Sitting directly across from Luna was Aria, who had appeared without a sound while Luna slept.
With a cheerful, exaggerated smile, she greeted her. Aria simply blushed, returning the gesture with a soft smile of her own as she sipped her tea.
Sitting under the old oak tree, swaying on the wind as the leaves are rustled by the wind, by the scent of it, the peculiar scent of the old wood emanating from within the tree.
As Aria silently gazed at Luna's face, observing her while sipping her tea without a word, Luna finally asked in a concerned voice, "Is something wrong, sister?"
Aria took one last sip before setting the cup down. "No. I was just thinking… this tea you drink every day is really tasty."
"I've never really bothered with tea before," Aria admitted softly. "But I'm starting to consider changing that."
"Is this black tea? Yes? Then I'll start drinking black tea every day from now on."
Aria crossed her legs, the fabric of her dress swaying gently in the breeze.
She wore a light cream dress, soft and airy, its gentle shade bringing out the warmth of her strawberry-blonde hair. A ribbon of pale rose at the waist tied it all together, subtle but beautiful.
"Are you tired? To fall asleep here in a chair like that… The atmosphere is calming, but are you truly that tired?"
"No?" Luna tilted her head curiously before adding, "Do I look tired to others?"
"Of course not." Aria chuckled, her eyes falling to Luna's dress. She couldn't help but remark, "You look stunning in this dress."
Looking down, Luna admired the pale lavender dress with puffed sleeves, a pink sash at the waist, and a layered skirt that shimmered with tiny embroidered stars.
"Does it fit me?" Luna asked, the corners of her mouth gently spreading into a smile. "Aisha picked it for me. She really has an eye for dresses."
"Aisha? That maid you clung to four years ago? Heh… she really did grow fond of you." Aria's smile lingered, touched by reminiscence of the past.
"Oh, she brought this tea here. Now that I think of it, I don't really see her around the Palace. She somehow always escapes my sight."
"I do wander around every day whenever I am here, yet I never stumble onto her," she said, her gaze drifting past the tree toward the lake, where fishes leapt over the pinkish lily pad flowers before plunging back into the water without a sound.
With her mouth slightly agape, she turned to Luna. "Do you mind going there, to the lake?"
Luna glanced over her shoulder at the lake. "Why not," she answered plainly.
With Luna's agreement, she rose and extended her hand, looking down at her face with a gentle smile. "May I have your hand?"
Luna chuckled, placing her hand into hers, gripping it firmly before standing. Together they walked toward the path leading to the lake. Red roses lined the walkway, their petals catching the light and glimmering beneath the sun.
Aria swung their hands back and forth gently, their fingers intertwined, her face glowing with a red blush as she smiled.
Crossing over the lake, they stepped onto the wooden arched bridge leading to the arbor, its low railing brushing against Luna's hand while Aria, despite her tallness for her age, could not quite reach it.
Inside the arbor, they sat upon the benches set along its railings, a six-sided table at the center.
The hexagonal arbor was crafted from rich brown wood, its corners bound with silver fittings. Benches lined five of the six sides, while the table stood at its heart. Thick beams of timber rose to meet the elevated cone roof, shaped to let the steam of food drift away with ease.
Side by side, they gazed at the lake. Beneath the arbor swam fish with orange bodies marked by red spots, their gills pale white. They thrived in the water's depths, weaving under and around the beams of the structure, their movement bringing out the lake's quiet beauty, like fireflies glowing in the calm of dusk.
"It's relaxing, isn't it? This place?" Aria asked.
Luna nodded, her eyes drifting toward Aria before leaning against her shoulder. Aria flinched at the sudden touch, and Luna slipped softly onto her lap. Not minding in the least, Luna closed her eyes. "Can I sleep for a while?"
Aria chuckled, her voice warm. "Of course, you can." With a tender smile, she stroked Luna's hair. "Sleep all you need."
The old oak swayed in the wind, its leaves rustling in rhythm, a strong scent of aged wood mingling with the sweet fragrance of lily pad blossoms.
Carried on the breeze, the two scents wove together, creating the perfect perfume to soothe the soul, wrapping the body in peace.