Quiet…the perfect sound. The weather was warm with a slight breeze. Embracing the secluded atmosphere, Elroy leaned back against the large tree providing him shade. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep and relaxing breath.

I'll be damned if I have to sit through another meeting. Maybe I'll just hide out here all day, and let everyone else handle the important stuff.

Responsibility was a trait he lacked, an expectation he usually didn't take seriously. A few meetings were being held that both he and his brother were expected to attend. As potential future kings, these are the times that both Elroy and Riven can show their dedication and desire to Mylera and its people, to ensure the kingdom was thriving. But with Riven next in line for the throne, Elroy felt there wasn't much need to care about the inside job of being a ruler.

What should I do today? I won't be going home anytime soon, I know I'll get an earful from Mom. I could see if the guys are doing anything, maybe we could screw around a bit and do something…maybe I'll just fly around and see what the day looks like for me. Anything but being in the Center.

Elroy opened his eyes, overlooking the Outskirts.

Every being that lives here, every one of you…How does it feel? To be so close to the Center? Would you want to live there? No, you don't. It's not like there's anything fun or interesting to do anyway. Otherwise I wouldn't keep coming here. Maybe I'll observe everybody, see how the locals are living today. Or maybe…Luna…

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Luna. There's not a day that goes by that he isn't thinking about her. The girl that makes him…better. If that were even a possibility.

I wonder how you're doing. I could pay you a visit later, I'm sure you're busy right now. Would you be hanging out with your friends again after work? I could always come and crash the party. You'd like that, wouldn't you… Would you? Would she even want to see me?

Elroy felt slightly uncomfortable. Seeing Luna would make his day…endless flirting, playful banter, having her all to himself. No Riven to try and divide her attention, no work for her to stress about, just the two of them. Alone. Alone…

Exactly how he was feeling. All the time. Nothing new. But he preferred his solitude, he wasn't much of a social butterfly. Nobody to talk his ear off about his duties, nobody to overhear about how much of a pain he is. Isolation is a gift in his eyes, and when he isn't needed by his parents, he doesn't have to fight hard for it. It's not like Mylerans look up to him anyway. Everybody knows he doesn't take his position seriously, so why should anyone feel that his presence is anything but a burden?

…I should just hide out here all day. Nobody will bother me, I can overlook the Outskirts and make sure nothing's out of the ordinary. That way I can play it off later as me doing something useful and looking out for my people. Mom and Dad can't be as mad at me for leaving in that case. Well, they can, but maybe the scolding will be less. And surely Riven will be a smartass and try to lecture me on some shit in front of them. Always trying to one-up me, Mylera’s perfect little prince… Doesn't matter, nothing does.

Elroy began to ease back into comfort. The warm air began to melt away his thoughts, leaving him with a mind of tranquility. He was grateful for his little hiding spot, up on a small hill that nobody would think to look at, just bordering the Outskirts and the Center. He can overlook mainly the West side of the Outskirts, all of the movement and life, vaguely feeling like he's a part of the locality without actually being present. Feeling like he's not so much an outcast in the eyes of society. Feeling a bit more free as an individual. Feeling like he's not alone.