a l l i e

"Who I am and what I want are a secret."

So here's a slice of real life coming from yours truly:

One:
I'm currently juggling two jobs (one which I have been slightly neglecting...I should get back to work on that. Fast); my tutor job and a part-time at my aunt's science journal in Universiti Malaya. And I do hope to keep these two jobs to keep the money coming, at least till William returns to continue his study here. At the very least, I would be able to help him until he's able to help in return.

Two:
I find myself missing college. A lot. Not just the food, but going there to study and doing assignments. I miss them all. And I miss seeing my friends there. I miss hanging out with them.

Three:
At the same time, I can't wait to graduate from this course, get a job, and support William.

Four:
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is my current fad and obsession since my PS2 started scratching my lovely games. I would go to Pyramid every week to practice 3 games, and then leave.

Five:
Paranormal Activity haunts my nights. Even zombies could not beat this. I don't know why, and I do not like it.

Six:
I am half-considering going back to Role-Playing online again. Last time I did, the idiots were...well, idiots. Maybe I should, maybe I shouldn't.

Seven:
Will is not going to have Internet for a while. I'm currently planning my budgets and keeping a good eye on my phone bill. Not to mention, the previous editor of the science journal told me that she was not paid 3 months in a row. That's the reason why she quit and why I got the job. It is worrying. I hope my classes are enough to support me if that were to happen.

Eight:
I like U.M. It has such a nice atmosphere to it, compared to the likes of UiTM. I hope William will enjoy his time studying there and taking part in their activities. Give him the undergraduate student life he deserves, you know? I'll see to it that everything goes well. I swear.

Nine:
Pirate Bay, you will be sorely missed.

Ten:
I have improved in my studies, and I will continue to improve. You won't see me coming, 2010, till I strike!

- - -

The day moved slowly, he realised, perhaps a bit too slow for his liking. He wanted it to go, follow its usual, speedy pace and run. Just keep it moving, as long as this day ended as soon as possible.

But the rain was hard and bitter. It slowed him down, it slowed everyone else down. He found himself hesitating to leave the room, insisting that he should stay and continue on what was left of his paperworks. There were reports to be made, losses to be calculated, amendments to lessen the damage that was already done to this place from the recent war; he was in charge of all these, and he wanted to do it, just to take his mind off it.

There was a knock on his door; "Lord Silverberg," said a solemn voice from behind it, "It is time,"

Yet, as much as he wanted to avoid it, he had to put it all to a hold.

He hated farewells.

"I'm not certain of your rituals here," he replied, taking nothing but his sword that was strapped around his waist as he opened the door, "Where do you conduct the ceremony?"

"By the shores of Gibrantar, where the mighty kings journey beyond the sea,"

- - -

For the first time ever, Gibrantar stood in silence as it watched its king being carried by its loyal knights down the path towards the shores. These men were the men closest to His Majesty back in the days. They were the ones that were true to him till the end of his days.

Not him, no. He was a betrayer.

The kingdoms before Gibrantar were all taken by the Harmonian forces, thanks to his work on digging every bit of information there is about the kingdoms. After all, Harmonia has always been interested to expand their territories and economy. It was the only method he was left to do to clear his name from his crimes and from being exiled.

Yet, something about him changed when he was here in Gibrantar, the last kingdom at the very south of the continent. Till now, he continued to wonder what it was that made him change his views and motives.

Then he looked at the mighty king that once ruled this place, lying peacefully in his coffin. Perhaps that was what changed him; the man himself.

Never has he seen a man so true and honest until he met him. Perplexed would be the best word to describe his initial feelings towards this man. But it soon grew to something he never thought he would feel again; respect and honour.

"His Royal Majesty, King Andovan II..."

The words went on, but he paid no attention to them.

Surrounding the king's coffin were loyal men, true to his cause. They pledged their sword to this man, and silently begged for forgiveness for their failure to protect their king.

Not too far off from the circle of men was Her Highness, Queen Clarisse. She stood tall and proud at the sight of her beloved's passing, yet none could truly fathom the sorrow that muddled her thoughts and dulled her senses. Standing next to the proud queen was the king's young son, Horace. Still a child of seven years, yet he understood the scene shown before him.

The others stood behind him, each murmuring a different prayer for the fallen king.

Yet, when it came to him, there was nothing. He had no prayers, he had no tears, and he had no remorse or any guilt that loomed in his heart like the others. Albert was empty, devoid of feelings and the rational thoughts that made him a renown tactician.

Like the queen herself, he too was numb.

Words were exchanged, prayers were left, and soon, the funeral ended with a mighty push into the sea.

One by one, the people left the shore and returned to their homes. The knights gave their final salute to their king before retreating into the castle.

Soon, it was just the queen, Horace, and himself standing at the shores of Gibrantar.

"Lord Silverberg," she started, her eyes fixed upon the sight of her husband drifting further into the sea, "My husband spoke a great many things of you,"

Albert managed a small smile, "He was a great king. I only gave my very best,"

Queen Clarisse turned to look at him, "You protected us, and you were there when he needed you most,"

"Except for that time,"

And then there was silence. Again. He cursed himself for his own stupidity.

Yet, the queen continued, "He knew his time was coming, Lord Silverberg," she said, "As much as I tried to deny it, I knew it too,"

He only watched her. There was nothing else he could say.

She approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "'I trust Albert more than anything. I could only hope that he would forgive me for giving him such a heavy burden to look after Horace for me'" she smiled softly, "Those were his last words to me before I learned of his death,"

Once more, he said nothing.

"Ponder on it, Lord Silverberg," she turned to walk back to the castle with Horace in her hand, "And I will see you at the castle,"

At her departure, he turned to the shores and watched as the last remaining sight of the mighty King Andovan disappeared into the darkening horizon. It was a sight to behold, he thought, with the sun sinking into dusk, carrying the king along with it. Another day ends, another life gone.

He went closer to the shores and stared at the Harmonian emblem engraved on his silver ring. In his mind, he remembered the many troubles he went through to return to Harmonia, his homeland. Yet, all that seemed to have disappeared, and the silver ring eventually lost its meaning.

Silently, he took it off his finger and in a single swing, he threw it into the waters.

"May you forgive me as well for the things I might have done to you, Andovan," he spoke.

With that, he turned and left the shores of Gibrantar.