Elian cracked one eye open at the insistent chirp of his alarm clock. He groaned, swatting at it blindly before forcing himself fully awake. A grin tugged at his lips as he remembered - it was his 15th birthday!
"Finally awake, birthday boy?" a voice came from across the room. Elian glanced over to see Marcus, his friend had sneaked into his room, already halfway through his morning stretches, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Almost," Elian mumbled, swinging his legs over the edge of the bunk. He grabbed a fresh uniform from his drawer, the familiar blue fabric holding a sense of comfort and anticipation. Today wasn't just his birthday, it was the day he'd officially be recognized as a third-year student at the academy.
After a quick breakfast in the mess hall, Elian slipped on his uniform, the crispness a welcome contrast to the sleep clinging to him. He double-checked his reflection in the mirror, straightening his collar and smoothing any wrinkles in his pants. With a deep breath, he stepped out of his dorm room.
A chorus of voices erupted down the hallway. There, leaning against the wall, were Drake, Res, Marco (who apparently finished his stretches at lightning speed), Marcus, Kyle, and Hera, all his best friends at the academy. Each held a wide grin, and streamers hung haphazardly around their shoulders.
"Happy 15th, Elian!" boomed Drake, launching himself at Elian in a celebratory hug. Elian laughed, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm.
"Did you guys sleep in the hallway?" Elian teased, looking at the haphazard streamer decorations.
"Maybe," chimed in Res, a sheepish grin on her face. "We just wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday."
"Besides," added Kyle, nudging Marco playfully, "Marco wouldn't let us decorate his room. Apparently, 'dignity of a third-year' and all that."
Marco scoffed, but his own smile betrayed him. The group erupted into good-natured ribbing, the air thick with camaraderie. For Elian, there was no better way to start his 15th birthday than surrounded by his friends. This was just the beginning of what promised to be an unforgettable year.
The clatter of metal utensils echoed off the stone walls of the cafeteria as Elian and his friends dug into their midday meal. The air buzzed with a nervous excitement that only the beginning of a new year at the Academy could bring.
"Third years," Elian sighed dramatically, pushing a hunk of stew around his plate. "Feels weird, doesn't it?"
Res, ever the pragmatist, scoffed. "Weird? More like terrifying. Master Lewis already threatened to throw me into the wyvern pens if I don't master basic beast calming spells."
A chorus of groans went around the table. Wyverns, with their razor-sharp claws and fiery breath, were not creatures anyone wanted to be stuck calming.
"Speaking of specializations," Drake leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Have you guys decided what you're going for?"
This sparked a flurry of excited chatter. Specialization was the defining moment of their third year, the path that would shape the rest of their careers as mages or fighters.
"I'm dead set on Battlemage," Elian declared, a determined glint in his eyes. "Imagine the power, the combination of magic and swordsmanship!"
"Battlemage, huh?" Marco snorted, scraping the bottom of his stew pot. "Heard it's the most rigorous specialization there is. You sure you can handle the physical training on top of the advanced spells?"
Elian puffed out his chest. "Challenge accepted, Marco. Besides, Drake's going for Battlemage too, right?"
Drake grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Naa, I'm good buddy, I've heard of Rune masters and I find Runes pretty cool so yeah. They are as tough as being a battle mage but I like a challenge?"
Res rolled her eyes. "The both of you are gluttons for punishment. Me? I'm sticking with Beast Mastery. Wyverns or not, I'd rather deal with grumpy griffins than belligerent battle spells."
Kyle, usually the quiet one, spoke up, a thoughtful frown on his face. "I'm torn between Transmutation and Enhancement. Transmutation sounds fascinating, but Enhancement could be incredibly useful in the field."
Hera, a calm aura radiating from her, interjected, "You could always test both and see which one feels more natural. As for me, I'm leaning towards the Monk path. Focusing my energy for pure martial prowess feels right."
Marco, usually the life of the party, surprised everyone by blushing slightly. "Actually," he mumbled, "I'm considering the Alchemy track. Potions and concoctions have always been fascinating to me."
A surprised silence followed. Then, Kyle burst out laughing. "Marco, potions? You, with your clumsy fingers?"
Marco scowled. "Hey! I can be delicate when I need to be. Besides, explosions are way cooler than burnt stew, right?"
The tension broke, replaced by their usual light-hearted banter. Specialization was serious, but they were in it together. No matter their paths, they knew they could always rely on each other.
As Elian raised his mug in a toast, a thrill ran through him. Third year. Specialization. The future was uncertain, but with his friends by his side, he was ready to face it, head-on.
Elian was just shoving the last bite of his egg into his mouth when a stern-faced academy herald approached their table.
"Elian Aetheris," the herald announced in a booming voice, "you are summoned to Dean Thorne's office immediately."
Elian exchanged a surprised look with his friends. Dean Thorne wasn't known for casual interactions with students, especially third-years. He excused himself from the table, a knot of unease forming in his stomach.
The walk to the Dean's office was filled with nervous anticipation. Elian knocked tentatively on the heavy oak door.
"Enter," came a crisp male voice.
Elian pushed open the door to reveal a spacious, book-lined office. At the large mahogany desk sat Dean Thorne, a man with a stern expression and an air of command.
"Elian," he greeted, his voice slightly softer than anticipated, "please, have a seat."
Elian cautiously sat in the offered chair, his eyes darting around the room.
"I received a message for you this morning," Dean Thorne continued, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a sealed envelope with a familiar crest. "The insignia of Aetheris, I believe?"
"It's from your parents," Dean Thorne explained, sliding the envelope across the desk. "A most unusual delivery."
Elian's heart pounded in his chest. He thanked the Dean, his voice hoarse with emotion, and carefully broke the wax seal. The letter inside was adorned with his mother's elegant handwriting.
He unfolded it, his eyes scanning the familiar script. It was a happy birthday message from his parents, filled with love and well wishes. They apologized for not being able to be there in person, but mentioned a "special surprise" hidden amongst the academy supplies. Goodies, the letter hinted, that would "make his 15th year a truly magical one."
Elian's face broke into a wide grin. A birthday surprise from his parents, all the way from Eristia? This day just kept getting better!
He thanked Dean Thorne profusely, the weight of his earlier apprehension lifting. With a newfound eagerness, he practically skipped out of the office, the sealed letter clutched firmly in his hand. He couldn't wait to share the news with his friends, and of course, find that mysterious "surprise" from his parents.