The day had barely begun to break when Aldar awoke, the morning still had its quiet pre-dawn stillness. Aldar was eight, but he had the mature demeanor of a boy older, having learned early on to adapt to the disciplined rhythm of life in the monastery orphanage.

He padded softly through the monastery's long corridors, the warm stone beneath his feet is echoing the hall. The morning light filtering through the tall, arched windows painted intricate patterns of golden hue on the time-worn floor. Aldar felt a sense of comfort and familiarity in these quiet moments of solitude.

Reaching the grand dining hall, he joined the other children at a long wooden table laden with simple yet nourishing food. There was the warm, hearty porridge that filled the hall with a comforting aroma, freshly baked bread from the monastery's own ovens, and a selection of fruits from the orchards nearby. Eagerly awaiting Aldar's arrival were his friends. First, there was Illun, a striking half-beast, half-elf, his exotic features a testament to his heritage. Not far behind was Erat, the mischievous half-demon, half-human, a playful glint always dancing in his eyes. The third member of this welcoming committee was Desra, the enigmatic half-faerie, half-demon, always ready with a sly grin. And finally, Yst, the only pure human among them, flashed a warm, welcoming smile. 

Settling down at the worn, wooden table, Aldar’s eyes were heavy with sleep and his hair tousled messily. At this sight, a mischievous glint twinkled in Desra’s eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a sly grin, teeming with unspoken mischief. The temptation of poking fun at his lethargic friend was too irresistible to ignore.

Desra, with a teasing smirk chimed, “Aldar, it appears Zelena believes you’ve discovered some mystical ability, the exceptional talent to slumber through even the loudest of clamors. She's humorously suggested a new title for you: 'The Drowsy Lord'.

The unexpected nickname sparked a wave of snickering among the boys huddled around the table. The echo of their laughter rippled through the room, cutting through the early morning tranquility.

At the mention of Zelena's name, Aldar’s eyebrows furrowed into a perplexed frown. "Where are Zelena and Mitro?" he inquired, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

From across the table, Yst, replied while still suppressing the remnants of his laughter. "They left earlier, intending to set up for today’s class," he explained, amusement lurking in his voice. "Mitro was up early and whipped up breakfast, sharing it with Zelena. And they did leave a message: your tardiness has earned you a chore—you've been sentenced to clean the table.

At this a disgruntled grunt escaped Aldar, and the laughter around the table gained a new surge of energy.Once breakfast was over, it was time for Aldar's first daily lesson. He walked with vigor to the chamber of learning, a place filled with the soft rustle of parchment and the lingering scent of ink and old books. 

As he opened the door into the chamber of learning, Aldar could hear the snickering and giggling of his friends. Approaching toward his friends, Aldar could see Desra running after Erat screaming. Erat was laughing while running for his dear life and continuing to taunt Desra for his short figure. While Erat was making a clean escape, Illun trips Erat. Erat who was looking back at Desra while running fell face flat into the ground making everyone stand still for a couple of seconds before breaking into a huge laughter. 

At the same time Priestess Zelena comes forth to reprimand the kids.

Illun, Desra and Yst apologizes to Zelena but as they try to hold back their laughter it becomes even worse and they start bawling out laughters. Making Erat even more pissed of the situation. 

"Children, it's time to settle down," Priestess Zelena, a female elf, instructed. Zelena, their mentor, emitted a mother's authority and safety, her commanding tone and strict actions imbuing every interaction. Her eyes, deep-set and wise, twinkled with a gentle touch. Passing the children, she walked over to Erat, who was holding back tears. "See, Erat, this is the consequence of your actions," she admonished, causing the children to burst into laughter and Erat to blush at the situation.

Then, Zelena began chanting, "By the divines, please aid me," as she healed Erat's bruised face. "Silly Erat," she counseled, "if you don't want to endure these bouts, you shouldn't taunt other people. If this behavior continues, I will have to let you suffer the bruises without healing them." Erat clenched his fist and defended himself, saying, "If Illun hadn't tripped me, this wouldn't have happened!" Illun, giggling at his accomplishment, retorted, "Haha, Erat. Next time, just be better." 

Then, capturing the group's attention once more, Zelena addressed them with authority yet warmth in her voice. "Children, please take a seat. The first lesson of the day is about to commence." Under her nurturing guidance, Aldar and the other boys were set to delve into the understanding of mana and its fundamental usage.

"Mana, in its essence, is the medium through which your will interacts with the world," Zelena began, her voice carrying a certain mystique. "To master the control of mana, we will learn to meditate. Start by settling into a lotus position. Breathe calmly, and empty your mind of clutter. Envision a flow of energy streaming from your heart, down to your legs, ascending to your arms and face, and finally, spiralling back to your heart. Try to keep this energy flow rotating in a continuous loop."

After a period of concentrated silence, the first to lose their concentration was Yst, shortly followed by Erat, Illun, and Desra. Aldar, however, remained immersed in his meditative state the longest.

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Zelena acknowledged their effort with a warm smile. "Well done, children. You've shown great endurance and commitment."

Illun, curiosity piqued, asked, "Teacher, how come Aldar always lasts the longest?"

Zelena responded, "Each person has a unique affinity for mana. Aldar seems to have a strong connection and good control over it. But remember, with consistent practice and dedication, any of you might surpass him." With a knowing smile, she kindled a sense of friendly rivalry among the children.

"Well then, children, it's time to transition to your second lesson. Priest Mitro is eagerly awaiting your arrival."

As they made their way to the next class, Aldar took advantage of Zelena's absence to rib Erat. "Erat, that nose dive of yours just before class started was quite the spectacle," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. His words prompted a ripple of laughter from Illun.

Joining in on the banter, Desra, his voice rich with amusement, added, "Indeed, it was nothing short of a performance art."

Aldar chuckled at Desra's remark before turning back to Erat, "You truly got what you deserved, Erat. It seems like Xalena was watching over me, bestowing swift justice."

Erat responded with a challenging glint in his eyes, "Next time, I'll find a way to make all three of you pay. Just you wait." His words were accompanied by determined huffing and puffing as they continued their trek to the next class. 

As they open the door, they are greeted by the second priest at the monastery, Priest Mitro Raven, a male half beast, half human, and a father figure to the children. "Hello, kids! I hope you had a wonderful morning and time with Priestess Zelena," Mitro says, greeting each child with a hug and a tussle of their hair. This prompts a grunt from Yst and Erat.

Mitro would conduct the second lesson of the day, which would be about the land of Eryndor, its rich history, and the tales of the Pantheon Xane. Mitro was always meticulous in ensuring that these lessons were more than just history. They were meant to imbue the children with the principles they would need as they grew older. He would conclude the session with a discourse on manhood — not in terms of strength or dominance, but with a focus on care, understanding, and supporting the women in their lives.

As the lesson draws to a close, Aldar raises his hand in curiosity, posing a question to his mentor. "If men are always considered weaker than women in terms of strength, can't we focus on harnessing other forces to compensate for it?"

Mitro acknowledges Aldar's question with a thoughtful nod. "Indeed, Aldar, men tend to have a stronger affinity for holy spells compared to women, who typically excel in physical enhancements. This difference often makes direct combat a significant challenge for men, unless they choose to specialize in a more magic-oriented combat approach." 

He then adds, "However, while women might generally possess higher stamina, allowing them to cast more spells, that doesn't necessarily make them superior in all aspects. It is important to remember that everyone possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, and the key is to harness these qualities effectively. That said, this is a discussion for another time, specifically with Priestess Zelena. Once you reach the age of twelve, you'll start learning the art of combat. For now, our focus is on teaching you how to behave yourself appropriately within society."

As the second class ended, the first grunt of a hungry stomach emits. Illun says in a weak voice that he is feeling very hungry. Knowing that the bigger part of the day has passed the boys venture to the dining hall. In the hall Mitro has already prepared dinner beforehand with magic. Both mentors join the boys for dinner. 

As the dinner progresses, both Illun and Erat are eating sloppily, prompting Zelena to admonish their table manners. This causes Mitro to discuss dinner etiquette, reminding the boys, "Remember, kids, it's important for boys to maintain a dignified appearance and handle their image with care." 

With a mischievous spirit, Aldar looks at Desra and Erat, both of them chomping away at their food, crumbs flying and sauces smearing. He then turns to Illun and Yst, chuckling lightly, "You know, Yst and Illun, I've finally figured out why Desra and Erat have such terrible table manners."

Illun and Yst look at him curiously, "Oh really, Aldar, and why's that?"

Aldar grins mischievously, "Because they always take 'eat like a beast' literally when Mitro says it!"

The room instantly erupted into waves of laughter, the mirth causing Desra to feel a twinge of embarrassment over the situation. Erat's eyes sparkled with a mischievous intent as he quietly began formulating a plan of retaliation against Aldar. As Aldar was in the midst of his hearty laughter, Erat took advantage of the moment to fling a spoonful of mashed potatoes directly onto Aldar's face.

The sudden intrusion caused Aldar to choke slightly on the food that splattered onto his face, which in turn triggered Erat and Desra to double over in laughter. However, their merriment was quickly disrupted by Zelena's stern voice, "Mr. Erat, we do not waste food! Both you and Aldar will clean up this mess as punishment for such behavior."

As she continued, "And you will also attend an additional class on table manners with Mitro," the reprimand hung heavy in the air. Yet, amidst the serious atmosphere, giggles from the other boys could still be heard, struggling to stifle their amusement at the unfolding situation.

As the day gradually transitioned into night, a certain realization dawned on Aldar. Tomorrow would mark the 7th of the month. It was his birthday, and he would be turning nine.

Aldar's birthdays held a unique charm, graced with an extraordinary phenomenon that he eagerly anticipated each year. As he aged, a special gift awaited him - lucid visions of an alternative existence. These weren't ordinary dreams, rather, they were vivid, tangible glimpses of Aldar living in a different world. Remarkably, within these visions, his age mirrored his new age in reality.

This enigmatic cycle started when he turned five, and since then, arrived punctually with each passing birthday. Each vision offered snippets of a life that was simultaneously alien and familiar - a different incarnation of Aldar thriving in a realm distinct from his own. Nestling into his bed that night, his thoughts were awash with curiosity and a tinge of excitement for the fresh insights that the following day, his ninth birthday, would potentially unveil.

———

Years whizzed by in a joyful blur at the orphanage, and before they knew it, their family expanded with a few more boys. Each one distinct, adding their own colors to the Moonshade Orphanage. 

First to stride through the welcoming doors was Ymir, an blend of dwarf and elf. Intertwining the grounded resilience of dwarven heritage with the mystical elegance of the elves. 

Next came Aethe, a pure-blooded elf, with his tranquil demeanor and enchanting grace. He contributed an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder.

Finally, Maero joined their ranks, a unique half-beast, half-human. Maero's demeanor made an air of unpredictability and excitement to the Moonshade Orphanage.