Under the vast blue sky, atop a gentle rolling hill, the laughter of children rang like wind chimes in the breeze. The towering branches of an ancient oak stretched above them, its leaves swaying in harmony with the soft whispers of the wind. A little way down the slope, a clear spring bubbled, its soothing melody adding to the serene afternoon.
Beneath the shade of the grand tree, a fine picnic had been laid out—a collection of delicate pastries, fresh fruits, and a steaming pot of herbal tea, all carefully arranged on embroidered linen. Maids stood nearby, their parasols raised to shield the noble ladies from the golden sunlight.
Seated on the blanket were two little girls, their dresses a striking contrast against the greenery.
Thalassia Nayeli Velthara, or Eli, was draped in shades of pale blue and silver, her dark azure curls falling gracefully over her shoulders. Her movements were measured and serene, mirroring the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean tides. Across from her sat Orithia Adaora Valeria, or Tia, donned in earthy reds and golds, her rich auburn hair tied in a loose braid, a defiant curl always slipping free. She shifted restlessly, her energy barely contained.
At the head of the gathering, their mothers—Queen Althea Velthara and Empress Vaelora Valeria—sat, sipping tea and exchanging warm conversation. As rulers of neighboring countries, their bond had been forged through years of trust and shared prosperity, just as their daughters' friendship was beginning to bloom.
As the wind picked up, Tia stretched her arms above her head and groaned. "Eli, tell me—why must we always sit still for tea? I'd rather be climbing that tree!" She pointed at the towering oak with a mischievous grin.
Eli, ever composed, giggled behind her teacup. "Because, Tia, tea is a refined tradition. And if you climb the tree now, you'll ruin your dress, and the maids will fuss over you again." She gave her friend a knowing smile.
Tia pouted, crossing her arms. "But sitting still is so boring!" She huffed, leaning back on her hands. "I don't know how you do it, Eli. You're always so calm—like a still pond!"
Eli tilted her head, a playful glimmer in her sapphire eyes. "And you're like wildfire, Tia. Always moving, always burning bright."
Their mothers chuckled softly at their exchange. Empress Vaelora took a sip of tea and looked at Tia with an arched brow. "And what do we say about composure, Orithia?"
Tia sighed dramatically, reciting the lesson she'd heard countless times. "A princess carries herself with grace and dignity, as she is the pillar of her people." She scrunched her nose. "I know, Mother, but even the strongest pillars need to shake a little, right?"
Queen Althea chuckled, setting down her cup. "That is true. Even the ocean, calm as it may seem, hides powerful currents beneath." She looked fondly at Eli. "And even the fiercest flames can be controlled with time."
Eli placed a hand on Tia's arm, her touch gentle yet firm. "You don't need to sit still forever, Tia. But sometimes, you have to pause, just like fire must smolder before it bursts into flame."
Tia blinked at her friend, then gave a grin. "Fine, fine. I'll sit for now, but only because you asked so nicely, Eli."
The two mothers exchanged an amused glance.
Empress Vaelora leaned toward Queen Althea with a smirk. "Do you think they'll be like us when they grow up?"
Queen Althea smiled knowingly. "Oh, without a doubt. Water and fire—two forces that can clash, but when balanced, they become unstoppable."
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional giggle of the princesses. Tia, ever impatient, eventually picked up a fallen leaf and twirled it between her fingers, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Alright, Eli," she said suddenly, leaning closer. "I challenge you to a game—whoever can touch the spring first wins!"
Eli raised a delicate brow. "And what do I get if I win?"
Tia grinned. "Bragging rights, of course!"
Eli sighed, setting down her cup with a graceful flourish. "Very well, Tia. But don't cry when you lose."
With that, the two girls leapt to their feet, racing toward the spring, their laughter ringing across the hilltop as wind and fire danced together under the sun.
Later that evening, as the golden sun dipped beyond the horizon, the two girls lay sprawled on a blanket, cheeks flushed from their game. The spring gurgled nearby, now catching the orange and pink hues of twilight, while the leaves above rustled in a lullaby of wind.
Eli stared up at the sky, fingers brushing the petals of a wildflower tucked behind her ear. "Tia," she said softly, "do you ever wonder what it would be like to… rule?"
Tia turned to her, brows furrowing. "You mean like our mothers?"
Eli nodded. "Yes. To have your voice carry over cities, to bear the weight of decisions that shape lives. I think about it a lot."
Tia huffed, tossing a pebble into the spring. "Sounds tiring. I'd rather be riding horses or chasing down lightning." She paused, then added, "But I suppose if I had to rule, I'd do it my way. Loud, fearless, and maybe a little messy."
Eli smiled, her expression serene. "I think people would love you for it."
Their maids called from up the hill, beckoning them to return. But neither girl moved. The air around them was still, heavy with something unspoken—an understanding perhaps beyond their years.
Tia broke the silence, her voice unusually soft. "Promise me something, Eli."
Eli turned to her. "What is it?"
Tia sat up and extended her pinky. "Promise me that no matter what happens—no matter who we grow into—you won't change. Don't become one of those stiff royals who forget how to laugh."
Eli hesitated for just a moment before linking her pinky with Tia's. "Only if you promise not to burn the world down trying to fix it."
Tia laughed, the sound ringing bright. "Deal."
From the top of the hill, Empress Vaelora and Queen Althea watched the scene below—two small figures silhouetted against a sky painted in fire and sea.
"They're going to change the world one day," Vaelora murmured.
Althea's eyes softened. "Let's just hope the world is ready for them."
As darkness fell, fireflies began to emerge, dancing like stars brought to earth. And under that twilight sky, river and flame forged a bond unbreakable—one not of treaties or thrones, but of something deeper, something sacred.
End of Chapter 5: A Bond Like River and Flame