Morning rose over the small village of Solva?l, Nerya waking slowly beneath the glow of the sun.

  She left her bed and dressed, looking through the window where the first leaves had fallen from the trees, announcing the beginning of Autumn.

  “I would have liked to wake earlier, papa must have already left for work,” she whispered.

  She then left her room and headed for the kitchen, Zephyra already seated and lifting her gaze to her as she arrived.

  “Good morning, little dormouse, did you sleep well?” Zephyra said with a smile.

  “Mom, I’m not three anymore. But yes, I slept well. I suppose I missed papa then?” Nerya asked.

  “Yes, he left a while ago already. But he told me he would be back earlier today,” Zephyra replied.

  Nerya sat down at the table, pouring herself some fruit juice as Zephyra rose to serve her a small bowl of milk.

  She drank a long gulp, yawning as she set her glass down before lifting her eyes back to her mother.

  “By the way, it’s been three months since you turned nine now. Your training in magic has progressed well too, have you started thinking about what you’d like to do later?” Zephyra continued.

  “Not really, no. I’d like to become an adventurer like you, see new landscapes and all that. I’ve been thinking for a while about seeing other regions, but I still have time,” Nerya replied, smiling at her.

  “Indeed, guild registrations are only accepted from the age of fifteen, and with proper mastery of weapons and magic. But you could start by joining your father, couldn’t you? They accept the young from twelve onward and train them over several years,” Zephyra explained.

  Zephyra rose again and stepped closer to Nerya, bending slightly as she wrapped her arms around her neck.

  She pulled her close and held her for a long moment.

  “Mom, what are you doing? I’m not going to run away,” Nerya grumbled.

  “I know, but to think my little baby has become a big girl. Talking about your future, when four years ago you were crying because you missed the awakening,” Zephyra breathed.

  She released Nerya and stepped back, looking her up and down, her expression torn between joy and sadness.

  “By the way, how is your companion doing? You’re keeping her well hidden like we told you, right?” she asked.

  “Yes, she stays within me. Even if often I’d like to let her out to spend time with her, it can’t be very pleasant to stay locked away all the time,” Nerya replied, placing a hand on her chest.

  “I know, my dear, but that creature is not something common. As long as we don’t know why, it’s better to avoid showing her, to spare yourself ill looks,” Zephyra explained.

  A silence settled in, Nerya finishing her breakfast before cleaning everything away.

  She went to the bucket of water and placed everything inside, then closed her eyes and focused.

  As was her habit, she imagined the water in her mind, giving it precise movements.

  “Aqua vilgua ileniem,” she murmured.

  The water began to stir, flowing into the glass and swirling rapidly inside it, before withdrawing and rising to pour itself into another small bucket.

  She repeated the process to clean her small bowl, then gathered everything and put it away in the cupboards.

  “You’re doing better and better, I don’t have to mop the floor after your cleaning anymore,” Zephyra said with a laugh.

  “Even your father still does it like an Oakmaw.”

  Nerya returned to sit at the table and looked at her mother, hesitating to speak before finally making up her mind.

  “Would it bother you if I went to see Telyssia? She’s supposed to receive her results today, I’d like to be with her at that moment. Please, mom,” Nerya asked, putting on pleading eyes.

  “Tsss, sometimes I tell myself you spend too much time with her. You look like two sisters when people see you, honestly. But yes, you can go, it’s an important day for her,” Zephyra replied.

  Nerya rose at once, all smiles, walked to her mother and kissed her on the cheek in thanks.

  She then hurried to her room, putting on her small skirt and thick stockings.

  She also slipped on a little top covered by a thin wool sweater, before pulling on her boots that rose just beneath her knees.

  She left the room cheerfully, heading for the door and putting on her coat.

  But Zephyra’s voice called out to her.

  “On the way, could you stop by the market to see Melphina? I’d like you to bring back a few vegetables, please. And some milk too, we’re nearly out of our reserves,” she asked, holding out a pouch of silver.

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  Nerya shook her head with exasperation, turning back to her mother to take the pouch she was offering.

  “I suppose you asked dad, but he forgot when he left?” Nerya sighed.

  “As always. He’s a good husband and father, but as soon as it comes to household tasks, his memory vanishes as if by magic,” Zephyra replied.

  “Be careful out there. And don’t worry, Melphina already knows what to give you.”

  Nerya grasped the handle and left the house, crossing the garden before passing through the small gate.

  She set off along the path with a light, skipping step, the cool air still pleasant against her skin.

  She passed by Grydhor’s forge, exchanging a nod with him as the crash of hammered metal rang out.

  Then she reached the barracks where the soldiers trained, passing through the refectory, empty at that hour.

  She went through the door at the back and entered the yard, the soldiers training in groups under Eldran’s watchful eye.

  Seeing his daughter at the entrance, he immediately headed toward her.

  “What are you doing here? Did something happen at home?” he asked, panicked.

  Nerya smiled at his expression and shook her head.

  “No, I came to see Telyssia. Today’s the day she’s supposed to receive her results,” Nerya replied.

  “Oh, that’s right, yes. I’d completely forgotten, since her return she never talks about it,” Eldran said.

  He motioned for Nerya to follow him, crossing the yard toward the wooden dummies.

  Telyssia stood nearby, striking her blade through the air to refine her posture.

  “So, young lady, wouldn’t you have forgotten to tell us something?” Eldran asked curtly.

  Telyssia stiffened mid-motion, her wooden sword slipping from her hands.

  She hurriedly picked it up and straightened, turning toward Eldran and Nerya.

  “Forgotten… I… no, I didn’t forget anything,” she stammered.

  “You didn’t receive the results of your exam? Today was the day you were supposed to get them. At this hour, you must already have received them,” Eldran pressed.

  Telyssia lowered her eyes sadly, pointing with her finger toward one of the benches set against the wall.

  Various belongings lay upon it, and Telyssia walked over, followed by Eldran and Nerya.

  “I did receive a letter, but… I don’t dare open it. When I saw it, I just froze, I couldn’t even look at it. I’ve already failed once, and… I’m too afraid that I’ve ruined everything again,” she finally said.

  Nerya stepped closer, slipping her arms around her waist and holding her tight.

  “No, you’re strong, we trained hard together. There’s no reason for you to fail,” she said.

  “Strong? I’m being comforted by a child who was crying in my arms a few years ago. Since when are you the one comforting others? Where is the little girl who used to call me Tatayssia?” Telyssia replied with a smile.

  Nerya loosened her hold as Telyssia picked up the envelope and handed it to Eldran so he could open it.

  He tore the back and pulled out a sheet, where a long written text could be seen through the thin paper.

  A long silence settled, Eldran’s brows knitting as he read.

  He finally folded the letter and handed it back to Telyssia, his own expression turning sorrowful.

  “You still have progress to make, young lady… they’re expecting you at the castle in two months to present you with your diploma, and they will also assign you your first duties as a guard,” Eldran said, laughing loudly.

  Telyssia did not understand at once, her expression remaining sad as she lowered her eyes.

  But Nerya, who jumped with joy, grabbing her hand and squeezing it, made the words finally sink in.

  “You see, you succeeded, no need to doubt yourself that much,” Nerya exclaimed.

  Telyssia had a few tears well up in her eyes without meaning to, hugging Nerya in return before releasing her and bowing to Eldran.

  “Thank you very much, it’s thanks to you. I don’t know how to thank you,” she said.

  “Don’t thank me, it’s because you worked hard that you’re here. Don’t lower your arms and make us proud, Telyssia,” Eldran replied.

  “Well, I’m going to go now, mom wants me to stop by the market on the way back. Congratulations, Telyssia, we’ll celebrate it at home,” Nerya cut in.

  She did not give them time to answer and walked away, quickly disappearing through the exit.

  “Since when is she this grown-up, seriously? I know children grow, but I feel like I’m seeing a miniature Zephyra there,” Eldran said with a smile.

  As Telyssia shrugged while staring at the exit, Nerya was already in the street, heading toward the market.

  She reached the main square quickly, happy for Telyssia.

  She then headed for Melphina’s stall.

  “Hello, I’ve come to pick up the order my mom placed,” Nerya said.

  “Oh, hello young miss. Everything is ready, here you go. How is Zephyra doing?” Melphina replied.

  Nerya handed her the money and took the bag, setting it on the edge of the stall.

  “She’s doing well. Since her missions leave her a bit more time, we can be together a little longer,” Nerya explained.

  “That’s good then, I’m happy for you. Give her my regards,” Melphina said.

  With a wave of the hand, they parted, and Nerya set off again with her bag.

  She stopped at another stall and bought the milk as well, before starting back home.

  Though she hurried to return to announce the news to her mother, she slowed her pace when she heard the bottles clinking together.

  She finally arrived home, setting the bag on the table as Zephyra came out of the washroom.

  “You were quick, my dear, I thought you would have stayed longer there,” Zephyra said.

  “I thought so too, but Telyssia passed her exam. We could do something to congratulate her, mom, especially since she’s leaving in two months,” Nerya explained.

  Zephyra smiled broadly at those words, while Nerya split inwardly as she spoke them.

  Two months, does that mean I won’t be able to see her anymore after that? She’ll be too busy to come back here, she thought.

  “Come on, don’t make that face. If we want to celebrate her success, there’s no time to lose. Will you help me prepare everything?” Zephyra asked.

  Nerya returned her a smile and set down her coat, taking the vegetables and the milk from the bag before helping Zephyra.

  They spent a large part of the day making small cakes, but also drinks with the fruit gathered from their garden.

  The sun accompanied their preparations, the two of them bickering from time to time, ending with flour smeared across their faces.

  But everything was abruptly interrupted, Zephyra freezing in place as the alert horn began to sound throughout the village.

  The sound faded, Nerya and Zephyra waiting, until another blast rang out again.

  In total, five horn calls shattered the silence, Zephyra’s expression changing completely as she seized Nerya’s hand.

  “Put on your coat, quickly, we have to go to the gate now,” she said urgently.

  Nerya did not argue at the closed look on her mother’s face, dressing quickly as they hurried outside.

  In her mind everything spun, she knew the horn calls, but never had she heard five of them until today.