Ranav sat cross-legged on his bed, his gaze fixed on the bookshelf across the room. He needed something to occupy his time. Rising, he ran his fingers across the spines of the books on the shelf: geography, history, biographies. One thin book caught his attention- a biography of Jim Randhawa, the founder of the Hunters Guild.
Settling back into his chair, he began to read. The story of Jim's early life captivated him. He could almost feel the fear and chaos when Jim's village faced a beast stampede. The imagery was vivid, almost alive in his mind. Jim's bravery in the founding war of the Mayura Kingdom and his decision to create the Hunters Guild inspired Ranav. The words resonated deeply, filling him with admiration and a strange yearning for a purpose as noble as Jim's.
When he finished, Ranav placed the book on the table, lost in thought. "What would it feel like to leave behind such a legacy? To fight for something greater than oneself?" His heart stirred with a mix of awe and longing.
A sudden knock broke his contemplation. Opening the door, he found a maid standing there.
"Mr. Ranav, our lady requests your presence in the dining room. Please follow me."
Ranav nodded and followed her. He tried to quiet the thoughts swirling in his mind as they descended the grand staircase and entered a side room. Inside, the countess, Nanima, a muscular man with an air of authority, and a beautiful young woman sat around the dining table.
Ranav's heart skipped a beat. His thoughts raced. "The man must be the count, and the girl... maybe their daughter. They seem so poised, so composed." For a fleeting moment, he felt out of place. Shaking off his nerves, he stepped forward.
"Good evening, Sir. I am Ranav," he said, bowing slightly.
The count's piercing gaze softened, and he gestured to a chair. "I've heard of you, young man. Ranav Limbekai from Dhela. Come, sit."
Nanima pointed to the chair beside her, smiling warmly. "Sit here."
Ranav felt a sense of reassurance and gratitude toward Nanima. Her presence was a comforting anchor.
"This is our daughter, Paramita Rawat," the countess introduced, motioning to the young woman. "She attends the county magic school. Like you, she awakened the Light element. I'm sure you'll have much to discuss."
Paramita gave a polite smile. A dimple on the side of his face made her even more beautiful. Her posture was straight, her demeanor confident. Ranav, feeling slightly self-conscious, greeted her with a nod.
As the elders delved into discussions about current affairs, Ranav remained silent, his curiosity piqued but tempered by decorum. Topics ranged from the kingdom's policies to the growing beast activity near the borders. Though he longed to ask questions, he refrained, aware of his status as a guest.
When dinner ended, everyone retired to their rooms. Ranav meditated briefly, allowing the relaxing energy of the house to calm him. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt a rare sense of tranquility.
Morning came, and with it, the first light of dawn. Ranav woke instinctively, his body attuned to the early hours. After freshening up, he felt an itch to move, to explore and meditate.
Dressed in simple clothes, he stepped outside, marveling at the beauty of the estate. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-soaked grass. A large pond reflected the morning sky, and beyond it, a forest stretched endlessly.
Near the stables, he spotted a group of workers tending to horses. He approached them, his tone polite. "Excuse me, how far does the estate extend on this side? May I explore?"
One of the stable hands looked up, smiling faintly. "The boundary lies near the mountain, sir. You can roam freely up to the racecourse. Beyond that, it's not entirely safe, wild animals sometimes wander over the wall."
Ranav's eyes lit up. "Thank you. Please let the countess or housekeeper know I'll be in the back garden."
He ventured into the forest, the sound of birdsong accompanying him. The serenity of the woods reminded him of home. Soon, he stumbled upon a small hill. Its gentle slope and the quiet around it called to him.
"This will do perfectly," he thought, settling down cross-legged at the top. Closing his eyes, he began his breathing exercises. The flow of world energy was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of strength and clarity.
As his meditation concluded, light footsteps caught his attention. Opening his eyes, he saw a maid approaching hesitantly.
"Sir, our lady requests your presence for breakfast," she said softly.
"Alright, I'm coming," Ranav replied.
Returning to the house, he found the countess and Paramita already at the table.
"Ranav, sit and eat first," the countess said, her tone warm but firm. "Skipping breakfast is not acceptable. Your uncle and Naria have left already. But next time, call for the maids if you need anything."
Embarrassed, Ranav scratched his head. "Sorry, Aunt Vedika. I didn't want to disturb anyone. I felt refreshed and decided to meditate before breakfast."
The countess smiled but shook her head. "No more skipping meals. Eat, then do what you like. And stay indoors afterward. Someone will come for you."
After breakfast, Ranav returned to his room and immersed himself in a geography book. The vibrant descriptions of the Mayura Kingdom's forests and wildlife intrigued him. He was captivated by the illustrations of beasts, their fierce visages almost leaping off the pages.
A knock interrupted his focus.
"Ranav, come downstairs," came the countess's voice.
He found her, Paramita, and the tailor waiting in the drawing room. A large box overflowing with clothes sat before them.
"Ranav, these are all in your size," the countess explained. "Pick what you like, and Paramita will help you choose the latest trends."
Ranav felt a mix of excitement and hesitation as the tailor displayed the clothes. He gravitated toward a plain black suit, its simplicity appealing to his taste.
"Kids don't wear plain clothes," Paramita teased lightly. "Designer suits are in fashion now."
Ranav frowned slightly. "I'm not a kid." Then, realizing his youthful face betrayed him, he added sheepishly, "Okay, maybe I am. But I like simple clothes."
The countess chuckled. "Hold the suit up to yourself, Ranav. Let's see."
He complied, and she nodded approvingly. "With your long silver hair, this plain black suit is perfect. Keep it."
The selection continued, with Paramita guiding him toward trendier pieces. A gray patterned shirt, a striped white one, and a purple shirt chosen by the countess completed his wardrobe. Pants were next, and after some deliberation, Ranav ended up with four pairs.
The tailor packed the remaining items and left, thanking the countess.
"Ranav, take these to your room," the countess said. "You also need new shoes. Paramita will help you pick a pair of Keds and some formal shoes."
Ranav hesitated, his cheeks warming.
Sensing his embarrassment, the countess smiled. "You call me aunt, right? Think of Paramita as your older sister. It's natural for her to help. Besides, she knows the town well and can show you around."
Relenting, Ranav nodded. "Alright. I'll drop these off in my room first."
As he ascended the stairs, the countess's voice followed him. "And wear your new casual clothes before you go out!"