As Elara's mother hurried toward the source of the noise, she found a heartwarming surprise awaiting her. Standing near the entrance were Elara's father "Lian" , holding two flower bouquets, and her three-year-old brother, "Rian", clutching two roses with a mischievous smile. Seeing them there, her mother felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy, as did Elara, whose momentary fear dissolved in an instant.
Elara's father stepped forward, handing one of the bouquets to his wife, Alara, with a soft smile. "Why were you so frightened, my dear?" he teased gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "This is for you."
Alara accepted it, her tension easing with his reassuring touch. Then, turning toward Elara, her father extended the second bouquet, saying with warmth, "And this is for my dearest daughter."
Rian, not wanting to be left out, held out a rose to Elara with an exaggerated bow, playfully adding, "Here you are, Your Highness! Please forgive me if I have wronged you in any way." His words were filled with humor, and soon, laughter filled the room as they all shared in the light-hearted moment.
Then Rian handed his mother a rose, and together, they made their way toward the dining hall for their meal.
As they entered, Elara felt a strange sensation—a flicker of familiarity from earlier in the day. The mysterious light she'd seen flash from her hand seemed to echo in her mind, and suddenly, she caught sight of a faint glow in a nearby animal's eyes, just before it darted away, vanishing into the shadows. The entire incident was so brief that Elara wondered if it was her imagination. But a glance at a broken hourglass lying on the floor confirmed her suspicions: something unusual was happening around her.
Elara kept it a secret as her family gathered in the dining hall for dinner.
Elara's house is a two-story home filled with soft pastel colors, giving it a light and airy feel. The ceilings are high, making each room feel spacious, while large, flowing curtains hang by tall windows, allowing sunlight to brighten every corner. Outside, there's a peaceful garden with a small fountain at its center, surrounded by beds of fresh vegetables and herbs that her family grows. The mix of open space, gentle colors, and the sound of water in the garden makes the house feel calm and inviting, a perfect place for Elara's curious nature to thrive.
Soon, dinner was ready.