The sky above was painted in soft pastels, streaks of pink and orange marking the early morning. The scent of dew and fresh soil clung to the earth. Elias sat on a soft blanket under the watchful eye of Clara, babbling softly as he tried to mimic the sounds of birds fluttering overhead.
It was one of those rare, quiet mornings, and Clara took the chance to enjoy the peace before the world inevitably knocked on their door again.
"You're growing too fast," she murmured, brushing a curl from Elias's forehead. "Soon you'll be running circles around us."
Elias offered a tiny, mischievous smile. Though still young, his legs were stronger now, and with support, he could stand and take wobbly steps. It wasn't long before Clara was joined by Kaela, who brought a small loaf of bread and a handful of wild berries.
"Morning," Kaela greeted, kneeling next to Elias. He reached for a berry, earning a playful nudge. "Not before breakfast, little glutton."
Elias was happy with the company. Kaela was part of his world now, warm like sunlight but sharp when needed.
Later that morning, a soft knock at the gate signaled the arrival of guests. Clara stood up, brushing off her apron. "I wasn't expecting anyone."
Two children stepped inside, guided by Albert. The older of the pair was a boy with dark hair and a missing front tooth, holding a wooden slingshot proudly. The younger was a girl with short pigtails and eyes that scanned the house with quiet curiosity.
"Elias," Albert called out. "Come meet Milo and Rika. They're from the eastern block. Their parents will be working with the city planners for a while."
Milo waved enthusiastically. "Hi! I can shoot things from really far away. Wanna see?"
Rika gave a polite nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hello."
Elias tilted his head, examining them like puzzle pieces. He took a cautious step forward, gripping the edge of a chair for balance.
"He likes you already," Clara said with a soft laugh.
From that day on, the trio was often seen together. Milo showed off his sling skills, often getting scolded for accidentally hitting trees or walls. Rika preferred to watch insects or arrange leaves by color, her world a quiet and observant one.
Kaela watched them from the sidelines, arms crossed and a curious expression on her face. "You think they'll be close?" she asked Erwin one afternoon.
"Maybe," Erwin replied. "Elias doesn't warm up to people easily. But with them, it's different."
As the days passed, they made small but meaningful memories. Chasing butterflies. Playing with wooden toys. Sitting under the tall tree behind the house, watching clouds drift by.
But the warmth couldn't keep out the chill forever.
One evening, Albert returned from a meeting with the Survey Corps. His face was drawn tight, lips pressed into a grim line. He waited until the children were asleep before speaking.
"Lucan's intel was right. There's been movement near the abandoned southern post. We'll be reinforcing patrols."
Kaela tensed. "Are the Titans pushing in again?"
Albert nodded. "And something else. Scouts reported a strange howl—not like any Titan we know."
Clara put a hand over her mouth. Erwin, who had been quietly listening from the stairs, clenched his fists.
Elias, from his crib, stirred restlessly in his sleep. His dreams were clouded with shadows and flickering flames.
The days of simple play were giving way to something far more dangerous. The time of innocence was slipping through their fingers, and beyond the walls, the world stirred with unease.