Year X765 – The Birth of Yaman Ignis
The sea shimmered beneath the sinking sun, its waves crashing like the beating of a restless heart.
Inside a white stone house overlooking the coast, the cries of a woman in labor filled the air.
"Merlin, hold on!" her husband urged, gripping her hand as though his strength alone could anchor her to this world. His voice was steady, but his dark eyes betrayed a storm of fear. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with the uniform of a Rune Knight still clinging to him. His sword rested against the wall — never far, even now.
Merlin, her red hair plastered to her pale face with sweat, laughed weakly through the pain.
"You're shouting… as if I'm the one charging into battle."
The man forced a smile, bending closer.
"And you're braver than any soldier, my love."
Her body arched in agony, and then — at last — the newborn's cry split the air. The doctor lifted the child, a fragile flame wrapped in cloth, and handed him to Merlin.
Tears spilled from her brown eyes the moment she saw him. "So small… and yet… his voice shakes my heart more than any magic."
Her husband leaned close, his rough hand trembling as it brushed the boy's cheek.
"He's perfect." For the first time in years, his voice cracked. "Merlin… what shall we name him?"
Merlin's lips trembled into a smile. She pressed the baby against her chest, her heartbeat steadying his cries.
"Yaman. Yaman Ignis. He will burn away the shadows of this world… but carry warmth for those he loves."
Her husband repeated the name, reverent as if speaking an oath. "Yaman Ignis…" He placed his hand over them both. "Then let us vow… we will raise him not only to be strong, but to be kind."
The sun dipped lower, casting its final light across the family. The golden rays seemed to crown the child, wrapping him in a fleeting halo.
Merlin gazed at her son, exhaustion softening her smile.
"Welcome to the world, Yaman. May your fire never fade."
Outside, the waves crashed harder