. Making memories

„But I have to return the dress, it doesn't belong to me. I am no thief"

•••

„It seems like I have already developed a hater within the royal family"

„Why would you say that?" asked Ashai looking concerned.

„Your Brother keeps giving me cold looks"

„Ignore it, he's like that to everyone. Come on now"

Maylea followed Ashai and Lucah to the dining room, it was big but empty. The table was huge with silk draped over it with candles and flowers for decorations. Their was a big glass window that allowed the bright beams of light to land on the table.

Their was a neat painting of a green dragon which Maylea deeply admired.

Ashai pulled a chair out for Maylea to sit, it was quite comfy and soft like a birds feather.

For lunch was sushi, there were over hundreds types of sushi, crabs, lobsters and salads. It was all so yummy. Maylea had never tasted such high level food, everything just melted into her mouth.

It was awfully silent at the table, no one made a single sound and that made Maylea feel uncomfortable, at home she would always talk to father about her day.

„So Maylea, where do you live?" asked Ashai.

„Oh I live in a small cottage with my father In a lagoon. I'm worried if he's okay, I don't want him to worry about my stay here" replied Maylea.

„There is no need to worry, you will go back home today"

The three of them were about done eating lunch, Maylea kept thinking about the trial, why did Lucah want to kill them so fast? We could've tried to force them to speak, but Lucah wanted them dead fast.

„Lucah, can I ask you something?" asked Maylea.

Lucah didn't seem very pleased to be asked a question, especially by Maylea.

„Sure, Go for it"

„do... you know anything else about the trial and the ambush?"

„No. I know nothing at all about the ambush"

That was a straight up lie. How could he just lie to Maylea's face. She wanted to say something, she really did but it might not be a good idea. Maylea just stayed silent and eyed Lucah the whole time till he finished eating and left.

„Is there something wrong Maylea?" asked Ashai, he noticed how Maylea kept sneaking looks back at his brother.

„Oh no, I'm fine. I was just hoping to tour the city before I head back. I never been here before so it would be wonderful to look around for a bit"

„That's alright, I can show you around"

„Really?"

„Yes"

•••

After lunch, Ashai took Maylea outside to look around the city from the inside. People kept looking at both Maylea and Ashai and spreading gossips.

„Why are they whispering?" asked Maylea.

„I don't go out anywhere like this, the people aren't use to seeing me walk through the streets"

Maylea nodded in agreement. The shops and stores were so much bigger now that she was up close, Maylea wanted to go to every store in the city. There were sushi stores, tea shops, book and toy stores, clothing and jewelry stores. If only Maylea had enough money to buy something.

„Can we go into that store?" asked Maylea and pointed to a kimono shop. Ashai nodded and led the way in.

The kimono shop has kimonos on every side, on the walls, hung down from the ceiling.

Mirrors were about on every wall, you can see yourself from almost every angle. There was one kimono that has caught Maylea's eye, it was white with light-purple bamboo designs on the lower-half. The kimono had a white thin rope as a belt.

Maylea kept starring at the white and purple kimono that was on display, she wanted that kimono.

„Do you want to try it on?" asked a sales woman.

Maylea was about to decline the offer, but Ashai spoke up first and said Maylea would like to try it on. The sales woman handed Maylea the kimono and showed her to a fitting room.

Maylea quickly put on the kimono and watched herself in the mirror, she thought she looked very elegant like a fairy. Maylea let out a sigh as she knew that she wouldn't be able to keep it, but might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

„How do I look!?" exclaimed Maylea, she skipped out off the fitting room with joy and a hint of sadness. The feeling of future disappointment was reaching Maylea.

„You look amazing! Let's go get a quick snack now." said Ashai.

„But I have to return the dress, it doesn't belong to me. I am no thief"

„It's okay, I already bought it for you, since I knew how happy it would make you"

Those words touched Maylea's heart and soul, her first pretty kimono! Maylea launched herself at Ashai, embracing him in a tight hug.

Ashai was quite uncomfortable with the feeling of Maylea hugging him, he had never experienced affection ever since his dear mother died.

„Thank you! Thank you so much Ashai!"

„Ur welcome, lets continue to walk"

•••

Throughout the whole walk Maylea had been talking to Ashai about random nonsense, which Ashai continued to tolerate. Ashai had gotten Maylea a dango to snack on. She enjoyed the scent of baked goods and flowers, the sound of people chattering and music playing. Everyone here seemed to be really happy.

The sky was filled with smoky-grey clouds and the sun began to set, it was time for Maylea to head back home.

„Thank you for everything Ashai. I had so much fun"

„I'm glad, have a safe journey home alright?"

„I will, I promise to come visit you!"

Maylea and Ashai found an empty area, Maylea hugged Ashai once more before transforming into a butterfly. Ashai's eyes glowed with delight to see her transform, Maylea sat on his finger, he lifted her up to the sky and Maylea took off.

In the distance Ashai waved goodbye, Maylea said goodbye even if she was to far for him to hear her. Maylea would come back to visit him soon.

„I can't wait to tell father about my time here and about Ashai!"