Halethia, one of the five members of Regia Confederacy was a kingdom famous for its legendary sites. Among them were Mount Hvalgarr and Mordsgard Mount to the west, and the Griffin Cliff to the east. These three places were said to host all kinds of monsters as well as heroic events in the past.

One more legendary place worth mentioning was Piar Plains to the south of Lu Vazr. That place was an ideal spot for shepherds to herd their goats and sheeps. Not only that, Piar was also the favorite destination for two kinds of creatures. One being vicious beasts looking for prey, and the other being those who hunted them.

In fact, a pack of wolves had begun attacking the grazing sheeps. After all, a herd of sheeps on an open plain in daylight was a tempting invitation to lunch for these predators. Yet the pack was soon met with a group of three armed hunters.

“Maven, guard the left flank! I’ll guard the right! Sophia, shoot toward the middle of the pack!” Reyl commanded to coordinate their fighting tactics. He covered his blade with magically blazing fire, ready to burn everything it touched.

“All right!” Maven complied from her position, charging towards the encircling wolves.

Both of them fought in formation, in order to protect their third partner until she completed her spell casting.

“I’m ready!”

Maven and Reyl quickly stepped aside, followed by a shout, “An Jokul’me Shuryv!”

That spell triggered an Ice Needle Rain to shower from a clear sky. These very sharp needles managed to pierce some of the wolves and almost wiped them out. This attack instantly routed the remaining wolves.

And now it was their turn to fall prey to Reyl’s sword and Maven’s daggers running amok. Five more wolves fell to the ground. The remaining five yelped and ran for their lives.

“Phew, luckily we didn’t have to fight all of them. That would be way more then I can chew,” Sophia commented in relief while wiping out the sweat from her forehead.

Reyl wiped the blood stain away from his sword, saying, “I don’t think we will have to. We’re a pretty complete team. With my power, Maven’s and your magic, we can pretty much deal with any kind of obstacles. Right, Mave?”

“Uh…. yeah…. Of course,” Maven replied awkwardly while sheathing her daggers. She became restless when Sophia suddenly jumped to cling on Reyl like a little girl to her overlarge doll.

“Thank you, young 'uns. You have saved my livestock. The wolves only stolen one sheep," said an old shepherd who approached Reyl to thank him, while his loyal dog barked and ran cheerfully to herd the remaining sheeps.

“Yes, sir. That’s my Reyl,” Sophia said. “Let alone wolves, he can even kill a dragon without blinking.”

Still embracing his girlfriend, Reyl protested, “You’re exaggerating, Sophia. We could win just now thanks to your and Maven’s strength. There’s no way I could’ve done it without you two. Isn’t that right, Mave?”

All eyes were on Maven, who could only freeze on the spot with her face reddened. Reyl was fully aware of what caused her reaction. Yet he still laughed at her along with Sophia. It only turned the elf girl's face even redder.

The shepherd then excused himself after paying the group with the sum that he could afford. As she was shaking the swelling money pouch, Sophia declared, “I think that’s enough for today. I have to return to the city and prepare for a special occasion tonight.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Maven was surprised. “Tonight? What occasion? What are we going to do tonight?”

“Oh, you know it already. It’s ‘that day’, you know?” Sophia tilted her head and bent her lips to give Maven a clue.

But the elf only shook her head cluelessly. “What are you talking about? I’m not following you.”

“Ah, I remember now. Today is my birthday, and Sophia will going throw me a surprise party,” said Reyl while slipping in between the two girls.

“Oh, come on…. There’s no surprise anymore now.” Sophia lamented. “Don’t tell me you don’t know Reyl’s birthday, Mave?”

“I never asked him about it,” the elf replied. “I have neither even known the exact day I was born nor I ever have a birthday party back in the monastery. So it simply never occurred to me ask about anyone’s birthday.”

“Ooh, that’s too bad.” Sophia said as she contrived pity. “So it means you still haven't gotten a present for Reyl, right? The party is tonight, so you better hurry to town.”

Reyl showed his hand. "It’s okay, Maven. Your work for the last three weeks is already enough to be my present.”

Sophia protested, “It's not! A birthday present should be something special, since it’s meant to celebrate a special day marking how long we have gone in life. A special present will always remind us to that mark… and the person who gave it. That’s why birthday tradition is important, at least for me.”

Reyl simply nodded. While Maven was reminded of the bow and arrow sack that Reyl had given her. It’s not a birthday present, but it has taught her the value of a present. She then secretly, quietly and softly rubbed them.

The problem, however, was how to find Reyl a present in less then five hours.

It suddenly occurred to her, perhaps Sophia was trying to humiliate her in purpose. Maven shook her head and threw away such petty prejudice.

==oOo==

The sun was set, and the activities of Lu Vazr began to dissipate. Houses began to light up their candles and lanterns.

On the lawn besides Reyl’s house a bright commotion could be seen. There were three women and a man sitting on the dining table to share a simple supper.

“Mmm, your cooking is great as always, Sophia!” Reyl praised her while biting a chicken’s thigh.

“Actually the ingredients of today are special. With Madame Lei’s pointers, of course,” Sophia answered, lifting her head up in pride.

Nepathya Lei, who was sitting across the couple added, “Sophia is now very capable in house chores. It's clear, she is ready to become a wife and a home maker.”

Maven didn’t comment anything and did her best to ignore Lei beside her by drinking her warm chamomile tea.

“And now, since we’re finished dining, let’s start the main event! Happy Birthday, Reyl!” Sophia announced. And then she kissed Reyl in the cheek.

Her action surprised Maven, who accidentally spilled the tea she was drinking to her face. Sophia laughed at Maven heartily, while Reyl could only shake his head.

Lei glared slightly at Sophia to signal her, which Sophia quickly understood. Sophia immediately showed a little cloth-wrapped bundle to Reyl. “Here’s my present! Please, open it.”

Reyl undid the bundle slowly to find a necklace adorned with an azure pendant, shaped into a ice crystal with an artful, elaborate texture. The pendant reflected the light of the lamp perfectly, showing a rare view unmatched in beauty.

Reyl and Maven were awestruck, they couldn’t say a thing. Surely, it was an impressive present.

“Let me put it on you.” Sophia took the pendant and draped it around the young man’s neck. From the front, the pendant matched his black attire with golden sides very well.

“This pendant feels…cold.” Reyl rubbed on it in awe.

“Of course. This magic pendant is called Crylionel or Frozen Soul. Aside from protecting its wearer from fire magic, it will also cool you down nunder the heat of the day.”

“Wow… this is incredible. But my alignment is fire. Will this necklace hinder my energy?”

“It should not. I’ve taken that into account. I wouldn’t have given it if it would hinder you.”

Reyl lifted, fondled, and inspected the ice crystal-shaped pendant as he commented, “Thanks, Sophia. This is truly a special present.” He kissed Sophia's lips.

Maven quickly turned away.

Nepathya Lei smiled contentedly, then looked to Maven, as if saying, ‘Do you have anything to match that?’

Being taunted like that, Maven tried to repress her emotion. She took a deep breath before rising from her seat.

“Reyl, I also have a present for you. I shall sing a song that I just composed for this occasion,” said Maven tenderly.

“Wow, you have time to compose a song. Didn't you help me in the kitchen all day?” Sophia expressed her doubt.

“Don’t be surprised, Sophia.” Reyl pointed at Maven with his eyes. “Maven is very smart. She learns faster then any of us. I’m sure thinking up a song while doing chores is no problem for her. Please go ahead, Mave.”

Lei chose to observe in silence.

Maven nodded, took a breath and began to sing.