Requested by anntbh.

Your POV

I made my way through the busy streets of the Order capital. I held a bag behind me as I looked for a spot to stay in where people could see me.

At last, I found an open space near one of the stalls. The owner of the stall said I can stay and "work my magic" because he recognized who I was.

I thanked him and pulled out a chair as I took out the contents of my bag: my sword and guitar.

I wasn't one of those super rich royals or aristocrats: I was just one of the regular Swordwraths in the empire.

But things haven't been going too well for me. I really needed to earn more money if I wanted to provide for myself.

So everyday, I come to the busiest place in Order and play a few tunes, hoping passer-bys will be generous enough to give me a few coins.

I tuned my guitar just right to create the melody I wanted. Bystanders who knew who I was waited, a bit excited to hear what I have in store for them today.

I looked at them and smiled as I began to strum the strings of my guitar. I cleared my throat as I got ready to sing.

"Did you notice the marionette strings around your wrist?"

I would sing them a happy-sounding song but with a deeper and darker message within.

"Or did you just forget that I exist?"

I took a deep breath.

"If the fire started burning too close

Would you follow me, follow me back home

If the world started falling apart

Would you promise to hold me close"

I suddenly noticed a golden helmet among the crowd that gathered around me. It had familiar wing-shaped carvings at its side.

I shrugged it off and continued.

"And when the sun goes dark tonight

Would you promise to stay and fight...

A typical day, another dumpster fire

Breathing in the fumes of the funeral pyre

A cynical face, on the fateful day

That we all just watched it blow away"

The crowd made way for the figure with a golden helmet and let her stay up front. I couldn't believe my eyes...

Princess Kytchu was watching me.

I gulped but I turn my attention back to my song.

"I would say, whoa

Its the end of the world

So won't you stop and watch it burn with me

I would say, whoa

We're all a little tired

So won't you come back home to me."

I continued playing and singing until I reached the final verse.

"And when the sun goes dark tonight

Would you run away..

Or would you stay and fight"

I eyed Kytchu as I finished the song. Others watching clapped and came up to me to give a few pennies.

I thanked them and waved goodbye as I prepared to leave. But I felt someone's hand on my shoulder.

I turn around and see Kytchu standing there. "Oh um, Princess Kytchu. I uh-" I bowed down immediately as she just smiled with gentle eyes.

"That was a wonderful performance. Unusual song but still played well." She said. "Here take this."

Kytchu handed me a small bag. I accept it and checked to see what it contained. Upon doing so, I gasped and covered my mouth.

The bag was filled with gold. I face the Archidon leader in awe. "Thank you but-" "No buts. Keep it." Kytchu told me. "Just don't spend it all in one place."

She then waved goodbye as I stare in shock. I held the bag in my hand and process what just happened: Princess Kytchu gave me enough gold to survive a month.

I smile to myself and look in the direction Kytchu walked in.

"Thank you." I said, though I knew she wouldn't hear me.

Song used is Home by Kroh (shown above).