"That's the story of how we met Mr. Smith, my boy," Lance recounted to Emrys, seated beside him as they prepared to enjoy a slice of the delicious buttercream cake crafted by his mother from the fresh milk of our cows.

This conversation is making me fall asleep!

The conversation failed to capture Emrys' interest; he found it rather dull and unexciting, considering it was just a mundane exchange of memories between his father and Mr. Smith.

Emrys asked Mr. Smith; he found him to be a fascinating person with a wealth of experiences. Mr. Smith had regaled him with stories of battles fought and adventures undertaken. One story that particularly intrigued Emrys was about people walking on branches of a mystical tree to gain extraordinary powers. Although he knew it was a fantasy tale Mr. Smith had conjured, Emrys couldn't help but be captivated by the idea.

“Mr. Smith! Mr. Smith!”. Emrys eagerly said, trying to gain his attention from the other side of the wooden table.

“What is it Emrys?”

“Can you tell me a story of the brave knight who walked on the mythical tree to gain his powers again!?”. Emrys exclaimed, his excitement evident as he leaped up and down.

The story intrigued Emrys, as it was the story that got him into myths and legends. The tale unfolded around a knight, loyal to a noble monarch, whose path led him to a discovery beyond imagination—a majestic tree with branches that defied gravity. It was said that anyone who walked upon those enchanted branches would gain extraordinary powers. With newfound abilities coursing through his veins, the knight embarked on a perilous journey, facing formidable adversaries that Mr. Smith likened to monstrous creatures threatening the realm.

Emrys was captivated by the idea of channeling the bravery and strength of the knight. He often immersed himself in imaginary battles against these monstrous foes, assuming the role of the valiant knight who once walked upon the branches of the mythical tree. His imagination soared as he visualized each encounter, embracing the heroic spirit that resonated deeply within him.

Mr. Smith hesitated momentarily, his brows furrowing as he searched for the right words. Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, "Well, you see... I seem to have forgotten a few details of the story. It appears my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be." He chuckled lightly, attempting to brush off his forgetfulness with a lighthearted excuse.

"Mythical tree?" Lance repeated, a curious glint in his eyes as he exchanged a glance with Mr. Smith. The soft glow of the candlelight flickered across their faces.

The atmosphere took on a subtle tension as Lance posed a question that caused Mr. Smith to falter. A hint of unease crept into his posture, evident in the way he shifted and averted his gaze momentarily. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as their eyes met, a silent exchange of uncertainty lingering between them.

“Well… you see… the thing is…”. Mr. Smith said slowly, awaiting Isabella’s arrival with Emrys’ birthday cake.

Footsteps tiptoed from the kitchen, a gentle rhythm of anticipation. Isabella emerged, carrying Emrys' birthday cake with utmost care. The cake was a delightful sight to behold, adorned with a fluffy white whipped topping that resembled clouds on a sunny day. Its modest size hinted at a homemade creation, exuding warmth and comfort. The aroma of vanilla and sweetness wafted from the cake, enticing everyone around the table.

“Ta-da!”. Isabella said, clapping her hands in excitement.

“The cake looks very delicious honey, I can’t wait to finish it all!”.

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Lance's face lit up with delight, momentarily forgetting the question he had asked Mr. Smith. His joyful expression added a touch of warmth to the atmosphere, matching the cozy ambiance of the room. A stray strand of hair escaped his neatly styled hairdo, adding a casual charm to his appearance.

“The cake does look very good Isabella.”.

Mr. Smith played a paternal role in Lance and Isabella's lives, acting like a caring father figure. He frequently brought them fresh produce and news from the bustling Folzia market, sparing them the need to venture out. To Mr. Smith, Lance and Isabella were like his own children, and he made sure to be there whenever they required assistance or support.

I wanna eat the cake now! I wanna eat it now!!

“I want to eat it now!!”. Emrys screamed as he thought he was screaming in his head.

“Of course you can, baby, we just have to do our daily prayer and give your present before we eat!”. Isabella smiled, her pink dress glimmered in the light.

Isabella took a seat in her wooden chair, awaiting the beginning of the chant that their routine prayer necessitates.

“O’ lords of the world, please let my family prosper under the gleaming night. O’ lords of the Amarthine Castle, give us the blessing for our child’s growth.”. Isabella's melodic tone swayed through the room as she prayed. They would then close their eyes, finishing the prayer.

As they finished their prayer, Emrys couldn't resist the temptation of the delectable cake sitting before him, adorned with a flickering candle that cast a warm glow. With mischievous intent, he stealthily rose from his seat, inching closer to the enticing dessert. Lance noticed Emrys' subtle movements and chuckled softly, amused by his son's eagerness.

Emrys, determined and on his tippy-toes, stretched his hand towards the cake, his eyes glinting with anticipation. He was so focused on his goal that he nearly lost his balance, teetering precariously on the edge of falling. Just as he was about to tip over, Lance swiftly intervened, reaching out to steady Emrys and prevent him from toppling over.

“Are you okay honey!?”. Isabella said right as she finished her prayer.

“Yes mum… I was trying to eat the cake… but oh well…”. Emrys said after being put back in his seat.

“He’ll never change…” Lance smiled. “Shall we move on to the presents honey?”

“If you both don’t mind, may I give him my present first? It’s a very special one- I made for him myself.” Mr. Smith asked.

“Of course you can! Go ahead!”. Lance replied back, offering for him to go first.

Mr. Smith presented Emrys with a frog-shaped locket, its vibrant green color catching Emrys' attention immediately. The locket was round and intricately designed, but what puzzled Emrys was that it seemed to have no visible way to be opened.

Aw man, what is this…

Emrys couldn't hide his disappointment as he unwrapped the gift. Instead of the grand knight sword or musket he had dreamed of for his eighth birthday, he received a simple frog locket that seemed quite ordinary to him.

"Thank you, Mr. Smith," Emrys said politely, trying to mask his disappointment. He decided to put on the locket, albeit with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

“Splendid”. Mr. Smith exclaimed.

“Would you like to see-” Isabella paused, “hear what your present is from us?”

“Yes! Yes!!”. Emrys exclaimed with a mix of surprise and excitement, his eyes widening as he absorbed the unexpected news. He had hoped for a better present than Mr. Smith's locket, and the revelation of a baby sister exceeded his expectations.

"You're getting a baby sister!" Lance and Isabella announced in unison, their faces beaming with joy. They raised their hands in excitement, and Emrys mirrored their gesture, his smile stretching from ear to ear.

"A little sister?" Emrys repeated in disbelief, his excitement bubbling over.

This is the best gift ever!

Emrys's delight at the news of a baby sister was palpable, radiating from his beaming smile as he stood up from his chair and rushed to embrace his parents. "I'm going to—" he began enthusiastically, only to pause abruptly as a series of knocks began to echo through their cabin door.