Chaos: Genesis

Spero strides purposefully through the early morning plaza as he enters the bustling market. He searches for something to satiate his hunger, his nose guiding him toward the aroma of sizzling meat on sticks emanating from a nearby cart. The atmosphere is tense, with wary gazes following his every move as he moves through the crowded space. As he walks through, he senses the demeanor of those around him. Piercing looks surround his peripherals as worry and distaste flow past with every step. A sensation he knows all too well, since the day he stepped foot on these lands, every day, everywhere he goes, for decades. Approaching the cart, manned by a gruff merchant, Spero confidently makes his request for a few sticks of the tantalizing food on offer.

The merchant signals his child, and the young girl leaves and runs behind a drape in the back.

His demeanor reflects the general air of disdain in the market, "What is it?", he responds in a snarky manner.

"I would like to buy a few sticks", Spero says as he points at the food.

The merchant looks at him and snarls, "Yeah, yeah, here."

He begrudgingly throws over the skewers of meat. Spero luckily, saves the food from a potential mishap as he catches the tossed sticks of meat before it meets the sandy ground. Unfazed by the merchant's hostility, Spero meets his stare with a gleam of defiance before tossing the coins onto the ground in front of the merchant. The clink of metal hitting sand rings through the silence, causing the merchant to flinch at the unexpected display.

Spero journeys from one cart to another, determined to find some tasty local bread. He stumbles upon a vendor's stand that seems promising, and his steps quicken in anticipation. As Spero counts the coins in his hand a sudden jolt at his side sends the currency scattering to the ground. His look then shifts to a small figure beside him—a child who had fallen amidst the commotion.

"Are you alright?", Spero's voice was gentle, as he crouches down to meet the child's eye line.

The young one nods silently, eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and relief. Before Spero could offer a helping hand, another arm swoops in, seizing the child in a protective embrace.

"We are on our way, no need to cause any trouble!", The mother spouts, her face etched with worry and hurry, hastily gathers her little one, eager to flee the scene.

Annoyed by the abrupt interruption, Spero watches as the sand under her feet tosses his coins around. Just as he let out a frustrated sigh, a voice, soft yet firm, cuts through the bustling noise.

"You could at least help pick up your kids' mess!" words rang out, accompanied by the sight of thick, dark hair dancing in the breeze, revealing a hand with sun-kissed skin and eyes that shimmered like emeralds,

"I swear, these people nowadays."

Observing the interaction with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, Spero's sense of gratitude washes over him as the woman bends down to assist in gathering and cleaning his scattered coins. Their hands briefly touch as the coins are returned to their rightful place, and a simple

"Thank you", tumbles from Spero's lips.

With a warm smile, the woman replies, "Don't mention it."

Spero and the woman lock eyes briefly before a silent understanding passes between them. Spero makes a sudden decision and begins strolling away, the woman's curiosity piques as she finds herself instinctively trailing behind.

The woman couldn't help but inquire, "You're Spero, aren't you? You're part of the King's family, right? A soldier, general?"

"Yes, I'm Spero, technically, and not really."

The woman holds in her laugh. "A great warrior but not the best at talking, I see."

Pausing for a moment, Spero offers a gentle smile and admits, "Sorry, let me start over. I'm not used to Persians striking conversation with me."

"You don't say? Haha, I'm Nazanin, nice to meet you!"

"Likewise,"

They proceed to the cart where loaves of bread entice them, both to make a purchase. The merchant, intimidated by Spero's imposing presence, avoids direct eye contact, a subtle detail not unnoticed by Nazanin.

As they walk away, Nazanin couldn't help but remark, "Is it always like this?"

Spero looks at her, then slightly down, "I'm used to it."

Nazanin implores, "You shouldn't have to."

Spero's eyes widened with surprise.

The woman continues, "You're not a stranger to this kingdom, I may not have lived here as long as all the rest of these Persians, but I've most definitely heard of you. Saving lives, helping expand our kingdom, you don't seem that scary, people do exaggerate...."

A wave of relief and comfort envelops him as he listens to her tangent, a rare experience in a world where pretense often overshadows authenticity. It had indeed been quite some time since someone had approached him with such genuine regard, seeing him as a common person. As laughter bubbles up within him, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Yeah, my reputation certainly has its fair share of myth," Spero admits with a grin, his eyes alight with amusement.

"Oh, so the stone-cold assassin does show emotion after all," she teases, a twinkle in her eyes as they continue their stroll around the plaza.

Eventually, they find themselves perched near the edges of the kingdom, the vast expanse of land stretching out before them. The bright sun painting the sky in hues of bright blue.

"I know we've only just met, but can I ask you something personal?", she inquires, her voice gentle yet probing.

"...Sure"

"Many say you're a daeva,", her words laced with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "Firstly, this ridiculous, but that accusation carries a lot of weight with our people," She reveals, her gaze searching his for a hint of truth.

Spero falls into a contemplative silence, his eyes drifting into the distance, "Of course not, but to be honest, I don't know what I am. I was born beyond the borders of Anshan, nor is my energy the same as others. I've asked myself this question a million times."

Nazanin, sensing the gravity of Spero's inner turmoil, softens her expression, she could never fully comprehend his innermost struggles, but tries a genuine effort to connect with his emotional plight,

"Well ever since Verethragna stopped responding to our people's prayers, and the increase of demons in these lands, Persians have grown wary and closed off. They feel the Gods have abandoned them, maybe punished them for their past mistakes. Maybe that's why they still harbor some resentment."

"I guess there is something I have in common with them after all.", Spero states.

Nazanin's expression shifts to one of mixed curiosity and perplexity, trying to unravel the layers of Spero's enigmatic presence. Nevertheless, she chooses to forego further inquiry and instead settles into a companionable silence with Spero, the two of them admiring the expanse of the sky and clouds.