“Happy Birthday Lewis!!”

Those are the words Lewis’ parents had shouted the second he woke up, after which his parents had ushered him to come sit inbetween them around the table in their home.

‘How do they know it’s my birthday? We don’t own a calendar…’

Before Lewis could voice what he was thinking, his parents answered for him.

“I know you’re probably wondering how we know it’s your birthday, well-”

“We’ve been checking at the guild outpost in Raydin every month to keep track,” said Gerald, his interruption earning him a playful smack on the back of his head from Ella.

In the Kingdom of Fricia every child which was born had to be registered at the central guild or an outpost on the same day, failure to do so could mean your child may not even be considered a citizen of the kingdom. Lewis was lucky his family had a guild outpost in a nearby town to register him at, he would’ve had a harsh, and probably nonexistent life if not for it.

“Don’t interrupt me Darling,” said Ella, adding a mocking tone to the last word. “But it’s as your dad says Lewis.”

“It’s creepy how well you know me,” said Lewis.

The smile on Lewis’ parents faces widened.

“Of course we’d know you well! We’re your parents Lewis,” said Ella.

A smile formed on Lewis’ face as well.

‘No one’s ever known me that well before,’ thought Lewis, his smile fading just a bit.

“Thanks for wishing me happy birthday,” said Lewis, feeling somewhat awkward. “So what’s the date? I wana know when I was born.”

“7th of July, you’re a year old now Lewis!” said Gerald.

“We prepared you something as well, close your eyes,” said Ella.

On Ella’s command Lewis closed his eyes, and just to be sure the surprise wasn’t ruined Ella even went as far as to gently cover his eyes with her hands. Although Ella tried to be gentle, Lewis could feel the coarse skin of Ella’s hands, a result of her working hard everyday.

‘I feel kinda bad being taken care of while they work everyday.’

The thought reminded Lewis of a boy with midnight black hair, and dark brown eyes who’d done exactly that for his whole, albeit short, life.

‘I’m a different person now,’ thought Lewis, though he himself didn’t feel convinced by his thoughts.

Could a person really change, or were some things about a person stuck with them forever?

The creaking sound of a door closing signified whoever had left the room had come back in. Lewis hadn’t noticed anyone leaving to begin with, or Ella removing her hands from his eyes since he was so deep in thought.

He soon realised that someone had been trying to speak to him for awhile now.

“Lewis! Lewis!!” said Ella, her voice getting slightly louder with each instance of Lewis’ name she called.

“Huh?” said Lewis, waking up from his thoughts.

“You can open your eyes Lewis,” said Ella.

When Lewis opened his eyes he turned his head to the right to look at his mother, her forehead was slightly wrinkled, and she looked right back at him, straight into his eyes.

‘She must be worried, how long was she calling my name?’

“Are you feeling well Lewis?” said Gerald, his voice was laced with concern.

“Yeh, I was just thinking, sorry to worry you guys,” said Lewis.

Ella and Gerald decided to leave it at that, they didn’t dismiss it, but saw no point in trying to force Lewis to talk. He’d talk to them when he felt ready.

Considering Ella and Gerald had accepted the fact their now 1 year old son could speak fluently, and seemed to know a lot of things they hadn’t taught him, it wasn’t that far fetched to them that Lewis had other differences.

“Alright well, guess what we got for you Lewis!” said Ella, trying to quickly lighten the mood in the room.

“Um… I don’t know.”

‘I’d rather not hurt their feelings and guess something they couldn’t afford. Plus, I don’t really know what kinds of gifts people give in this world.’

Gerald was standing in front of Lewis and Ella at the opposite side of the table holding what Lewis took as his present behind his back.

‘I’m curious if it’s me or Dad who is more excited for this gift, given the massive grin he’s wearing.’

“Ok Lewis, get ready!” said Gerald.

The man’s positive attitude really was infectious, and Lewis found himself getting pumped for the reveal of his gift.

In the blink of an eye Gerald laid the objects he was holding behind his back onto the table.

“Wow…” said Lewis, his mouth hanging open, and his eyes scanning over the items which had been laid before him.

One of the objects were made from a single piece of wood which had been curved into a shape that resembled the letter C, except the center of the C had been curved inwards creating a straight platform someone could grip it with their hands. The two ends had been curved slightly outwards and had also been tied to each other by a stiff string made of hemp.

The other object was infact three of the same object. They were straight wooden shafts of moderate length which had been given tips that were sharpened and covered in metal, on the ends of the shafts were feathers arranged symmetrically around the shaft.

Needless to say the objects which had been laid on the table in front of Lewis as his gift were…

“It’s a bow and arrow Lewis! Ella and I got it for you on my last trip to Raydin,” said Gerald. “We thought that it’d be okay for me to start teaching you how to shoot.”

‘So this is why Dad is so happy… well it makes sense, he did seem really into the idea of teaching me.”

Lewis moved his hand towards the bow, but looked at his parents to confirm it was ok for him to go on.

“Go ahead Lewis,” said Ella, a smile now on her face as well.

Lewis lifted the bow off the table with his right hand.

‘It’s a lot lighter than I expected.’

With the bow in hand, Lewis inspected it more closely for anything he’d missed. He felt a mark on the outside of the bow as he moved his hands over it, and checked it with his eyes to get an idea of what this potential imperfection could be.

On the body of the bow were the words “Lewis Wulf” lightly carved into the wood, this brought a smile to Lewis’ face.

“I hope you like it Lewis,” said Ella, “Unlike your father I don’t know a thing about bows so he choose the bow, but I still wanted to add something of my own.”

“Thanks Mum and Dad, they’re beautiful. So when do I start learning?” said Lewis, eager to use his new bow.

“I can start teaching you on our usual outings Lewis,” said Gerald. “I’ll have you shooting flies in no time!”

The smile on Lewis’ face faded a little bit in light of Gerald's goal.

‘He isn’t serious is he?’

“Gerald don’t be ridiculous,” said Ella, rolling her eyes. She didn’t want Lewis to feel pressured by Geralds expectations.

“Haha! You’re right Honey!” said Gerald, taking a slight pause to breath, “I’ll have him shooting the WINGS off flies in no time!”

‘Errr…’

Lewis and Ella closed their eyes and sighed at the same time. Ella placed her hand on Lewis’ back, drawing his attention.

“Just enjoy yourself Lewis, your dad’s just acting like his usual self,” said Ella.

“Thanks, I will Mum,” said Lewis.

The rest of the day continued as normal with Lewis accompanying Ella as she worked, except whenever a villager spotted him they’d stop to wish him happy birthday for a moment.

‘A small village isn’t that bad.’

(Break)

In between Eston and the forest south of it a boy with midnight black hair, and dark brown eyes was standing straight. The boy held a bow and arrow, and was trying to hit a target 10 metres ahead of him. Behind the boy stood a much taller man with dark brown hair and light brown eyes.

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“Keep trying Lewis!” said Gerald.

‘Having grown up in a suburb of a major city, I never thought I’d be doing this.’

Lewis had been shooting non-stop for around 10 minutes, so was feeling a bit tired. The fact his target, which was actually just a tree trunk, didn’t have a single mark on it wasn’t helping his morale either. This was Lewis’ first lesson from Gerald, and so far, Lewis felt disappointed.

“So you just want me to keep shooting?” said Lewis.

“Yup!” said Gerald.

‘Isn’t he going to help me?!’

Even though Lewis hadn’t hit the tree trunk even once with an arrow, Gerald hadn’t said a thing other than to “keep going.” Gerald simply stood behind Lewis and watched as he tried to hit the tree trunk.

Lewis choose to suck it up for a bit longer, and picked up another arrow to load into his bow.

The arrows Lewis was using weren't the ones he’d been given for his birthday, but were really just straight wooden shafts with a sharpened tip. According to Gerald they were perfectly fine for training, and it would be better that they don’t damage Lewis’ other arrows which were quite costly for their family.

The arrows weren’t the best, but for hitting a target only 10 metres away, Gerald believed there would be no issues.

Lewis nocked the arrow, drawed the bowstring back, and released. The arrow made a slight whooshing sound but there was no thump to accompany it.

‘Missed, again. Totally didn’t see that coming.’

Lewis wasn’t missing the tree by much, which didn’t help to cool his emotions down at all. Since he was so close to hitting his target every time, it only acted to make him feel even angrier with each shot.

Lewis stopped for a moment and took a deep breath before slowly exhaling. Having calmed down a little he picked up another arrow.

‘A few tips or something would be nice Dad…’

Lewis continued to repeat the cycle of loading an arrow, drawing the bowstring back, releasing, and missing the tree trunk until he’d had enough.

“I give up! I can’t hit it,” said Lewis, throwing a tantrum.

“Alright then,” said Gerald.

“Alright then?! Is that it?!” exclaimed Lewis. “Aren’t you going to help me?”

“I was going to, but you never asked,” said Gerald. “Why didn’t you ask for help when you were clearly frustrated?”

Gerald's words made Lewis stop before saying anything else.

‘He knew I was getting pissed off that whole time! Why didn’t he help me?!’

‘Well?” said Gerald, pressing Lewis for an answer.

“I thought you would’ve stepped in on your own,” said Lewis, in a calmer tone than before.

Gerald knelt down and looked Lewis in the eye.

“You shouldn’t lie to people Lewis, and you really shouldn’t lie to yourself either,” said Gerald. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, so why didn’t you ask?”

Lewis scratched his nose, he felt nervous since Gerald had seen right through what he’d tried to do.

“Um... I just can’t,” said Lewis, quitely. “I guess I find it hard to ask for help…”

“Why do you find it hard?” said Gerald.

“I just do, okay?” said Lewis, he’d had enough of the discussion and just wanted to move on.

‘What kind of teaching methods are these? It’s stupid.’

With the mood between the two males ruined, Gerald decided to just move on as well. He wanted to at least end the lesson on good terms with his son.

“Well it doesn’t matter I suppose, sorry for pressing on you,” said Gerald. “How about we get started with the lessons? Still up to it?”

“Yeh, it’s fine,” said Lewis. “And I’ll just take a break first.”

Lewis took a seat on the ground, however he held onto his bow, worried that he could damage it.

Gerald smiled, happy to know his son hadn’t completely given up on archery or him.

“Yeh, I think a break would be good. Take your time Lewis,” said Gerald, taking a seat on the ground beside his son.

Lewis and Gerald sat in silence. Both of them opted to clear their heads of any thoughts, and simply relax. They did this for approximately 15 minutes, after which Lewis then asked Gerald a question.

“Dad.”

“Yes Lewis?”

“How were you and Mum able to afford a bow and arrow? No offense intended of course.”

From Lewis’ talks with Ella he’d found out that weapons weren't cheap, but despite Ella not knowing much about bows, she knew the exact price of them. ‘Probably because her husband is a hunter and she manages the money,’ thought Lewis at the time.

A bow cost at least 7 silver pieces, however Lewis’ family only earned 8 copper per month. One silver piece equals ten copper pieces. Obviously they couldn’t save it all for 9 months to get 7 silver pieces, so he’d been curious how his family still bought the bow. He’d only been alive for 12 months so they couldn’t have known to start saving earlier either.

“Oh, haha, it’s a good question Lewis, no offense taken,” said Gerald. “You see, I’ve known the merchant in Raydin who sells them for 5, maybe 6, years now. Anyway, we’re good friends, so he gave me a big discount on the bow and arrows we bought you. He also let me have all those arrows you were shooting at no charge.

So basically, we couldn’t afford the bow and arrow Lewis. But, since I asked my friend to help he was happy to drop the price,” said Gerald.

“Sorry,” said Lewis.

“Huh? Sorry for what Lewis?” said Gerald, genuinely puzzled by Lewis’ apology.

“For being a brat,” said Lewis. “You had a completely valid point before, I should have asked for help instead of throwing a tantrum.”

Gerald took a brief pause before saying anything, surprised at Lewis’ sudden apology.

“It’s hard to believe you’re only a year old,” said Gerald, looking up at the reddening sky. “Some people go their whole lives lying to themselves and others you know? You should be proud of yourself Lewis, I definitely am proud of you.”

“Thanks,” said Lewis, feeling a bit awkward from Gerald’s praise.

Gerald stood up and dusted himself off, before lifting Lewis up off the ground and embracing the boy in a hug from behind.

Into Lewis’ ear, Gerald whispered, “Try not to grow up too fast though Lewis, or you might leave your mother and I behind.”

“I’d never do that,” said Lewis.

Gerald put Lewis down, spinning him in the air so they were facing one another eye to eye.

“I don’t think you would, but your mother and I know there’s something different about you Lewis.” said Gerald, taking a short pause. “Believe me, or don’t, but I can see it in your eyes as well. There’s a storm raging in there, and when it comes out it’s taking you with it.”

‘What the hell is he talking about?’

“Uh, sure…” said Lewis, not entirely convinced by Gerald’s supposed ability to read people's eyes.

The sky had turned a grand shade of scarlet whilst Lewis and Gerald talked, the end of daylight slowly approaching.

“Why don’t we head on home instead Lewis? It’s gonna get dark soon anyway,” said Gerald, not seeing much point in him trying to teach Lewis in the dark.

“Yeh, that sounds like a good idea.”

Gerald started walking back towards the village, which was roughly 120 metres away, but halted when he realised Lewis wasn’t moving. Lewis was still standing where the two had been talking, having not moved at all.

“Lewis what’s wrong?” said Gerald, assuming his son had another issue he wanted to discuss.

Lewis squirmed a little, feeling nervous.

“Uh... think I could get a piggyback ride?” said Lewis, struggling to get the words out; honestly, Lewis was feeling tired and wouldn’t mind a ride home.

Gerald chuckled, happy to know his son wasn’t growing up that fast.

“Sure.”