Author's Note: Normally I prefer to write one-shots but let's see how this thing turns out.
Ygdra
Prologue
The first time is an accident.
Little Sharena pitches forward with a startled yelp, small hands wrapped around Fensilir, the lance's weight toppling her over. Alfonse reaches out to steady her, prepared to cushion his sister against the cold stone ground. A breathless "oof" is knocked out of him when Sharena collides with his chest and they fall together, sinking into a bed of wildflowers.
There doesn't seem to be anyone for miles around, let alone any sign of the royal armory they are not supposed to be in just a second ago.
Alfonse takes Sharena's hand in his as they wade through the tall grass, his sister's tears drying under the low afternoon sun. Fensilir leaves a wobbly trail in the dark soil and the siblings walk for what feels like hours until finally – finally! – a small cottage comes into view at the edge of the seemingly endless meadow.
The woman nursing a cup of tea on the front porch looks up in surprise at the sound of their approach.
"Oh my, aren't you a little young to be traveling by yourselves?" She says, abandoning her drink on the rocking chair in favor of ushering two exhausted children indoors and away from the heat.
"I'm ten!" Sharena huffs indignantly, lessons about talking to strangers and following them home instantly forgotten.
The woman laughs kindly. "Of course, my apologies. Can I get both of you something to drink?"
"Who's asking?" Alfonse frowns.
"Call me Kiran."
She seems harmless, the prince decides over his cup of freshly brewed tea, having watched her prepare a new pot and take the first sip. Still, he keeps Fensilir by his side and Sharena even closer as he observes their host. Kiran is either unaware of his wary gaze or choosing to ignore it, busy telling Sharena about the flowers growing in the back yard instead.
"It's getting late," Kiran comments when the sun begins to dip below the horizon. "You two best head on home now."
Sharena's relaxed demeanor cracks. "We don't know how!" She wails, seeking her brother's hand for comfort, which he gladly gives. "Alfonse told me not to touch Fensilir but I wanted to because it was going to be mine and then we ended up here and now we're lost and – and –"
"Don't worry, I'm here to help." Kiran assures her, patting her on the back as she hiccups. The woman meets Alfonse's eyes and beckons him over.
He scoots closer to them, bringing Fensilir forward when Kiran gestures to it.
"Hold on tightly to that lance and each other," she instructs, guiding the siblings' hands to grasp it firmly. "Now, close your eyes and think of… Let's see, how about your bedroom?"
Alfonse blinks and a split second of weightlessness later, he finds himself bouncing on a bed – his bed. Sharena squeals in delight and keeps on jumping; Alfonse is too relieved to chase her away.
A muted thud from the carpeted floor reminds him that they have a missing artifact to return to the armory, but for now, he's just glad to be home.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading :)