Knights and Magic

In the backyard of Noir's residence, a young boy, seemingly the same age as North, could be observed performing push-ups on the dewy grass. Shirtless, the boy was sweating profusely, gritting his teeth as he forced himself through his usual workout routine, his grunts of exertion punctuating the otherwise peaceful morning.

"THEY DON'T KNOW ME SON!!"

"300!"

"THEY DON'T KNOW ME SON!!"

North, who was observing this scene, was startled. His friend Noir was a monster in all sense of the word. Unlike him, who is somewhat of a salted fish, Noir is a training Maniac. Having lost his parents at a ripe age, he sort to honor their memory by fulfilling his promise to them and, as you might've guessed already, that promise was to be the strongest.

That's right.

Noir was pursuing the path of strength. He didn't care what he had to do, as long he got strong doing it. So since then, he has trained, trained to the Limits of his Limits, rightfully aiming to go for the power line beyond that.

'What's up with this kid, what war is he training for?...' North was dumbfounded by his tenacity. 300 push-ups at a go, that is insane.

"Hey Noir!!! Could you tone it down man?!" With a shout, North called at Noir.

"North, my friend, I was just finishing up. Have you been well, excited to become a mage tomorrow." With a great big smile, Noir responded to North whilst grabbing a towel to wipe off his sweat.

'Toned!...' jealously looking at his friend's sculpted physique and comparing it to his own rubbery arms and the doughiness in his mid-section, he lampooned helplessly.

"You okay there, bud?" North, startled by Noir's concern, quickly regained his composure.

"Yeah, yeah, I was just pondering something. It's nothing of concern."

"Sure, if you say so. What can I do for you old friend?" Noir asked as he put on a black shirt, which further accentuated his toned physique.

"Well, I came over to see whether or not you wanted to celebrate tonight."

"At Olive Garden? Are you sure?" He was right to ask this question.

Olive Garden. It was the towns equivalent of a five-star inn back on earth. It was a wonderful place, full of happy townsfolk singing and dancing to lively tunes, a true hub of merry making. However as wonderful as it is, it's also a tad-bit expensive for a couple of teenagers. That's how it is originally but since North got a hefty sum from Granny Willow, it's safe to say that he can afford it, afterall ten bronze quids could sustain a normal family for a month suffice to say five bronze quids could do a whole lot for them!

"Aye fellow O' fellow. Don't worry about the funds, drinks are on me this time. You coming?"

"Well, if you're buying, how could I refuse?" Noir grinned, patting North on the shoulder. "Besides, I've got to reward myself for hitting three hundred push-ups this time. The road to reaching one thousand doesn't seem so far now, kufufufu!"

"Great, but first, take a bath," North declared, "You stink like a badger! You don't wanna scare the ladies, do you, old friend?" He teased, his eyes twinkling.

"You're one to talk," Noir retorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "At least the ladies flock to me. All you've got going on for you are those peculiar eyes of yours. Heck, I reckon it's probably why Ms. Harper has taken a liking to you."

'You jerk, don't remind me of my bad luck with the ladies what happened to the bro-code …' North grumbled, the memory of his previous life, a life abruptly ended due to a woman, a bitter pill to swallow.

And with that the boy's night out came to be. With Noir done with the corresponding preparations and the night creeping in, they made their way to Olive Garden.

****

At Olive Garden, two boys could be seen standing at the entrance, dressed in clean, sharp clothes. One particular boy was wearing a straw-hat, that oddly complimented his get-up.

"Are you ready to do this?" North asked as he patted his friend's shoulder, a sly grin plastered on his face.

"Let's do this, Let's party like there's no tomorrow." Noir nodded approvingly.

Cheers and sounds of music could be heard from Inside. A joyful atmosphere as always but it was even more joyful than other days. A legendary mage was visiting, this is a big deal in and of itself. They were particularly celebrating the possibility of their children being selected and embarking on the path of becoming legendary Mage themselves, bringing honor and prosperity to their family.

Oakhavians were, by nature peaceful. Even though they are looked down upon by others, they always seem to have an optimistic attitude. However, make no mistake, it should be known that not all are like this, there are those chosen few who bare greed, malice and envy in their hearts, for they too are still human.

Without further a due, North pushed open the Taverns door.

The boys were welcomed by a merry band of singing and dancing. Two men holding mugs of ale could be seen standing on a table, initiating a song and the rest of the folks accompanying them through this tune…

*

Hey ho to the bottle I go

To heal my heart and drown my woe

Rain may fall and wind may blow

But there still be

Many miles to go

 Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain

And the streams that fall from hill to plain

Better than rain or rippling brook

is a mug of beer inside this Took! *

"HAHAHA!"

Cheers resounded as they rejoiced that little shanty.

North, without dilly dallying joined the townsfolks, the sound of the beautiful lyre enveloped the tavern. He danced, he laughed, and he drank.

At this very moment, observing the people having fun and listening to good music, tear drops streamed down his cheeks. He was truly happy and at peace. Deep in his heart this is what he truly yearned.

Living life, enjoying life, no worrying about the curveballs that life throws at you. Just you, your friends a mug of beer and good'Ol fashion merry making, what more could he want, he wasn't greedy.

The men and women in the tavern sung another shanty.

*

Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme

Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine

Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain

For we may or might never all meet here again

 Here's a health to the company and one to my lass

Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain…*

 The atmosphere, the townsfolks, they were all truly united at this moment. Music, that sweet, soul-stirring magic, it was a reminder, a precious gift, that even in the face of hardship, there was joy to be found, laughter to be shared, and hope, always hope, to keep their spirits alight.

That night truly was a night well spent, for the men more so. Its moments like these that reminds people of the joy of being human.

North, Noir and a couple of other fellas had fun too.

'Friends, its truly wonderful to have you…' North inwardly thanked. He has always been alone even back on Earth, he might've died tragically but that resulted in him coming into this wonderful haven, with very wonderful people.

No wars

No strife

Just peace

He made an oath to himself, that he would do everything to protect this peace, protect its people. He wasn't Naïve, he knew, for his ideals to be achieved he needed sufficient strength, for ideals without strength is meaningless same goes for having strength without any goals.

"Here's one to us Lads!!" North took a toast.

""Aye, to Us!!!""

****

In the middle of the night, at a particular tavern's roof two boys could be seen, staring at the moonlight whilst having a conversation.

"North." Noir began, "Remember that time we had a swimming contest?"

"Hahaha, I remember you losing." North gave a mild chuckle while staring at his friend.

"You really don't know how to be humble huh." Noir teased, "Anyway, I was trying to say, I saw something in you that day, a unique tenacity that could surpass that of my own. Watching you push through, wanting to win, win with everything you have. I was truly inspired."

North, hearing his friend Noir, praise him in such a manner was truly moved. To him it was just a dumb swimming contest, who knew it affected Noir that much.

"I don't know what you saw in me, but since it's you saying it, then it must be true. I'll make sure to live up to my potential!" North whilst giving a slight bow to his good friend, declared in a determined voice.

Noir, seeing his friend's actions, patted his shoulder and give him a compassionate look, "I know, you can be better than me. I believe in you."

'Really, better than Noir? Is that even possible...' North, although he said he would live up to his potential, he didn't think even for a second, he could best Noir, he was just built different.

The two boys after their conversation, left the Tavern, headed back to their abodes for they had a big day tomorrow.