True to her word, Anya scored them something good. Her gift is the ability to manipulate anything related to nature, so when she came across a plate of fruits from the camp kitchen, it was no surprise that she transformed them into alcohol. Of course, they had to drink it discreetly, given that daytime drinking is strictly prohibited.
At their lunch table, Anya watched with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes as Riven devoured his lunch with unbridled enthusiasm, his cheeks puffed out slightly, eyes wide and gleaming with excitement. It was like watching a kid play with their favorite new toy—so earnest, so carefree.
"Slow down, Riven! You're going to hurt yourself eating fast like that!" she exclaimed, her voice playful and caring and Riven just kept eating.
From the moment Riven caught Anya's eyes, she knew she felt something for the boy with the long black hair. It was difficult not to. There was something innocent in the way he looked, you'd think he was just a spoiled young man with no idea how the real world worked, but then, she heard him talking to another kid, and boy, he sounded nothing like he looked. He's fierce, stubborn, sassy, cute, and even fun to be around. She was completely sold.
She decided to befriend him because, well...he was exactly her type!
Riven finally looked up from his food and noticed the amused smile playing on Anya's lips, he smiled sheepishly.
"I'm sorry!" he apologized shyly. "I'm just so hungry, I could literally eat a freaking horse! Did you see me during combat class? I was on fire!" he boasted proudly, suddenly regaining confidence. His face lit up with the thrill of the memory, eyes shining with pride.
Anya couldn't help but laugh softly, the sound bubbling out as she watched him. He sounds so child-like, so full of innocent enthusiasm—how utterly adorable!
"Yeah, I saw you. You were pretty awesome back there," she said sincerely, her tone warm with genuine praise.
Riven's face glowed with pride. "Thanks!" he mumbled around a mouthful, cheeks still stuffed.
Since Riven was Anya's type, she needed to make sure they were on the same page before she tried anything. Because, for a couple of days after Anya started hanging out with Riven, she noticed something she's been mulling over, something that kept tugging at her heartstrings anytime Riven was around Prince Vaelorian. She hasn't been able to shake that feeling off. It was beginning to eat her up from the inside out. She wanted clarity. So, with a deep breath, she decided to just get it over with.
"Umm..Riven?" She called out.
"Yeah?" he acknowledged his name but continued wolfing down his meal, his movements swift and efficient, as if he were in a race against time
"I've been wondering, are you and His Highness close?" she asked hesitantly, trying to sound casual. Riven chuckled.
"He hates it when I call him that," Riven replied with a sly smile, reminiscing about the countless times Vaelorian had scolded him for calling him that. "Also, we're not exactly close. We're roommates," he added, shrugging as if it were no big deal, hoping that would answer her question.
"Just roommates?" Anya pressed, her eyes sparkling with something more than curiosity. She leaned in a little closer, expectantly waiting for his reply.
Riven raised his brows, visibly puzzled. "Are we supposed to be something more?" he asked genuinely, confusion creasing his brow.
Anya shook her head softly, deciding it was better not to push further. Maybe she was just imagining things. Sometimes, the mind plays tricks on you, after all.
Changing gears, she suddenly asked. "Have you found a date for the welcome party?"
Riven's face scrunched up in confusion. "Huh? What's that? And why do I need a date?"
Anya blinked, surprised. "You haven't heard about the welcome party? That's all anyone's been talking about lately."
Riven's expression remained blank, utterly clueless. Well, in his defense he's been pretty busy with other things like training and trying to stay alive.
"They're planning a big ball to welcome everyone to camp for the new year," she explained patiently, filling in the gaps. "It's supposed to be a huge deal this year—dress up, dance, everything."
Riven processed her words, furrowing his brow thoughtfully. "Shouldn't the welcome party be at the beginning of camp?" he asked, clearly puzzled.
Anya nodded. "Usually, yeah. But this year's special. The party's being held in a couple of days, and it's supposed to be more than just the usual gathering—it's a real big ball. I heard some parents are coming, everyone's supposed to dress up fancy."
"So… are you going with anyone?" Riven asked, leaning forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
Anya shrugged casually, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I don't have anyone in mind. Want to go together?"
Riven's face lit up instantly. "Sure, let's go together!" he agreed without hesitation, a grin spreading across his face.
It's high time they did something else aside from training and classes around here. Riven wants to attend the ball, even if he had no idea what to expect at a ball, he was willing to try.
Both teens finished their lunches with cheerful chatter, enjoying each other's company, the kind of easy friendship that made the day brighter.
As they parted ways for their next class, Riven headed off, feeling a little lighter, a little more excited about the days ahead. He used his free time for the day to hang out with Anya still, since he didn't have personal training with Vaelorian on days they had combat training class, and he really enjoyed his time with the girl.