Fire. Heat. To many times fire is associated with pain. The truth is, it isn't. It is warmth, comfort.

~fuego~

I blinked, then tore my gaze away from the bright orange flame perched upon the tall white candle. I reached down and grabbed my satchel, then left the room and headed down the candle lit hallway. I bolted out the door facing the forest and began lightly jogging to it, my steps crunching on frosted grass.

Today is the day, I thought, walking under the canopy of bare trees. I don't want it to be today.

I broke off into a run, jumping over rocks and tree roots as I went.

What is today? Why do I want to avoid it?

Today is my birthday.

(*~{.}~*)

Princess Brinna

Age 15, second daughter to the king and queen of Cosania.

Pale skinned with straight, dirty-blond hair that goes to the middle of her back and hazel eyes.

Water. Flowing. It's not just calm and running. It can be violent and harsh. Thrashing.

~eau~

"Lazy little nobody" I muttered, walking down the hall, book tucked under my arm. "Figures that she'd run. And that she'd get away with it. No one really pays attention to her. At least for now."

I turned into a room and sat at the large oak desk, facing my instructor, Lady Kendle.

"Today we're going to study the trade importance in the kingdom" Lady Kendle said as she looked in her book that was placed on her own desk. "I know we've done this already, but this might be your last lesson for a while, depending on the results of the Choosing, and I wanted to keep it simple for today."

I shrugged. "Maybe not"

Kendle smiled. "Don't worry, Ali. Now, lets get working. You already know where the information is."

I nodded and opened up my own book and started reading.

I hope Brin gets chosen to be Guardian. I'm not cut out for that. And she'd be way better at it than me.

Kendel spoke up after a while. "Remember today is the Choosing, so you don't have full lessons to compensate."

"Of course," I replied. "It's impossible to forget that" Especially with everyone reminding me.

"I, for one, am very excited," Kendle continued. "You're father is too. I think he's been excited for this day since Brinna was born. It's not exactly likely that both of the Chosen are girls."

I nodded again. "So I've heard."

This all better blow over soon. I don't think I can take much more than this.

"This hasn't happened Cosania for a few decades," Lady Kendle continued. "Not since the rule of Queen Lena"

I hummed in acknowledgment. "I know. We went over this a while ago"

"Yes, but this is just so exciting for the kingdom,"

"Okay, you're right" Exciting for her, but not for me.

(*~{.}~*)

Princess Alis

Age 17, the eldest daughter of the king and queen of Cosania.

Tan skinned with dark brown shoulder length hair and blue-green eyes.

Lady Kendle

Age 27, Lady of the castle and private instructor for children of the nobles.

Curly brown hair and hazel skinned with deep brown eyes.