Two 16-year old boys laid in a hidden glen, lost from the rest of the world. In reality, they couldn't have been more than 2 kilometers from their own kingdoms but here inside the glen, nothing out there mattered. Not their responsibilities, not their families, and certainly not the centuries old rivalry that failed to keep them apart. 

"I wish we could stay out here forever..." the darker-skinned boy said. He was laying on his back with a relaxed smile stretched across his face. His eyes were closed yet the other boy knew them to be a blood red that never failed to captivate him. 

"I know, Cory." the other boy replied. His own long, blonde hair splayed out around them like a halo as he too laid there imagining that maybe, just for now, nothing else existed. Nothing but them and their secret glen.

But of course, that peace could have never lasted. Both boys jolted as the sound of an explosion boomed across the entire valley. 

"What was-" another boom erupted, cutting of the boy's words.

"Over there!" the other yelled, pointing to the tuft of smoke rising above the hillside on their right.

"NO!"  the boy called Cory cried out as he raced up the hillside without another thought.

The blonde-haired boy chased after him, tackling him to the ground before he could get too far.

"Stay low, you idiot!" he chastised and Cory realized his mistake. Although their glen was secluded and provided ample privacy, the hills surrounding them were open and he could have been spotted by any one in range. 

Rather than responding, Cory crawled on, making sure to stay hidden in the tall grasses growing on the hills. The other boy let out a huff of exasperation but made no other sound as he followed after Cory. There, on top of the hill, Cory's fears were confirmed and he stared in terror at his burning kingdom.

"I- I have to go help them!" he cried and the blond boy turned to him in shock.

"WHAT?! Are you crazy? You can't even use your magic yet. What are you gonna do?"

"I- I don't know."Cory said, his voice trembling but suddenly a look of calm spread across his face and his eyes steeled with determination. "But I have to help them. They're my family. My people."

"Ok, fine." The other responded, realizing there was no point in arguing. After all, he would have done the same had their roles been reversed. "But you be careful, ok? And stay low! I'm gonna run back to my kingdom for help. Our kingdoms may not be on friendly terms but I'm sure they wouldn't leave you on your own."

The blond boy stood and started running back the other direction, ignoring his own earlier advice of staying low.

"Wait! Ray!" Cory cried out and he turned just in time to catch the boy as he jumped into his arms. 

"I love you." the boy whispered and smashed his lips against the blond boy's.

Ray faltered for just a second before kissing the boy back with just as much fervor.

Finally, they broke apart and with a nod, raced towards their separate kingdoms. Little did they know, that day would be the last they loved so freely......