Old Town Elyndra
Spring — Morning
The morning market in the old district of Elyndra was filled with the rich aroma of freshly baked sweet bread, the vibrant scent of colorful wildflowers sold by women in traditional embroidered dresses, and the gentle sound of water from the city's central fountain, surrounded by beautifully carved stone that depicted ancient tales. Jeanne stood before an arched stone gate, covered in lush green vines with bright yellow flowers mingling with the old, moss-covered wood. She awaited someone she had known her whole life—her younger sister, whom she had protected all her life.
Jeanne wore a simple dark blue dress that reached her calves, with loose sleeves that revealed a glimpse of her delicate wrists, and her blonde hair was braided to the side, adorned with a white lace ribbon. Today, she had left her longsword at home, resting in the corner of her room. She chose to set aside all symbols of "Saint" and "royal protector" to enjoy the moment together. Today, she was just a sister.
"Joanna is probably late again…" she murmured, though her smile was hard to hide as her eyes scanned the surroundings with hope.
Before long, the sound of light footsteps echoed on the cobblestone path, where pedestrians had walked. Joanna ran towards him, her white dress swaying with her movement, and the pink ribbon at her waist shimmered in the morning sunlight. Her silver hair flowed gently, blown by the spring breeze that carried the sweet scent of flowers. Though her face was cheerful as always, Jeanne's keen eyes—accustomed to reading small signs—caught the hidden weariness behind that smile, like dew that remains even when the sun shines, adding a deep sense of longing and concern between them.
"Sorry, Big Brother! I lost track of time!" Joanna exclaimed, slightly out of breath, her halting breath adding a vibrant tone to her voice.
Jeanne chuckled softly, his laughter warm and gentle. He affectionately patted his sister's head, feeling the warmth of the bond that tied them together.
"I almost went to the palace to drag you out."
"I won't run away from our promise today!" Joanna replied quickly, her eyes shining with excitement. "Today is our date!"
Jeanne nodded, wearing a lavender dress that sparkled under the morning sun, cinched at the waist with a silk ribbon. "That's right. Our first date as… just siblings. No royal affairs. No magic practice. No curses. Just us."
Joanna tightly grasped Jeanne's hand, her small fingers adorned by the bright sleeve embroidered with delicate wildflower patterns. "Then let's go!"
They started their day with breakfast at Rose & Hearth, a quaint eatery famous for its applewood bread, the aroma wafting enticingly from afar. The brightly painted wooden walls and the decorations of climbing plants created a warm atmosphere. They settled in a corner by the window, gazing out at the garden beginning to bloom, the flowers swaying gently in the soft breeze.
Jeanne tasted her coffee served in a beautifully ornate ceramic cup. "It's been a long time since we had a meal together outside."
"It's because Sister Jeanne is always busy saving the world," Joanna joked, her bright eyes scanning the room, admiring other guests dressed in colorful gowns and cloaks, showcasing their status and professions.
Jeanne pretended to sigh heavily, her lilac gown gently flowing as she moved. "Someone has to do it, my sister who loves skipping ethics class."
Joanna grimaced. "I'd rather fight a dragon than sit still listening to old nobles debate."
They laughed together, their cheerful sounds resonating amidst the fragrant atmosphere filled with the scent of flowers.
However, amidst their laughter, Jeanne's gaze flicked to the faint scar on Joanna's wrist, a haunting remnant of the curse incident that had raged two months earlier, stark against her smooth, delicate skin. Jeanne recalled the harrowing experience of how close Joanna had come to death during that time; the entire atmosphere in the city of Elyndra had been filled with tension and uncertainty, etching that memory deeper into her mind and heart. Her heart clenched as she envisioned how grim those days had truly been, marked by fear and loss.
"I won't let that happen again."
After breakfast, they strolled to the art market, a vibrant hub bustling with vendors showcasing handcrafted items illuminated by soft magic that graced the space, enhancing the beauty of their wares. Joanna, who had a passion for painting, although she rarely found time for her beloved hobby, had her eyes sparkling as they roamed over the canvases and vibrant colors that drew her in, igniting a sense of inspiration.
At one of the stalls, they discovered a craftsman creating pendants from colored glass that shimmered as if emanating a magical glow. Joanna was enchanted by a droplet-shaped pendant, its blue light seeming to hold traces of the bright Elyndra sky.
Joanne was captivated by a droplet-shaped pendant, its blue light holding traces of the brilliant Elyndra sky. Jeanne secretly purchased it while Joanna was busy admiring the brightly colored paintings depicting the beautiful landscapes of Elyndra, filled with delicate details that highlighted the artistry of the locals' attire, made from shimmering silk adorned with floral motifs representing symbols of bravery and hope throughout the kingdom. "This is for you," Jeanne said, handing over the pendant that sparkled like stars scattered in the night sky, a reminder of their shared bond.
Joanna looked surprised. "But—"
"Consider it a memento of today."
Joanna tightly grasped the pendant, feeling its unique weight alongside the magical aura surrounding them. "In that case... I also want to buy something for Sister Jeanne!"
They wandered through narrow alleys flanked by elegantly designed buildings with carved windows and beautifully arched roofs. Eventually, Joanna purchased a small silver ring engraved with a violet flower—the symbol of bravery in the kingdom of Elyndra. The ring glimmered under the sunlight, seemingly capturing the warmth of the sun within it.
"Now Sister Jeanne is not just the Saint of the kingdom, but also my Saint," Joanna said as she slid the ring onto Jeanne's delicate finger. Jeanne wore a long dark purple dress with silk accents at the edges, looking graceful and dignified.
Jeanne smiled, but her voice was a soft whisper, barely audible: "Always."
The sun was high as they made their way to a garden known only to the two of them: The Bead Water Garden. The pond was filled with small, colorful stones that reflected light like stars when kissed by sunlight. Along the edge of the pond, soft green moss resembled a carpet, creating a harmonious life in the silence.
"Do you remember when we used to play here?" Joanna asked, a cheerful smile on her face, wearing a simple dress adorned with small flowers.
"Of course. You used to hide behind that big rock, and I always pretended I couldn't find you."
Joanna laughed. "And you, big sister, always gave up too quickly. I knew you could find me in a heartbeat."
Jeanne sat at the edge of the shimmering pool, her fingers gliding over the surface of the water. "I just want you to feel like you've won."
Joanna paused for a moment before sitting beside Jeanne, a gentle breeze tousling her hair. "I know, sis…"
The two of them gazed at the sparkling water under the sunlight, the mesmerizing colors reflecting all around them in harmonious patterns. Small birds flew overhead, filling the air with cheerful melodies as if celebrating this beautiful moment amidst nature's splendor.
"Sister Jeanne…" Joanna spoke softly, her voice delicate like a whispering breeze among the blue trees surrounding the pond. She sat on the intricately carved wooden deck, surrounded by vividly colored flowers blooming in the evening light.
"Hmm?"
"If one day I'm no longer here… don't hold any grudges against the world, okay?"
Jeanne quickly turned to her, her face blank with disbelief. "What do you mean?"
Joanna gave a faint smile, yet her eyes seemed to gaze far away as if piercing through the fabric of time, reflecting the glimmer of water dancing in the pond's surface. "I just feel… this curse is like borrowed time. We never know when it will run out, so we must cherish every moment we have together."
Jeanne squeezed her sister's hand, touching the shining silver ring on her finger. "Don't talk like that."
"I just want you to promise me, Kak Jeanne."
Jeanne took a deep breath, looking up at the sky as if seeking guidance from the stars that were beginning to emerge. "I can't promise that I won't be angry or sad. But I can promise one thing."
"What is it?"
"I will continue to live. And I will cherish our memories. Forever."
Joanna closed her eyes and nodded, a small badge inscribed with hope dangling softly from her neck.
In the evening, the Sky Paper festival took place in the square of Elyndra. With the sky ablaze from the soft glow of the setting sun, townspeople dressed in bright colors and beautiful lace gathered together. Each person wrote their wishes on special sheets of paper made from tree bark infused with stardust, which could soar like lanterns when released.
Jeanne and Joanna joined in. Jeanne wrote:
"May Joanna live happily, free from the curse, and find her own path."
Joanna wrote:
"I hope Sister Jeanne always has a reason to smile, even when I'm not by her side."
As they released the papers, the sky filled with golden light. The papers floated high, carrying small hopes made of shimmering threads, defying the whispering wind that guided them. In the distance, the ancient architectural ornaments of Elyndra radiated magical light, enhancing the beauty of the scene.
Joanna gazed at the sky. "I hope our writings reach the stars."
Jeanne embraced Joanna from behind, feeling the warmth of her sister's body, adorned in a lavender dress that fluttered gently in the night breeze. "Even if they don't, I will make sure the world hears them."
Night was almost upon them, and the moonlight reflected the silhouette of the majestic castle towers, embellished with intricate carvings telling the history of Elyndra. Jeanne and Joanna sat on the castle roof, their favorite spot for stargazing, on a traditional woven carpet that added comfort as they sat, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming night flowers erupting in the air.
"Tomorrow, I have to return to Saint's training," said Jeanne, her wavy hair softly cascading under the indigo sky.
"I also have to attend the Guardians of Change meeting," replied Joanna, wearing a phoenix-shaped brooch on her chest. "They are discussing... grand plans."
Jeanne held her sister's hand tighter, their fingers intertwined, showcasing shimmering silver rings. "Whatever their plan is, you are not alone."
Joanna rested her head on Jeanne's shoulder, wearing a necklace of blue gems that seemed to radiate light on its own. "I know."
As the stars began to emerge, silence enveloped them, and the soft glow seemed to signal a new hope blooming in their hearts. Jeanne understood that moments like these might not come again; peaceful days with Joanna were becoming increasingly rare as the threats from the outside world drew closer. The cherished memories of their simple moments together, filled with laughter and conversation, became even more precious against the backdrop of the looming conflict on the horizon of Elyndra.
"If fate separates us, I will fight against that fate."
"Even if I have to burn the world."
That night, as Joanna slept in her room adorned with beautiful paintings of Elyndra's adventures, Jeanne stood at the threshold, watching her sister asleep with the blue pendant she had gifted still clutched tightly in her hand. The room was softly filled with candlelight, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Jeanne whispered to herself:
"I promise, Joanna. No matter what happens... I will choose you. Always."