The morning sun peeked through the inn's windows in Agath Town, rousing Emily from her deep slumber. As she yawned and stretched, she remarked, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I slept wonderfully."
Victor, already packing, smirked, "Easy for you to say, always being the first to fall asleep and the last to wake."
Emily blinked, "Did I oversleep?"
"As is tradition," Erde teased, adjusting his backpack.
William intervened with a light chuckle, "It's alright, Emily. We've packed up most things. Just gather your stuff."
"Sorry, I guess I was lost in dreams," Emily responded, gathering her belongings quickly.
"Of becoming a saintess?" Victor quipped.
Emily shot back playfully, "Just because I'm better than you at it!"
Avan, chuckling, interrupted their friendly banter, "Enough, you two. We've got a long journey ahead."
Outside, Cedric awaited the group, checking everyone's preparations. "Everyone ready?" At their affirmative responses, he continued, "Then off we go! Oh, Emily, you've got something in your hair." She hurriedly adjusted her hair, and the group moved on.
Agath Town buzzed with activity as they made their way towards the town gate and their awaiting carriage. Cedric gestured for everyone to board, and they settled inside.
As the carriage moved along, laughter and shared memories from their stay in Agath filled the air. The picturesque landscape outside the window added to the ambiance, with its verdant fields and majestic trees.
The familiar sights of Mistwood village greeted them as the sun painted the sky in shades of orange and gold. As the carriage halted near the village entrance, a welcoming shout echoed, "The kids are back!"
Villagers gathered, eager smiles on their faces. Chief Osvar approached, "You must all be exhausted. Rest up." But Cedric was already animatedly discussing their adventures with a group of interested listeners.
Harold, Victor's father, hailed them, "What were the results?" while Avan's mother, Elara, ushered her son home, "Let's go, the day's almost done."
Night had fully descended as the village settled into its familiar, peaceful rhythm. In Erde's home, the young adventurer recounted his experiences to his parents, Eldric and Elara. Over dinner, they listened intently, the room filled with stories of Agath Town and the grand ceremony. Outside, stars illuminated the night, bearing silent witness to the tales of a journey well-traveled
The next morning, Erde arose with the first light, his spirit invigorated by the dawn. He stretched out, dispelling the remnants of sleep, and moved to the kitchen to assist with breakfast preparations.
"Erde," his father began, handing him some ingredients, "once you're done with breakfast, Chief Osvar wants to see you."
"Understood, dad," Erde responded, working alongside his mother at the stove.
After their meal, Erde began his walk to Chief Osvar's residence. En route, he chanced upon Victor, who looked more weary than usual.
"Morning, Victor," Erde greeted, concern evident in his voice. "You seem out of sorts today. Everything alright?"
Victor rubbed his temples, "Morning, Erde. Let's just say I didn't get the best sleep. Dad found it hilarious that I was chosen by the wind element, and his laughter kept my mom awake. She was less amused. Mom sent him to 'dance with the moon' outside."
They both shared a chuckle as they approached the village chief's dwelling. There, they spotted Avan and William, already waiting.
"Morning, fellows," Victor greeted cheerfully.
William raised an eyebrow, "Morning. Rough night, Victor?"
"Long story. Anyway, let's head in," Victor brushed off the question.
Avan hesitated, "Shouldn't we wait for Emily?"
Victor waved a dismissive hand, "We know Emily. I'd say we have another hour, at least."
Together, the four entered the house, finding Chief Osvar deep in discussion with Cedric.
"Ah, here are the young champions now," Chief Osvar welcomed, gesturing for them to join. "And where's Emily?"
Cedric rolled his eyes playfully, "Our dearest Emily? Still in dreamland, most likely."
Chief Osvar nodded, "Very well. First off, my congratulations to each of you. I'm sure many questions linger, particularly for Erde and Avan. Although you all need to understand our village's traditions, the duties, and yada yada. Even though you aren't fully adults, in the eyes of tradition, you've taken a significant step. Understand"
Victor frowned, "So, are we adults or not?"
Osvar, ignoring Victor's interruption, continued, "Moving on! William, be a dear and please relay this to Emily when she awakens."
"Understood," William nodded.
Osvar gestured grandly to Cedric, "Now, for the main event! Ced, enlighten these young minds."
Cedric sighed, "Every time. Alright, gather around."
*
In Eldoria, once children awakened their elemental gifts, they underwent a three-year intensive education focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic, ensuring that they were well-grounded in fundamental knowledge. Yet, this was just the first step.
Upon graduation, these young stepped into a demanding physical training. Seasoned trainers, often ex-mercenaries or retired soldier took them under their wing. A demanding process that involved mastering their unique elemental powers, and becoming adept at wielding weapons. While the training was mandatory for five years, extensions were possible, depending on a trainer's assessment of their protégé.
*
As Abs wrapped up his extensive briefing, he shot a sly glance at Victor, who looked positively swamped. "It's a lot, Victor. But, stick with William or Avan, and you'll be just fine."
Victor rubbed his temples, muttering, "It's like a never-ending lecture..."
Chief Osvar added, "Alright, kiddos! Off you go. Grab some snacks, and make sure to visit Elder Avram."
Erde, seizing the opportunity for a swift exit, grabbed Victor and Avan by the collars and made for the door. William offered a courteous bow before trailing behind.
Their route took them past Emily's residence, where they found her still struggling with morning lethargy. "Hey," she murmured, stifling a yawn, "where have you all been?"
Victor grimaced, "Enduring Abs' marathon of explanations."
Emily gasped, "Oh no, I forgot!"
Erde shot her a teasing grin, "Seems our 'saintess' needed some beauty sleep."
"Very funny," Emily retorted, punching Erde's arm lightly, "You could've woken me up!"
As the group continued toward Elder Avram's place, William filled Emily in on what she'd missed.
Reaching the Elder's abode, the friends found themselves hesitating, urging each other to knock. They didn't notice the tall, axe-wielding figure of Elder Avram approaching from behind until he was right there.
Emily and Avan's screams sliced through the morning calm when they finally noticed him.
Erde, after calming the duo, explained, "Chief Osvar sent us."
Elder Avram nodded, "Ah, Eldric's boy. Well, come on in."
Emily leaned in to whisper to Erde, "Is he... you know, safe?"
Erde glanced back at the imposing figure of Elder Avram, reassured her, "My family shares the same faith. He's kind of spiritual guide, especially for us. He's kind-hearted, just... well, a bit scary."
Inside, the Elder evaluated their knowledge before laying out their upcoming lessons, concluding with, "We start tomorrow. Be ready."
Their heads full of new knowledge and a bit of trepidation, the youngsters bade Elder Avram farewell, each heading home while eagerly discussing the day's revelations.