Despite everything Faisal always found the time to show his appreciation to his family and the gods. The hybrid had been through a lot during his life and his role as heir had only added to his burdens, but he knew that there were many that supported him and kept him afloat during the hardest of times. Losing his father to the desert, not hearing anything from him for years now, and having a twin who used to be tied to his hip go roaming the world had taken its toll on Faisal and at one point he had just poured himself into his duties as heir. His mother, despite her own loneliness and heartache had taken the time to try and help him, her love and support always easing the pain in his heart since he knew she felt the separation as strongly as he did if not more. His grandmother after recovering from her illness had flown into action and her guidance was what allowed him to get to this point in Oban society, his status as a noble heir conflicting with his mixed heritage. But Faisal had overcome it all and he would always be thankful to those who had helped him get this far.

Now Sariza was in his life and Faisal was even more thankful. At one point he had been against the engagement but spending more time with the brigadier general’s daughter had brought rising feelings, Faisal’s once dashed hopes for a romantic relationship with his future partner rekindled as he fell in love with the strong Oban woman. Thank you for that blessing, On’os. Faisal smiled as he looked towards the sky, the Matori horizon almost as familiar as the one that he had seen in Sulburi. The crimson of the rising sun made the crystal waves of the ocean ripple like rubies and diamonds while the clear sky was streaked with a variety of the colors he commonly saw in the desert sunset. If anything Sariza’s current predicament, her grandfather’s curse as Faisal liked to consider it, at least allowed them to enjoy Matori. Faisal had always wanted to spend more time in the ocean country since it was technically his mother’s place of birth but he had been so caught up in his duties that leaving Oba had been a very rare occasion for him and his family.

“Now here we are.” He stretched his arms out before noticing a servant cutting across the beach and towards the manor. “Hmm?” Faisal tilted his head with curiosity before waving them over. “Is there something in particular going on?”

“Ah!” The Oban boy flushed before holding up a basket of freshly baked bread. “I walked to the nearest village and got some fresh pastries to share with the staff. It’s the season of thanks so I wanted to show my appreciation towards those who have helped me.”

“I see.” Faisal smiled before motioning for the boy to go along. It would be time for everyone to return to their families and share a feast but this year his most trusted staff had volunteered to go along with them to Matori. Since the situation was more secretive with the boys no one would be leaving the area to return back to Oba and so it made sense that the staff would be sharing a meal together. He had noticed a parchment about it and ordered some of the more expensive meats and fruits for the occasion that the staff would be sharing while Faisal ate with Sariza. “Maybe I should have added some presents?” Something to show them that he also appreciated their sacrifice, the fact that they would be separated from their families during this year’s events? Everyone was doing their best to keep his family safe and Faisal would always appreciate their efforts.

Perhaps it was a good idea then for him to go to the village. There had been a small shop with some glass decorations, he could purchase a few of them along with some candies for the younger ones and silks for the ladies who had been eyeing some of his mother’s dresses whenever she managed to visit. Faisal smiled at the thought. “I’ll do that and pick up a few things for my own family along the way.” Hopefully even though it was something small the thought would count for everyone. Faisal would have to be more creative next year to truly show his appreciation, just during a time when his thoughts weren’t a mess because of everything going on.

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