In the outskirts of Eldoria, the Heart Land Province, where meadows stretched to touch the sky, a cozy village basked in the twilight's glow. Here, Noah, a young soul, inhabited a world of simplicity, at least for he who hasn't realised the "truth". Rustic cottages, adorned with vines and blossoms, stood as indicators to the place that was their mundane home. Laughter, like a lively melody, echoed as children chased whatever they found of interest. Elders, gathered by the communal hearth, as they spoke of tales of ancient magic beneath the canvas of a starlit sky.

And inside this simple village, there was a certain boy, whose age had just reached thirteen, Noah, the carefree spirit of his village – a lively embodiment of curiosity and innocence. With messy, earth-toned brown locks that mirrored the primitive meadows, his bright hazel eyes that sparkled with the same pallete that illuminated the evening sky.

A perpetual smile adorned his youthful face, a testament to the cheerfulness that colored his world. Clad in simple garments that bore the marks of a child's sugar rush, Noah's appearance resonated with the rustic charm that was his surroundings. 

He was known for his herd-like camaraderie. Always at the center of playfulness, he gathered friends like sheep to a shepherd. Whether chasing imaginary creatures or engaging in games of chase and hide, Noah's laughter would ring out every time. 

And now, it was the day, the time eagerly awaited by every villager in this simple haven. The air buzzed with anticipation as the sun gave out it's last ray of the day, the night then rose as it began. This marked the onset of "Talantoùchous," a festival unique to their village, a celebration entwined with both joy and the unveiling of potential.

As the night came, casting a modest breeze upon the village, the air filled with the scent of hearty dishes and the sounds of laughter, a banquet of sorts. Tables laden with simple yet delectable offerings adorned the communal space, whether it'd be fruits, vegetables, even meat, all was natural and good! And the villagers gathered, each contributing to the mosaic of flavors that awaited them. Noah, with his messy hair and infectious grin, joined the throng, the excitement shone in every step.

The Festival wasn't just a mere feast; it was a tradition rooted in the practice of magic. As the village shared in merriment, there lingered an unspoken anticipation. For today, beneath the festivity's veil, a subtle "wouh" whispered through the air – and the moment it passed, the children of the village would be tested for their latent magic potential by the village. 

As the night sky adorned itself with the glow of stars, the elders gathered at the heart of the celebration. The village head, a figure revered for wisdom and experience, stepped forward. In the gentle flicker of torchlight, the chosen children would be revealed. The air hummed with a charged energy as the village head raised a hand, casting a ceremonial silence over the assembly.

"Eleni!" The village head's voice echoed through the village, calling forth a young girl with eyes reflecting the greenery of nature. Eleni, known for making flowers bloom with a mere touch, stood with not a mix, but full confidence in her ability, such was a child's innocence, there was no room for negative emotions. 

"Nikolas!" Another name joined the night, summoning a boy whose laughter was known for it's hyena-like similarity. Nikolas, who once unintentionally summoned a breeze to carry his kite higher, stepped forward, his eyes wide with anticipation.

One by one, the village head's call reached into the crowd, each chosen child marked by their past accidental encounters with magic. The air shimmered with the potential for something extraordinary. As the names resonated under the starlit sky, the selected children stepped forward, their faces filled with mixed emotions– excitement, curiosity, and a tinge of nervousness. Tonight, they would discover if the magic that once stirred within them could be summoned at will.

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Amidst the hushed excitement and the unveiling of potential mages, Noah sat at the tables of the banquet, his gaze drifting over the ceremony. Eleni, Nikolas, and the others received their moment in the starlit spotlight, their names echoing in the minds of all that were watching. But Noah, with his messy hair and carefree grin, remained remarkably unfazed.

While one might assume jealousy or longing would stir within him, Noah's thoughts were anchored in a different set altogether. As the village head continued the ceremonial calls, Noah's mind meandered through visions of laughter, playful games, and the aroma of the feast yet to be devoured.

His lack of concern for the event unfolding around him was both genuine and refreshing. While the chosen children reveled in their competitions, Noah's thoughts revolved around the simple joys of the festival.

Suddenly, his name was called.

"Noah!"

Startled from the call of his name, Noah turned to see his mom, her voice cutting through the festival cheer. She beckoned him closer.

"Go fetch some water from the river," 

She said, a gentle reminder in her tone. 

"You still remember the route, right?"

A pout formed on Noah's face as he responded, "But mom, I want to stay here and watch the show!" in a childish and bratty tone, with a tinge of pleading hidden.

His mother, unimpressed, knocked him lightly on the head and replied, "Noah, honesty is a virtue. Don't fib to me. Now, off you go. The festival will still be here when you return, and I expect no dawdling."

With a sigh, Noah mumbled, "Fine," his eyes cast downward in a mock display of sadness as his hand rubbed the head that was "assaulted"

He made his way through the festival crowd, leaving the vibrant heart of the celebration behind as the loud noises of chatter and celebration silenced. Noah arrived at their cottage, a quaint abode nestled on the outskirts of the festivities. The familiar creak of the door greeted him as he entered, searching for the bucket needed for the task at hand.

With a quick scan of the cottage, Noah's eyes fell upon a familiar copper pot. Seizing it, he cradled it in his left hand, the cool surface of the pot a stark contrast to the festival warmth he left behind. Armed with the makeshift water carrier, he made his way back into the open air.

With the copper pot in hand, Noah ventured towards the river, the night enfolding him in its serene embrace. As he trod the well-known path, nocturnal sounds enveloped his ears – the chirping of birds, the gentle rustle of leaves in the trees, and the soothing murmur of the nearby stream.

The air carried a slight chill, a whisper of the breeze that played with his messy hair. Noah, anticipating the encroaching darkness, had brought a flickering candle nestled in a makeshift lantern as he held it up with his right hand. Its feeble glow cast his shadow on the path ahead, a meager source of light against the darkness. 

With the copper pot in hand and the minuscule glow of the lanter, Noah ventured towards the river. The night's grasp accompanied him, but as darkness settled in, a subtle unease crept over him. The earthly sounds that once felt comforting now carried an eerie air of mystery in his thoughts. 

The chill in the air seemed to intensify, and Noah quickened his pace, the rhythmic tapping of his hurried steps echoing in the night. The feeble glow of the lantern struggled to push back the darkness, casting elongated shadows that danced eerily onto the path.

With the copper pot in hand and the glow of the lantern ever worse, Noah hastened towards the river. The night's symphony accompanied his hurried steps as if it were a time bomb, the urgency echoing in his whisper, "Gotta hurry, gotta hurry."

Reaching the riverbank, he hastily placed the lantern on a nearby rock, its dim glow barely lighting up the place. The copper pot dipped into the cold water with a splash, Noah's movements quick and somewhat sloppy. In his haste, a careless splash sent droplets onto the flickering lantern, its glow diminishing. 

And as expected, the glow soon dissipated and the surroundings plunged into darkness.

"AHHHHH!"

Noah's scream cut through the night, a raw expression of fear and horror escaping his lips, echoing in the tranquil darkness. The feeble light extinguished, leaving him enveloped in the abyss of the unknown, one must know the area had no lights whatsoever! 

Driven by terror, Noah turned on his heels and bolted back in the direction from whence he came. The copper pot and the extinguished lantern were abandoned, forgotten in the face of childish fear.

"MAMA! MAMA! MAMA!"

The night resonated with Noah's desperate cries, his voice carried away by the wind as he ran, tears threatening to spill. 

Suddenly, as he drew close to the village, his eyes still clouded with fear, Noah's senses shifted. The scent of burning wood reached him, and the warmth of a growing fire radiated against his face. His eye widened in confusion, his fear momentarily replaced by a different kind of urgency...