The sun hung high in the sky as I met my sister, Cassandra, at the gates of our estate. The day was warm, but there was a crispness in the air—a reminder that the season was turning. She was already dressed in her usual attire, a simple yet elegant tunic that complemented her athletic frame. Her expression was as determined as ever, though today, there was a hint of excitement in her eyes.
"I'm surprised you're joining me," I remarked, adjusting my own attire. "I thought you'd be too busy preparing for your senior year."
Cassandra smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've got time. Besides, I need a new wardrobe for when I visit you at the Academy. Can't let you have all the fun without me, can I?"
I chuckled, though I wasn't entirely sure she was kidding. She had always had a way of making everything seem like an adventure.
"Ready?" I asked, as I took a step toward the town's market. The familiar cobbled streets were bustling with vendors, shoppers, and the occasional traveler passing through on their way to other lands.
"Always," she said, her voice light. "You might be starting your journey at the Academy, but today, we conquer the marketplace."
We began our walk into the heart of the market, the smell of fresh bread and roasting meat filling the air. The stalls were vibrant, filled with everything from exotic fruits to intricate fabrics, and merchants shouted to advertise their wares. Cassandra darted from one stall to the next, her eyes gleaming with the joy of the hunt.
I, on the other hand, had a far more practical mindset. My first priority was the uniform we would need for the Academy. There were standard requirements—dark tunics and trousers, a light armor set for practice, and boots that could withstand the rigors of training.
"Let's start with the uniform," I said, taking Cassandra's arm before she could run off to another stall. She pouted but nodded in agreement.
At the Academy, the uniform was meant to be a symbol of unity—a reminder that no matter your lineage or past, you were now part of something greater. But that didn't stop the clothing from being uncomfortable, stiff, and oddly fitting for someone who'd spent their life in more casual attire.
The tailor's shop was tucked away behind a cluster of larger stalls, its sign hanging lazily in the breeze. Inside, the dim light reflected off rows of fabric, from simple wool to shimmering silk. A tailor stood behind the counter, an older man with graying hair and a patchwork apron. He looked up as we entered, his sharp eyes sizing us up in an instant.
"Looking for your Academy uniform, I take it?" he asked, his tone polite but matter-of-fact.
"Yes," I replied. "Dark tunic, trousers, boots, and a light armor set for training."
He nodded, already pulling fabric from the shelves. "We have the standard issue, of course. But if you'd prefer something more fitted, we can adjust it."
Cassandra leaned over to whisper in my ear, her voice filled with mockery. "You're going to be the one to fight with those loose sleeves, aren't you?"
I shot her a look. "I'm not here to make a fashion statement."
"Of course not," she grinned, "but a little style never hurt anyone."
The tailor quickly took our measurements and set to work on the pieces we needed. As he did so, I took a seat and allowed my mind to drift. The thought of the Academy still loomed over me, but now, with each passing moment, it seemed less daunting. I had been through countless trials—training with Cassandra, battling my own fears, and learning to control the power inside me. But the reality of living there, of being surrounded by others like me, was still a strange and unsettling thought.
Cassandra must have noticed my mood shift, as she suddenly appeared by my side, her hands on her hips. "Don't think too much," she said. "You've got this. And if not, you've always got me. I'm only a year ahead of you, after all. I'll make sure they don't bully the new kid."
I smiled, grateful for her presence. "Thanks, Cassandra."
Once our order was placed, we wandered the market for the remainder of the day. Cassandra found a few trinkets and accessories, and I picked up some necessities—a new satchel, a few books, and a dagger to replace the one that had been lost during my earlier training sessions.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at the food stalls, where I bought us both a roasted chicken leg and a thick slice of bread. The warm food seemed to ground me, pulling me back to the present moment.
"So, what's next for you?" I asked between bites.
Cassandra shrugged, her eyes twinkling. "I'm already set for my senior year. But I'll probably check in on you while you're starting out. Make sure you don't get into too much trouble."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You'd be bored in a week."
She gave me a playful shove. "You underestimate me, brother. I've got more tricks up my sleeve than you can imagine."
"Just don't try to take over the place, alright?" I teased.
She winked. "We'll see."
As the sky turned from pink to purple, we made our way back home. The weight of the coming days began to settle in, but for the first time, I felt a quiet sense of readiness. The Academy awaited, but I was no longer afraid of what lay ahead. The journey would be hard, but I wasn't alone.
Not anymore.
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