The early morning light filtered through the small window of Aelion’s room, casting a soft, golden glow across the floorboards. He stirred beneath the blankets, the warm light gently coaxing him from sleep. His body was heavy with the remnants of a restless night, but today was different. Today, excitement buzzed beneath his skin, pushing away the lingering fatigue.
His training with the Archery Guild would begin today.
Aelion sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms over his head. He could hear the soft sounds of the city beyond the walls of his house, the faint hum of airships, the distant clatter of metal and wood as merchants set up their morning stalls. It was still early, just after sunrise, and the city was waking, much like Aelion himself.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, feeling the cool wood beneath his bare feet. A quick glance at the table in the corner confirmed that the letter he’d written to his parents the night before was still there, sealed and ready for when they returned. He smiled faintly, knowing that when they finally read it, they would understand.
For now, though, he needed to prepare for the day.
Aelion moved through his morning routine with a sense of purpose. He washed his face with cool water from the basin, the shock of the cold waking him fully. His reflection in the small mirror stared back at him, familiar yet different. Today, he felt like he was seeing a new version of himself, someone ready to take on the challenges ahead.
After dressing in his black tunic and tan pants, the same ones he’d carefully prepared the day before, Aelion grabbed his bow and quiver from where they hung on the wall. He ran a hand over the smooth wood of the bow, a comforting weight in his hands. It wasn’t the finest weapon, but it had served him well over the years. One day, I’ll wield something far greater. The thought sparked in his mind as he slung the quiver over his shoulder.
His stomach growled softly, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten yet. Normally, he would have prepared a quick breakfast, maybe a slice of bread with cheese or some fruit, but today, he decided to treat himself. After all, it wasn’t just any day. It was the first day of his journey with the Archery Guild, and he deserved something special.
Aelion couldn’t help the small smile that spread across his face as he thought of the perfect way to start his day.
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The streets of Aethercrest were bathed in a soft, golden hue as the sun rose higher, casting long shadows that stretched across the cobblestones. Aelion made his way through the bustling morning crowd, weaving between merchants and townsfolk going about their business. The city was alive with the sounds of carts rolling by, shopkeepers calling out their wares, and the hum of arcane-powered machines working in the background.
Despite the busy streets, Aelion’s destination was clear in his mind, his aunt Breckie’s bakery. It wasn’t far from his house, just a few blocks away, nestled in a cozy corner of the city’s southern district. The bakery had been in his family for generations, passed down from his grandmother to Breckie, and it was known throughout the city for its delicious pastries and warm, inviting atmosphere.
But for Aelion, there was one treat that stood out above all the rest: Breckie’s cream puffs.
As he approached the bakery, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries filled the air, making his mouth water. The small shop was a charming sight, with its bright blue shutters and a sign that swung gently in the breeze, adorned with the image of a steaming loaf of bread. The door was propped open, allowing the warmth and smell of the bakery to spill out onto the street.
Aelion stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming softly as he entered. The shop was cozy and filled with the comforting hum of activity, Breckie and her two assistants bustling behind the counter, trays of bread cooling on the shelves, and the glass display case filled with rows of pastries, pies, and tarts.
Behind the counter stood Breckie herself, a stout woman with rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. Her auburn hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her flour-dusted apron spoke of the long morning she’d already spent baking.
The moment she spotted Aelion, her face lit up.
“Aelion, is that you?! Oh my, you seem to have changed since the last time I saw you,” she looked him up and down, noticing the proper attire. She tsked in a teasing manner, “What has you looking so stylish right now, mister? Better not be a girl, you’re too young to worry about all that!”
Aelion grinned, making his way to the counter. His eyes immediately went to the glass case, where the cream puffs were displayed in all their glory, perfectly golden, dusted with powdered sugar, and filled with sweet, creamy goodness.
“None of that aunt Breckie,” he responded chuckling, “I start at the Archery Guild today, so I figured I’d treat myself to your amazing cream puffs, and I also have to look professional, especially on my first day.”
Breckie chuckled as she reached into the case and pulled out a cream puff, placing it on a small plate before handing it over. The smell alone was enough to make Aelion’s mouth water, and he couldn’t resist taking a bite right there in the shop. The soft pastry melted in his mouth, the sweetness of the cream filling perfectly balanced with the delicate crust. It was everything he had hoped for.
For a few moments, Aelion savored the treat, the world around him fading away as the familiar flavors brought a sense of comfort and joy. This was his favorite part of the morning, a moment of pure indulgence before the challenges of the day began.
After he finished, Breckie smiled knowingly, leaning on the counter.
“Ya know, your father used to piss me off with all of that Archery Guild crap. He would take the cupcakes I’d bake and use them for target practice, and I won’t act like I didn’t tell our parents on him. However, he got really good, and supplied our family with the best venison every year until he met your mother. So, I hope you take after him, and make sure you stop by more often. I miss you kid, now take care and good luck!”
Aelion nodded, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. His aunt had always been a source of comfort and wisdom, someone who could make even the most daunting challenges seem a little more manageable. He thanked her for the cream puff and for her words before making his way to the door.
As he stepped out into the street, the morning sun had risen higher, casting a brighter glow over the city. Aelion’s heart felt lighter, the lingering worries from the night before fading as he continued toward the Archery Guild.
The streets of Aethercrest felt alive with possibilities as Aelion walked through the golden light of morning. The city was a marvel of both magic and technology, a blend of old and new that created a unique harmony. Tall buildings of stone and wood stood alongside sleek towers of metal and glass, connected by bridges and walkways that stretched across the sky. Airships hummed overhead, their mechanical wings glinting in the sunlight as they carried goods and travelers to distant lands.
Aelion found himself gazing up at the towering spires, the intricate designs of the buildings catching the light in beautiful patterns. The city was an extension of its people, clever, innovative, and constantly moving forward. It was this sense of progress that fueled much of Aethercrest’s success, and as Aelion walked through the streets, he couldn’t help but feel proud to be a part of it.
The Archery Guild was located near the eastern edge of the city, its grounds nestled at the base of a low hill that overlooked the forest beyond. The journey from Breckie’s bakery to the guild wasn’t long, but Aelion’s anticipation made every step feel like it carried more weight than usual.
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As he approached the guild, the sight of the grand entrance filled him with awe. A massive wooden statue of a bow stretched across the top of the guildhall’s roof, its carved limbs reaching gracefully toward the sky. The details were exquisite, each curve and edge of the bow perfectly crafted, and along the sides of the statue were carvings of wild beasts, creatures that roamed the forests and mountains of Eldravale. The artistry of the carvings was so lifelike, it seemed as if the animals themselves could leap off the wood at any moment.
The entrance itself was flanked by tall wooden pillars, each one carved with scenes of archers in various poses, drawing their bows, releasing arrows, hunting in the wild. The doors were made of heavy oak, polished to a rich sheen, and above them, the crest of the guild gleamed in silver, depicting an arrow flying through a crescent moon.
Aelion took a deep breath, letting the sight of the guildhall wash over him. This was it. The place where he would train, where he would learn to become the archer he had always dreamed of being. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a mix of nerves and excitement flooding through him.
He stepped forward, reaching for the door, and as he pushed it open, the familiar scent of wood and leather greeted him, along with the low hum of voices and the faint sound of arrows striking targets in the distance.
Inside the guildhall, the atmosphere was one of quiet focus and anticipation. Apprentices and seasoned archers alike moved through the large open space, their expressions set with determination as they prepared for the day’s training. The walls were lined with racks of bows and quivers, each one carefully organized and maintained. The floor was made of polished wood, worn in places from years of footsteps, but still sturdy and reliable.
Aelion scanned the room, his eyes searching for any familiar faces. He wasn’t entirely sure where he was supposed to go, but before he could decide on his next move, a voice called out to him from across the room.
“Ay, Aelion,” to his right, Zuro from yesterday approached him, happy to see he made it so early. “You’re here early, seems this quarter’s new recruits wanted to start as soon as possible. There’s five of you, and you’re all here already, guess they were waiting on you. They’re gonna start with you guys soon, are you excited?”
Aelion felt a rush of relief as he heard the voice, grateful for the direction. The nerves that had been building in his chest began to settle as he listened, his excitement growing once again.
“Zuro, it’s all I’ve been able to think about, though now I feel a bit bad that I was the last of the recruits to make it this morning. I won’t let that get to me though, I’m ready to see what all the hype is about.”
As the conversation continued, Aelion could feel the weight of the day ahead pressing against him, but it was a good kind of pressure, one that pushed him forward, that made him want to prove himself. The archery training he had dreamed of for so long was finally within reach, and he was ready to give it everything he had.
Aelion scanned the room, his eyes searching for any familiar faces. He wasn’t entirely sure where he was supposed to go, but before he could decide on his next move, a voice called out from across the room.
"New recruits! To the training grounds! Line up outside!"
The voice belonged to a tall man standing at the far end of the hall, his voice booming with authority. He wore the green and silver crest of the Archery Guild on his chest, and his sharp gaze swept over the room as if he were taking stock of each apprentice. He gave a quick wave to signal them to move outside.
Aelion’s heart leapt in his chest. This was it, the start of his training. He quickly turned to follow the others, falling into step with a small group of apprentices heading toward the side door that led to the training grounds. As they exited the guildhall, the warm morning light greeted them again, casting long shadows across the open training field.
Aelion glanced around at the others as they walked. Including himself, there were five new recruits, two girls and three other boys. They all looked eager, though there was an underlying tension in the air. Everyone seemed to be sizing each other up, trying to get a sense of the competition.
The first to catch Aelion’s eye was a tall girl with bronze skin and piercing, amber eyes. Her dark hair was pulled back into a series of braids that trailed down her back, each adorned with small, silver beads that glinted in the sunlight. She carried a shortbow strapped across her back, and the way she moved, with silent precision, reminded Aelion of a predator stalking through the forest. She turned toward him with a slight nod, her eyes sharp but not unfriendly.
“I’m Selara,” she said, her voice low but confident. “From Caelumreach.”
Aelion offered a small smile and nodded in return.
“My name is Aelion, I’m from here, Aethercrest. Caelumreach? That’s a very far move, but nonetheless, nice to meet you.”
Walking just behind Selara was another girl, shorter and more delicate in appearance, but with an intensity in her eyes that suggested she was no stranger to competition. She had pale, freckled skin and copper-colored hair that fell in soft waves to her shoulders. She was dressed in a light tunic and leather boots, but unlike the others, she didn’t carry a bow with her. Instead, she wore a pair of gloves lined with strange, metallic tips, and Aelion wondered what their purpose could be.
“I’m Illirya,” she said, offering a small but genuine smile. “From Aethercrest, like you.”
Aelion nodded in greeting. Illirya had an air of calm confidence about her, though her slight frame and gentle voice belied her skill. Her eyes, a bright green, held a spark of curiosity as they glanced over Aelion’s bow.
“Nice to meet you Illiyra, I like your gloves, they look intriguing. I bet those metal tips make for good protection to the bowstring, calluses sucks.”
Behind them, walking with long, confident strides, was a boy with sandy-blond hair and bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with excitement. He wore a cocky grin on his face, as though he already believed himself to be the best archer in the group. His clothing was finer than most, suggesting he came from a wealthier family, and the bow slung across his back gleamed with polished wood and intricately designed carvings.
“Name’s Caidren,” he said, his voice light but filled with self-assurance. “From Moonglade. Best archer you’ll ever meet.”
Aelion raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Caidren’s confidence bordered on arrogance, but there was something about his energy that was hard to dislike.
“Names Aelion.”
As the group made their way toward the training grounds, Aelion noticed the last boy walking behind them, his expression dark and brooding. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his jet-black hair tied back in a rough knot. Unlike the others, he didn’t seem interested in conversation. His bow, a heavy longbow that looked more suited for hunting large game, hung loosely at his side, and his dark eyes scanned the group with a quiet intensity.
When Aelion made brief eye contact with him, the boy's gaze hardened, and he only offered a single word.
“Renar.”
The name was spoken with a dismissive edge, as if he didn’t care whether anyone remembered it. There was no further explanation, no introduction beyond that one word. Renar’s cold demeanor and lack of interest in the others set him apart immediately, and Aelion felt a small knot of unease in his stomach. Something about Renar’s presence was unsettling, and though Aelion couldn’t quite place it, he knew that this boy would be trouble.
“Aelion” he retorted.
The five recruits fell into a quiet line as they approached the training grounds. The field was expansive, stretching out beside the guildhall and framed by tall trees that cast dappled shadows across the grass. Targets had been set up in neat rows at varying distances, each one marked with colorful rings that glinted in the morning sun. Beyond the targets, a series of archery dummies stood, carved from wood and straw, their outlines resembling wild creatures, deer, wolves, and even larger beasts like bears and boars.
Aelion felt his heart quicken as he looked over the training field. This was where it would all begin. The place where he would prove himself worthy of the Archery Guild, where he would test his skill against the others and push himself to his limits.
As they reached the center of the training grounds, the recruits came to a stop, forming a loose circle. The instructor from earlier, the tall man with the booming voice, stepped forward to address them.
He wore a stern expression, but there was a spark of approval in his eyes as he looked over the new recruits.
“Welcome to the Archery Guild,” he began, his voice deep and commanding. “You have been chosen because you show potential, but make no mistake, potential alone will not be enough to succeed here. You will train hard, and you will be tested, both physically and mentally. The path of the archer is not an easy one, but for those who persevere, the rewards are great.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over each of them before continuing.
“You will face challenges, not just from your targets, but from each other. Use this competition to make yourselves stronger. Learn from your failures and from your rivals. There is no room for weakness here.”
The man’s words settled over them like a heavy cloak, the weight of expectation clear in every syllable. Aelion stood a little straighter, his hand resting on the bow at his side as he listened.
The instructor nodded toward the field behind him. “Take your positions at the white lines. We begin now.”