All Things New: Chapter Eighteen

Hello! And we have a new chapter 🤣

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: A RAINCLOUD

About two weeks have passed since that wonderful night, and Ari is slightly starting to look like she is carrying another being inside of her.

Artham was always so happy, and it did the whole castle good to see their Throne Warden so full of the youthful energy he should be as an eighteen year old.

Emerald, however, seemed like she was growing apart from her family more and more. It hurt Artham to see that, and he wondered if he had done something wrong, in the course of her young life, to upset her.

Though, with all of the excitement of his new wife and child, he didn’t think about it too much in the excitement…but it was a nagging thought at the back of his mind.

One day, when he was studying in the library, he heard a soft knocking and looked up.

“Oh, hello Bonifer. Can I help you with anything?”

“Yes, actually, my lad. May I sit down?”

“By all means.”

Bonifer sat down opposite Artham, and Artham shut his book to give Bonifer his full attention.

“You see, my lad, when your aunt was your age, she went on a special…quest. It was a type of challenge that she gained permission to go on. No other Throne Warden had gone on it, and, when you were born, she said she wished for you to go on it.”

“Why?” Artham asked.

“To improve your skills as a Throne Warden.”

“Where is this quest to?”

“All over Aerwiar.”

“How long will I be gone?”

“About six months.”

“Six months?!” Artham spluttered, rising to his feet. “The-the baby will be here by then!”

“Not exactly. She’s only been pregnant for two-three months? You will probably arrive back before.”

“Is it necessary for me to go?”

“Yes, lad. I am sorry.”

Artham looked completely deflated and panicked.

“If I must, then so be it, but— “

“I’m sorry. This is why many Throne Wardens do not get married.”

Artham scowled, then he stood abruptly and paced the room. “You are certain I must?”

Bonifer sighed. “Yes. I would not make you if it wasn’t necessary.”

Artham huffed. “I guess…. I should just accept it…and move on.”

Bonifer folded his hands in his lap. “It would be best, son.”

Artham stood and went upstairs with a heavy heart. Bonifer just smiled.

I will leave in the morning, that way when I get back, my baby might not be born yet.

As Artham slowly told Arundelle when he got upstairs, she shared his feelings. “The sooner you leave, the better it will be. Then you can come back for when the baby enters the world.”

Artham nodded. “I suppose this is one of the trails of being a Throne Warden.”

Ari nodded. Her eyes became watery, and Artham reached to comfort her, but she pulled back. “I will help you pack. I do not want you to…to be hurt by me.”

“You could never hurt me.”

She smiled. But then she started flinging clothes into a bag, and Artham saw one or two tears fall on his shirts.

The morning came far quicker than he wanted it to. His heart was pounding as he put the last few articles he needed in his bag. Ari watched him quietly, trying so hard not to cry. But when he turned to her to say goodbye, it was impossible.

She melted into his arms, clutching him tightly, threatening she would not let go. Artham had a hard time letting go of her himself, but he gained composure, blinked back his tears, and calmed her down.

“I’ll write to you as often as possible,” Artham said.

She sniffed and nodded.

“I love you Ari,” he whispered, kissing her.

“I love you too.”

It was there he left her, both their hearts aching in every possible way.

His goodbye to his sister and grandmother was painful to him, but his sister could seemingly care less, and his grandmother was beaming with pride. She was happy he made this decision, though she would of course miss him.

He rode with Esben to the ship, and for the most part his brother was silent.

“Well, here we are,” Artham said uncomfortably. This would be the first time he and his brother had been separated. There was the dock in front of them.

Esben sniffled.

Both of them got off of their horses, and Esben hugged his brother before Artham could say a word.

“I love you, Artham.”

Artham felt tears rush his eyes and could hear the sob in his brother’s voice.

He hugged his brother back, as tightly as he possibly could. He didn’t want to leave for so long…maybe Bonifer was wrong…

Artham kissed his brother’s forehead.

“Take care of Arundelle…and the baby, if she comes.”

Esben nodded.

Artham grabbed his bag and started towards the ship. He looked back over his shoulder. “I love you, little brother.”

Esben smiled. “I love you too, big brother.”

With one last smile, and a strong feeling of dread, Artham turned and got on the boat.

Yeah....this whole thing even exists because I know Artham went on adventures, and I thought this was a good way to do it. Plus, we get more Bonifer plot 😌

Let me know if anything seems weird or wonky!