The late afternoon sun was casting a warm, golden glow over the courtyard, stretching long shadows that danced lazily across the stone paths. The air was thick with the sweet, intoxicating scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the faint hum of distant chatter from nearby campers. It was that magical time of day when they're free from their camp duties and everything feels just a little more alive, a little more radiant.
Barron sat quietly on the low garden wall, his fingers idly tracing patterns in the moss nestled between the stones. His gaze drifted across the courtyard, lost in thought, but his mind was elsewhere.
Anya was nearby, meticulously braiding Mira Lune's hair, her nimble fingers weaving tiny silver charms into the plaits. Each charm chimed softly, a delicate melody that seemed to blend with the gentle rustling of leaves.
Willow lounged beside them, tossing a dagger in the air with practiced ease, her sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings as if expecting trouble at any moment.
Barron exhaled slowly, a shaky breath escaping his lips. It was a strange feeling—missing someone. He hadn't seen Riven since they finished combat class, and the ache of missing his partner in crime gnawed at him. They'd always been a team, up to some prank or another, and now, with Riven absent, the courtyard felt just a little emptier.
His thoughts drifted, curiosity bubbling up. Why had Riven been spending so much time with Prince Vaelorian lately? It was unlike him to be so...close with someone. Barron tilted his head, frowning. The mystery gnawed at him.
Anya nudged Barron gently, breaking the silence. "You're brooding again."
He rolled his eyes, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm not brooding," he muttered, but the faint pout tugging at his lips betrayed him.
Mira Lune turned her head, her braid half-finished, violet eyes gleaming with quiet knowing. "You're definitely brooding. Is this about Riven ditching us again?"
Barron's jaw clenched in annoyance. Before he could reply, that familiar prickling at the back of his neck—the one that told him someone was approaching—made him sit up straighter. His face lit up with a grin before he even realized it.
"He's here!" Barron exclaimed, eyes shining with excitement.
Willow raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on her lips. "Who's here? Riven?"
Barron nodded eagerly, anticipation bubbling over.
And as if summoned by his excitement, Riven appeared at the other end of the courtyard. His long, dark hair flowed wildly in the breeze, catching the sunlight like midnight silk. Everyone gasped, caught between surprise and admiration.
"Is that Prince Vaelorian with him?" someone whispered, the awe clear in their voice.
"Why are they together?" Anya and Mira Lune asked almost simultaneously, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Barron shot to his feet. "Whoa, I didn't see that coming," he said, voice tinged with surprise.
Riven was still smiling, chatting animatedly with the prince before he finally spotted his friends. His face lit up more with joy as he called out,
"Hey guys!"
His friends bowed respectfully to the prince, a gesture of politeness mixed with awe.
Riven's tone was cheerful, almost triumphant. "Barron, I have good news," he announced, eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Forget whatever good news you have," Barron muttered, voice low and cautious as he hurriedly pulled Riven aside. "Why is His Highness with you? Are you in trouble?"
"What, no! Why would I be in trouble?" Riven asked, glancing quickly at Vaelorian before returning his focus to Barron, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"You came here with his Highness, so what was I supposed to think?" Barron whispered, his voice thick with suspicion.
Riven chuckled, nudging Barron gently. "That's what I meant by good news. You're going to start training with me and Vaelorian starting tomorrow," he announced brightly.
"Seriously?" he exclaimed, barely able to contain himself.
Riven nodded, smiling brightly. "Yep! You're going to be training with us."
"Pinch me," Barron said, eyes wide. "I must be dreaming."
Riven playfully pinched his arm. "Ouch! Okay, definitely not dreaming—am I the luckiest guy or what?" He exclaimed.
Meanwhile, the girls were practically blushing, their cheeks turning rosy at the sight of Vaelorian's handsome features. He stood there, calm and composed, a quiet question in his gaze—wondering why he'd agreed to come along in the first place.
"Blame it on love." Vaelorian thought, smiling to himself.
Willow, Anya, and Mira Lune finally broke free from Vaelorian's spell-like hold on them. They rushed to Riven and Barron as they all spoke at once, their voices overlapping in a jumble of questions and exclamations.
"Why did he come with you, Riven?"
"Is he always this handsome?"
"Are you in trouble, Riven?"
Riven chuckled, raising his hands defensively. "Ladies, calm down, okay? Yes, he's always that handsome," he said winking at Vaelorian, though his cheeks tinged pink. Secretly, he was impressed with Vaelorian's looks too—who wouldn't be?
Easing the tension, Riven cleared his throat. "Vaelorian came with me because I dragged him along—so I could tell Barron the good news."
The group leaned in, eager to hear more.
"Tell them, Barron!" Riven urged, eyes shining.
Barron looked between his friends and the prince, his heart pounding. "I'm going to start training with Riven and His Highness starting tomorrow!" he announced, voice brimming with excitement.
The group erupted into cheers, clapping and congratulating him. Riven couldn't help but smile, glad he could do this one thing for his new friend.
Barron went to Vaelorian, a genuine expression of gratitude in his voice.
"Thank you for the opportunity, your Highness."
Vaelorian nodded graciously. "You're welcome, Barron." Then, with a gentle smile he turned to Riven, through telepathy, he added, "Spend time with your friends. I'll see you later, love."
With that, the prince turned, heading back to the direction he just came from, leaving a ripple of awe and admiration behind.
"Did you see how handsome he is?" Mira Lune whispered, eyes wide.
"I forgot how to breathe for a second," Anya admitted, cheeks pink.
"Since when are two such good friends?" Willow asked, eyes narrowing.
Riven chuckled, a bit embarrassed but proud. They'll definitely faint if they know that they're more than just friends.
"Guys, calm down. He's my roommate, of course we're close." he replied trying to act cool, though his heart was beating like crazy.
"Come on, Barron! Tell us more!" Mira Lune said, bouncing on her heels.
"Yeah, I wish I could train with you guys!" Willow added.
Taking a deep breath, Barron grinned ear to ear. "Guys, I think I'm about to have the best adventure of my life ever!"
The girls squealed and cheered, their excitement infectious. The courtyard buzzed with energy, the sunset casting a golden glow over friends, future dreams, and new beginnings.
The world suddenly feeling just a little brighter, a little more magical—because suddenly, everything was possible.