I woke up feeling a bit better today. My body was still a little tired, but nothing like yesterday when everything felt fuzzy. The room was quiet, too quiet. I looked around and realized all the other kids had already left the dorm. No one had woken me up! I pouted, feeling a little left out. It wasn’t fair that they got to start the day without me, I know we aren't all that close but jeez. I pushed the blankets off and sat up, rubbing my eyes. My mind buzzed with everything that had happened yesterday. I had used magic! Real magic! But then I got so tired, and everything went dark.

Nina came in all of a sudden, carrying a tray with breakfast, how did she know I was up? She smiled at me, but her eyes looked a little worried, too, which made my stomach twist, I hate making her worried. “Good morning, Elyndra. How are you feeling?” she asked, setting the tray on the small table next to my bed.

“I’m okay,” I said, quickly reaching for the cup of tea. The warm tea felt nice, making me feel more awake. “What’s going to happen now?”

Nina sat down next to me on the bed. “Priest Jamesson wants to see you at the temple,” she said. “He’s going to help you understand more about your class.”

My heart started to beat faster. Priest Jamesson was the head of the temple in our town, and everyone said he was really important. I saw him almost every day after breakfast though. The temple was right next door after all, and I loved going there to sit with him. He was always busy , but he let me hang around, explaining things about the Voice and how it guided people.

“Is he going to tell me what I’m supposed to do?” I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me.

Nina smiled, nodding. “Yes, but remember, it’s the Voice that will guide you. Priest Jamesson is just here to help you understand what the Voice wants you to know.”

I finished my tea and a bit of bread quickly, eager to get dressed and go to the temple. Nina helped me into my tunic and trousers, which felt soft and warm. I was glad to be out of bed. We walked down the hallway and out the door, heading to the temple next door. The morning air was cool, and the temple looked as welcoming as always. It wasn’t a scary place at all; it felt like home, full of light and warmth.

When we entered, I saw Priest Jamesson standing near the altar, dressed in his usual blue robes. They shimmered a little in the morning light, making him look almost magical. His face lit up with a smile when he saw me, and I felt a rush of happiness. This wasn’t something to be nervous about. It was exciting!

“Good morning, Elyndra,” Priest Jamesson said, his deep voice warm and comforting. He gestured for me to come closer. “Come, sit with me. We have some important things to talk about.”

I sat on a small stool beside him, my hands fidgeting with excitement. I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

“I understand that you’ve recently been informed of your class,” Priest Jamesson began, his voice calm and gentle. “Nina tells me you’re a Pebblemancer, correct?”

“Yes, Priest Jamesson,” I said, trying to sound confident and puffing up my chest. “I saw it on my Status Screen.”

He nodded slowly, thinking. “Elyndra. magic is powerful, but it’s also rare, especially in the case of Earth magic for humans. you’ll need proper training.”

I listened carefully, soaking in his words. I knew I had some kind of earth magic, but I wasn’t sure what that meant or what I was supposed to do with it.

“The problem is,” Priest Jamesson continued, “there are no Earth casters here in Renway who can train you. And you’re still too young to travel to the far-off Dwarf holds and find a mentor. The Voice has shown us another path for you. You will go to the Adventurers’ School.”

My eyes widened. The Adventurers’ Guild School? I had heard of it before. It was a place where people went to learn how to use their gifts to prepare for becoming adventurers. The thought of going there made me feel excited, but also a little scared, did I want to be an adventurer?

“You’ll spend ten years there,” Priest Jamesson said, “learning not only how to use your magic in the most basic sense, but also how to protect yourself and others. The world is full of dangers, and you need to be prepared.”

Ten years sounded like a long time, that's more time than I've been alive! but if that’s what it took to learn how to use my magic, then I wanted to do it. I didn’t want to waste my gift.

“Before you go,” Priest Jamesson added, “you should know about your class skill. The Voice has revealed that your first skill is ‘Pebble Shot.’ It’s a basic skill that lets you shoot a pebble at a target, the speed and power of the spell growing as you level it. It might not seem like much, but with practice, it can surely be very useful.”

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I frowned a little. Pebble Shot? I had already moved a pebble without using any special skill. I just moved my mana, and it floated.

“Would you like to try it?” Priest Jamesson asked, his eyes twinkling.

“Yes,” I said, eager to see how it worked, no point doubting Jamesson. He knew more than I did, and I couldn't wait to cast my first spell!

He placed a small pebble in front of me. “Focus on the pebble,” he instructed. “When you’re ready, say ‘Pebble Shot.’ The Voice will guide you further.”

I nodded and stared at the pebble. I closed my eyes and almost went to reach for the mana inside me. That wasn't what the Voice wanted though, so I stopped myself and followed Jamesson's instructions. I focused on the pebble and whispered, “Pebble Shot.”

The pebble shot across the room and hit the wall with a small crack, smashing into dust. I gasped, surprised at how fast it moved. It didn’t feel hard at all to use the skill, how did I do that? and I don't feel tired, I quickly called the Status screen, just to look at my mana this time.

Mana

14 / 15

And I still had plenty of mana left, so why did I use it all yesterday so quickly??

“Very good, Elyndra,” Priest Jamesson said, smiling. “You surely have a close connection with the Voice. With practice, you’ll become even stronger.”

I felt proud, but there was still a tiny voice in the back of my mind wondering why I needed a skill when I had already moved the pebble on my own, why was the spell so much easier? But I pushed that thought away. For now, I was just happy that I had done it.

“Thank you, Priest Jamesson,” I said, my voice filled with determination. “I’ll do my best.”

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his smile reassuring. “I know you will, Elyndra. Trust in the Voice, and like the rest of us, you’ll find your way.”

I felt a warmth spread through me, the kind that made me feel like I could do anything.

Nina and me said goodbye and we soon stepped outside the temple, Nina's face looked very happy. She grabbed my hands and spun me around without warning, I started laughing and so did she. “Elyndra, you did it! You performed your first spell! I’m so proud of you!”

I couldn’t help but grin as she put me down. Nina’s happiness was contagious like that cold last winter, and I felt like my heart might burst from how excited I was. “It was easier than I thought it would be,” I said, still amazed at how quickly the pebble had moved.

Nina chuckled, shaking her head. “Easier? It took me several days to get my first spell to work when I heard the Voice! You’re a natural, Elyndra. You should be very proud of yourself.”

I felt a little burst of pride hearing that. Nina was always so good at everything, so hearing her say that made me feel like I was really special.

Nina gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “You deserve a reward for such a wonderful awakening. What would you like, sweetie? Anything you want!”

My eyes lit up at the thought. There were so many things I could ask for, but one idea popped into my head right away. “Can we go to the bakery?” I asked eagerly. Alex always gave the best cakes and bread when Nina was around “I want to see Alex and eat something sweet!.”

Nina laughed, a warm and happy sound. “Of course! I’m sure Alex will be thrilled to see you.”

I nodded enthusiastically, I think Alex is more excited to see Nina but I was never one to turn down a sweet treat.

As we started walking toward the bakery, I was practically skipping, I would of been but Nina was walking so slow, mumbling to herself about needing to get everything packed for my move to the Adventurers’ School. I wasn’t sure what all that would involve, but I knew Nina would take care of it. She always did.

When we reached the bakery, the warm, sweet smell of fresh bread and pastries filled the air, making my mouth water. The little bell above the door jingled as we walked in, and Alex, the young baker, looked up from behind the counter. His face lit up with a big smile when he saw Nina, I got a wink for some reason.

“Good morning, Nina! Elyndra!” Alex greeted us, his eyes lingering on Nina for just a moment longer. “What can I get for you today?”

Before I could say anything, Nina spoke up. “Elyndra here has just performed her first spell, Alex. We’re here to celebrate!”

Alex’s eyes widened with surprise and admiration. “Really? That’s amazing, Elyndra! You’re a caster then I take it? That's awesome! I always knew you had it in you, little miss smarty pants” he said while reaching over to rustle my hair, why do adults do that so much!?

I blushed a little at the praise before sorting out my hair, but I was too excited to be shy. “Can I have one of those lemon cakes, please? They’re my favorite!”

Alex grinned and quickly wrapped up a lemon cake for me, then added a small collection of cakes, Coffee, Strawberry and Cream Nina's favorite flavours. “Here you go, on the house, just don't tell dad.”

I took the treats, my mouth already watering, and beamed up at him. “Thank you, Alex!”

Nina thanked Alex as well, and I noticed how her cheeks turned a little pink when she saw the cakes. I didn’t really understand why, but it made me smile. Nina was always so kind, and everyone liked her, including Alex, I did have a small urge to throw a pebble at him though, but I just grabbed Nina's hand instead and started moving toward the door which made them both laugh, adults... so weird.

After we left the bakery, Nina knelt down to give me a quick hug. “I need to go do some shopping to get things ready for your move, Elyndra. You be good while I’m gone, okay? I’ll be back soon.”

I nodded, hugging her back tightly. “Okay, Nina. I’ll go to the library and read until you’re done.”

Nina smiled and waved as she headed off, disappearing down the street. I watched her go, feeling a little twinge of nervousness about everything that was going to happen. But I knew I’d be okay. Nina would make sure of that.

With my cake and sweet bread in hand, I turned and started walking toward the library. The library was one of my favorite places in town, and I couldn't wait to tell Librarian Mara about the last few days, maybe she'd give me a book to celebrate!