The day started off normally. Lage's four children sprinted around the castle chasing each other while Kinntho's children played hide and seek. Oribella mostly kept to herself, spending lots of time reading old books.
The three sisters sat in the throne room quietly discussing restoring a nearby forest. Ni had come across its remnants on a scouting trip. It was charred but Ni had sensed it would mend with the right amount of attention. Lage readily agreed.
Unbeknownst to the sisters though Ni had sensed something else. He'd crossed the paths of another spirit. He was unsure how long it had been since they'd moved through that area.
His wife Lage was eager to start mending the forest right away, and so was Kinntho. They discussed creating thriving ponds and colourful flowers.
His other wife Rara was mostly quiet. There wasn't much she could do in a forest. Ni could see her growing more and more sullen.
Just then the children burst into the throne room. They weren't laughing anymore, rather they looked scared. Lage's pack huddled around her while Kinntho and Kithel's children clung to them.
"There's someone outside," Merrit whimpered.
"Someone smoky," Coret added, "Can I go see who it is?"
Coret was the only one not completely terrified at the idea of this stranger.
Lage patted his head, "Stay here."
He groaned, "We never get to do anything exciting."
Lage looked at Rara, "Perhaps this spirit is one of fire."
"I am."
Everyone in the room froze.
A man knelt to them, his hair and clothes smoking continuously. Kinntho's children let out screams and hid behind her.
"I am Ilor of fire," He said with a dramatic sweep of his arms.
He walked toward the thrones and took Rara's hand.
"You must be the one who brought me here," He planted a kiss on her hand.
Rara froze, but she felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
As if sensing something strange was going on Oribella walked in the room. Ilor turned around to look at her.
They both seemed to freeze in place.
Oribella then began to walk stiffly past him to her mother.
"Be nice," Rara muttered.
"What is it you want Ilor," Ni called down to him. He'd wrapped Lage into his arms.
"To join you, of course, seems fitting, an even council," He gestured, he gave Rara another grin, "I'd like to get to know my fellow spirits and of course the new Heirs."
Ni huffed, he definitely wanted to get to know one of the heirs.
"Of course, you can join us," Rara offered. As she said these words another throne lit up with the fire symbol.
Ilor sat down in his place and sighed in relief. Beside Rara Oribella hissed.
Ilor seemed to hear the sound, "Who is this little one?"
"This is my daughter, Oribella," Rara gave her a little push.
Oribella gritted her teeth, "A pleasure to meet you."
Ilor just smiled back.
Ni whispered to Lage, "I think we should end council for today."
She nodded to him, "I propose we dismiss the council."
"Dismiss," Ni said.
Kithel and Kinntho both agreed.
Both groups gathered their children, Ni took Oribella too. Soon it was only Ilor and Rara left in the throne room.
"I don't know why you put up with that tree spirit," Ilor drawled, "When you have the perfect mate in me."