The sun had begun to set, The village had grown livelier in the past few days, with people gradually regaining their strength. Although the wounds of battle were still fresh, moments of laughter and relaxation were starting to return.
As evening approached, Elaine, Marianne, Sylvia, and Lyra decided to take a trip to the stream for a bath. It was a peaceful spot, surrounded by trees and away from the main village.
The Girls at the Stream
Elaine stretched her arms as they reached the water's edge. "Finally, some time to relax."
Marianne grinned. "It's been too long since we had a proper bath. The village has been nice, but nothing beats fresh water."
Sylvia quietly set down a small towel. "It does feel good to get away for a bit."
Lyra, who had been resting for most of the time in the village, had decided to join them today. She wasn't as close to the group as the others, but something about the peaceful atmosphere made her feel at ease.
Elaine glanced at her. "Didn't think you'd come with us."
Lyra smirked. "I'm feeling better. Besides, I wanted to see what girl talk is like in this group."
Marianne laughed. "Oh, you'll learn soon enough."
One by one, the girls stepped into the water, the cool sensation refreshing against their skin. They let out sighs of relief, letting the gentle flow of the stream wash away the exhaustion of the past days.
The Boys' Plan
Not too far from the stream, Samuel, Jason, and another village boy crouched behind the trees, their eyes filled with mischief.
Jason grinned. "This is the perfect opportunity. A once-in-a-lifetime event!"
Samuel crossed his arms. "This is a bad idea."
Jason scoffed. "Come on, Samuel, don't be a coward. We're just taking a look, not doing anything bad."
The village boy, a teenager named Ron, nodded eagerly. "I've never seen High Human girls before. I bet they're—"
Samuel sighed. "We're going to get caught."
Jason waved a hand. "Not if we're careful!"
Despite his better judgment, Samuel followed as Jason led the way, moving through the bushes quietly. The three peeked through a gap in the leaves.
The Girls' Conversations
Back at the stream, the girls were enjoying their time.
Elaine splashed water at Marianne. "You talk big, but I bet you'd be the first one to get nervous if a guy saw us right now."
Marianne smirked. "Not true. I'm perfectly confident."
Sylvia chuckled softly. "I think I'd just hide underwater."
Lyra, sitting on a smooth rock near the water, observed them with amusement. "You're all surprisingly carefree. Even after everything that's happened."
Elaine leaned back. "It's because we've been through so much that we need moments like this."
Marianne nodded. "Exactly. If we don't take breaks, we'll go insane."
Lyra thought about that for a moment before glancing at Elaine. "So… who do you like?"
Elaine blinked. "Huh?"
Marianne immediately grinned. "Oho, now this is getting interesting!"
Sylvia, usually quiet, suddenly looked curious. "Yes, Elaine, who do you like?"
Elaine's face turned slightly red. "I don't— I mean, I haven't thought about it."
Marianne leaned closer. "Not even once? What about Samuel?"
Elaine frowned. "Samuel? No way! He's… He's just Samuel."
Lyra smirked. "You hesitated."
Elaine splashed water at Lyra. "Oh, shut up!"
The girls laughed, the mood light and playful.
The Boys Get Caught,
Samuel, still peeking from behind the bushes, sighed. "See? They're just talking. Nothing special."
Jason grinned. "It's not about what they're saying, it's about—"
CRACK!
The branch Jason leaned on snapped, sending him tumbling forward into the open.
The girls turned instantly.
Marianne's eyes narrowed. "Jason?"
Jason froze. "Uh… nice weather we're having?"
Samuel sighed, stepping out from the bushes. "I told you this would happen."
Ron, the village boy, tried to run, but Elaine flicked her hand, and a small burst of water hit him in the back, making him stumble.
Elaine crossed her arms. "So, what exactly were you three doing?"
Jason held up his hands. "Okay, okay! Before you get mad, I was just making sure the area was safe. You know, in case of danger."
Marianne smirked. "Oh? And Samuel?"
Samuel sighed. "I was making sure Jason didn't do anything stupid."
Sylvia giggled. "And the village boy?"
Ron stammered. "I— I was following their orders!"
The girls exchanged glances before nodding.
Elaine raised her hand. "Alright, punishment time!"
Before Jason could react, a large wave of water splashed onto him, drenching him completely.
"Ahh! Not fair!" Jason sputtered, shaking the water from his hair.
Samuel, knowing he wasn't innocent, accepted his fate as Marianne and Sylvia joined in, drenching him as well.
Lyra chuckled. "Serves you right."
The boys, now completely soaked, stood there in defeat as the girls laughed.
Jason sighed. "Okay, maybe this wasn't worth it."
Samuel glanced at him. "You think?"
The night continued with laughter and teasing, the weight of their previous struggles momentarily forgotten