The LEGEND OF AIR AND GROUND

A rainy day

***

It was a windy day that particular day in the month of May. The sun hadn't dared to show it's presence away from the clouds and the winds took no name of stopping it's harsh cold gushes. The overthinking elderly were speaking of it as an 'ominous sign'.

"Those abominations of nature have done it, at last. They've angered the god of winds. They have summoned the storms" A washer-man splashed water from the river whilst he cleaned his robes.

"I saw this day coming the very day they stood their abodes in thin air— totally against the nature's law. Men are not supposed to float", Another one added in.

"Or maybe, it's just a windy month ?" A girl spoke up with snare.

"Hah! A woodcutter's daughter trying to sound opinionated. You don't know a thing about the high hierarchies girl, leave that topic for the us" The washer-man spoke back condescendingly, which irked the girl, but she didn't think enough of it to argue over.

"I think it's high time that we stop getting angry over people of air. They're not bothering us, and neither should we" The young girl added. She had clarity in her thoughts, even at the young age of 18. Her father, although secretly was proud at the intelligence she possessed but would always try to stop her from reaching out and using her potential.

"Not bothering us, you say?" The washer man popped his eyes open and chuckled, " That Serene-witchity came over to harm the newborn prince last week. Didn't you hear? He was almost killed!".

"Did the king give you this information? Or, perhaps Serene-witchity flew over to you herself and told you all about this?" The girl argued, "You can't claim anything unless your sources are reliable, haven't you known such a simple thing?".

"Make yourself quiet, girl! It seems like your father has chopped up all his values and virtues with his wood, hence why you don't have any. I suggest you be out of this river, or else we promise never to let you touch even a drop of its water".

The washer man was aggravated at the girl's carefree nature. Or maybe, he was just frustrated that he couldn't shut a mere woodcutter's girl up. Hence he began again, with his hollow threats and falsified ego.

"Whatever. Maybe one day you'll understand why its important for you to grow your own brains and think for yourself" She carried the clay pot full of water and placed it on her hips for support, "Until then, gossip all you want- about the people of air, the king, the river, the soil, your defecation problems and the arguments with your wives." She strutted with pride. She was sure that she was royalty in her past life. 'It's true, Maya. Such self pride would not emerge in such poverty that I was born in' She thought to herself.

****

The abodes in the air were at peace. Unlike the land, there were no clouds covering the sun's ray. The people were all afloat, basking in the glorious heat, happy and content. Serene, on the other hand, wasn't. It was the first time people had seen Serene loose her calm. It had always happened in the past that Serene- no matter how terrible the situation, was collected and calm.

"So, why are you so tensed today, Serene?" The general commander spoke.

The general commander had a soft spot for Serene. It was obvious. The general commander, who people swear hadn't even smiled during his childhood would often be found smirking, in presence of Serendipity.

"The young-born. I needed more time with him" She finally revealed- a fact she hadn't even revealed to the King of air, despite his countless orders.

"I will be happy to lead my army to get the newborn if it holds that much of a value to you" The general commander said.

"No, no" Serene shook her head and waved off her hands, " A war is not what I want. These are times of delicate needs".