Keros Vaelstrym awoke just before sunrise, as he did every morning, to the sound of his father shuffling downstairs to open the carpentry workshop. He inhaled deeply, taking in the familiar scent of cedar beams and sawdust that permeated the small but cozy home where generations of Vaelstryms had lived in the village of Riverbend.
Downstairs, he could hear his mother Humming a cheerful tune while cooking breakfast over the hearth. The smell of frying eggs and freshly baked bread wafted up the stairs. Keros' stomach rumbled in anticipation.
"Keros! Come down before your breakfast gets cold," his mother called.
After quickly splashing some water on his face from the basin by his bed, Keros bounded down the steps, taking them two at a time.
"Morning Ma," he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before plopping down in his seat at the rough-hewn dining table.
"Eat up now, you'll need your strength for training today," she said, heaping a plate with scrambled eggs, bread, and ham.
As Keros ate hungrily, his two younger siblings came thundering down the stairs, bickering loudly.
"Give it back, it's mine!" yelled 10-year-old Lena, chasing after her troublemaking brother Darn.
"Catch me if you can!" taunted Darn, waving a small carved wooden horse above his head triumphantly.
Keros laughed at their antics. "Come now, let's not fight. Darn, give your sister her toy back."
The 12-year-old scowled but reluctantly handed over the wooden horse. Lena stuck out her tongue smugly before scampering off to play. Their energy never failed to amaze Keros. While he loved his siblings deeply, it had been a while since he felt such enthusiasm for life.
He glanced around the cozy home, taking in the familiar sights and smells he had known since childhood. Despite being content in his village, Keros had been yearning for something more than the simple country life. He wanted adventure and purpose, to make a name for himself beyond these humble beginnings.
After breakfast, Keros bade his family farewell and headed out into the village. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, bathing the dirt streets and thatched cottages in a golden light. As Keros walked, he called out greetings to the merchants setting up their stalls and neighbors making their way to the fields.
He breathed in the crisp morning air. Riverbend was the only home he had ever known, nestled amidst fertile farmland and along an important crossing point on the mighty Flow River. The community dated back centuries. As a child, Keros had loved exploring the nearby forests and hills. But lately, he found himself longing for something more.
Up ahead, he saw a few village girls giggling and whispering. When they caught sight of Keros, they waved and smiled shyly.
"Good morning, Keros," one of them said, blushing. Keros grinned back politely. He knew the girls fancied him, with his muscular frame and thick black hair. But he never seemed to share their interest in courtship and matters of the heart. There were more important things that occupied his mind of late.
Arriving at the training yard on the village outskirts, Keros spotted his mentor, Gareth, flowing through a series of elegant sword forms. Gareth was once a soldier who had retired after years on the battlefield. Now he passed on his skills to the next generation in Riverbend.
"You're late," Gareth grumbled when he saw Keros. "Your enemies wait for no man. Now grab a sword and get started on your forms."
Keros spent the next few hours practicing his footwork, strikes, parries and ripostes under Gareth's watchful eye. The old soldier was exacting in his critique, but Keros didn't mind. He shared Gareth's belief that dedication and discipline were the keys to mastering swordsmanship. As Keros trained, a raven watched ominously from a tree above. The raven cawed in approval as Keros completed the last form.
By mid-morning, Keros' shirt was soaked with sweat. His muscles ached pleasantly from the workout. He offered Gareth a proud goodbye before setting off for his family's carpentry workshop, where his father wanted him to lend a hand for the last few days of an ample order.
Keros decided to take a shortcut home through the meadows. The sun hung low, bathing the swaying grass in a golden light.
Keros breathed in deeply, thankful for the peace of the countryside. He had come so far from his humble beginnings in Riverbend. As he walked along, a thought occurred to him: Perhaps someday his name would be known throughout the lands; a byword for justice and courage... or perhaps something more sinister. With that thought in mind, he laughed and made haste towards the workshop.
Then, a sudden shriek tore through the night air. Drawn to the sound, Keros rushed forward and saw a young woman enclosed in by an aggressive wolf. With its fur standing on end and its teeth bared menacingly, it was poised to attack.
Fearless in that moment of crisis, Keros snatched up a nearby branch and boldly stepped between the wolf and its prey. His courage was unparalleled as he bravely faced off against the snarling beast, not for a moment wavering in his stance.
The wolf seemed both surprised and confused by this sudden appearance of courage, and a strange understanding passed between them.
"Get away, now!" yelled Keros in a loud and commanding voice. The wolf responded with a menacing growl before slowly slinking off into the darkness. Once it was no longer in sight, Keros moved closer to the woman who he had noticed cowering in fear just moments ago. She looked relieved that the danger of the wolf was gone, and grateful for Keros's help.
"Are you alright?" He asked her, watching as she struggled to meet his gaze. When she nodded, he smiled and tried again. "That's good to hear. I'm Keros," he introduced himself, offering his hand in greeting.
Ella took it hesitantly, her lips quirking up in a faint smile of recognition as she said her name out loud. Hearing it stirred up vague memories - not of Keros himself but of the childhood days that felt so far away now - and she found herself wondering if Keros was the same individual she had known then.
She looked at him in silence for a few moments, studying his features as if searching for something buried beneath the surface. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching and questioning, Ella smiled and stepped back from him with a renewed sense of appreciation - realizing that in this moment, he had found a greater purpose than anything she could have ever imagined. Keros couldn't help but return the smile, feeling strangely moved by Ella's words.
They strolled leisurely through the meadows and exchanged stories of days gone by. Keros felt a certain peace, but he knew there was danger lurking. He had heard whispers from bystanders that all was not as peaceful as it seemed on the outside. The air tingled with unease, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was about to change drastically. His mind raced with questions, but he kept his concerns hidden for now; after all, if these rumors really were just rumors, he wanted to enjoy his first day with Ella for as long as possible.
By the time Keros returned home, he felt contemplative. There was more to life than he'd realized here. He fell asleep dreaming of adventure, not knowing what fate had in store.
In his dreams, Keros brought order and justice to chaotic times. No longer would common folk need to live in fear of marauders like the infamous Black Blades, who terrorized villages throughout the kingdom. He could become the man to finally defeat them for good, a beacon of hope who made the world a better place.
Keros knew these thoughts came from a place of youthful arrogance. Yet he couldn't quite silence the restless ambition that burned within him. The idea of being destined for greatness seemed more real every day.
******
Keros awoke the next day to another bright morning full of promise. His world remained peaceful and whole. But his encounter with Ella hinted at the personal journeys that may lay ahead. For now, he was simply grateful for the clarity a new dawn brings. With a newfound determination, he set out to make the most of his days.
He would start by seeking out new opportunities and connections in town, even if it took him off track from Mother's wishes. He was sure she would understand - after all, Keros knew that she wanted what was best for him. She had faith that her son could achieve whatever he set his mind to.
And so, with hope in his heart and courage in his veins, Keros began exploring the possibilities beyond the comfort of their small village. He was ready to take charge of his destiny - whatever it may hold. Only time would tell...but for now he was determined to make the most of each day and see where it would take him. Who knows what the future holds for Keros? Only time could tell. But he was sure that whatever lay ahead, he would face it with courage, faith, and an unwavering belief in himself.
As usual, Keros headed to the training yard to meet Gareth and the other recruits. The familiar ringing of steel greeted him as he arrived. Gareth was in the middle of leading drills, barking orders as the students practiced their forms.
Keros joined in, effortlessly performing the elegant movements that Gareth had so carefully trained them in. As he gracefully twisted and lunged, Keros spotted a gorgeous woman standing on the sidelines of the yard. She watched intently as they moved in perfect unison.
She looked to be in her late twenties, yet carried herself with a graceful poise that drew the eye. Her raven black hair cascaded over one shoulder, partially obscuring a pendant of the Castia faith hanging around her neck.
She wore a richly vibrant purple and black dress, which clung to her frame like a second layer of skin. The neckline was low and square, bringing attention to the small silver arrows around her throat. Flowing from each shoulder was a cape of sheer black fabric that billowed gently in the evening breeze as she walked. To complete this stunning look, Avita had decorated her hair with tiny stars made of metal and gemstones that glittered in every light - even under the faint lamp post on the corner nearby. her chest was alive with sensual beauty. Her breasts rested firm and ample against the fabric of her dress. The swell of her cleavage poured out of the strapless neckline like an irresistible wave, begging for admiration from his wandering eyes.
Gareth approached and spoke quietly with her.
"Who is that with Gareth?" Keros asked Rolf, another recruit.
"That's High Priestess Avita, an important official of the Casita Order," Rolf explained through labored breaths. "I hear she's one of the most powerful sorceresses in the kingdom."
Keros studied Avita as cautiously as he could. She gave off an air of latent power and exotic mystique that Fascinated him. Her beauty was undeniable, though something about her cat-like eyes and smirking lips put Keros slightly on edge.
After demonstrating techniques, Gareth set the students to sparring while he talked with Avita. Keros ended up across from Rolf. He scored a quick victory, his focus and stamina outpacing his friend's.
Other recruits trickled away to rest, but Keros remained, tirelessly honing his skills. He could feel Avita's gaze following him as he practiced, her unspoken attention spurring him on. Their eyes met occasionally, a faint smile playing about her lips.
"Impressive dedication," Avita purred once they were alone. Her voice was smooth and lilting. "It's been ages since I've sensed such potential in one so young. With the right guidance, you could become truly great, Keros."
Keros blushing under her praise. "You honor me, High Priestess. I merely strive to use my talents in the service of order and justice."
Avita smiled. "A worthy aim, young man." She winked. "But don't deny your ambition and spirit — what are you born for, the ambition you have, and nothing else will ever satisfy you!"
Avita stepped closer, her fingers trailing along his face as if painting a portrait of him with every touch. She lightly brushed her long manicured nail down his high cheekbone, goose bumps rising with each delicate stroke. Her tight black dress clung to her curves like a second skin, emphasizing the beautiful silhouette of her body. He could feel the warmth radiating from her as their bodies drew nearer.
"Come see me at the Riverbend Great Mansion if you wish to understand your full capabilities. Few can unlock the depths of your potential as I can."
With that, she slowly swiveled around, her hips swaying hypnotically. Keros watched her depart, feeling a mixture of desire and restraint. Her allure was entrancing and he felt himself drawn to her with every step she took, but something whispered words of caution in his mind. Only time would tell if their paths would intertwine again.
Keros decided not to mention the encounter to Gareth for now. After saying farewell to the old soldier, he wandered home contemplatively as the sun dipped low. However, his destiny unfolded, Keros knew he would need fortitude for the trials ahead...