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Having survived the thunderstorms, on top of the orcs and spiders, their little group arrives at the hidden elven valley, where they know they'll get the help they need. They'd run out of water and food a day ago and braced themselves for days of terrible struggle.
Yuji takes the view in, disbelief painted across his face. It's a truly glorious, mesmerizing sight. The palace isn't a separate building standing among nature, but one woven into the trees, stone and water. Every little element has its place and use in the harmony that's ever present in this sacred valley. It's heaven, yet quite too earthly for the afterlife.
His eyes dart to his companions to exchange the same tired, albeit happy expression. They made it in one piece. Their clothes resemble wet rags -dirty and full of holes, not to mention the worn-down shoes they'd have more use setting the fire with. They're stressed, sleep deprived and hungry, so now that they're hit with the sense of safety, their weak muscles give out, forcing them to succumb to sleep.
The last thing Yuji remembers is an elf man jumping off his horse and catching him in his arms.
It takes time for the memories to take shape in his cloudy mind, and although he can't remember how he got here, he's certain he's not in danger. It's not the cold, rough surface of a cave that he sees, but vines climbing across the wall. The delicate, melodic sound of the harps works magic on him. Literal magic, it might be.
Has he slept for an hour or a year? Both are equally possible. He'd grown so used to the weight of his old clothing that the elve fabric feels feather-light on his freshly bathed skin. He's lying on a wooden bed, under what feels like bedding made from a cloud. It's almost like it's about to turn into mist beneath his fingertips.
And for a brief moment, Yuji lets himself long for his home. His cozy, little hobbit hole, where the bed was just as comfortable, the pantry always full and the bench waiting for him every afternoon, when he feels like enjoying the gentle rays of sun. Oh, and the flowers.. The flowers he recently grew.
Yuji notices something in the corner of his eye and turns his head to meet curious, blue eyes. The elf is straddling the artfully crafted chair, resting his chin against the wood.
"Hi there, little one."
His heart misses a beat when he notices the crown. How could he not recognize the prince?
He springs up to get out of bed and bow properly, but the man's hand pushes him back down.
"Not so fast. I bet your head is spinning."
"Your Highness.."
"Easy now."
His very next thought is 'Where is everyone else?' The puzzled look on his face amuses the prince. He doesn't answer the unspoken question, however, and lets it linger in the air between them. Yuji sits up.
To be fair, what was the prince's goal here? He's tempted to ask what brought him here while he was sleeping. A rather nosy question for a guest to ask. The prince is free to open whichever room, is he not?
The prince is young. Around his age. Well.. not in the literal sense, but his elven age translated to hobbit years seems to be similar to Yuji's. It's a tricky task to guess the age of an immortal creature, but there are helpful tricks, such as looking deeply into the elf's features, searching for childish joy associated with youth or wise nature that comes with years of experience. Are the features delicate or harsh? There's a fine line between those two.
It's most likely rude to stare back, but Yuji reciprocates the curiosity with every fiber of his being. Elves are endlessly fascinating, their otherworldly beauty being their least interesting trait. Prince Satoru resembles a mischievous cat, or rather a kitten, playful yet elegant by nature. His long, slim limbs move gracefully as he rises and steps towards the window overgrown with ivy.
The sunset paints his long, white locks in pink and orange hues. His hair is like an empty canvas -blue in the early mornings, white during the day and warm-colored during the evenings. Although many hobbits would not qualify white as a color, comparing it to bland, unbleached silk, Yuji finds it pretty. The prince smells fresh like dew and his eyes are as blue and clear as a cloudless, spring sky.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. We greatly appreciate it."
"How do you feel?" the man asks, still facing the window.
Yuji opens his mouth, but his stomach answers for him and growls loudly. It's so late, he must've missed breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner.. and maybe even supper! Oh, it can't be..
Something about his expression makes the prince laugh. He burst into an honest, youthful laughter that takes some weight off Yuji's heart.
"Shall we feed you, now you've rested?"
And just like that the elf escorts him to the great hall. He shows him long wooden tables filled with food waiting there just for him. Elves are known to be friendly, but Yuji wasn't aware of the extent of their benevolence. He's being treated very well so far. They couldn't have found a better place to find refuge.
He surrenders to his hunger and digs in right away. The food is mostly vegetarian, but he doesn't mind. Soft bread dipped in golden, liquid honey, a handful of nuts, berries for refreshment, delicious-smelling mushrooms and grains rolled up in mysterious, green leaves, a few sips of a herbal tonic, then perhaps a piece of a fish. The wine is a tad too strong.
The prince appears to find his appetite charming. Yuji swallows and washes the food down with one of the available liquids.
"May I see my companions?"
"What is it that you need?"
"Simply to meet them, Your Highness. I'd like to learn about their well-being."
"They awoke before you, my friend."
"Where are they now?" Yuji asks stubbornly.
The prince's brows betray his irritability. It would've been wiser to ask someone else instead of bothering his host.
"Thank you for the meal, please excuse me for the inconvenience."
He's about to hop off the chair, but his feet keep dangling over the floor. It's the fault of the strong hands of the elven prince, who then places him on his lap, without a single complaint about his weight.
"Why don't you eat some more?"
Any food offer is an undeniable one to a hobbit. The issue is that Yuji feels as if the prince is using it to keep him there for longer, treating him almost like a mascot he can play with.
"It's urgent, unfortunately."
"No, it's noot.." he drags out the last word, reaching for a piece of bread dipped in honey. He puts it in Yuji's mouth.
He lets the food melt on his tongue, his resolve melting along with it. He can't complain about his current position, but the prince's behavior is highly suspicious.
"How did a creature like you get so far from home, hmm? I've never encountered a hobbit before. Your kind lives somewhere across the mountains, am I correct? You must be an exception to the rule."
The elf inserts another portion of food into his mouth. He laughs to himself.
"Are you a hamster or a squirrel, little hobbit?"
It takes Yuji some effort to swallow. "I must leave now."
"I wouldn't advise interrupting them. The meeting had already started."
"What are they discussing?" Yuji asks, to get a crumb of information, at least.
"The maps, I presume. Father will show your companions the safest way."
"I see."
Satoru lifts his hand to Yuji's face and pinches his cheek lightly. He sighs.
"My mother will also help. She can read the runes. You might be happy to hear about the gifts."
"What gifts?"
"The swords my father had prepared for you."
"Is there any way I could join the discussion?"
"Hmm.. is there?" Satoru muses.
The man carries him to the terrace to give him a good view of the land and swiftly changes the topic.
"See, right there, by the woodland caves. That's where we gather the berries and mushrooms. You like them, right?"
Yuji assumes it to be advice for the future. You can't walk around hungry when you know where to look for food.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"And berry pies. Aren't they delicious? I've heard some things about hobbits. They love food. Well, you could bake all day if you'd like to."
"Perhaps once I return. May I..?"
Satoru ignores his question. "Your injuries had healed, but you're not ready to leave. You must gather your strength first."
"You've mentioned that my companions had woken up first."
"Yes, however, hobbits are not meant to endure such trips. Your body requires more rest. You've come a long way for a simple, nurturing creature who values home and family the most. I wouldn't suggest moving any further than this. I believe it has been your destiny to arrive here -to a place so fitting for your needs."
He's starting to believe the prince's words. The birds' idle chirping, hum of the waterfall and the leaves whispering in the wind -it's all so peaceful. The music drifts through the air, some enchanted melody he can't find the name for.
But then, he remembers his friends and breaks out of his bubble.
"My friend, Fushiguro..-"
"Ah, the dwarf," Satoru scrunches his nose in disgust. "I dislike those even more than humans."
"And my uncle, Sukuna. Could you take me to them? Please," Yuji asks, as politely as he possibly can.
Satoru wavers. He looks away.
"Later."
"I mean it. I need to see them soon."
"Haven't I seen your friend training this morning?" the man hums. "He looked healthy and well to me."
"Has he mentioned me?"
"No, I don't think so. I believe I've heard your uncle talking about leaving you here. He shares my opinion. You'd help your companions more by letting them move on."
"He said that..?" Yuji asks with some sadness in his voice. That sounds like something Sukuna would say.
"Worry not. I'll make you feel at home."
They get back inside and Yuji can't help but complain a little. Getting carried in the prince's arms makes him feel like a child.
"I'd like to get down, Your Highness. I'm afraid my weight might be bothersome to you."
"Not one bit! The palace can be so dull. And look, I can handle your weight just fine."
Satoru spins him around to prove his point. He's gentle about it and it's a light, airy spin that Yuji actually quite likes. The prince is more delicate than his uncle, who treats him like a sack of potatoes.
"Leave the poor hobbit alone, for God's sake," says an unfamiliar, female voice.
"I cause him no harm, mother."
Yuji has no chance to bow to the king and the queen, with how fast Satoru removes him from the situation. Their arrival means that the others are about to appear too.
In any other circumstances, Yuji would've stood up for himself and demanded getting released, but how could he show this much disrespect towards the prince? He's forced to go along with anything Satoru wishes to do.
Elves can be cunning too. Their intentions are usually pure, they're kind-hearted and generous, but there are also rare instances of envy and greed. Time passes differently at the palace, as if suspended. It makes it hard for Yuji to guess how long he's been there and he keeps worrying about the adventure his friends were so excited about. At this rate, they won't make it in time.
His bruises heal, skin becomes healthy and glowy, his hair regains its shine. He's in a great state physically, yet the separation puts him in great distress. This place is based on harmony and peace and as comforting as he finds it, he cannot stay here any longer. The prince assures him it hasn't been a week since they've arrived, but it can't be true. It's impossible.
The prince is friendly. He likes to feed him and kiss him on the cheek. The king and queen have nothing against their strange relationship, so there's really no one Yuji could ask for help. He wanders the long corridors and joins Satoru for horse riding, but he doesn't meet his companions even once. He starts to believe that they'd left without him.
That is, until one day, someone opens the double swing door to his chambers and slithers in, as soundlessly as a robber. It's not the elven prince, but someone far more familiar.
"Quickly, Itadori. We don't have much time."
Months after his rescue, Yuji reaches his true home. They've barely survived -first, had to escape the elven prince's wrath, then completed their mission. Hiding from both orcs and elves was a tough task.
His instincts were right. His companions have been looking for him the entire time he spent with Satoru. Additionally, they were told it was his will to stay at the palace. An utter lie. It would've been easy for them to believe it, since it's a hobbit's nature to seek domesticity. It's a good thing they know him better than this.
And so, the fest begins after some much-needed rest. The vibrant, grassy fields are crowded with loud, rowdy hobbits, dwarves singing together off-tune and wizards sitting by the fire telling stories about dragons or, in most cases, keeping to themselves. Nothing feels like home quite as this rusting atmosphere -mugs clinking, food and flowers on the long tables, children staining their clothes while playing and of course, the fireworks.
Yuji lifts his eyes to the sky to watch the colors burst at once, forming glowing figures and then disappearing into the navy blue sky. Each firework behaves differently, but what stays the same is the cheering and laughter that can be heard in between. The lights sparkle in his eyes, while he stays like this, afraid to miss a single detail.
Something urges him to peel his eyes off the sky. The feeling is so strong that he listens, just to meet the crystal-blue gaze of the man he left behind back in the hidden elven valley. Yuji grows stiff, but tells himself not to panic. The prince looks calm -hands crossed behind his back, an unconcerned expression on his face.
Hobbits step out of his way without paying him much care. His movement is smooth, his nimble limbs snake-like and the robe he's wearing looks festive.
"I apologize, Your Highness," Yuji says in a serious tone. He faces it like a man.
The hug comes unexpectedly. The long period of separation caused the elf pain, incredible pain that seeps into the embrace -can be felt in every second of it. His intentions become unmistakable and Yuji lets himself hug him back, as if they're two friends reuniting on good terms, not a young prince and his past captive.
"I'm glad to find you safe and sound."
Itadori is speechless. He was certain the prince would've forgotten about him after such a long time, like some fun, entertaining little thing that grows old once it loses its uniqueness.
"You.. worried?"
"Oh, if you knew," Satoru sighs.
They quickly move to the nearby bench, where they're less likely to be interrupted by the drunk folk.
"You're a reckless one," the prince says, after a moment of deep thought.
"I'm sorry for upsetting you."
Satoru turns his head away, just slightly, to hide his pale blush. "And I'm regretful for trying to keep you at the palace by force. I acted.. well, immature."
Yuji smiles. "It's alright."
"Say, am I welcome? I shall leave if you ask me to."
"All my friends are welcome," Yuji answers, before redirecting his gaze to the crowd. "You've saved us and I'll be forever grateful for that."
Satoru smiles at his own thoughts, but doesn't respond right away.
"I had no personal gain in mind."
"I'd like to pay you back, if possible."
His smile widens. There's even a quiet chuckle before he answers.
"How could I accept a repayment from a humble creature like you? I can't think of anything I desire. The community, on the other hand.."
"I must take a break before embarking on another adventure, I'm afraid."
"It's not an adventure, my dear. I don't mean to put you in danger again."
Yuji turns to him curiously. The corners of Satoru's lips curl up as he glances at the hobbit from the corner of his eye. He places his arm on the smaller's shoulders.
"Your body is truly impressive. You've survived a long, long trip."
"Indeed."
"I wonder if my mother's potion would work on you. She mastered it while you were away, in order to lift my spirits. She's an amazing woman."
"What potion?"
"Don't you dream of making history? I know a way."
Yuji narrows his eyes. "What does the potion do?"
"Must it be a clear answer?" the prince asks, looking into the distance. "I thought you were eager to serve your community."
"But I am, Your Highness."
"Elve and hobbit genes mixed together.. what would come out of it? Haven't you ever wondered?"
They watch the hobbit children, the question still playing in Yuji's head. What would be the purpose of such experiment? If he were to imagine the outcome, he'd say the kids would resemble hobbits while young, but grow taller and more elegant than most. The pointy ears would be cute.
"Can you believe that no one tried to find out, all this time?"
"I suppose it is interesting."
The elf's hand slides lower, onto Yuji's arm. Satoru pulls him closer, slowly and gently, so as not to scare him.
"Shall we work on it together?"