The main hall of the Valerius estate was alive with light and laughter, a warmth that rivaled the radiance of the torches lining the walls. Tonight, the family gathered in honor of Lucius's successful summoning—a rare event worthy of celebration. Aurelius's eyes darted around the grand hall, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. He couldn't recall a gathering this joyous, and he knew that tonight would stay in his memory for a long time.
Every detail of the hall spoke of the family's pride in its legacy. Intricate tapestries depicting legendary beasts and the Valerius crest adorned the walls, while servants moved gracefully between tables, offering plates of richly spiced foods and goblets filled with honeyed wine. Aurelius, too young to partake in the wine, contented himself with the stories that filled the air, each one bringing him closer to the world he hoped to be part of someday.
His ears perked up as his grandfather, Marcellus, took his place at the head of the hall, raising his goblet with a twinkle in his eye. "To Lucius, for summoning the noble Ember Griffon," he announced, his voice warm and proud. "He honors our lineage with a bond forged in fire, a creature that reflects both our strength and our resilience."
A chorus of cheers erupted, and Lucius offered a modest nod, though his eyes gleamed with pride. Beside him, his Ember Griffon—small but striking with ember-flecked feathers—chittered happily, capturing the attention of everyone in the hall. Family members, both young and old, gathered around Lucius, congratulating him and admiring the Griffon, which held itself with a regal, curious air.
As the excitement settled, Marcellus continued, his tone shifting to one of nostalgia. "Tonight, we celebrate not only Lucius but the legacy of our family and the bonds we have formed through generations." He glanced around the hall, his gaze resting on each family member. "It is only fitting that we share our own stories, so Lucius—and young Aurelius—might know the path they walk."
Aurelius's heart raced. He had heard fragments of stories in passing, tales of his family's beasts, but tonight felt different. Tonight, he would hear the full accounts, with all the excitement and depth they deserved.
Marcellus looked to Aurelius's uncle, Titus, who smiled and inclined his head, taking a seat beside Lucius. "When I was Lucius's age," he began, his voice calm but carrying a hint of pride, "I summoned a Thunder Serpent, a creature that crackled with energy and could shatter silence with a single hiss. It was a creature of the storms, fierce and untamed, and it took every bit of my control to form a bond with it."
Aurelius leaned forward, entranced as Titus described the challenges of training a beast that fed on storms and could summon lightning with a flick of its tail. The story was thrilling, yet Titus's tone carried respect for the creature and the bond they had shared, one of mutual respect and tempered power.
One by one, family members shared their tales, each account unique and awe-inspiring. Aurelius listened, captivated, as his aunts and uncles recounted summoning Shadow Panthers, Inferno Wolves, and Sky Stags. Each creature was an extension of its summoner, a part of the Valerius lineage that lived on through the generations.
Finally, Aurelius gathered his courage and approached Lucius, who sat quietly with the Griffon perched beside him. Lucius noticed his cousin's approach and offered a welcoming nod. "Aurelius," he said, his voice warm. "Enjoying the stories?"
Aurelius nodded eagerly, then paused, gathering his thoughts. "Lucius, what… what was it like for you? To summon him?" His gaze drifted to the Griffon, its ember-like feathers glowing softly in the dim light.
Lucius's expression softened as he looked at his cousin, then back to the Griffon. "It was…" He paused, searching for the right words. "It was as if I reached out, not with my hand but with something deeper. My will, my intent." He placed a hand on his chest. "I poured everything I had into that moment, every bit of focus and strength. And then, I felt something reaching back."
Aurelius listened, entranced, as Lucius described the sensation. "It was as though he was waiting for me, as if we were meant to connect." His eyes shifted to the Griffon, his voice reverent. "When he answered, I felt a surge—a response. It was like fire, searing and intense, but it felt… right."
The Griffon chirped softly, nuzzling Lucius's hand, and Aurelius felt a shiver of awe. Lucius's words lingered in his mind, painting a vivid picture of that moment of connection, the instant when summon and summoner became one.
"Have you named him yet?" Aurelius asked quietly, glancing up at his cousin.
Lucius's gaze softened, and he nodded. "I have. His name is Aethon."
Aurelius repeated the name in his mind, feeling the weight of it, the power that seemed to resonate with the creature. Lucius went on to explain, "In ancient lore, Aethon was one of the fire-breathing horses that pulled the chariot of the sun. A name that holds strength and honor." He looked at his Griffon with quiet pride. "Aethon is a creature of fire and loyalty. His name is a promise of what he'll become."
The Griffon, now officially named Aethon, seemed to sense the significance of the moment. It chirped again, fluffing its feathers, and Aurelius watched as Lucius stroked Aethon's head with gentle fingers, the bond between them clear in the affectionate gesture.
As the night wore on, the celebration continued, filled with laughter, stories, and dreams shared under the warmth of firelight. Aurelius felt something new taking shape within him—a drive, a longing that had been sparked the moment he saw Aethon emerge from the rift.
When the evening began to draw to a close, Aurelius found himself standing alone by one of the grand tapestries, lost in thought. The stories he'd heard tonight, Lucius's experience, and the power of Aethon's presence had ignited something deep within him.
He could already picture the day he would stand where Lucius had, reaching into the unknown and calling forth a creature that would define him, a creature he would name, bond with, and grow alongside. The legacy of the Valerius family wasn't just about strength—it was about connection, loyalty, and the courage to reach beyond one's limits.
With one last look at Lucius and Aethon, Aurelius made a silent vow: he would train harder, build his stamina and control, and prepare himself for the day his own summoning would come. One day, he would stand proud, not just as a Valerius, but as a summoner with a bond as unbreakable as the fire within his family's crest.