After everyone had eaten, Tigra and I had a play with my new foam swords, they really were tougher than my old ones, we could put more force and strength behind each of our swings. I was happy with the gift she had given me even though she would be playing with them just as much as I would.

I noticed dad smiling as he watched us, nodding to himself, perhaps he was thinking about something. He turned heading over to one of the tables, picking up something wrapped in a green cloth covered in golden embroidery.

I picked up the whispering of her voice, the voice of the talisman. “Soon.” She had such a small voice, but strong, filled with the same excitement I felt.

“Alex.” Dad called me over. The music went silent as if they knew the importance of what was about to happen. Dad removed the cloth to reveal an elegantly decorated silver box with gold leaf and white gemstones. It was shining from the light of the sun, shining through the windows. A gently breeze blew around dad, almost in anticipation of something. “Calm down.” He whispered.

“Can’t help it.” Was her response. Dad smirked.

I continued to hear her; the spirit of the talisman which had been passed down my family for generations. “Finally, we can meet in person.” I nodded she was so happy. I couldn’t wait to see what her true form looked like as I had only ever heard her voice.

“It is said every creature in this world is born with a gift, some can be used naturally, while others can only be accessed through a bond with a talisman, but not just anyone can use a talisman. A permanent contract is made when the talisman’s name is called,” Dad began to speak, always getting in a lesson whenever he could.

“Her name,” I said listening intently.

“The talismans form itself isn’t important, not the metal or even the blade, but the spirit within it, from fairies to deities, animals to demons.” Dad continued. “The power of these spirits has a different effect on each one that wields their powers, as most of it is unlocked by the power of the spirits chosen one, they whisper deeply to them in preparation of their fused power.”

Tigra came over to stand beside me, intrigued by my dad’s words. “I wish your dad taught me stuff, he’s so knowledgeable.” I glanced at her as she stared at the box. “A powerful talisman.” She whispered.

“If someone with a low amount of energy uses it then the power would be weak and restricted, but those gifted with high energy could master large amounts of the talisman’s power, becoming more powerful the more they worked together and synched; the two becoming one.”

“This is it.” I could hear mum’s excitement, she sounded so proud of me, was receiving this talisman really that important to my family?

“Only through mutual understanding and friendship can a talisman’s power truly shine as they rely on you to share your power together, perhaps even unlocking mysteries lost through time itself.”

Dad leaned down opening the elegantly crafted box. Resting within it was a simple golden bracelet with wings on each end with a turquoise gem between the wings. It glistened and for the first time I could sense the power of the spirit I had been hearing for most of my life.

Mum had told me the spirit within this talisman was the most powerful wind spirit, passed down from father to son for generation. Rumour had it, it was once wielded by the legendary Fang, but that was only a legend right, how could something still exist from such a long time ago.

The wind began to flow around both of us. I could feel her power reaching out to me, wanting me to claim it as my own. I looked upwards as I could now see the wind blowing. It felt like her bond and power was shifting from dad to me.

“Wow.” I spoke mesmerised.

“Now Alex, this is where things will begin to change for you, your first steps as a warrior of Cathopia, carrying on the battle of our clans will of protection, are you ready to accept this honour?” asked dad.

“I do.” I nodded. I wasn’t sure I completely understood his words back then, but I knew the talisman spirit within this bracelet, and I were meant to be together, like the threads of fate were pulling us together.

“Very well. Now call her name and create your contract.” Dad looked serious. I wondered if he would miss her, after all I had heard tails of how the two of them fought together, side by side protecting Cathopia just like he expected me to do.

I looked back down at the bracelet smiling, admiring the dormant form she took. It was time I actually got to meet her. “It’s nice to finally meet you Larana.”

The bracelet glowed white, slowly rising in the air, and attached itself to my right arm, tearing apart my jumper sleeve right up to the top of my arm. The wind enveloped only me now, encircling around me gently, my entire body glowing white, pulsating the same colours as the bracelet.

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I felt my whole body go numb, then her power pulsed through me connecting with something within. My breath caught in my throat as the wind blew more wildly around me, was this the creation of the contract dad was on about?

I closed my eyes having a greater understanding for the word’s dad had just told me about talismans, the bracelet was simply an item she slept within, the power came from the spirit and nothing more. Larana’s power was calm, but wild, strong, but gentle and an ancient one.

“Her power is now bound to yours; she cannot use her power without yours.” I heard dad. “She will protect you as long as you have faith in her and she will never let you down, for her power is an ancient one.”

I breathed in the scent of her wind, then opened my eyes when I saw her for the first time. I watched as this green orb changed into a little person, flying around with such joy and speed.

She was a little fairy in a little green top and blue skirt shaped like a flower, golden accessories on her upper arms, her wings were moving way too fast for me to see them properly, but they looked golden. She had green eyes and short blond hair; she had a cute smile.

“Alex.” She flew straight at me, ramming into my chest giving me a hug, she was surprisingly strong for someone so small. She was really happy to see me. “I finally get to fuse our powers.” Dad coughed and she quickly pulled away almost like she had stepped over the line or something. “It will be a pleasure to serve you master.” She bowed her head.

I held out my hand. “The pleasure will be mine.” Larana landed on my hand, her wings stopped moving and I saw they were a glistening gold.

“Hey.” Tigra leaned in closer.

“Larana this is my best friend Tigra.” I introduced her.

“Nice to meet you your highness.” Larana bowed, respectively. “I hope I can be of use to you both.”

“She is so cute,” commented Tigra.

“I know.” I agreed, we both smiled at each other.

“But she looks different from any Animalia I’ve seen.” Tigra looked at Larana curiously. She was right as Larana had no fur, her skin a pink colour, no tail and her ears were on the side of her head, instead of on top like ours.

“There are many things in this world you will discover in time,” said dad. “Larana is just one small piece in the mysteries of talismans, which came into existence many years before this grand city was built,” smiled dad. “I’m sure you’ll discover them together.”

Larana turned to look at dad. “It has been an honour serving you, master.”

“Look after my son Larana.” Dad stood up.

“I will protect him with my life.” Larana placed her hand at her chest.

“I know you will.” Dad looked over at mum. “As soon as the party is over, I would like to give you your first lesson Alex.”

“Okay.” I nodded agreeing, thinking it would be more lessons about Larana.

“See you later master.” Larana jumped in the air, flying in circles around me before disappearing into the bracelet.

“Well done my son.” Dad continued smiling at me. “I’m proud of you. May she serve you well.”

“I know she will because she did for you.” I smiled back.

“Don’t think it will be easy, it will take time and a lot of practice to master her power,” informed dad. “Now enjoy the rest of your party, we will have much to do later.”

“Right.” I nodded.

“Congratulations.” Tigra was looking at the bracelet, admiring it.

“Thanks.”

“I heard from mum that she’s one of the most powerful wind talismans.” Tigra grabbed hold of my hand. “You are truly talented.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” I rubbed my head with my free hand. “I haven’t even used her power yet.”

“Soon we’ll both be able to enter the knight’s academy.” Tigra was getting all excited.

“Yes,” nodded dad. “Never stop improving your skills.” I nodded, showing I had already accepted his words. “Tigra you already show much potential as a warrior, like your father before you, so I expect great things from you.”

“No one can beat me,” she boasted.

“I’ll beat you one day,” I argued.

“Oh really.” Tigra snarled at me. “You haven’t beaten me yet.”

Dad let out a laugh. “A rivalry will take you both far. Now time for cake.”

“Yeah.” Tigra and I cheered running over to the cake.

Everybody sang me a birthday song celebrating the day. I felt embarrassed as they did, as all the attention was on me, it had been for most of the day, but I had not noticed as I was playing with Tigra for most of it. Tigra stood there humming.

The cake was so delicious, it was chocolate sponge and cream. I enjoyed it so much I went back for more. My tail swinging from side to side in contentment.

After eating the cake and a few last party games. I felt sad this party just for me had to come to an end. I had loved every moment of it and so glad I could spend it with my best friend Tigra. I wondered what other celebration we might share together.

Mum and dad had put a lot of work into this for me, to celebrate my birthday and receiving my talisman Larana. I couldn’t wait to learn and understand her power, wondering how much of her power I would be able to access. I was certain I was about to find out, knowing dad would want to begin my first training session as soon as everyone was gone, a part of me couldn’t wait.

Tigra and I continued to play as everyone began to leave. Mum sent them off, giving her thanks. We paused as we watched the last one leave, signalling the end of today’s fun.

Mum was happy because she didn’t have to clean up the mess left behind, Queen Daz left that up to the servants; you wouldn’t think anything happened in here, it was that clean.

“Thanks again for coming Tigra.” I smiled.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Tigra smiled back.