The next morning, the Veyrath family sat together with their guest around the large wooden table as they ate breakfast together.
After breakfast, the family gathered outside the house as their visitors took their leave.
Merielle on the other hand decided to stay behind for a few days before going back to the capital.
Since the awakening ceremony was in a few days, she promised her brother she'll witness his awakening before she went back the the Western Alliance Academy in the capital, and that was not a promise she was willing to break.
Amanda, Johanns wife and her daughters both bowed slightly to Aaron as a curtesy of respect.
Celine and Lucian only exchanged along stare before nodding at each other.
The mother and daughters made their way to board their carriage parked in front of the Veyrath castle.
Johann shook Aaron "I look forward to seeing you again, old man" he said. "I hope it'll be in better circumstances, like this." Aaron replied.
Johann smiled and nodded towards Micheal and Anna and they smiled back. "I wish we could stay and enjoy your beautiful town more but duty calls. We'd visit again in our earliest convenience" He said. "You're always welcome Lord Johann".
"Thank you. And oh, always feel free to visit our branch residence in the capital" he said to Mirielle.
"I'll gladly do that my lord" She replied.
"May the God of travels watch over you" Aaron said and the other man nodded in appreciation before joining his family in the carriage. A few minutes later, the giant Hippogriff rode out of the town, headed for the Duchy of Roosevort.
The awakening ceremony was one of the oldest traditions in the history of Ferun. It took place on the winter solstice which was the longest night of the year.
It is a night when all children who had attained the age of ten, all across the world receive their professions and officially begin their watch as Hunters.
Hunters, was general name given to the people of Ferun.
The name runs back to the period the Hundred year war. After the war, humanity was at the brink of Perishing and the world almost became one an empty vast land. That was when the Gods created Atlantis. A joint world that bothered Ferun. It held all the resources that humanity needed to build back their world.
Since the Gods didn't want Ferun to be abandoned, they restricted anymore from permanently moving to live in the other world. Since it was a very dangerous grounds, a few people were selected initially to go and gather resources. They were called the hunters. Most people usually couldn't make it back because they either got lost or died.
This continued for a while until people discovered the leveled gates. Five levels, different colors.
Slowly, the risk level reduced as people only entered layers that was favorable to their strength level. They hunted for rare monster parts, rare minerals and other important resources.
On the night of awakening , many children will see their childhood dreams of becoming hunters and joining guilds, while roaming the two worlds to make a name for themselves shine brightest in front of them while others watch as their ever anticipated dreams come to a painful crash.
Many children received abilities and professions ranging from common to the most rarest.
Those who received the rarest abilities and professions were singled as the younger generation prodigies and leaders of the future.
It was a dream of every child to be among these people for their lives changed once and for all.
After their guests left, everybody returned to their duties.
Mailie and Lucian took a stroll through the inner parts of the town to catch up on the years they've missed in each others life.
They explored the market center, played games and went for swimming in the a river near town. They spent almost the whole day having fun. Aaron who stood on the last floor of his castle watched with a smile as the two siblings entered the town through the main gate, live engaged in a conversation.
"Really" Mirielle asked, laughing softly.
"Yes. I killed three and grandpa killed one. He missed almost all his shots. When I told him he was really turning into an old man he nearly roasted me alive" the boy said laughing.
"Look at you. Now a big boy" Mirielle said.
"Of course. I have to get stronger and protect you and all my family" Lucian replied with a smile.
"Then do everything to become strong because I'll need that muscles to protect me when you join the Academy"
"Say no more. Lucian Von Veyrath will be there to save the day" Lucian replied with a smile.
"Good" he said, as the mafe their way to the castle. After walking a few more meters, Lucian stopped in his tracks, scratching his head.
"What is it?" Mirielle asked.
"I asked Alex to take care of my sheeps. I need to check if they are back in the pen so how about you go on ahead. I'll come back soon" Lucian replied.
Mirielle gave him a hard stare. "Lies are drawn all over your face. But wherever you're going, make sure you come back soon. It's getting dark" She replied before heading towards the castle, humming.
Aaron who had been paying close attention to them all this while tasked his personal guard to stay behind and protect the family as he had something important to take care of
After making sure Mirielle was out of sight, he made his way to the topmost part of the small mountain in the woods overlooking the Frostgate town. It was one of the places he held precious in the small town.
As the edge of the mountain appeared in his view, he saw the shadow of a boy sitting towards the west where the sun was going to sleep and he knew who it was.
He walked slowly towards the younger boy and stood behind him.
"You know when I was a boy, my father will always bring me here at sunset" Aaron said, as he began recount his younger days to his grandson.