" Humans are complex creatures you know? You cannot determine their nature from mere sight, you have to dig in to discover more and that can be done in many ways. "
She clarified, trying to make her point clear to lessen the risk of him complicating the information she had just given him. Somehow, over the span of a couple of minutes their conversation had switched to human nature, and Amaryllis acted as the source of information for Xari to feed on. Since his knowledge about the world and those who inhabit it is very limited, she knew that a little information would help him survive.
" Didn't you say they are kind? " he asked, his face contorting into an expression that displayed confusion. It was as if he had missed the part where she remarked about human complexity, yet she was still patient with him. She understood his curiosity and confusion since she was once like him, but learned through time. A boy from the village who has known nothing but kindness all his life is bound to associate all humans with the same trait but in truth, a majority of their kind lacks such. Kindness is merely a tool used by many to achieve their own goals without developing a negative reputation within society. Climbing the ranks with the support of the people is easier than climbing against them. People are gullible, more so than anyone realizes. They support those who promise them good fortune without acting but despite those who speak the truth . It's as if their lives rely more on validation than truth. At least, that is what she was trying to teach him.
"Just don't trust anyone " she concluded, summarizing the entire conversation into a few words that wouldn't trouble his mind.
He was still in a state of confusion though, what could it be that people have done for her to speak that way? His home was quite peaceful and everyone who lived near was kind and generous , why is the city so different? Is everyone secretly a monster inside , or is she just overly cautious? If what she says is true, then who can he converse with freely without limiting his words and minding his tone? Was he supposed to stay by her side the entire time? These questions rose up in his brain , causing him to freeze in real time and travel through the realm of the mind. He could not imagine being trapped in a single spot in fear of encountering another human. He didn't want it to be true but at the same time he trusted her — more than anyone — and knew that she was just trying to keep him safe. He relaxed his face and looked down ( almost like he was falling down) , he lowered his tone and added another question.
"Then what about you, you've shown me a lot of kindness and you still do. Ever since i was a kid you would visit my house and play with me, i guess that is why i think everyone in the city is kind. Although short, i've always valued your visits , even though i didn't really know who you were at first. Now you're telling me not to trust strangers, it's the same as saying you are trying to use me by just being nice to me as well " he dug up his memories, recalling their first meeting and everything that came after. They had been friends for as long as he could remember and of course they started off as strangers . If someone like her ( someone who can give happiness without wanting anything in return ) existed then there must have been some hope for the world. In his mind her existence was proof of kindness in the human heart , he believed that people like her still lived and many in fact. Maybe he was right and maybe he was wrong, but the truth remained, not everyone is.
"Dummy, you're the only one who doesn't treat me like some special god. That's why i like you, and another reason that i can't seem to figure out " She replied, looking back at him with wide eyes. From that sentence alone he was enlightened about her life as royalty , special treatment wasn't her favorite thing. Instead of empathizing, he used it as an opportunity to prove her right by doing what he does best — teasing. He stood up slowly until his head touched the roof of the carriage and bent down to bow before her , saying " It is my honor, your grace "
At first she was confused but she caught up as soon as a mocking laugh escaped his lips. She felt a little provoked but not annoyed at all, besides she was used to his acting. She simply pushed him back to his seat and commanded her pretending servant " Stop joking and sit down, you've asked so many questions today, i think i need to rest before dealing with your jokes . Y-" she stopped, her eyes focused on something that they perceived behind him. It wasn't there before but it was now peaking from his back, it wasn't shock or worry that she displayed but surprise since she did not expect him to bring it. " You brought that sword along? I thought the large number of horses traveling behind and in front of us was more than enough protection but you just had to add some" she pointed at its tip to show what she was talking about. His face completely froze in shock and took some time to move again. In a silly voice he replied, trying to calm her nerves and justify his actions " It's just something that i bring along everywhere i go, besides it's been with me for as long as i can remember and i don't know how i got it " . His utterance seemed to calm her down as planned but she was still concerned, to her it was as if he was ready for a fight even though he was entering a highly secured area . It's weird for someone who claims that he lives in a peaceful area to have such a weapon, let alone to carry it around everywhere. From what he has said, he knows how to use it too, could he be hiding some things ?
She dared not to dwell on the matter for too long, it might not be the time for her to be asking questions since they were close to their destination and his focus was on arriving. From the window it was visible, a large wall of stone with golden peaks inside ; the city was truly living up to its name. She yawned at the sight, already imagining her bed while he stared at the window like he had found gold. His expression was valid, it was his first time seeing such a structure and it will be his first time in the city. She had prepared herself for his overreactions, no matter how many things amaze him in there, she would keep her smile and try her best to enlighten him.