Tabatha and Raveer had gone to great lengths to make Vasir's birthday special. With a bright smile, Tabatha and Raveer entered Vasir's room, holding a fluffy cake that looked too beautiful to eat.
"Happy birthday, my sweet boy!" Tabatha exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and love.
"Aww, Ammi, thank you so much!" Vasir beamed, feeling the joy of being surrounded by the people who cared for him.
With a flick of his fingers, Vasir conjured a light breeze that blew out the candles on his cake, sending a gentle puff through the air.
The trio spent a blissful morning together, laughing and enjoying the moment. Raveer, in his usual manner, had cake smeared across his face, prompting more giggles from the group.
After the cake was eaten and the celebrations died down, the family got ready for the trip to the nearby town of Darwin, where Vasir would undergo his Awakening Ceremony. This ceremony was a rite of passage for any child turning eight, a chance to have their magical abilities officially unlocked, but it came at a steep price—five silver coins, an amount that could support a family for months. Raveer, who had turned eight two months ago, couldn't afford the ceremony, but he didn't mind; his magic was unremarkable anyway. Still, he was excited to accompany Vasir and Tabatha, eager to support his friend on such an important day.
They boarded the cart for the two-hour journey, a rare trip outside the village for both Vasir and Raveer. As the cart passed through the wooden gates of Schwarzwald, both boys eagerly stuck their heads out, taking in the sights and sounds of the world beyond.
The road to Darwin was not an easy one, full of bumpy rocks and potholes. Still, the carter skillfully navigated the rough terrain, making the ride more bearable. The dense forest surrounding the village gave off a heavy, almost eerie aura that only increased the boys' curiosity.
"I understand why Ammi insists so much on not leaving the village borders," Raveer remarked, his voice serious as he glanced toward the dark trees lining the road.
"It's not like you to say something like that, Raveer. Scared, are we?" Vasir teased, poking fun at his friend.
"Scared? No way! I can face anything that comes out of that forest," Raveer said confidently, his usual bravado shining through.
"Ignorant as ever, I see," Vasir sighed, shaking his head with a grin.
Neither boy felt truly frightened; perhaps they were naive, or maybe it was the comfort of their Ammi's protective presence that made them feel safe. They had never encountered any true danger, and with Tabatha always there to protect them, they were content to let her handle the threats of the world.
"I bet there are stronger people all around the kingdom practicing different types of magic, especially those trained for combat," Vasir mused aloud, his mind racing with the possibilities of what the world outside might hold.
"Ohh, I can't wait for us to grow up and see it for ourselves! Just thinking about the chance to fight with lots of people gets me going," Raveer said eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the thought of the future.
"There's more to the world than just fighting, you meathead," Vasir countered, amused by his friend's one-track mind.
"I know, but combat seems to be the most interesting of them all," Raveer said, his face alight with excitement. His red hair whipped in the wind as he gazed out at the passing scenery.
"Yeah, I do agree with that," Vasir admitted, even though he wasn't as enthusiastic as Raveer.
Tabatha, who had been quietly listening to the boys' conversation, smiled warmly at their innocent excitement. She glanced out the window, admiring the forest, her heart filled with love for the two boys. They had come so far, and though she worried about the dangers of the world, there was a sense of pride in how they had grown.
As the cart continued its journey, the dense forest gradually gave way to an expansive meadow. The golden sunlight illuminated the tall grass, which swayed gently in the breeze, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Birds soared across the sky, completing the picturesque scene.
In the distance, the tall walls of the town of Darwin became visible, looming large as they neared their destination. Farmlands dotted the landscape, their crops growing abundantly outside the town's walls. Soon, the cart approached the massive iron-reinforced wooden gates of the city.
"Here, boys, be sure to wear these," Tabatha said, handing each of them a dark gray robe. The robes were designed to hide their identities and keep their appearance inconspicuous.
"Why do we have to wear this, Ammi?" Vasir asked, confused.
"We don't want any bandits following us back to the village," Tabatha explained. "There have been stories of merchants and travelers being attacked on their way back from the ceremony. Bandits target those who can afford such things, thinking they have money."
After presenting the required documents at the security check, the cart passed through the gates, entering the bustling town center. The sight was overwhelming for both boys—there was so much life here. Tall buildings, markets brimming with goods, and people rushing from one place to another filled their vision. The entire town was alive with activity.
"Woah, look at all those people. There's not a lot of space in this town," Raveer exclaimed, his wide eyes taking in the new sights.
"I bet they have shops that sell all kinds of books, especially on magic," Vasir said with a spark of curiosity in his voice.
As the cart moved deeper into the market district, the boys couldn't help but be fascinated by everything they saw. They passed stalls selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and other treasures. The market was lively, filled with vendors shouting out their wares and buyers haggling over prices.
"Looks like Raveer's tummy is letting us all know that it needs to be fed immediately," Tabatha remarked with a chuckle as Raveer's stomach growled loudly.
"To the street vendors, then!" Vasir declared with a grin, eager to indulge in the food that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.
The trio weaved through the crowded market, and before long, they arrived at a vendor grilling succulent meat. The sizzling sounds of food being cooked, along with the savory smells, made it impossible to resist.