When they said the knights were coming, the entire village rose to its feet.

People stood along the cobblestone path, watching in silent awe as the knights returned from their last war.

They walked toward the castle with armor scarred and banners lowered, the victors of the battles of Krina.

They were the ones who had done what needed to be done.

The kind of heroes everyone was taught to admire… and to become.

The following chapters spoke of other legends as well.

Of a guardian said to watch over every village, allowing no danger to pass.

Of a wandering shadow that appears to children who linger outside after sunset.

Of the sky when it grows angry and remembers its wrath.

And finally, of the dragon that sleeps within the ancient volcano, guarding secrets no one has lived long enough to tell.

Book of Legends.

The young boy gently closed the Book of Legends, the worn pages still whispering tales of knights, guardians, and dragons through the soft afternoon light that filtered into his small room. Aurel, with his black hair falling in gentle waves around his golden eyes that gleamed like tiny suns, rose from his small, cozy room and walked toward his mother as she called out, “Aurel! Rin! Lunch is ready!”

his younger brother Rin’s bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement, his black hair slightly tousled from play, as he called back in the most endearing tone, “Coming!” His small feet pitter-pattered across the floor, filling the house with a lively rhythm that contrasted with Aurel’s calm, deliberate steps.

The mother of the two boys moved gracefully in the cozy living room, her soft blue eyes reflecting both patience and affection. She carefully set the main dish, Aremolia, on the table, a hearty plate of tender mutton with warm milk resting in shallow bowls at the sides, its aroma mingling with the faint scent of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows.

The boys arrived and took their places, each of them drawn to the familiar comfort of home. Their mother looked at them with a gentle smile, a quiet expression that made even the simplest meal feel like a ritual.

“Come, sit,” she said softly, her voice carrying both warmth and a quiet authority, inviting them into the shared rhythm of the household.

“Where’s Dad?” Rin asked.

“He won’t be home until sunset,” she replied.

The boys started eating.

“Thanks for the food, Mom!” Rin said excitedly.

Aurel smiled and nodded while chewing his food.

“You’re both welcome. May it please your small tummies,” she said with a gentle chuckle.

Aurel swallowed and let out a quiet giggle.

“Aurel was reading me the last chapter about the knights. They were truly super, super, super strong! Their large army was enough to win the battle! Can you believe that?!” Rin said excitedly.

“The knights? Oh, you mean the Black Knights? Yes, they were admirable warriors of the kingdom,” their mother answered calmly.

“Yeah, but what about the Guardian? We still haven’t reached his chapter, yet he’s the most well-known figure in the entire village. Why? I even heard old people talking about him as a real legend, not just in books,” Aurel said, questioning.

“Well… the Guardian is the kindest one. He’s strong against those who threaten us, but gentle with us. He watches over the villages in the dark, that’s what the legend says, though I haven’t seen him in action,” she said with a chuckle.

“By the way, Mom… can we play after th—” Rin began, but she interrupted him.

“No, you’re not. You can’t go out to play today,” she said, silencing him.

Rin pouted.

“Why not, Mom?” Aurel asked.

“Your dad isn’t home yet. He said you shouldn’t go out when he’s not around. Got it?” Her tone turned firm.

“Ugh! Dad’s always out! We barely get to go play!” Rin protested, his pout deepening.

“Do NOT ‘ugh’ me, kiddo! That tone over there… I hate it. It isn’t what we raised you to say to your mother!” she scolded Rin.

“He’s sorry, Mom,” Aurel said, giving Rin a light nudge on the elbow.

“Hmph… fine. Sorry,” Rin mumbled, looking away.

Rin stood up, leaving his plate half-eaten, and started walking to his room with a pout.

“And… where are you going, young man?” she asked.

“To my room. Thanks, by the way,” Rin said before slamming the wooden door behind him.

The mother glanced at Aurel.

“Can you teach him some of your morals?” she said with a smile.

After a few minutes, Rin lay on his small bed, lost in his own thoughts.

The door creaked open.

Aurel walked in, holding Rin’s plate, and placed it gently on the desk beside the bed.

“Mom prepared this for you. You only ate half of it. It’s still warm,” Aurel said, looking straight into Rin’s eyes.

“Eat it before you end up starving yourself for the next few days.”

“Mom isn’t allowing us to go outside for a while,” Rin said, crossing his arms in a childish manner.

“Well, Dad isn’t here. That’s why.” Aurel answered calmly.

“Why is Dad the only reason? Can’t she decide on her own?” Rin asked, pouting.

“It’s Dad’s call, Rin. Don’t forget that,” Aurel said, before turning and walking back toward the door.

“I’m gonna go see Mom, okay? You stay here and eat. After that, go apologize to her.”

“Ugh…” Rin muttered.

“Don’t “UGH” anymore, its not an okay thing to say.” Aurel said and closed the door behind him.

— Lumiraen —

Arvenel thysar, veloriel en Shoriel,

Luminel ven althea, oriel thysar variel.

When the younger brother was left alone in the small room he shared with his older brother, now sitting with his half-eaten plate, he began to eat slowly.

After a few minutes, the mother was washing the dishes and noticed a small figure behind her reflected in one of the spoons. She turned and saw her little son, Rin, standing with his hands behind him in shyness, his gaze fixed on the ground.

“Mom, I’m sorry,” Rin apologized sincerely.

She smiled and pulled him into a warm hug.

“Of course, little one… don’t worry. I’m not mad,” she said, her smile gentle and reassuring.

“I sent Aurel to buy us some apples. I knew it would lift your spirits a bit,” she added.

“Uh? Huh?! For real?! Apples?! At this time?!” Rin exclaimed, surprised.

“Yes, they’re a bit expensive, but you’re worth it,” she said before kissing his forehead.

After a while, the front door was knocked three times.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The mother slowly stood, straightening her apron, and walked toward it. “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice calm but curious.

“It’s me, Kaelar,” he answered.

She opened the door slowly, smiling at her husband. The evening air was cool, and a few dry leaves stuck to his boots. His golden eyes brightened as he saw her, and his black hair fell messily over his forehead from a long day of work.

“Welcome back, sweetie!” she said with a warm smile, stepping aside to let him in. The faint smell of cooking and the cozy warmth of the house greeted him.

“Sorry for being late today as well…” Kaelar said, rubbing the back of his neck, tiredness clear on his face.

“No worries, everything was alright. They behaved at least,” she said with a gentle chuckle, fixing the table a little.

“What took you so long?” Rin asked, running a hand through his messy hair, his small footsteps tapping softly on the wooden floor.

“Uh… hey, buddy… sorry man, had to work extra today,” Kaelar said to Rin, letting out a tired sigh.

“By the way, where’s the hard head?” Kaelar asked with a playful tone.

“Oh… he’s out buying treatment for them,” she said with a chuckle, glancing toward the window where the last sunlight made the room glow.

“treatment? What kind of treatment?” Kaelar asked, curious.

“It’s just apples,” she explained, smiling softly. “I noticed they haven’t had any in a while… might cheer them up for the next few days.”

“Oh… uh… apples…” Kaelar said, biting his lips thoughtfully.

“Hey… don’t worry… it’s from my own savings,” she said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

“No, no, really, no worries… t… they deserve it,” Kaelar insisted, giving a small smile.

Rin’s bright blue eyes darted between his mom and dad, curiosity shining in them.

“Oh… um… so… how about I go take a bath?” Kaelar asked, scratching the back of his neck.

“Sure thing! Let me prepare it for you,” she said with a chuckle, heading toward the bathroom. “I already bathed Rin this morning, so don’t use up all the water, we still need to get Aurel cleaned too.”

The morning sun spread warm light across the village, casting long golden streaks on the cobblestone streets. Smoke rose slowly from small hearths, carrying the smell of fresh bread and warm porridge into the cool air. The market was coming alive, wooden stalls lining the narrow streets, baskets full of fruits and vegetables spilling their colors into the sunlight. Red apples gleamed beside deep purple grapes, and bundles of herbs hung above the stalls, swaying gently in the breeze.

Merchants called out cheerfully, selling their goods to anyone who passed. The clatter of carts and the laughter of children filled the air. A blacksmith hammered tools, pottery clinked as it was arranged, and fabrics flapped softly in the morning wind.

Through the busy crowd, a boy moved carefully. Aurel, his black hair catching the sunlight and golden eyes alert beneath his hood, walked slowly through the stalls. He paused at a table full of shiny apples, lifting each one with gentle hands, choosing only the best.

“Good morning, young master,” said the elderly vendor, smiling. “Looking for something special today?”

Aurel nodded. “Just some apples… the best you have.” His voice was calm, steady, carrying a quiet care.

“And how much is this basket going to be?” Aurel asked.

“Oh, it’s sixty Elionians,” the elderly vendor replied with a warm smile.

“Sixty what?!” Aurel exclaimed quietly, his eyes darting around the busy market.

“Is something wrong, young one?” asked the vendor.

“I… I don’t have that much,” Aurel admitted, glancing at the bright red apples.

“Oh… and how much do you have?” the vendor asked.

“Five… only five,” Aurel said, sincerity in his voice.

“Ah… five, hmm… then I can give you only one apple for your five Elionians,” the vendor said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

“One? Is it really that expensive everywhere?” Aurel asked, a small frown forming on his brow.

“Well… yes. You may find apples elsewhere, but the finest ones are here, young gold eyes,” the vendor said, smiling kindly.

Aurel looked around the bustling market, weighing his options. He took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright… then, just one, please.”

After a few moments, he began walking back home, weaving through the busy market. He watched the stalls, the merchants calling out their wares, the chatter of buyers, and the clatter of carts. A sudden bump on his shoulder startled him.

He hadn’t noticed much until he realized he had collided with a young girl.

By the time he looked down, she was already on the ground. Quick to react, he held out his hand.

“Oh! I… I… I apologize! I didn’t see you,” he said, noticing her grasp his hand and rise slowly. As she brushed the dirt from her dress, Aurel’s eyes traced the fabric with curiosity. It was a full-length linen gown, the central panel a deep forest green that contrasted beautifully with the soft, unbleached cream of the sides and lower sleeves. The long bell sleeves flared elegantly at her wrists, and along the neckline and down the front seams ran delicate, dark geometric trim, woven into the fabric like tiny patterns whispered from another time. The linen was heavy and natural, giving the dress a sturdy yet graceful sway as she straightened herself.

His eyes lingered for a moment as he took in her face. She had light blue eyes and long brown hair, her expression tight with frustration and a faint hurt in her gaze.

“Uhm…” she murmured, saying little.

“You alright?” he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going? That hurts,” she replied sharply, then looked up and met his gaze, her eyes taking in his features.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t notice you. I was looking away,” he apologized again, a hint of earnestness in his tone. “Aurel is my name.”

“Oh… uh… Lilly,” she said softly before looking away quickly, brushing past him as she hurried down the street.

He stood there for a moment, watching her as she hurried through the crowded market streets, her figure slowly disappearing among the people. A few thoughts crossed his mind, but he brushed them aside and continued his way back home.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

His mother, Elariel, opened the door and smiled as she saw him standing there.

“Hey, it was too crowded, wasn’t it?” she asked warmly.

“Yeah, a bit… anyway, I bought one apple for Rin,” Aurel said.

“O..one? Why?” she asked, surprised.

“Uh… I ate mine, but I got this one for him. It was a bit expensive,” he replied, holding up the bright red apple.

She smiled softly. “Alright then… go give it to your brother.”

Aurel walked toward the room he shared with Rin and gently opened the door.

“Hey… got you an apple!” he said.

Rin jumped off the bed and rushed toward his older brother, snatching the apple with a wide grin, his feet bouncing against the floor in pure happiness.

By the time the house grew quieter, the light slipping through the windows had changed.

The sun was no longer bright and high, but low and tired, painting the room in shades of orange and gold.

By the time the house grew quieter, the light slipping through the windows had changed.

The sun was no longer bright and high, but low and tired, painting the room in soft shades of orange and gold.

“Aurel!” his mother called.

Aurel stepped out of his room and walked toward her.

“Yeah?” he replied.

“The water is warm,” she said. “Go take a bath before sleeping. Tomorrow, you’re going to help your daddy on the farm.”

“Sure, I will,” Aurel said, heading toward the bathroom. He prepared clean clothes, then stepped into the warm water as the last light of sunset filtered through the window.

The quiet of the room settled around him, broken only by the faint sound of water.

Okay… um… Lilly was her name.

Why was she upset? Was it because I bumped into her?

Did I really hurt her? No way… or maybe?

I don’t know…

The thoughts drifted through his mind as the warm water flowed around him.

For a brief moment, the warmth made him feel safe.

Too safe.

When Aurel woke at sunrise, he heard someone calling his name.

“Sleepyhead! Wake up! Your clothes are ready. Go wash your face and get prepared. Your dad is waiting for you at the farm,” his mother said.

“Uhmm… fiiine…” he murmured, stretching his arms lazily.

He walked to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, washing his face several times, wiping the sleep from his golden eyes.

After a while, fully dressed and ready, he stood by the front door.

“I’m leaving, Mom.”

“Take care,” she replied, smiling as he closed the door behind him.

Aurel walked slowly along the narrow paths leading toward his father’s farm. His eyes wandered over the world around him. Green trees swayed gently, leaves drifting with the breeze. Wide plains stretched ahead, framed by distant mountains. From afar, the village houses and the market stalls were still visible, small and quiet in the early light. In the other direction, the farm spread out in rich green tones, calm and alive, lifting the mood of anyone who looked upon it.

When he arrived, his father’s voice rang out across the fields.

“Ah! Finally! You’re here!” Kaelar called, carrying a bundle of hay toward the sheep. “Go water the seeds over there!”

Aurel began watering the seeds around the farm, moving from one patch to another, one by one.

It took him a few hours to finish, working alone beneath the rising sun.

When he was finally done, he walked toward the sheep stable, climbed the wooden ladder, and sat on the roof. He drank deeply from his water bottle, letting the breeze cool his skin as he rested.

His gaze drifted across his father’s land. The fields stretched wide and green, quiet and familiar. This farm was everything to them their livelihood, the way they paid their dues, bought what they needed, and survived.

As he looked up at the sky, something caught his golden attention.

A bird was flying above the fields… but not properly.

“Uh… what’s wrong with that bird?” he muttered, his eyebrow lifting in confusion.

The bird wobbled, its movements weak and uneven, before slowly falling toward the ground.

“Uh-” Aurel froze for a split second, then quickly climbed down and ran toward where it had landed.

“Oh… hey, little guy,” he said softly as he knelt beside it. “What’s wrong with you?”

The bird was still alive, breathing, but it couldn’t lift one of its wings.

Aurel gently cupped it in his palm, carefully examining its small body, searching for any sign of injury. There was nothing. No blood. No broken feathers.

“You look fine enough to fly…” he whispered, confusion thick in his voice.

“So why can’t you?”

“You’re warm,” he murmured, still holding the bird gently in his palm.

“And you’re breathing… f—your breathing is getting faster…”

He lifted his eyes to the sky, squinting slightly at the sun. It wasn’t that hot. Not hot enough for a bird to fall like this.

“I’ll take you with me,” he decided softly.

He carried the bird across the fields to his father, who was milking a cow, the steady sound of liquid filling the bucket breaking the silence.

“Dad… I found this bird,” Aurel said. “It fell from the sky. It’s still alive, though.”

“A fallen… bird?” his father repeated, finally glancing at the small creature in Aurel’s hands.

“Yeah. It’s alive for some reason, but it can’t fly. I saw it fall,” Aurel explained.

“A bird with no wings is a dead bird, son,” his father said flatly, turning his attention back to the cow. “Leave it to its destiny.”

“A.. D..D..Dead bird? “ Aurel repeated, his voice tightening.

“But… it has a soul. It’s still breathing.”

“Souls are what keeps us breathing as it seems, yes,” his father replied calmly, never looking back.

“But a human without a heart or a brain is already dead. Just like a bird without wings.”

He continued milking the cow, slow and steady, as if the matter had already ended.

“But I wouldn’t let a living creature die while it’s still breathing,” Aurel said, his voice tight but honest.

“I’ll at least take it to Rin. I’ll make a small cage for it… we’ll keep it at home.”

“Hmph… really?” his father replied, rolling his eyes as he stopped milking.

“Yes. Really,” Aurel said firmly. “It can’t fly anymore. Keeping it at home would be safer.”

“So instead of letting it die,” his father said suddenly, turning toward him, “you’re going to imprison it until it does?”

“W–what? No,” Aurel stammered, confusion spreading across his face. “It’ll be safe. We’ll feed it, give it water..”

“Aurel. Stop this.”

His father’s voice was sharp, final.

The boy met his gaze, golden eyes locking with golden eyes as he took a small step back, the bird still trembling in his hands.

“Why?” Aurel asked quietly.

“Because I said so,” his father replied, lifting the milk bucket and turning away.

“Go home. You’ve done enough for today. And don’t bring that bird with you.”

Aurel stood there for a long moment, staring after him. His lips twitched, his jaw tightening as he held the fragile weight in his palms.

By the time he returned home, the morning had stretched long and heavy.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Elariel opened the door with a warm smile.

“Hey, my love. Welcome back. Lunch is ready..come in,” she said, kissing his cheek.

“Uh… what’s that bag you’re holding?” Rin asked, his eyes catching the small leather pouch in Aurel’s hand.

“Oh… it’s a gift,” Aurel said softly. “For you.”

“For me?!” Rin’s eyes lit up instantly.

Aurel opened the bag and gently revealed the bird—the same one, its wings resting uselessly at its sides.

“Here,” he said. “It’s a bird.”

“WOOOW! It’s so cuuute!” Rin gasped, cheeks flushing as he cradled it carefully.

“It’s not trying to fly away,” Elariel noted, watching closely. “Is that normal?”

“Not really,” Aurel answered. “It fell… and it can’t fly anymore. I don’t know why.”

“But… we don’t have a cage to put it in,” Rin said, glancing down at the bird.

“Well,” Aurel replied calmly, “I figured that since it can’t actually fly, we don’t really need one.”

“That’s such a sweet thing to do for your little brother, Aurel,” Elariel said warmly, kissing his cheek, this time tighter than before.

Aurel smiled at her, a quiet, gentle smile.

“Then I’ll keep it safe!” Rin said proudly.

“Too safe!” Rin giggled a bit.