Two years have passed in the blink of an eye, and my father has trained me nonstop during this time. I enjoyed every moment of it. We sparred regularly, with my father refraining from using his abilities, focusing only on his normal strength. This intense training has made me a great swordsman. Father said I was exceptionally strong for my age, which filled me with pride.
But today is different. Today is my awakening day, the day I will discover my element. The ceremony is held inside the city of Skyfall, where all children aged seven gather to learn their core element. I am really excited, and my parents are getting ready to take me.
"Mom, Dad, let's go! We're going to be late," I called out, unable to contain my excitement.
My father chuckled, "Oh, my boy, are you that excited?"
"Just a moment, dear," my mother said as she adjusted her cloak. "Our neighbors, Samuel uncle, Aunt Emma, and your friend Clara, are also coming with us."
"Oh, I forgot Clara is also seven years old," I said, realizing she would be awakening today too.
We gathered our things and stepped outside, joining our neighbors for the journey to Skyfall. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as we made our way to the city, ready for the day that would shape our future.
As we made our way to Skyfall, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement. I, Aric, was practically bouncing with eagerness. My mother, Lyra, and my father, Garrick, walked beside me, their presence comforting and reassuring.
Skyfall was bustling with activity. Children from all over the region had gathered with their families for the awakening ceremony. The city's grand plaza was filled with colorful banners and the hum of excited conversations.
We met up with our neighbors at the entrance. Samuel uncle and Aunt Emma greeted us warmly, and Clara
Clara is one of my friends with whom I used to play, but not very often because she would always shy away whenever she saw me. I never quite understood why. Her mother, Emma, always tried to pinch my cheeks whenever she got the chance, so I often stayed at home to train with my dad instead.
"Oh, little Aric, how handsome you are looking today! But nowadays, you don't come to our house," Emma said, making a sad face.
I tried to explain, "No, Aunt Emma. I was training in swordsmanship with my father, so I couldn't find time to go out."
"Oh, Aric has already started preparing to get strong. How fascinating!" said Uncle Samuel, looking impressed.
As we talked, I noticed Clara standing a little apart from us. She was looking at me with a spark in her eyes, But just as I met her gaze, she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. It made me feel a bit awkward because I just wanted to say hi and maybe talk for a while. Never mind, I thought, there was a whole day ahead of us.
As we made our way through the throngs of people towards the heart of the city where the annual awakening ceremony was set to take place, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The crowd, already a familiar sight at this yearly event, seemed larger than usual this time around, with a palpable energy in the air. Guards and knights patrolled the area in greater numbers, indicating the significance of the occasion.
As we approached the center of the city where the ceremony grounds were located, my father and uncle veered off towards the registration bench to take care of formalities while we took a moment to admire the elaborate arrangements. The decorations were intricate, reflecting the importance of the event, with colorful banners fluttering in the breeze and floral arrangements adorning every corner.
Just then, amidst the bustling crowd, a commotion broke out as a guard on horseback began to clear a path, urging people to make way. Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but wonder what or who could be causing such a stir. Murmurs rippled through the gathered spectators, and snippets of conversation floated by, hinting at the arrival of someone important.
Nearby, I overheard a conversation between two spectators speculating about the source of the excitement. They spoke of the Duke's children, rumored to be participating in the ceremony this year. Their presence alone seemed to have drawn a larger crowd, fueled by anticipation and expectations of witnessing something extraordinary.
As the murmurs continued, a horsecart emerged, drawing the attention of the assembled crowd. All eyes turned towards the newcomers, eager to catch a glimpse of the rumored participants. And then, as the door of the horsecart swung open, a figure emerged, capturing the attention of everyone present.
She was a vision to behold, with fiery red hair cascading in waves around her shoulders, framing piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Her porcelain complexion was accentuated by a sprinkling of freckles across her nose, adding a touch of whimsy to her ethereal beauty. With every step, she exuded confidence and grace, a magnetic presence that drew others in like moths to a flame.
Beside her, a young man stepped out, his features equally striking with the same fiery red hair, but his eyes as dark as the night. Handsome and enigmatic, he radiated an aura of quiet strength and determination, complementing the allure of his companion.
Together, they stood at the center of attention, their presence igniting whispers of excitement and anticipation among the crowd. As all eyes remained fixed on them, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, hinting at the extraordinary events that were yet to unfold.