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CHAPTER 1
Rendal
"Daddy, Daddy!" Zola exclaims happily, tugging along my huge hand. She gasps, seeing the human, orc, and centaur children in the distance, engaged in a game of tag. "C'mon! We have to hurry!"
"Honey, they're not going to disappear if we walk a little slowly," I reply, raising a brow at my little girl.
"Yes, they are!"
I can't help but smile as Zola drags me towards the playground. Her enthusiasm is infectious, even after a long day at the office.
"Alright, alright," I quip, adjusting the tiny pink princess backpack slung over my shoulder. The glittery accessory clashes hilariously with my crisp white dress shirt and black slacks. I probably look ridiculous, but I couldn't care less. Zola's happiness is all that matters.
The playground is alive with the sounds of laughter and excited shrieks. Kids of all shapes and sizes run around, their joy echoing through the air. A young centaur gallops past, hishooves kicking up wood chips as he chases after a giggling human girl.
"Look, Daddy!" Zola points to the swings. "Can you push me? Please?"
"Of course, sweetheart." I lead her to an empty swing, lifting her up and setting her down gently. As I start pushing, I notice an orc boy and a human girl taking turns on the slide, their differences forgotten in the thrill of play.
"Higher, Daddy!" Zola squeals, her legs kicking out in front of her.
I oblige, pushing a little harder. "Hold on tight, kiddo!"
I prepare for Zola's signature move: flying off the swings and straight into my arms. I've tried and tried to tell this kid that she's going to break a bone doing this, but she doesn't care. Not when she trusts that I'll be right below her, ready to catch her if anything goes wrong.
"Whee!" Zola exclaims in excitement as she lets go of the swing and soars through the air.
I follow her movements precisely and she lands with a plop into my arms, giggling so hard that she's running out of breath. Adding onto her joy, I wiggle my fingers into her belly and make her crack up even more.
"Hungry, yet?" I ask.
"Starving!"
"Alright, let's go find a place to put our picnic blanket, then."
I scan the park, looking for the perfect spot to set up our picnic. My eyes land on a large oak tree not far from the playground. Its sprawling branches offer a nice patch of shade—just what we need on a day like this.
"C'mon, Zola. I've found us a great spot," I say, guiding her towards the tree.
I spread out our worn checkered blanket, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles. Zola's glittery backpack finds its place at one corner, anchoring our little oasis.
"Alright, kiddo. Time for some grub," I announce, reaching into the pack I've brought along.
I pull out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—Zola's favorite—and hold it out to her. But my daughter's attention is elsewhere. Her blue eyes are fixed on the playground, watching the other kids with rapt fascination.
"Zola?" I wave the sandwich in front of her face. "Earth to Zola. Your stomach was growling like a bear just a minute ago."
She barely glances at the food. "Daddy, can I go play some more? Please?"
I sigh, but can't help smiling. "What happened to being starving?"
Zola shrugs, her eyes still on the playground. A group of kids are starting up a game of hide-and-seek, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head.
"Tell you what," I say, setting the sandwich down. "How about you eat half of this, and then you can go play for a bit more? We've got all afternoon."
Zola considers this for a moment, her gaze darting between the sandwich and the playground. Finally, she nods. "Okay, Daddy. But can I eat it over there?" She points to a spot on our blanket that's a bit closer to the action.
I chuckle. "Sure thing, squirt. Just don't get too distracted and choke on your food, alright?"
