The villa was nestled at the edge of a quiet forest, its rustic charm offering a peaceful respite from the hectic world outside. Nandya and Seraphine had been looking forward to this break for weeks. With the rest of the Silly Party scattered in their own directions—Zara home with her family and Alphenluev safely stored away, Navine off to another country for some well-earned peace—it had become a perfect opportunity for the two of them to unwind. The world around them felt peaceful, and their days were filled with simple joys.
The sun was bright in the sky as Nandya tended to the garden. She knelt down in the soft earth, carefully planting flowers and herbs that would bring vibrant colors to the surroundings. It was a task she found meditative, grounding her in a way that the chaos of their usual adventures could never do. The gentle hum of bees and the soft rustle of leaves were the only sounds that interrupted the serene silence.
Seraphine, ever graceful, sat nearby, watching Nandya work, her hands resting in her lap. Her red hair fluttered gently in the breeze, the sunlight catching on its length. She had no specific task in mind but was content simply being there, basking in the tranquility. Every now and then, her golden eyes would scan their surroundings, taking in the beauty of nature that was so often overshadowed by their more dangerous endeavors.
But soon, the tranquility was broken by a playful glint in Nandya's eyes. Without warning, she picked up the watering can beside her and aimed it directly at Seraphine's feet. A sudden burst of water soaked the ground beneath her, catching Seraphine completely off guard.
Seraphine blinked, looking down at her now-wet shoes. "Really, Nandya?" she asked, her tone one of mild disbelief.
Nandya, trying to hide her mischievous grin, shrugged dramatically. "What? You looked like you needed a little refreshment," she said, feigning innocence.
Seraphine raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge flickering in her gaze. "You're going to regret that," she said, slowly standing up, eyeing the watering can in Nandya's hands.
Before Nandya could react, Seraphine lunged toward her, grabbing the can and giving her a playful shove. The two of them tumbled into a playful scuffle, dodging and diving to avoid the streams of water that came from the now-shared watering can. Laughter rang out as they chased each other through the garden, neither one quite managing to win the water fight. Seraphine's red clothing was soon drenched, and Nandya's hair clung to her face, but the two of them didn't care. There was no battle to win here—only moments to share.
Finally, breathless and soaked through, they collapsed onto the porch, the sunset beginning to paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. The peaceful evening air had cooled, and they took a moment to catch their breath, looking out over the garden they had filled with laughter and water. The calm that followed was one of pure contentment.
Nandya stretched her arms above her head, glancing sideways at Seraphine. "What do you think we should have for dinner?" she asked, her voice relaxed and free of any pressure. After all, they had no responsibilities tonight, just time to themselves.
Seraphine tilted her head thoughtfully, the calm of the evening settling over her. "Hmm," she said slowly, her voice teasing. "How about we make this interesting?"
Nandya raised an eyebrow. "Interesting?" she echoed, intrigued.
Seraphine's grin widened, a spark of playful mischief lighting up her golden eyes. "Batu gunting kertas," she said, her tone playful, the familiar challenge in the air. "Let's see who cooks tonight."
Nandya couldn't help but laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're really going to make me decide like this, huh?" she said, shaking her head but already knowing the rules. They had done this many times before, though usually when things were far more chaotic. Here, in the quiet of the evening, it felt different, more intimate.
"Yes," Seraphine replied, her voice light but determined. "Let's make it a fair game."
Nandya chuckled, holding up her hand. "Alright, let's do this."
The two of them raised their hands in unison, the age-old ritual beginning. With a sudden movement, they threw out their choices. Seraphine's hand was a fist—rock. Nandya's hand, however, was two fingers extended—scissors.
Seraphine gave an exaggerated victory cheer, her eyes sparkling with glee. "Looks like I'm the one cooking tonight!" she said, leaning back with a satisfied smile.
Nandya, though mockingly disgruntled, chuckled. "You're lucky, Seraphine. You know how much I hate losing to you."
Seraphine laughed, a warm sound that filled the space between them. "Don't worry. I'll make it extra special for you."
As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the evening settled into a quiet calm. The two of them sat in companionable silence, content with each other's company, the sounds of the evening birds and the crackling of a nearby fire their only company. Though the game had been small and trivial, it had only deepened the bond between them.
In that moment, there were no wars to fight, no magic to wield, just two friends sharing a peaceful evening. And for once, that was more than enough.