Findara | A Fantasy Romance

Chapter 1

On a hot, and cloudless June day, Findara Green and Casiphia Primrose whizzed through the quiet streets of Orchid Valley. A small town located in Asteria, home of beautiful, green, mountain scenery and Vanilla Pumpkin tarts.

Their hair blew in the warm yet refreshing summer air as they rode carelessly to their destination on the backs of White spotted deer. Though they were only familiar with each other for a mere month, the two were inseparable.

Casiphia was a nineteen-year-old girl of unknown descent. She preferred not to talk about her family's heritage for reasons that were unclear to others. She wasn't your idea of one who fell within Asterian beauty standards.

However, this didn't deter from her evident good looks. Findara glanced over at her newfound friend; closely watching her face crinkle with joy. Casiphia's smile could truly cure any sickness.

Findara felt butterflies in her stomach. She had always admired Casiphia's beauty, and the modesty that came with it; not that she felt inferior to her in any way.

The simple truth of the matter was, they found more beauty in each other than they ever did within themselves. She absolutely loved the way Casiphia's thick, platinum blonde hair and rich brown skin radiated in the sun. The way her tight coils sprung all over, yet always seeming to flawlessly recoil back into place; and the almond shape of her eyes that framed her hazel irises to perfection.

"Findara"... a voice called out.

"Findara"... it echoed once more.

"Findara!"

She was too engulfed in her beauty to take notice of Casiphia's cries out to her and what was to come next. Finally finding her way back to reality, Findara quickly whipped her head around and saw what was ahead of her. A Baker and his child were crossing the street while they both pushed a cart full of delicious desserts.

If she didn't stop now, she would surely hit them. Without a second thought she quickly but gently pulled on the Deers right ear to maneuver it in that direction. Findara sighed in relief, having successfully dodged the pedestrians. Just as all seemed well, she violently flew to the floor, which resulted in a painful grunt.

Casiphia swiftly hopped off her deer and rushed to her aid. You see, Findara's deer tripped on a broken and raised piece of pavement in the road, causing the both of them to fall. The incident spooked it so much that it took off and fled into the woods.

"Are you okay?" Casiphia asked with a worried expression. It warmed Findara's heart to see her friend so concerned; especially over what she considered a small fall.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about it" she stated authentically. The fall really hadn't hurt her much. Findara couldn't be bothered with minor incidents such as this one. People fall, big deal. It was nothing she couldn't handle.

"But you're bleeding!" Casiphia exclaimed while pointing. Drops of blood trickled on the ground. She then gently brushed Findara's hair back, revealing a gash that oozed with vibrant red liquid. Findara lifted her hand to feel just above her right brow. Her fingertips were stained with the consequences of the fall.

"Oh, I hadn't noticed" she casually stated. This annoyed Casiphia, for she cared a great deal about the well-being of others. Besides, it looked pretty bad.

"Come on," She urged. "We're going to get you cleaned up. We can grab a first aid kit at Fauna's ". Fauna's was a cute little shop that lay just over the Nethilor bridge. It had all sorts of elixirs, little trinkets, and necessities travelers could purchase.

Findara knew better than to argue with Casiphia. Once her mind was made up there was no getting through to her.

Luckily for them, it would only take under a mile to get there. Before setting off on their small journey, Casiphia released her deer back into the wild. It was only fair that they'd be on equal footing.

The streets of Orchid Valley were nothing short of breathtaking. Small cobblestone cottages and thriving businesses framed the sides of the commute. Tall Cherry blossoms towered over the entire town, engulfing the sky, which created a beautiful and serene enclosure. The petals from the Cherry blossoms danced like ballerinas in the air ,and were carried off by the wind; soft and graceful.

It was nearing eleven o'clock. The time of day when the town was its busiest. What was once a quiet setting quickly became a lively town full of bustle, as more citizens took to the streets.

Within minutes they arrived at their destination. Fauna's was a cute establishment that was shaped like a Strawberry. It's lovely blush, pink color evoked a sense of warmth and calmness in anyone who laid their eyes on it. The shop glistened in the light due to the shimmery undertones of its hand painted seeds. In the middle of the building layed a round rouge panel door with golden swirls, which helped to accentuate its whimsical look . Encompassing the structure itself were great big vines that grew captivating, sweet pea flowers.

"Looks like we're here!" Casiphia happily chimed. It was one of her favorite shops in town mostly because it's feminine aesthetic perfectly complimented her own. Findara gave a sweet smile. She loved when Casiphia got excited about the little things; like when her skirts had pockets, or when she spotted a cute bunny in the meadow.

"Perfect! let's make it quick then" Findara stated. She swiftly made her way towards the door when a hand stopped her. "You should stay here," Casiphia said. Confusion flooded Findara's face. "Why?" She asked. "I'm perfectly capable of going inside" she said with certainty.

Casiphia scoffed and gestured to her head. "You're dripping with blood, remember?." We wouldn't want to turn the shop into a war zone, now, would we?" she said in a teasing manner.

Findara rolled her eyes and laughed.

"As usual, you're right again" she said with sarcasm.

Casiphia giggled and made her way into the shop; leaving Findara to wait for her return. She walked over to a nearby oak bench that had Colorful designs in the silhouettes of various flowers; and decided to sit. As she gazed up at the clear blue sky, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. There were now three things she was most grateful for.

The first being,

getting to enjoy the warm weather on that beautiful Saturday afternoon.

The second,

Not having died an extremely embarrassing death in front of the entire town.

And the third,

Having been blessed to befriend someone as benevolent and generous as Casiphia.

Oh, how she was most grateful for that.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Casiphia's sudden return.

"I come bearing exquisite gifts" Casiphia jested. In hand she held a pack of Band-Aids, and a healing elixir; and of course it had to be pink. It was her favorite color after all.

"These are wonderful indeed" Findara said amusingly. "I can tell you have a good eye for well-crafted luxuries; What did I ever do to deserve this?".

Casiphia kneeled in front of her, gently cupping her slim face.

"Everything and more" she said tenderly.

Despite how innocent this action was, it caused Findara's breathing to hitch. A flushed look of embarrassment overtook her face. It was a surprise to her how a single touch from Casiphia was able to ignite her body.

She began to gently dab the afflicted wound with the elixir to clean it up; Softly lifting Findara's face up to get a better look.

They locked eyes.

Those pools of golden delight always seemed to hypnotize her.

It never failed to make her weak.

Casiphia; feeling flustered, quickly looked away.

"There's somewhere I'd like to take you after this" she shyly remarked.

Findara's heart filled with warmth. Being with Casiphia was one of her guilty pleasures. She could take her to a junkyard for all she cared; no matter the destination, all that mattered was if they were together.

And so, without a second thought she happily accepted.