Rhommie's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Rhommie perched on the stone wall outside the training yard, kicking her bare feet as she watched him practice. The warrior moved through his drills with focused intensity, never once looking her way. She grinned and called out a teasing comment about his footwork. He didn't respond, but his jaw tightened. Perfect. One day, she'd make him smile instead of scowl—and maybe then he'd see her as more than just an annoying fairy. She fluttered down from the wall and landed near the blue rose arch. The flowers glowed in the afternoon light as she stepped onto the platform beneath it. This spot was perfect for showing off. She launched into a series of spins and kicks, her wings catching the sun with each turn. The warrior glanced over. His eyes followed her movements for three full seconds before he turned back to his sword. Progress. Later, she found the thorned vine cage near the market square. The blue flowers growing between the sharp vines gave her an idea. She squeezed inside and started calling for help in an overly dramatic voice. The warrior appeared within minutes, his hand already on his sword hilt. He stopped when he saw her grinning through the bars. His face went red. She laughed as he walked away without a word. By sunset, Rhommie sat on the spotted pink mushroom stool near the forest edge. This was their spot, even if he didn't know it yet. She came here every day, and lately, so did he. She traced patterns in the dirt with her toe and watched the path. When his shadow fell across the ground, her heart did a small flip. He sat on the opposite edge of the mushroom without looking at her. They sat in silence as fireflies began to blink around them. She smiled. One day, he'd sit closer.