Crest

1.1

It was a warm summer day in the land of Centrio. Finally, the week-long holiday that everyone was waiting for all year has arrived. Mir was busy preparing for this moment since the beginning of June. All the taverns were fully packed with guests from all over the world. The street stalls were up and running, performers were preparing their acts, and the common folk and nobles alike were getting ready for the ball that night. All the shops and booths in the plazas were filled with people buying gifts for their dates and their families. Everyone was excited for this year's Pax Concordia ball, celebrating the Four Great Kingdoms' unity.

"Rowan!!" A young girl's voice rang throughout the Entalis's mansion. She has been wandering around for quite some time. She checked the small library, front gardens, dining area, and all the other rooms that she thought her brother was in. She has been looking for her older brother since they still have some duties left before they could start preparing for tonight. Their men and ladies in waiting have already been gathering everything that they may need for later.

The other royals and representatives of the Summer Continent kingdoms were also getting ready for the day as well as finishing their quotas too. They were all excited about the celebration and meeting their friends and family from the other continents. It will be a joyous celebration indeed.

"Rowan, where are you?!" The girl called once again, at this point she was close to losing her patience. She was already in front of the gates that would lead to the connected inner gardens of the great kingdoms' mansions. Her brother might be here somewhere.

"I'm here, Ruthie!" A young male voice called out from the garden.

Hearing her brother's voice using her nickname, Ruth ran out to meet him. Rowan was clad in his training gear and he was covered in sweat. He was still in his stance and was holding on to his wooden sword. As always, during his training, he was accompanied by the Phoenix's oldest son.

"I see you're having your morning spar with Blaine, as usual." Ruth shook her head in amusement and smiled at the two older boys. "You really have to tell me where you're going, Rowan; you do know that your attendants come to me first when you're gone."

"You two sure are inseparable," Blaine smiled at them leaning on his wooden sword. He was as drenched as her older brother. "Sorry for stealing your precious older brother from you, Ruthie. As you know, our manifestation is only a year away. We have to train more to make sure we do end up getting our desired endowment."

"I know, I know." Ruth sighed but still proceeded to chastise them both about the event. "But we all have to prepare for tonight's ball! It's the two-thousandth year our continents have been in peace and unity with each other. It's going to be a grand celebration! It's important to prepare now!"

Rowan and Blaine looked at each other and laughed at how adorable Ruth was. She was four years younger than them but she was more responsible when it came to her duties as the princess. Truth be told, they would rather train than do paperwork and mingle with the other nobles. However, as much as they don't like it, they can't run away from their responsibilities forever.

"What's so funny?!" Ruth demanded as she pouted at them. She knows she's being bossy as always but she just doesn't want to get in trouble with her parents again because they're late with the preparations. The last time she let them train more, they all got reprimanded for being late on meeting the soon-to-be heirs of the noble families in the Peacock Kingdom.

"Nothing, Ruthie. You just looked so adorable telling us what to do." Rowan patted her head. "Alright, training's over. Now let's get to our responsibilities then take a bath together like always."

Blaine's face turned red at what he heard. "You two bathe together?! In the same tub?!?" He couldn't imagine taking a bath together with his younger brother and sister at that age. It was strange for them.