Hi, I'm Red!

Clanne hurriedly hobbled across the verdant fields of the Somniel. Under his left arm was a wicker basket full of clean, sun-dried clothing. As he made his way, he saw Framme coming up to him and stopped for her.

“Hi, Clanne!” Framme greeted him cheerfully. However, the moment she saw the laundry basket, her smile dropped and her eyes bulged out of her head.

“Did you wash the Divine One’s clothes?!” she yelled.

“Y-Yeah,” Clanne affirmed, nodding with caution due to Framme’s outburst. That was when her eyebrows furrowed and her cheeks puffed up in anger.

“But Vander said it was my turn to wash them!” Framme huffed. She balled up her fists at her sides and shook her arms twice.

“Sorry, I thought you forgot!” Clanne apologized sincerely, waving his free hand. He’d only been trying to help, given Framme’s penchant for having chores slip her mind, but it seemed he’d overstepped.

“I… I did, but still! You could’ve, y’know, reminded me!” Framme whined, her anger having dissipated into a pout. Clanne frowned, too.

“You’re right… I’m sorry, Framme,” he sighed, hanging his head in shame. Framme’s eyebrows hopped up slightly in shock before furrowing once again with newfound guilt.

“No, it’s fine… I know you’re just being kind, it’s who you are,” she replied softly, shaking her head. “It’s a great thing about you, you shouldn’t have to change just ‘cause I’m clumsy…”

Framme shifted her gaze down and away at some stray blades of grass.

“I wish I was a better steward, like you,” she continued wistfully. Clanne’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Hey! You’re a great steward!” he refuted, putting his free hand on her shoulder.

“But I’m always slipping up!” Framme shouted desperately, flinging her head up at him.

“So? Nobody loves the Divine One more than you!” Clanne said matter-of-factly. He then paused for a second, staring off, then cleared his throat. “O-Other than myself, of course, but I’d say we’re tied. You are part of the Divine Dragon Fan Club, after all.” At that, Framme’s scrunched up face relaxed and she giggled.

“Of course,” she repeated. She then put her hand on Clanne’s and looked him in the eyes with a soft, sincere expression. “Thanks, Clanne. You always know what to say. You’re a great brother.” Clanne felt his cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

“Aw, no big deal!” he said, trying to shake it off. “You just try to remember my chores next time, and I’ll remember to remind you instead of doing them myself!” He smiled, full of resolve.

“Now, let me bring these to the Divine One’s room!” Clanne said excitedly. Framme giggled again at his enthusiasm, but let him go. He hurriedly made his way to the plaza, then up to Alear’s room.

“Divine One, I brought you new clothes. Vander should be here to change you into them soon enough, but I figured I’d chat with you a bit while I’m here,” Clanne announced as he squeezed through the door. He set down the basket and sat cross legged in front of the bed where Alear lay sleeping.

“Today, Framme got upset with me, but we figured it out,” Clanne sighed. “It was a bit scary, so I’m glad we did. She means a lot to me.” He then smiled.

“It’s kind of strange talking to you like this,” Clanne chuckled, “but I can’t wait to do the real thing! That is, if you wake up in my lifetime.”

With that, he got up and walked out of the room, ready to take on the rest of the day.