Wind's Serenade (風のセレナーデ)

PRELUDE ~ Tranquility (静けさ)

An entire year and a half has passed since Nausicaa saved the baby ohm, and brought peace to the Valley of the Wind and Pejite. Life has settled down peacefully. Days were spent rebuilding the valley as well as Pejite. Residue of the war are slowly withering away and creating new growth, both in nature and within the hearts of the people.

Princess Nausicaa had begun to live a slightly more ordinary life, hoping to find peace and happiness in the simple tasks of her daily life, no matter how big or small things are. She spent time tending to new crops in the valley, taking little strolls to enjoy nature, talking to the insects, and playing with Teto.

Occasionally, Prince Asbel would visit her from Pejite, coming under the guise of helping with rebuilding the valley. However, in truth, his reasons were more personal. The more he visited Nausicaa, the more his connection with her grew stronger. Although Nausicaa remained oblivious of Asbel's feelings he began developing for her.

One warm morning, Nausicaa stood at the edge of the valley, watching the workers gathering stones for new buildings. The wind, ever-present, blew her with a relaxing, cool breeze as it played with her soft, red hair. Teto snuggled with her on her shoulder, brushing his fur gently against her neck and chittering happily. Nausicaa smiled at Teto, petting his forehead and let out a soft giggle. She was about to head back when a familiar voice called her name.

"Nausicaa!"

She turned to see Lord Yupa approaching her. Asbel, who is walking alongside Yupa, smiled at her as he waved. Nausicaa's face brightened up as she saw them, and hustled over to greet them.

"Lord Yupa! Asbel!" She spoke, her voice filled with glee. "It's been such a while." Teto chittered excitedly at the sight of Asbel, who gave the peppy fox squirrel a gentle stroke on the head.

"We've come to see how the valley's reconstruction is coming along," Yupa spoke happily. "But I think Asbel is more interested in seeing you."

Nausicaa let out a soft laugh, not catching the deeper meaning in Yupa's words. Asbel, however, felt a flush of warmth on his face; his cheeks tinted with a hue of pink. He glanced away, pretending to be interested in the landscape of the valley.

"How is Pejite coming along?" Nausicaa spoke, walking beside Asbel as they walked toward the valley.

"It's doing well," Asbel replied in a gentle tone. "The people are stronger than ever, we're making good progress so far." He sneaked a glance at Nausicaa, but she was busy watching the valley below, completely unaware of the way his heart began beating quicker in her presence.

As they walked, Lord Yupa observed the two of them. It wasn't the first time he noticed Asbel's harboring feelings for Nausicaa, though he had yet to express them. Yupa smiled to himself. There was something sweet and innocent about the way Asbel followed Nausicaa with his eyes, always just a step behind, as though he couldn't bear to drift too far from her side.

Later that day, just after midday, the three of them sat outside Nausicaa's home, sharing a simple meal. Teto scurried about, occasionally darting between Nausicaa and Asbel, his tiny paws brushing against Asbel's arm as if he is urging him to do something. Nausicaa, busy discussing the latest plans for rebuilding the valley, didn't notice Asbel's growing nervousness.

As she spoke, Asbel found himself lost in thought. He admired the way her eyes lit up with excitement when she talked about the rebuilding efforts, the way she smiled when she felt excited or joyful, and the way the wind played with her hair gently as she sat in the sunlight. Out of the blue, a small, yellow leaf got caught in her hair, and before Asbel could think twice, he reached over and gently brushed it away.

Nausicaa blinked in surprise at the unexpected gesture and looked at him with a soft smile. "Thanks," she spoke to Asbel, clearly not reading into the moment the way Asbel had hoped. He retreated his hand as his heartbeat began to quicken, feeling more nervous than ever.