Enaeya

The sun spilled golden rays into our quaint little town, painting the cobblestones of Elyslyn in hues of warmth. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through open shutters, mingling with the laughter of children chasing butterflies in the morning air. My name is Enaeya, and I had always thought of myself as an ordinary boy and a simple baker - until he came into my life.

At eighteen, I had settled into a routine that could only be described as both comforting and repetitive. Each dawn began with the gentle hum of our bakery, Renata's Hearth, waking before the sun itself to knead dough and prepare pastries. My mother, Renata, was a woman of grace and resilience-her laughter echoed through the walls like a song I could never tire of. She taught me the art of baking, imbuing our creations with love, and I adored the way her eyes sparkled when customers praised her cookies.

"Enaeya, my dear?" I heard my mother calling from the store, then without hesitation, I left the kitchen and went to her; announcing my presence in response. "Can you take over here for a moment?" She questioned while stuffing one familiar type of pastry into a paper bag, "I need to go over to Mrs. Henna's to deliver these pastries she ordered. Will that be okay with you?" Her eyes brim with concern as she looked at me. But even so, you can tell her hopeful gaze in them.

"Yes, it's not a problem, mother." I replied gently, to which she responded with a sigh of relief and gave me a bright smile in return.

"Thank you!" My mother hurriedly walked out to the front door after patting me in the back as a sign of encouragement, "Don't worry! You can just ask Nel and Sara for help if you're struggling!" She suggested, mentioning our employees as she left the store.

Looking through the window from where I'm at, I can see how my mother cheerfully greets the people she crossed paths with with a bright smile on her face. Her eyes always glint with happiness most of the days. Yet behind those eyes, I often saw a flicker of sadness. My father had passed away three years prior, and though time had muted the ache of grief, the sorrow still loomed like a specter. It was my responsibility now, to keep our bakery thriving and our hearts buoyed. However, destiny had other plans for me the moment I met him.

Damian came strolling into our lives on a day like no other, bringing with him the same kind of warmth that nestled in the heart of our bakery. With raven-black hair cascading over his brow and stormy grey eyes that seemed to hold secrets of their own, he was a tempest, a delightful chaos that made my heart quicken. We met when he wandered into Renata's Hearth one fateful afternoon, accompanied by the musky scent of fresh rain.

"Oh, do you have anything sweet?" he asked nonchalantly, leaning against the counter with a boyish charm that made me blush.

"W-what would you like?" I stammered, my cheeks burning. Damian smiled, his gaze bored into mine, and that was it-I was ensnared.

From that day on, he became a fixture in my life, not just a customer but a friend, and eventually, my lover. Our time together was a secret symphony of stolen glances, soft laughter, and lingering touches as we explored the boundaries of our youthful love. He would often tease me, suggesting I'd one day bake a cake so grand that it would rival the castles of Etheria.

That led to conversations about the realm beyond our walled village-how Etheria was home to the almighty ruler Ether, a god known for his wisdom and magical prowess. Stories floated about the streets like whispers, saying he controlled light itself, maintaining peace and prosperity, though shadows of discontent occasionally loomed.

...

One crisp evening, as the russet leaves fell like red-gold confetti, I ventured out to meet Damian by the river's edge after my daily duties at the bakery had ended. The river's water babbled playfully, and the moon draped a silver veil over everything. It was here that Damian kissed me for the first time, a moment aflame with the kind of passion reserved for fairy tales.

"What's on your mind, my little dove?" a gentle voice which is all too familiar, spoke near my ear as Damian's arms encircled my waist while resting his head above my shoulder. "Care to share them with me?"

I laughed shyly as Damian gave me light feathered kisses on my cheek, he has always been affectionate, and sometimes it puts me in an embarrassed state. "Damian please," I complained in a pouty manner. "People might see us..."

"Let them watch," he declared without halting his assault of kisses on my cheek and unto my neck. His kiss sent shivers down my spine, allowing me to close my eyes as I shuddered, but upon opening them, my eyes widened in horror and red blush began to colour my cheeks as my gaze met with a passerby. Although it was evening, I was sure that our eyes undoubtedly met.

"Damian, you foolish kissing gremlin! Someone saw us!" I whispered in frantic while pulling his grip off of me, but to no avail as he was of bigger build than I was and our difference in strength was massive. "Stop it, I said!"

Damian thankfully listened, but he did so with a disapproving huff, showing his childish side ever so slightly. "It's dark here so they wouldn't even be able to recognize us," he groaned as he grabbed my hand and pulled me down to sit with him below the tree. "And besides, it's not like anyone would care about two lovers giving each other affection."

"...you know that's not exactly how it is," I said softly, remembering how Damian and I were both men and in a world such as this, our love is considered odd by many. "I do want to do those things with you... But I'm scared of what people might think."

Damian groans in frustration as he gently places both of his palms on each side of my cheeks; securing my face to meet his, which was illuminated by the evening moonlight, and his grey eyes stared at me with care as he spoke, "Enaeya, my love for you is unparalleled. I care not about the people's judgements for I will never let their opinions dictate how I should live my life," Damian softly presses his lips on mine before pulling away. "I chose you, and I will always choose you. Fuck to the old ways of their thinking," his sudden burst of curse words sent me to chuckle lightly. "Because even if they separate us by force, I'll fight them head on. I'll make sure that you and I will always be together." Damian ends his speech with a sigh, before engulfing me in a warm embrace.

I had not even noticed that my eyes became blurry with tears from what I just heard. From Damian's sincere feelings to his resolute courage to fight for our love just moved me greatly.

"Thank you, Damian," I returned his gesture of embrace as I looked up at the starry sky that blankets above us. "I love you," I declared and heard Damian sigh softly. He whispered his heartfelt reply in turn.

There's no doubt that I'm fearful of the world's judgment, their spiteful gaze, and their barrage of insults. We've kept our love hidden, sketching our dreams against the canvas of a world that often felt unwelcoming. Yet, with Damian by my side, I feel like I can conquer my fears and nightmares.

...

As the morning sun rose up into the sky, the birds chirped in melody, and the sounds of people in hustle and bustle can be heard from the outside of my bedroom, I pondered about what I'm supposed to do on this weekend when the bakery is closed. But I immediately remembered the promise that I made with Damian last night to meet him at the market plaza around morning. And frantically, I got up and stumbled to do my daily necessity before preparing myself. My mother, who witnessed my frantic movements, just smiled at me and called me silly as I walked out of my home. My steps left audible sounds as I hurriedly ran to the marketplace, and upon reaching it, I witnessed how there were a lot of people and realizing that it might be difficult to find Damian in this crowd.

The sun hung high above the bustling marketplace, casting a golden hue over everything it touched. The air was rich with the mingled scents of fresh bread, blooming flowers, and the unmistakable hint of spring. My heart danced as I walked through the plaza, each footstep pushing me further into the world of color and sound that enveloped us. Laughter rang out from street performers, while vendors called out to announce their wares. It was the perfect day for a market visit.

"Have you ever seen anything like it?" Damian's voice, smooth as honey, cut through my thoughts. He stood beside me, hands tucked into the pockets of his deep green cloak, his dark hair tousled by a light breeze. A glint of mischief sparkled in his deep grey eyes. My heart fluttered in my chest; this was the man I adored.

"No, not like this!" I exclaimed, shaking my head. "It feels alive."

Damian grinned and took my hand gently, leading me deeper into the marketplace. I could feel the warmth of his palm against mine, grounding me amidst the chaos of lively voices and colorful stalls. With every step, I surrendered to excitement; the world around us transformed into a magical playground of endless possibilities.

"First, let's visit the sweets store," Damian declared, his thumb brushing lightly against my knuckles. "I know a secret place that makes the most exquisite honey coated candy."

A playful grin crept across my face, knowing how much Damian loves sweets; following closely behind him as we navigated through the crowd. The vibrant stalls were brimming with life; fine silks fluttered in the gentle breeze, and fresh fruit glistened in the sun's light. A juggler nearby captured the attention of a small audience. I stopped to watch, my laughter spilling over as the performer sent bright, colorful balls into the air, spinning and dancing as if caught in a whimsical waltz.

"Come on, Enaeya!" Damian called, pulling me toward the store. The atmosphere shifted from lively chatter to the sugary aroma of sweet goodness. Inside, the candy shop was charming, its wooden beams and rustic shelves lined with treats, each more tantalizing than the last.

"Here we are!" He pointed toward a tray of glistening sweet goods. Their golden, flaky layer shimmered like jewels. "Just one, promise?"

"Fine, just one," I relented with a chuckle, unable to resist his enthusiasm. "But you can't have any regrets later."

Our shared laughter filled the small shop as we ordered our sweet treats. Tearing into the desserts, we reveled in their buttery richness, the honey melting into our mouths like sunshine. In that moment, nothing existed beyond each blissful bite and each lingering glance shared between us.

After savoring the last piece of sweets, we stepped back into the plaza, rejuvenated and beaming. "Now where to?" I asked, already eager for our next adventure.

"Let's watch the performers by the fountain!" Damian suggested, pulling me along with him again. We strolled hand-in-hand, weaving through the throngs of people, my heart already racing at the thought.

As we reached the fountain at the center of the plaza, I was met with a captivating sight. A troupe of dancers spun gracefully, their colorful garments fluttering like the wings of butterflies. The sound of tambourines and flutes filled the air, creating a melody that swirled around us. I found a spot on the edge of the fountain, settling next to Damian, who wore an expression of pure delight.

"They're incredible!" I exclaimed, mesmerized by their movements. "Look at that one!" I pointed at a dancer who leaped high into the air, twisting and twirling in a celebration of freedom.

"They remind me of us," Damian said softly, his voice barely above the music. "Joyful and unrestricted."

His words sent a warmth through me, and I turned to him, the glow of the fountain illuminating his face. We locked eyes for a heartbeat, and in that silent exchange, I felt an unspoken promise-a commitment to experience life's wonders together, however fleeting they may be.

After the performance, we wandered the stalls, lingering by a vendor selling vibrant textiles. "What do you think?" Damian asked, holding up a fabric dyed in hues of purple and gold.

"It's beautiful," I agreed, touching the smooth material. "It would look lovely on you."

"Then it's settled," he beamed, leaving coins on the table. The vendor smiled, wrapping it up for him.

Together, we continued through the lively throngs, caught in the laughter of a passing jester, listening to the stories of a storyteller, and marveling at a strongman lifting weights that seemed too heavy for the mortal realm. Each moment carved deeper connections between us.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, splashing the marketplace with warm orange hues, I knew that today would forever be etched in my heart. It was more than a day of simple joys; it was a day spent in the sacred light of companionship, woven from laughter, bustling streets, and the magic of spring.

Hand in hand, my heart full, I looked at Damian, watching as his eyes sparkled with the brilliance of life unfolding before us. In that vibrant marketplace, amidst the laughter and cheer, I understood that this was only the beginning. Ensconced within the embrace of spring, the world stretched ahead, full of promise, and I could not wait to face it all with him by my side.

...

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue upon the cobblestone streets of Elyslyn. Merchants, their voices rich with life, called out alluring wares. The scent of fresh bread mingled with ripe fruit hung in the air, a tempting aroma that made my stomach grumble. I could scarcely remember how I ended up here, what whispers of adventure had led me to this corner of the world, hand in hand with Damian.

We had weaved through the throng of townsfolk, our laughter mingling with the din, as we sampled pastries and watched street performers spin and dance. How enchanting it had been-his presence, the spark of mischief in his eyes. I felt alive in a way I had never experienced before, free and adored.

"Did you have fun?" Damian asked as I turned to look at him, his eyes brimming with a joyful gaze that matched my own. He slowly placed his hands above mine as he looked at me in hopeful anticipation.

"I did." I smiled, hesitantly intertwining our fingers as we both looked over at the bustling plaza. Forgetting the fact that I was too afraid to do this in the past: publicly showing my affection.

But as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting elongated shadows upon the ground, I sensed the weight of reality creeping in. We had to return to the confines of our lives, the boundaries set by society, family, and countless whispers. So, with reluctant hearts, we began the journey to my home, choosing to slip through the dimly lit back alleys and overgrown trails to evade prying eyes.

As we moved quietly, the atmosphere transformed. Away from the vibrancy of the marketplace, an intimate silence enveloped us. The thrill of secrecy tingled in the air, stirring something deeper within me-a bittersweet mix of excitement and dread.

"Why must we hide, Enaeya?" Damian asked softly, his voice like warm honey, laced with frustration. "I know we talked about this last night but... Why can't the world see us as we are?"

I paused, the weight of his question heavy on my heart. I turned to face him, the afternoon sunlight catching the angles of his face, creating a halo around him. "Because, Damian," I said, uncertain, "there are hearts that fear what they do not understand."

Damian's gaze held mine, the depths of his stormy grey eyes reflecting a pulse of defiance. "Then let us teach them!" he urged, his passion igniting a flame within me. "If we are to live in the shadows, then what's the point of living at all?"

His fervor stirred something within me-a reckless desire. Yet, in the same breath, fear wrapped its icy fingers around my heart. In this world, we were but echoes of a love that danced on the edge of acceptance.

We pressed on, navigating through the yard of my home, a hidden oasis surrounded by blooming lilacs and tall grass that swayed like secrets in the wind. The gentle rustle of leaves created a symphony, a quiet testament to our shared hopes and dreams under the shade of the ancient oaks.

As we reached the back door, the air thickened with unspoken words. I felt the time slipping through our fingers like grains of sand. "Tomorrow, I will return," He promised, desperation weaving through his voice. I nodded, my eyes softening, and in that moment, the world outside melted away.

Damian stepped closer, the space between us charged with anticipation. My heart raced as he cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "Tomorrow," he echoed, a vow sealed with an unbroken glance.

And then it happened, that electric moment when our lips met, the world exploding into colors and sounds that promised possibility. His kiss was sweet, tender, a promise of what lay beyond our secluded world. We lingered, lost in the warmth of each other, until reality tugged us back.

With a last lingering glance, I opened the door behind me. I closed the door when I knew Damian had left, then I took a step back, forcing myself to breathe, knowing full well that the sun would rise again, and with it, our promise. Tomorrow would come, and we would defy expectations, one step at a time.