"Happy 13th Birth day, Alan," Helen kissed him on the forehead. "Time flies so quickly," she sighed.
"Thank you, Grandma," Alan hugged her happily. She handed him a small box. "I know you wish to travel the whole kingdom and beyond. Even though I am reluctant to let you do that, I know it is the right thing to let you go. Hope this will help you in your future."
Excitedly, Alan opened the box and found a simple, unadorned black ring. Sensing some type of magic affinity from it, he looked up at his grandmother. He chose not to disclose his ability to control and use his internal energy, afraid she might be unnecessarily worried.
"It's a storage ring, my dear. When treating you three years ago, I felt that you have the ability to use magic—precisely, a 'null type of magic' like Alec. You cannot be influenced by anyone using their internal energy, but I sensed a small difference. It identified healing touch and allowed it. I don't know what type of affinity you possess, but you have inherited magical affinity."
Helen explained, "Once you invoke your magical affinity at the age of 18, you can use this magic ring. Until then, it will be a simple ring." There are few books on healing. Those are a copy of the work done by my master. Its advanced healing and his research work. It might be of use to you in your future. I had also kept some gold coins that will aid you in your future travel, inside the ring.
"But, Grandma... it's... it's too... expensive!" Alan stammered. Helen smiled and patted his cheeks. He sighed but thanked Helen sincerely and with deep gratitude.
They gathered for breakfast, surprising Alan with heartfelt wishes and a variety of sweets and dishes. Overwhelmed, Alan bowed his head, unable to find words to express his emotions.
When it was time for gifts:
John presented Alan with a horse saddle made of tough and durable beast skin, lightweight yet sturdy. James gave him a small pouch filled with travel essentials— a sharp knife, a tinderbox, and other utility accessories. Elizabeth gifted him a book and a beautiful quill. Jean handed him a small harp, recalling his interest during their arts and music discussions. Alan happily hugged and thanked her.
Next, the Heathrow family presented their gifts—small yet meaningful tokens that almost brought tears to Alan's eyes.
Lilly, observant and thoughtful, gave him a sturdy and good-looking leather belt. Alan, surprised by her keen observation, immediately replaced his worn-out belt with the new one, making Lilly beam with pride.
"See, my gift is the best. Brother Al wore it immediately," she declared proudly.
Mine will be the beat gift, claiming Rose ran towards Alan. He bent down, and she pinned a white rose on his shirt near his chest. "See, I put it on him myself," Rose announced proudly, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.
After breakfast, everyone sat down for a few minutes, reminiscing about the past, recalling happy times, and, to Williams' embarrassment, sharing some of his worst moments. The kids, including Alan, burst into laughter at these jokes.
Later, Alan and Williams took their majestic-looking horses, one black and one white, for a ride in the inner city area. Drawing several gazes, they visited Master Steve's place and spent some quality time there. Master Steve surprised both boys with elegantly crafted and identical-looking hunting knives, each bearing their initials on the sheath. Grateful for the unexpected gifts, Alan and Williams accepted them graciously.
The boys then explored the city, indulging in a variety of delicacies and sweets until they felt like their stomachs would burst. As they sat on a landscape, watching the setting sun, they reflected on the passing three years.
"Wil, where's my present?" Alan teased Williams. "I thought you would never ask," William smiled, taking out two candies from his pocket. Alan accepted them with a smile and popped one into his mouth, as did Williams. They sat in silence, watching the sun go down slowly, savoring the tranquility of the day.
It was a perfect day, a perfect birthday for Alan. Or so he thought.