Aria woke up to the warm rays of the sun peeking through the cracked window of her small cottage. She stretched her arms, feeling the softness of her bed and the warmth of the sun on her skin. A rare smile spread across her face, she couldn't help but feel a spring in her step as she got out of bed.
She padded to the tiny washroom, her feet making soft squelching sounds on the cold floorboards. The water was cold, but refreshing, and she splashed it on her face, feeling the sleepiness wash away. She dressed in her usual attire - a leather tunic, belted at the waist, her hair tied back in a messy knot, like the ancient men of the village. She looked in the mirror, and a young woman with a mischievous gl spark in her eyes stared back. She grinned, feeling a sense of playfulness.
She stepped out into the morning air, and saw her friend Yllg looked up from where she was leaning against the fence, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Partner in crime" she shouted, and Aria laughed, feeling a sense of freedom and joy.
When did you get here? She asked
Minutes ago. Yllg replied with a grin
She looked at her with doubt on her face. What happen? yllg rolled her eye.
Nothing. Aria smirked. And they both chuckled. Let's go there they screamed happily.
The people of Zelda already know they are the most troublesome youth in the village. They always cause trouble.
The two friends took off, running through the market square, leaping from crates to stalls, dodging vendors' shouts, and laughing like wild things. Some villagers pointed and whispered, "That's the man-boy, Aria... tell Yllg to stay away..." Aria and Yllg jumped onto a pile of grain sacks, sending kernels flying everywhere, and laughed harder. The owner chasing them with broom.
They snatched pastries from the baker, who just chuckled and shook his head, and ate as they jumped from roof to roof, the village a playground. The sun was high in the sky, and the air was filled with the smells of fresh bread, roasting meats, and the sound of laughter and shouts.
As the day wore on, they played games of tag, hide-and-seek, and even climbed the ancient tree in the center of the village. They sat on a branch, looking out at the surrounding hills and forests, feeling like they were on top of the world.
Dusk fell, and they landed on the dusty ground, breathless and grinning. "Best day," Yllg shouted on top of her voice, her eyes shining with happiness.
Aria nodded, feeling like she had outrun the shadows. We should go home now yllg said, mum will beat me up. why? Aria asked. it's late she will talk. Thank God you have some one waiting for you at home aria smiled. They both chuckled. Yllg feeling sorry for aria, will you come with me yllg asked. No. I will be fine she said. They parted ways, Yllg to her own house, Aria to hers.
Aria stepped inside, still smiling, and leaned against the door.
Suddenly the memory of the violet light bursting from her palm sent a shiver down her spine. She'd never felt power like that before.
She was Lost in her though when a sudden knock rattled the door. Aria's heart skipped. Who is there? She mumbled She wasn't expecting anyone. and the villagers usually didn't visit this late.
She opened the door to find three strangers standing in the moonlight, robes billowing, eyes piercing, power rolling off them like heat. The air around them seemed to vibrate with energy. Aria's instincts screamed at her to slam the door shut, but she stood frozen, her hand gripping the doorframe.
"We need to talk," one of them said, his voice low but commanding he was wearing crimson robes that seemed to glow in the moonlight.
Aria's hand instinctively tightened on the doorframe. "Who are you?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The trio exchanged glances — a flicker of surprise. "I'm Lord Kaelos," the crimson-robed man said. "These are Lady Nyra and Master Thane. We're… protectors."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "Protectors of what?" She didn't step aside, didn't invite them in. She wasn't about to let strangers into her home.
Lady Nyra stepped forward — her silver veil shimmering in the moonlight. "Of you, Aria. We've been searching for you."
Aria didn't move. Her mind was racing. How did they know her name? What did they want?
Master Thane's voice was gruff. "We've been watching you. The Tsumiki are moving.
Aria's grip on the door tightened. "What do you want?" Her voice was a little softer now, a little more curious.
Lord Kaelos' eyes were kind, but firm. "We want to protect you. The Tsumiki won't stop until they get you."
Aria studied them, they are strangers with power, with secrets, and motives she didn't understand. They seemed genuine, but she wasn't sure she could trust them.
"I don't need protection," she said, voice low.
Lady Nyra's eyes softened. "You don't have a choice. You're… special, Aria. You're a wizard."
Aria laughed — a cold, sharp sound. "I'm not a wizard. I'm just me." She didn't know what they wanted, but she wasn't about to let them label her.
The trio exchanged glances — a mix of calculation and curiosity. "We can explain," Lord Kaelos said. "But not here. Not now. Will you come with us?"
Aria hesitated, She wasn't sure she wanted to go with them, but she was curious.
"Why should I trust you?" she asked, her eyes locked on Lord Kaelos.
Master Thane's voice was blunt. "You shouldn't. But you need us. And we need you."
Aria's eyes flashed, a spark of curiosity, "I'll go," she said. "But I'm not joining anything. I'm not following anyone. I'm doing what I want."
The wizards nodded, not in victory but in understanding. "Then let's go," Lord Kaelos said. "The night isn't safe."
Aria stepped out her boots scuffing the dirt, and the strangers flanking her, power swirling around them like a storm. She didn't know where they were going. She didn't know what they wanted. But she knew one thing, she'd chosen herself.