A new morning came to a thoughtful Narsus lying down on a couch, immersed in reminiscences as the first rays of sun entered his rooms.

Almost a year after the retaking of the kingdom and it seemed to him as if it had taken place a much longer time ago. Sometimes, he even missed those days, facing the unexpected and the challenges of their crusade.

He grinned, knowing that he had no reason to complain since he was taking part in this new era of their kingdom. He was building with his friends the Pars he had dreamed of, instead of destroying it and their enemies.

He stood up and started preparing for the long day ahead. It seemed to him that days became longer; in those days, there was so much to be done, so many matters to handle.

During these long, endless days, he and his friends only met at their daily morning appointments and then everyone went about their own business.

While wondering, Narsus smiled to himself. He knew that it was a silly remark, but during those times -- war times -- he had many moments to calmly look at him, to absorb each gesture, look and smile from Daryon.

Now they hardly ever met or talked to each other. Daryon was living in Narsus's memories like before the war. However, this time he was within reach if utterly distant.

At the beginning, they were best friends and used to know each other better than anyone else. Therefore, when Narsus was forced to leave the court, his greatest loss was Daryon. Uncountable times he waited to see Daryon arriving at his cottage and when he finally came, he also brought hope back to Narsus's life. As days passed, the old friendship became as it had been before; but now back in Ecbatana, Daryon was growing increasingly distant.

Not even Narsus's provocations fired Daryon's temper anymore. When teased, Daryon's reply was merely polite or he simply ignored Narsus. It didn't matter how Narsus tried to bring back what they used to have, Daryon's reply was always the same: indifference.

Saddened by these thoughts, Narsus's smile faded away as he felt the one he loves as much as his own existence drifting away from him.

When dawn came, Daryon was already up for a new day of labor … and torment. Before his arrival to the meeting room, he had already checked the troops and done the everyday tasks. He usually woke up early to solve those military matters before the meetings, but the fact was that he hadn't managed to sleep well those past weeks, so why linger in bed? Why torture himself, with those thoughts about the past and what could have happened? Better leave bed and thoughts behind and go ahead.

As Daryon waited at the meeting room, he smiled, remembering past days there. It was a large room appointed with many chandeliers, a comfortable and robust set of furniture and large tables covered with maps. He remembered his uncle studying the maps followed by others Marzban, the King and a young Lord Narsus, so confident, so beautiful…all in the past and the only one alive was so changed… However, he still liked that room because that was where he met his friends and where they might be themselves. At least, it should be that way, because as Narsus arrived, Daryon's unease grew.

Daryon didn't understand exactly what he was feeling but there was something of repulse, discomfort and something else that even he didn't identify nor could describe.

As Daryon believed that they both changed in some way, he asked himself why did he feel like that in Narsus's presence. They used to enjoy each other's company. Narsus used to pester him and he loved to annoy Narsus, he had to admit. He liked things as they were because they both were happy that way. Although he knew that Narsus could be a great pretender sometimes, he was always sincere with him; in fact, he was Daryon's relief from worries and fears. Narsus's wise words were full of concern, so distinct from those said to the others. What they had was definitely special, precious.

Now, for some mysterious reason even to himself, Daryon only recognized in his former friend a caricature of his dear Narsus, and unfortunately, to be close to that stranger painfully reminded Daryon of who he had and lost. Lost forever maybe.