Rael strode purposefully through the village, his steps imbued with determination as he sought out the familiar presence of old Shepherd Bryn. The vibrant rays of the sun bathed the meadow in a golden glow, casting a serene ambiance over their forthcoming encounter.

"Good day, Shepherd Bryn," Rael greeted warmly, his voice carrying the cheerfulness of the sunlit meadow. As he approached, the seasoned herder turned to face him, his weathered face breaking into a smile that mirrored the sun's radiance. Lines etched with a lifetime of wisdom deepened, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Ah, Rael! It's good to see you, lad," Shepherd Bryn replied, his voice laced with warmth and familiarity. "What brings you here today?"

Rael shifted slightly, anticipation mingling with a sense of urgency in his voice. "I'm in need of a sheep, Shepherd Bryn," he explained. "I have a special project I'm working on, and I require a reliable and healthy sheep."

Shepherd Bryn's weathered face crinkled with intrigue as he listened intently. His eyes, filled with years of observing nature's wonders, gleamed with curiosity. "Ah, I see," he responded, his voice infused with a hint of intrigue. "You've always been full of surprises, young Rael. Tell me more about this project of yours."

A mischievous grin spread across Rael's face as he decided to inject a playful diversion into their conversation. "Well, Shepherd Bryn," he chuckled, "I'm actually embarking on a top-secret experiment involving sheep. You see, I'm attempting to train them to perform intricate dance routines."

Shepherd Bryn's eyebrows shot up in amusement, his skepticism mingling with a hearty laugh. "Dance routines? Sheep?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Rael nodded, feigning seriousness. "Yes, yes! Imagine a flock of dancing sheep, their synchronized moves captivating the entire village. It will be quite the spectacle!"

Unable to contain himself, Shepherd Bryn chuckled heartily, the deep creases on his face deepening with mirth. "You certainly know how to bring joy to our lives, Rael," he said, his eyes twinkling with merriment. "I never would have imagined dancing sheep. Well, I wish you the best of luck with your eccentric project!"

Rael winked playfully, enjoying the camaraderie between them. "Thank you, Shepherd Bryn. The sheep will surely appreciate your well-wishes as they embark on their dance training."

Amidst their laughter and amusement, Rael gently transitioned the conversation to the matter at hand. "By the way, Shepherd Bryn, how much would it cost me to acquire one of your finest sheep?"

Shepherd Bryn's gaze softened as he regarded Rael, a mixture of fondness and understanding in his eyes. "Normally, it would cost you 50 silver coins," he replied. "But for you, my dear lad, I'll offer it for 40 silver coins."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Rael's brows furrowed as he mentally calculated his finances, weighing the significance of the cost. The amount was not insignificant, and it would dip into his hard-earned savings. His monthly income from assisting at the blacksmith and taking on odd jobs barely covered his own expenses.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Rael met Shepherd Bryn's gaze with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Shepherd Bryn," he said sincerely. "Your kindness means a great deal to me. I will bring the payment by dusk."

Shepherd Bryn nodded, his face lined with a mix of wisdom and empathy. "Take care, young Rael," he advised gently. "May the gods watch over you and your endeavours. Return safely, and remember that you always have a friend in me."

With heartfelt appreciation, Rael bid farewell to Shepherd Bryn, his spirits buoyed by their light-hearted exchange. As he made his way back to the village, thoughts of the impending operation and the sheep he would soon acquire filled his mind.

...

In the vast field, the sun shone high in the sky, casting a radiant glow over Eiran as he stood alone, his eyes focused and his heart heavy with a mix of resolve and frustration. Tonight's mission held the key to rescuing his beloved sister, Lira, from the clutches of darkness. As he prepared himself for the forthcoming task, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within him.

Thoughts of Lira's absence weighed heavily on Eiran's mind, igniting a burning fury at the perceived unfairness of their circumstances. How could the gods subject them to such endless hardships? They had already endured countless trials and tribulations, each one chipping away at their strength and resolve. Yet, fate seemed determined to push them even further, testing the limits of their endurance.

The weight of the world bore down upon Eiran's shoulders, each burden feeling unjustly placed upon their weary souls. The relentless suffering inflicted upon them, especially upon Lira, gnawed at his heart, filling him with searing ache.

Amidst the anger and frustration, Eiran remained steadfast. He refused to allow the unfairness of their circumstances to break him. Instead, it fuelled a fire within his spirit, igniting an unyielding determination to bring Lira home safely, no matter the cost.

With a deep breath, Eiran focused his attention on his magic, his outstretched hands emanating a soft bluish glow. His training had brought progress, enhancing his control over his abilities. Yet, one aspect continued to elude him—the scarlet magic that had surged within him during moments of intense emotion.

Determined to master this elusive facet of his power, Eiran delved into rigorous training. He channelled his concentration into each movement, each gesture, seeking precision and finesse. Starting with the fundamentals, he practiced simple spells, summoning gentle breezes to sway the grass or delicately manipulating small objects. Through relentless repetition and unwavering dedication, he honed his control, pushing himself to the brink in his pursuit of perfection.

As the sun reached its zenith, casting a warm glow upon the field, Eiran delved even deeper into his training. He challenged himself with more intricate spells, weaving intricate patterns of light and energy that danced around him. With every attempt, he sought to summon the scarlet magic, yearning to make it a constant presence, a symbol of his unwavering resolve.

Yet, despite his tireless efforts, the scarlet magic remained elusive, manifesting only in fleeting bursts. Frustration tugged at Eiran's heart, tempting him to succumb to doubt. However, he refused to yield. He understood that true mastery required patience, persistence, and an unshakeable belief in his own abilities.

As the sun gradually descended toward the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the landscape, a subtle shift occurred within Eiran. His control over the magic he released became more refined, the bluish hue of his spells consistent and controlled. The once unpredictable fluctuations gave way to a newfound steadiness. Confidence surged through his veins, emboldening him for the challenges that awaited under the cloak of night.

With the evening drawing near, Eiran recognized that the time to meet his friends was swiftly approaching. He took a moment to catch his breath, his body and mind in perfect harmony. Each controlled breath served as a reminder of his growing mastery over his magic, filling him with a sense of accomplishment and readiness.

Having prepared himself both mentally and magically, Eiran set forth to meet his friends, a newfound aura of confidence radiating from his being.