightly.

"Nom?" Shan walked closer. Two other knights followed her. "What's happe-"

"His dad passed away. He's an orphan now..."

Queen froze after hearing the answer that she was waiting for weeks now. Nom heard gasps from Eloise and Graecie. Owen froze in his place next to Shan. His face was still covered with mask so nobody could see his emotions.

He felt someone touching him and Scott and looked up at 4c. Slime guy was crying himself while trying to comfort the elf.

"I'm so sorry Scott..." Shan walked closer but didn't try to touch them. "If you need anything please ask. I know it's hard but we all here for you if you need us. Please take your time"

Scott looked at them still being held by Nom and 4c. Shan gave him a comforting smile and that broke him into tears again.

This time thought everyone joined the group hug...