Kael knelt in the garden, his curious gaze fixed on a single flower. Its petals shimmered with an ethereal azure glow, mesmerizing in the midday light. Gently, he poured water over it, watching in wonder as the flower's color shifted into a deep, blood red. His emerald eyes sparkled with amazement, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
From behind him, Ellia's voice broke the serene silence. "Kael, what are you doing?"
Startled, Kael turned as she scooped him up into her arms. "I was just watering the flowers," he replied innocently, pointing toward the now crimson bloom. "Look, Ellia, it changed colors!"
Ellia glanced at the flower with mild confusion but shook her head, smiling. "That's amazing, but listen, Kael. I need to talk to you." She set him down gently, crouching to his level. "I have some work to do at the camp today."
Kael tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Work? Then I'll get ready and come with you!"
Ellia hesitated, her expression faltering. "No, not today," she said softly. "You'll have to stay home this time."
Kael's face fell, tears welling up in his eyes. "You're leaving me?" he asked, his voice trembling with sadness.
"No, no, Kael," Ellia quickly reassured him, panic flashing across her face. "I'm not leaving you. I'll come back, I promise."
"It's okay," Kael interrupted, forcing a small, bittersweet smile. "Just… return. That's enough for me to be happy."
Ellia reached out, ruffling his messy black hair. "You silly child," she said, her tone soft but firm. "I'm not leaving to leave you—I have a fight. A small battle, nothing more."
Kael's eyes widened with concern. "A fight? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Ellia chuckled, her smile returning. "Yes, actually. You can stay home and behave. That would help me a lot."
"Alright," Kael murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. He shifted his gaze downward, fidgeting with his hands.
Ellia, sensing his disappointment, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, Kael, do you want me to bring you something? I'll be crossing through a village on my way back."
Kael perked up slightly, thinking. "Eggs?" he said, his tone uncertain. "I want some eggs."
"Eggs?" Ellia blinked, confused. "Do you want to raise a chicken or something?"
"No," Kael replied, pouting slightly. "I want to eat them."
Ellia laughed, shaking her head. "No, dummy! I mean something special, like candy—or maybe even a blade?"
Kael's eyes sparkled at the mention of a blade. "A sword? Can I really have a sword?"
Ellia smiled, amused by his sudden excitement. "Sure, if you want it that badly."
"Yes! Of course, I want a sword!" Kael exclaimed, practically bouncing with joy.
"Alright, alright," Ellia said with a laugh. "I'll bring you a sword as a souvenir. But only if you promise to behave while I'm gone."
Kael nodded eagerly. "I promise!"
---
By the afternoon, Ellia stood at the edge of the garden, preparing to leave. Kael stood a few feet away, watching her in silence. Just as she turned to go, his small voice broke the stillness. "Ellia, wait."
She turned back, puzzled, and saw him holding out a small, glowing flower with petals of a deep, dark blue. "What's this?" she asked, taking it carefully from his hands. "Where did you get this, Kael?"
"I found it in the garden," he said proudly.
Ellia frowned slightly. "The garden? But I never planted a flower like this before."
"You didn't," Kael said matter-of-factly. "I did."
Ellia's confusion deepened. "Wait… did you leave the mountains to find this?"
Kael shook his head vigorously. "Of course not! I'd never leave the mountains. I found it behind the house."
Ellia studied the flower more closely, her eyes narrowing. "This… this is a lunar veil," she murmured, almost to herself.
"A lunar veil?" Kael echoed, tilting his head.
"Yes," Ellia replied, her voice quiet. "It's the flower on my armor. It's the symbol of my squad—of the Lunar Squad."
Kael's eyes widened with wonder. "Wow! That's so cool! Your squad is named after this flower?"
Ellia nodded, smiling faintly. "That's right. It represents hope and resilience."
Kael beamed with pride. "I thought you'd like it, so I wanted you to have it."
Ellia's heart warmed at his gesture. She tucked the flower safely into her armor and bent down, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Kael. This means a lot to me."
As she pulled away, she gave him a stern look. "Now, remember: stay inside while I'm gone. I'll send one of my friends to check on you later."
"Okay, goodbye, sis," Kael said softly, watching as she disappeared into the distance.
As her figure faded, he turned back toward the house, his hands behind his head. "What should I do now?" he wondered aloud, his mind already drifting to the possibilities.