Piecing Together the Shards: A Shards of War side series

Neutral Territory

Rose's childhood in the City of Ironhaven was shaped by the bustling urban landscape and the unique dynamics of being a Ravadin in a predominantly Arkladian society. At the tender age of 5, Rose already towered over her playmates, her innate strength and height setting her apart. Despite her physical prowess, Rose was marked by a quiet and reserved nature, preferring the solace of creativity over the boisterous games of her peers.

Her parents, both proud members of the Ravadin community, encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness while instilling the values of compassion and empathy. In the evenings, Rose would sit on the balcony of their apartment, overlooking the city's skyline, her hazel eyes reflecting a curiosity for the world beyond. Her mother, a skilled artist, would often join her, the two sharing moments of quiet bonding through the strokes of paint on canvas.

One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Ironhaven, Rose engaged in a conversation with her mother about identity. "Mom, why do I feel different sometimes?" she asked, her eyes searching for answers. Her mother, a wise and understanding figure, explained the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing one's true self.

As Rose grew older, she continued to experiment with her appearance, using vibrant blues and purples to express the kaleidoscope of emotions within her. Yet, a sense of shyness and reserve persisted, manifesting in her sleek, long haircut that framed her face. The enchanting hazel eyes, always reflecting a touch of mystery, hinted at a deeper understanding yet to be fully unveiled.

At the age of 7, Rose's world expanded as she entered school in Ironhaven. It was there that she encountered a lively and spirited girl named [Redacted], affectionately dubbed "Flamehead"(Author's note: Yes this is a younger Blaze) by Rose due to the fiery orange that framed her face. Their initial meeting was marked by an instant connection, as if the universe had conspired to bring together two kindred spirits.

On the school playground, Rose and Flamehead quickly became inseparable. Their friendship blossomed amidst laughter, shared secrets, and the joy of imaginative play. One day, as they sat beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, Flamehead looked at Rose with genuine curiosity.

"Rose, why do you like those cool colors so much? They're like magic!" Flamehead exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Rose, her sleek haircut casting a shadow on her face, smiled shyly. "I don't know, Flamehead. They just make me feel... different, you know?"

Flamehead giggled, her vibrant energy filling the air. "Different is awesome! I love playing with you, Rose. You're like my secret magic friend."

Rose's hazel eyes twinkled with gratitude. "You're my magic friend too, Flamehead. But I want to tell you a secret. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not really a girl or a boy. I'm something else, like, in between."

Flamehead tilted her head, processing this new information. "In between? Like a superhero with a special power?"

Rose nodded, relieved at Flamehead's open-minded response. "Yeah, kind of like that. But you know, I'm still figuring it out. So, for now, let's just keep being magic friends, okay?"

Flamehead beamed, her orange hair swaying with excitement. "Absolutely, Rose! We'll be magic friends forever, no matter what." And in that moment, beneath the sprawling oak tree, the seeds of understanding and acceptance were planted in the fertile soil of their childhood friendship.

They spent a lot of time together, playing during recess, playing at each other's houses, even when Flamehead's parents didn't want to at first. They were close and loved playing with each other, rose was a shy lonely kid, so Flamehead was her only friend and it stayed that way for years.