Warning – THIS IS NOT REAL! IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THE BOOK! This is all my own work, the only things I haven't invented are the characters (save for Maeve).
Disclaimer – I am NOT Lynette Noni

(Yes, the message is the exact same as the last one)

Part 2 – Aven

I leaned against the tree and looked out at the happy siblings practising their sword fighting skills. Maeve was easily the better fighter. She ducked under Niyx's swing and disarmed Niyx's sword with ease. I could've watched them for ages but just at that moment Niyx looked up from his position on the ground and saw me. I tried to make it look like I was just walking towards them but Niyx, being a sharp eyed meyarin, had seen me watching. Thankfully he didn't say anything and lay down on the ground again. Niyx was panting heavily, trying to catch his breath. Maeve was prodding him with her foot, saying that they should keep practising.
"Hi Niyx, Maeve." Maeve looked up from prodding her brother and gave me a smile. It made me a little self-conscious.
"Hi Aven. This idiot can't keep up with me", she said gently kicking Niyx in the side. Niyx just rolled his eyes and smiled.
"Are you free from your princely duties? We were going to go to the waterfall and swim for a bit. Can you come?" Niyx asked. I nodded and said I could come. Niyx visibly sighed with relief.

"3… 2… 1… Jump!" we counted down and jumped off the edge of the cliff into the water below. It wasn't cold but it wasn't warm either. I kicked off the floor and surfaced only to be splashed in the face with water. I spluttered and coughed. Maeve laughed and ducked under the water when I tried to splash her back. I huffed and ducked under the water to look for her. I was just about to resurface for water again when I felt something tug my foot. I looked down and found Maeve pulling a ridiculous face at me. I laughed as I resurfaced. Niyx swam over just as Maeve resurfaced. Niyx began talking to Maeve in the secret language they had made.
"Niyx, Maeve. Can you please talk in a language I can understand? You guys can talk in that other language later. Without me." They both switched back to meyarin for my sake. I was very grateful. The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming under the waterfall. I enjoyed it immensely. We all had our fill of splashing each other and laughing until our sides ached.

Years later

I walked outside to get fresh air. The ball was very fun but I needed time away from people to gather my thoughts. When I reached the end of the balcony I looked at the stars and made a wish, that maybe, someday, Maeve would like me back. I closed my eyes to relive the moment when she walked into the ball. Her dress was spectacular. The bodice was the colour of fire and it mixed with the sea coloured flowing skirt. Around her middle was a small black belt. Her hair was done half-up half-down and curled a little. She was beautiful!
"What are you doing out here?" My heart beat faster and I opened my eyes. My breath caught in my throat for Maeve was right next to me. She was even more elegant up close. I realised she was waiting for me to answer. I tried to talk but my words wouldn't come out. "Shall we go somewhere else? The crowds are a bit too much for me" she suggested. I nodded and activated the valispath.

"Are you okay?" I realised I had taken us into the woods. I nodded and started walking slowly further into the wood. Maeve followed silently which gave me time to compose a way to tell her how I felt about her. "Aven, can I tell you a secret? Please don't judge. And please, please, please don't tell Niyx."
"Okay. But Maeve… I want… I wish… do you…" I stuttered. I blushed a red as a tomato when she put her hand in mine. I looked at the ground, afraid.
"Aven, look at me." When I didn't she used her other hand to tilt my head so we were eye level. "Aven, I…" she never finished her sentence because I leaned in and kissed her. She went stiff at first but soon was kissing me back. She pulled away first. I blushed and looked away. I thought I had done something wrong. "Aven. I love you. For years I've loved you", she said. I looked at her and finally let myself confess my love to her. When I was done she pulled me into an embrace. I knew then that I couldn't love anyone as much as I loved her. No matter what happens to us I will always love you.

I promise