Bai Li rode into the clearing. When the three of them hadn't returned, he had decided to go and check on them.
Mei Renlong and Princess Sofya were both completely drenched and seemed to be playing a game of water fighting that involved tackling. Bai Li looked on with surprise. The pair barely knew each other, and Mei Renlong was usually very reserved and serious. He'd observed that the Northern princess was very genuine, natural and candid. This would endear her to the Mei family, who shared those values.
Mei Meili sat on the bank. He immediately noticed she had her riding pants rolled up to her knees and her bare calves and ankles were on display. It wouldn't have mattered when it was just her brother and the princess here, but he was not family, nor a woman.
"Ahem," he cleared his throat loudly to warn her.
"Bai Li," she waved happily to him, "come and join us in the stream".
"Commander Bai," Sofya welcomed him.