Continued…

Humans are somewhat fallible and have broken various proclamations throughout history. Would there be as many stories to tell if rule-breakers did not exist?

Simply put, Ronan of the Red Lions wished to wed Wendalyn of the White Wolves. In matters of love at first sight, caution is usually pushed aside in pursuit of the desired result. On the night of a crescent moon, they met in the middle of the river, each in their own boat. They joined hands, allowing the boats to float downstream.

A few minutes later, search parties had gathered on opposite sides of the river, gesturing with swords and lances. Ronan and Wendalyn did not separate. The two opposite groups followed them along, staying close to their respective shores.

As the two boats neared the fork in the river, everyone expected the folly to end.

Ronan and Wendalyn did not return to their respective sides of the river. They chose the strip of land which existed between the two forks. The stunned and silent onlookers watched them disappear into the dense outcrops of tall marsh grass.

Instead of forming an alliance with the shared purpose of retrieving Ronan and Wendalyn, the Red Lions and the White Wolves attacked each other. All that was left of the two age-old dynasties were the ruins of their castles and two carved stones. Every spring, there is an abundance of small, bright pink flowers found along the river.