The Mad Ҡìղց

Campfire

The day had begun with a ripple of excitement in the air, and Ayana could barely contain herself. There was something about the arrival of new guests that always filled her with anticipation. Her energy bubbled up as she moved through the halls, eagerly searching for her brother, Wanji.

"Wanji, let's meet the new guests!" Ayana pressed, almost bouncing on her toes.

Wanji, however, was not as enthused. He had stayed out late the night before, drinking with the boys, and his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. He waved her off with a dismissive hand, "I'll pass. Stayed out late last night. Need to rest."

Ayana watched as he turned on his heel and walked away. She sighed, not surprised by his response but still slightly disappointed. Wanji always did what he wanted, and rest often took priority in his life. She, on the other hand, couldn't wait to meet the humans and the Coral Water People. And she does not want to miss a single moment of it.

As she made her way to the grand hall where the meeting would take place, she paused to seek her father's permission. "Father, may I meet the new guests?" she asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

Lan Qiren, her father, glanced up and gave her a nod. "Yes, darling, you may."

Her mother's voice cut in almost immediately, sharp and stern. "Behave while you're at it," she warned, fixing Ayana with a pointed look.

"I will keep an eye on her," Lan Xichen, her older brother, assured their parents. He was ever the responsible one, and their father's gentle smile suggested he trusted Xichen to ensure things ran smoothly.

The hall was abuzz with quiet murmurs as Ayana entered with her brother by her side. She felt her heart race with excitement as the Coral Water People were ushered in. Their leader, Robin Elendil, stood tall and proud at the forefront of his people, his daughter and son flanking him.

"I am Robin Elendil, and these are my children: my eldest daughter, Filavandrel Elendil, and my son, Cosmo Elendil," Robin introduced them, his voice calm but commanding.

Pleasantries were exchanged, the formalities marking the beginning of what would hopefully be a peaceful interaction between their people. But Ayana was barely paying attention to the words. Her eyes drifted across the faces, soaking in the sight of the Coral Water People, their sea-kissed skin glowing softly under the hall's light. But then, her gaze found something more intriguing—a group of humans, standing on the opposite side.

"I am Dray Hartwell," a tall human man spoke, his voice deep and rich. "This is my eldest son, Niobe Hartwell, and my youngest daughter, Salomi Hartwell."

Niobe caught her attention immediately. His brown hair was tied back neatly into a ponytail, and his eyes, full of quiet strength, met hers for a fleeting moment. When he smiled, a soft, disarming smile, Ayana felt a flutter in her chest. He bowed, and she returned the gesture, her cheeks warming with the unexpected rush of emotion. She wasn't sure what it was about him, but something had stirred within her, something she hadn't felt before.

As soon as the formalities were over, the guests were escorted to their chambers to rest and prepare for the evening's campfire. The idea of sitting around a warm fire with the new arrivals excited Ayana, and she hurried off to meet Lady Yan Li.

"Lady Yan Li," Ayana called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I've heard that Wei Ying bakes the sweetest snacks."

Yan Li chuckled warmly. "Oh, the best. And not just that—also the best cook."

Ayana's eyes lit up. "We're going to need some of those snacks for the campfire tonight!" she said, clasping her hands together in excitement.

Yan Li nodded in agreement, a smile dancing on her lips. "I'll talk to him. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to prepare something special."