The sun hung low but warm over Nyki, casting long shadows across the small fields and cobblestones. Victoric sat by the river, her legs dangling over the edge, her hands wet from dipping the cloth in water. The colors she had mixed on the cloth shimmered in the sunlight, chaotic and alive.
Kain stepped closer, his golden hair catching the sunlight, eyes scanning the messy but vibrant work.
"I saw your water painting," he said slowly, tilting his head. "And… you were using a cloth?"
Victoric blinked, frozen mid-stroke. Her cheeks turned red. "Yo… u… u… saw that?"
Kain grinned faintly, holding something behind his back. "So… I brought you brushes. And this can… canvas thingy," he said, pulling out a small set of brushes and a rolled-up canvas, tied with a string.
Victoric's mouth fell open. She didn't move for a few seconds, just staring at him. "Um… you… okay?" Kain asked, confused at her stunned silence.
Finally, Victoric jumped up, snatching the brushes with both hands. "These… these are mine?" Her eyes sparkled. "Really?"
Kain shrugged, smiling faintly. "Yes. Don't lose them."
For a while, they worked side by side in silence. Kain watched her dip brush after brush into water, paint flowing like little rivers onto the canvas. Victoric's tongue peeked out slightly as she concentrated, and Kain couldn't help but notice the way her small hands handled the tools so carefully.
After a moment, she looked up, smiling shyly. "You… you brought these because… you like my painting?"
Kain paused, scratching the back of his head. "I… um… thought you might like them. And maybe… I thought it was better than yelling at you by the river?"
Victoric giggled, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "You… you're weird, Kain. But… thanks."
They spent the morning painting together. Every time Victoric got frustrated at a mistake, Kain would tease her gently. Every time Kain tried to help, Victoric would wave him away with a grin. They argued over colors, mixed water too quickly, and laughed when the river splashed their feet.
At one point, Kain leaned back and looked at her carefully. "You know… you're really good at this."
Victoric puffed up her chest proudly. "I know! I told you I was! Did you… did you like my water painting?"
Kain nodded. "Yeah. Very much. But now… with these brushes… you'll be even better."
Victoric's eyes lit up. "I… I'll make the best painting ever! You'll see!"
For a while, they didn't speak much, just the soft sounds of the river, the occasional bird call, and their small chuckles.
As the sun began to sink, Kain stood and brushed off his hands. "I… should go," he said quietly.
Victoric frowned. "Go? But… but you just… brought me all this… and we just started…"
Kain knelt slightly, peering into her bright eyes. "We'll have more time. Don't worry. Just… keep painting."
Victoric tilted her head and smiled softly. "Fine. But… you better come back."
Kain grinned faintly, a small weight in his chest he didn't yet understand. "I will."
And with that, he turned and walked back toward the village, leaving Victoric by the river, her brushes in hand and her heart racing faster than the flowing water around her.
As she watched him disappear, she whispered to herself, "I… I hope he comes back soon."
The river gurgled softly, as if in agreement.