Prompt: Write about a sudden change in weather.
It was such a wonderful day, and Airen had been thoroughly enjoying it. It was probably the most relaxing day she had had all week, and most likely would remain so throughout the next.
Helmer was visiting.
Helmer had said that he couldn't stay long, but any time with her dear brother was the greatest treat she could have asked for. He had arrived just before lunch, passing through on a journey between citadels. Weezie had run to her with the news of a strange buck messing with one of their fences, and Airen had gone out worriedly to find Helmer, dusty from traveling, mending a fencepost. She had practically tackled him, and they had laughed from pure joy. Helmer had said that he couldn't stay long, but any time spent with her brother was the greatest treat she could have asked for. Leaving Weezie to do the chores, the two of them had spent the day walking the fields, talking of their lives; of Helmer's times as a soldier in the fragmented world, and of how fast Weezie was growing up. It seemed as though they talked forever, and yet not nearly long enough. They returned home to a dinner, proudly cooked and served by his niece, and after the meal had passed in its simple splendor Helmer had helped wash up the dishes. Airen had protested at first, but Helmer had been firm. "If I ate the meal, I have to contribute something to it," he said. "That was always our mother's rule, remember?" Airen smiled fondly. She did remember.
They sat around the table afterwards, and Helmer told a story from their childhood that make Weezie laugh. But it wasn't long before Helmer informed the two does that he had to head out now, before the sun set.
"Must you go, so soon?" Airen asked. "I wish there was a way to make you stay longer."
"Me too," Helmer said quietly, taking his sister's hand as she sighed in resignation. But Weezie stood to her feet abruptly, the bright flame of defiance in her eyes. "I'll tie you up and lock you in the shed," she cried, "and then you'll have to stay."
Helmer laughed. "It wouldn't work," he said. "You've informed me of your evil plan, so I'll know to expect it. You've lost the element of surprise my dear, and that was your only hope." Weezie looked disappointed, so he quickly added: "Next time I visit, you'll be the one to surprise me, eh? When I'll least be expecting it, you'll leap from behind a tree and take me prisoner. Then you can lock me up in the shed, okay?"
Weezie brightened at that vision. "Sounds like a plan."
At that moment, the sun outside dimmed. Helmer thought little of it and began to gather up his things, expecting that Mr. Sunshine had simply ducked behind the clouds. But then a loud clap of thunder sounded overhead, making Airen jump in her chair.
"A storm?" Helmer blinked, setting down the satchels he had begun to gather up, "now?" He went to the window and looked out. Angry clouds piled high on one another in the distance, their purple hues menacing as slowly the world darkened before their faces.
Airen went to his side and looked out as well. "I guess the skies want you to stay a little longer," she said with a happy smile, as the rain began to fall.
Helmer sighed, then smiled too. "It can't be helped. I guess I might stay a little longer, at least until this storm lets up." He shook his head, then smirked. "Leave it to the weather to find me a reason to stay."