Water Village

***

         “Spanx Where do you think you’re headed this late at night?” Mila asks as she walks out of the dark room.

         “I couldn’t sleep so I thought I would go for a walk, see the moon and maybe practice using the Air Element.”  She says with a quiet voice and eyes cast to the floor.

         “Air; what have I told you about that? This is the water village you shouldn’t use the air element here if someone was to see you…” Mila lets out a sigh.

         “It would cause a village rampage and then there would be a lot of questions, and I would be putting everyone in the village and myself in danger, so I shouldn’t use the air element.” Spanx finishes the statement.

         “Spanx, I’m only hard on you because I’m trying to keep you safe.” Mila eyes hold a sadness deep within.

         “I promise you that I’m careful every time I go and practice using the air element. May I please go now?” she says with a pouty face.

         “Just be sure that you are completely alone. I can never win with you can I?” Mila lets out another sigh.

         “Thank you.” Spanx says excitedly then heads out.

She walks slowly so she doesn’t disturb anything or make a lot of noise. As she goes to turn the corner she sees someone standing by the message wall. She takes a step back but misplaces her foot and crushes a clay vase.

         “Owe.” She says under breath.

         “Who’s there? Show yourself.”

         “Sorry it’s just me. I didn’t know anyone one was still awake.” She says stepping into the light of the moon.

The two walk closer to each other.

         “Spanx, why are you out here so late?”

         “Hi, Maxen.” She waves at him with a sheepish smile.

         “You’re hurt.” Maxen says pointing at her foot.

         “Oh, No it’s just a scratch.” She moves her heal trying to hide it as some blood drips to the ground.

         “Allow me to look at it.” He says.

Before she can start to reply he’s already taken hold of her hand, leading her over to a large rock. She sits down and he looks at her ankle.

         “This is definitely worse than just a scratch you know?” he says without looking up at her.

         “Really it’s ok. I’ll be fine.” She says trying to laugh it off.

         “Why are you even out here this late and alone for that matter?” he looks at her.

         “I couldn’t sleep, but you know I could ask you the same question.” She half smiles at his as she replies.

         “Ok, well I was out here to sign the sheet to try to become a castle guard. I had to wait for Skatair to fall asleep though.” He chuckles as he remembers.

         “Really; well you would make a good castle guard.” She smiles at his smile.

         “You really think so? I just figured because it was for a good cause I would give it a try.” He says then he sits next to her.

         “Yes, I do for one your gentle while taking care of others and you are smart… and well…” she trails off when she sees he’s looking at her. “So who else signed up?” Spanx stands up quickly and goes over to the sheet.

         “Wow only a small handful of people; well, if it’s for a good cause I will sign up too.” She adds her name to the sheet.

         “I guess this makes us competitors now.” He stands next to her.

         “Why competitors?” she asks with a little confusion turning to look at him.

         “It’s just a joke Spanx; lets both do our best on the tests they give us.” He lightly pats her on the shoulder.
         “I agree.” She smiles.

         “We should head back we’ll need to be well rested for the tests as well. I’ll walk you home; keep you from getting hurt again.” Maxen says. He gives a small smile.

They quietly walk to Spanx’s house.

         “Thank you Maxen.”

         “You’re welcome even though there’s no need to thank me.” He says.

         “Have a goodnight.”

She goes inside. Once he’s completely out of sight she leaves the house once again. She makes it to her secret spot. She practices using water and air.

The sound of the guard’s horn wakes her up.

         “Morning already?” she sits up then rubs her eyes as she lets out a yawn.

         “Oh…no.” she gets to her feet as quickly as she can and runs back to the town she’s able to make it into the crowd making sure no one has seen her direction of travel.

         “This is the least amount of sign ups between the elemental villages.” Captain says then hands the sheet to Ari.

         “Since there are only a few who have signed up let’s get things under way.” Ari calls the first few names written on the sheet and once they have stepped forward he turns to the crowd once again. “Could Zena Fli, Specura Smiles, Case Biel, Maxen Blue, and Spanx Rivers; step forward.” Ari

The five make their way to the front of the crowd standing with the others.

         “There are five tests, let’s begin.” Captain says.

Zena stands next to Spanx.

         “I saw you last night.” Zena leans over just enough to whisper her comment to her.

         “I have no idea what you talking about.” Spanx says as she takes a step to the side.

         “You were with Maxen late at night; with the moonlight shining over you. You did seem to be getting a little cozy together.” She says with a wink.

         “If you say so Zena, it must be true.” Spanx gives a half smile.

         “So, you’re admitting to it?” she looks at Spanx with widened eyes.

         “Well, it’s my turn to try these tests.” Spanx walks over to the testing place. With her being the last to take the tests, Captain and Ari look over the scores.

         “Are those scores correct?” Ari asks surprised by the results.

         “Yes they are as you see. I even recounted them twice to be sure.” Captain says.

         “We will be taking three of the testers along from this village the scores that were posted above the expected. Maxen Blue, Specura Smiles, and Spanx Rivers. The three of you will need to be ready to leave at first light we head back to the castle.” Ari says then walks away.

         “Good job and good luck guys, you’ll be great castle guards.” Case says happily.

         “Thanks, let’s just hope that the training is like those tests.” Maxen replies as he turns to look at Case.

         “Thank you Case.” Specura gives him a hug.

         “Everyone did a great job on the tests but thank you Case.” Spanx follows as everyone goes inside the tavern.

         “Are you really that clumsy that you got hurt during the tests? You’re leavening blood everywhere Spanx.” Zena points to the floor. Everyone’s eyes follow the blood droplets that lead to Spanx.

         “Did you really get hurt during the tests?” Specura asks looking at Spanx.

         “Are you alright Spanx?” Case asks making his way over as well.

         “Oh no, this is just a scratch it happened last night, but really I’m alright, is there a cloth I’ll clean up the mess I made.”

         “Why didn’t you rewrap it before the tests?” Maxen asks turning to her as well.

         “To be honest I didn’t really feel it was necessary. It wasn’t bleeding and it still isn’t hurting.”  She speaks. She uses a small cloth to wipe her heal.