The buildings give way to tall brick walls.

The horse soon comes to a stop.

“Welcome back Captain, the King is waiting in his office for you.”

“Thank you.” 

The Captain knows that he needs to complete his mission before doing more research on the fog boy.

He unmounts his horse and walks through the castle doors. 

He makes his way up the stairs and through the hall until he reaches a door with a golden crest on it.

He lifts his hand and knocks three times.

“Enter.”

He twists the golden knob and pushes the door open.

Inside sits a tall man with golden hair and emerald green eyes, staring down at the report in front of him.

He glances up. “Rowan, welcome back.” He sets down the paper. “Were you able to find one?”

The Captain nods. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

He reaches into his holster and pulls out the lily spirit. 

A smile grows on the king’s face. 

“Good.” 

The Captain walks over and places it on the desk in front of him.

“I trust that it wasn’t too much trouble?” 

“No, Your Majesty.”

The King tightens his brow slightly as his smile fades. “I told you to stop calling me that when nobody else is around, Rowan.”

Rowan glances around the room one last time before letting out a long breath and relaxing his shoulders.

“I thought there might be others in here, Killian.” He folds his arms

Killian chuckles as he picks up the jar, turning it gently in his hands. “This should work perfectly.” He looks up at Rowan. “Thank you.”

Rowan nods. “How is he?”

Killian looks down and is quiet for a moment. 

“Some days are better than others.”

…

Killian sets the jar down.

“Did you find anything interesting?”

Rowan scratches his head with a small smile. “Yes.”

Killian raises an eyebrow and waits.

…

“What did you find?”

Rowan hesitates before reaching into his holster, carefully pulls out another small jar.

Killian is unfazed. “Smoke?”

“His name is Taka.”

Taka looks back and forth between them.

Who is this man?

Killian tilts his head. “You named it?”

Rowan shakes his head. “No.” He walks over and places the jar in front of him.

“He told me.”

Killian’s ears perk. “...told you?” 

He picks up the jar gently, turning it over and examining it.

Taka’s smoke turns a slight shade of green, barely noticeable.

His eyes return to Rowan. “Are you messing with me?”

Rowan chuckles. “That would be interesting, wouldn't it.” He shakes his head.

Killian studies the jar again.

Taka stares at him, unsure what to do.

At least he wasn’t shaking the jar…

Rowan walks over and holds his hand out. “I am going to do some research, I’ll keep you updated.”

Killian smiles and places the jar in his hand. “Please do.”

Rowan glances back at the jar.

It doesn't look like anything more than gray smoke.

…

But he knows something lies underneath.

He wants to be the one to understand him.