KAIRON VAEL 

Three years had passed, quiet, uneventful years…well, if you don't count me. I could finally walk on my own now, and even reach the couch! Quite the achievement, if you ask me. What’s more is that I could control my arcis more now. And I was stuck at the third layer of the second phase…to be honest, I didn't do anything to evolve further into the fourth layer. 

I could channel the arcis out of my core easily now. Lifting my palm, I let the energy flow outward, and a soft breeze swirled in my palm, gentle yet alive. It felt nice in this hot, hellish temperature.  I let it fade away as I walked toward the door. I stepped out and froze—a small crowd had gathered. I raised an eyebrow, wondering why they’re here. 

They were wearing what seemed like armour. Their alloy chest plate gleamed beneath the sunlight, each set forged with precision. A faint shimmer of arcis ran along its edges, designed to endure both blade and spell. Beneath the metal, a layer of dark fabric hugged the body in blue and black tones. The armour balanced both elegance and lethality. 

A short cloak hung from their shoulders, it fluttered under the gentle breeze, and was coloured in deep navy or crimson depending on their divisions, that’s what I thought. Bracers lined their forearms, greaves guarded their legs, shaped to allow fluid motion rather than bulk. Each sword they carried gleamed faintly under the sun.  

They stood waiting for something. I walked over to where they were; the grass rustled under my steps. As I was walking, my eyes landed on the road that led to a forest, and a carriage was moving ahead, followed by heavily armoured soldiers. Pointy ears, fair skin, graceful manners, there was no doubt—they were elves. 

Their armour was different from these soldiers; their chestplate had a leaf-like pattern engraved on it. Under their armour was a cloth that flowed with each step, tinted in emerald and silver tunics, trimmed with runes. They each held a sword or a bow, all of them walking with the carriage like a protective shell. The carriage itself looked like it carried some noble elf in it. 

Judging by the protocol, I’d say it’s someone royal. I took a few steps forward, stopping beside my dad. “Dad, what’s going on?” An innocent question that every child would ask. I looked up at my father, he smiled at me and picked me up.

“You see that, right?” He pointed at the carriage. “Every five years, the Elven Royal family, the Daeverys, visits Solmere. Those soldiers are sent here by the king himself to escort them to the capital.” He explained, giving me a light pat on the head. 

“But why would they come here?” I questioned as I gazed at the approaching carriage. 

He nodded. “You see, Kairon…a long, long time ago, Humans and Elves fought side by side in a great war. After it ended, they made a promise to stay friends. They bring gifts for our king and queen, check on our lands, and lend us their help when we need it.” Father explained, running a hand through my hair. 

I nodded, smiling at him. So they come every five years because of diplomatic affairs, thought so. And that carriage carries the royal family of Elves. I wiggled myself free from my father's arms and walked toward the soldiers standing not too far away. I had to look up due to their towering height; their party consisted of six men and three women. One of them, a slightly short woman with short brown hair and sharp black eyes, looked at me. She took a few steps toward me, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. 

She stopped in front of me, and I could feel the pressure she emitted. She must be strong, maybe stronger than my mom. She looked down at me, her eyes stopped at where my core was. “You’re a rare one, aren’t ya?” She remarked, smirking as she crouched down. 

My brows rose in surprise—she caught it that easily? I nodded slowly. “Yes…” I muttered. “What about you? You have a core, too, right? What phase are you on?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me. 

The woman seemed…surprised? “A kid your age knows about core phases? And you’re too calm for a kid your age.” She asked, suspicion evident in her voice. 

I froze. Nice one, Kairon. Might as well wear a shirt that says ‘suspiciously smart kid,’ I scolded myself internally. I scratched my cheek. “Uhh…lucky guess?” 

The hell do you mean, lucky guess?! Nice going, Kairon. Real subtle. Before she could question me further, one of the other soldiers called her over. She stood up, ruffling my hair. “Don’t go around opening that mouth of yours, prodigy child.” She said before walking off. 

Oh sure, call me a prodigy, why not? Maybe build a statue while you’re at it. ‘Here lies Kairon, the idiot who couldn’t keep his mouth shut.’ Nice. From ‘kid' to 'prodigy child' in under a minute. Truly, my talent for self-destruction knows no bounds. I should really learn how and when to keep my mouth shut. 

I sighed, facepalming as I walked aimlessly. The carriage was now closer, but one question bugged me—why the hell is our house so close to the Border? And to the damn road, of all places?! Who in their right mind thought this was a good idea?! My eyes landed on my father, and he gave me a grin. Oh, right, this guy. 

My eyes wandered around in search of my mom. “Where’d mom go?” I muttered. I spotted her; she was standing right behind me. Great, I’m a prodigy and a blind shit. Seriously, what’s wrong with me today?

She chuckled, placing a hand over my head. “I’m right here, Kairon.” Well…that’s obvious now. I could feel the anticipation in the air. And my father, for some reason, looked awfully happy as the carriage got closer and closer. I scratched the back of my head. This feels like someone’s walking down a red carpet and we’re the paparazzi. 

I took in a breath as my eyes landed on the faces of the elves once they were close enough. Each one of them had a light skin tone, pointy ears and their movements seemed flawlessly elegant. “Stop, I have to meet someone here.” A deep voice ordered from within the carriage. The Elven soldiers halted instantly, standing in formation on either side. 

Someone to meet? Here? My eyes widened—and then even wider when I saw my dad walking toward the carriage. You have got to be shitting me…they’re friends with my dad?! Just when I thought I couldn't be any more surprised, I saw a tall figure emerging from the carriage. He had slicked-back hair, light blue eyes that looked like the sky itself was trapped within them, and a face that was a little too handsome. His black and maroon robes radiated nobility. I couldn't help but stare.

Behind him, followed a beautiful woman whose beauty almost didn't feel real. Her hair was white, almost too white, flowing past her shoulders. It was braided loosely, giving off a graceful vibe. Her emerald eyes were calm and knowing. She wore a sleeveless white gown dusted faintly with black, and in her arms she carried a small girl, probably around my age.  The child had her mother’s pale hair and her father’s sky-blue eyes.

“Ah, Rendal!” The elven king's face lit up. My dad grinned as they clasped hands and gave each other a half-hug.

“It’s been a while,” father said with an easy smile. “And I see you’ve got yourself another kid?” He nodded toward the queen’s arms.

Both king and queen chuckled. “Yes, this one’s named Valmira. Our youngest daughter.” The king’s gaze shifted toward me, narrowing slightly as he studied me. “And who’s this little fellow?”

What does it look like? I thought irritably. 

“He’s our son, Kairon Vael.” Said my mom, ruffling my hair. Why do they always do that?! Leave it be! 

The queen stepped forward, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear“Firstborn?” 

Obviously. I held my expression steady, trying to maintain a childlike facade. 

“Yes,” Mom replied softly. "He's our first and dearest son.” 

The queen smiled and let her daughter down. Valmira stood before me, just a little taller. I looked up at mom—she gave me a nod. What are you nodding for?! I didn't even ask anything!

 I sighed—and then Valmira poked my cheek with her tiny finger. “Short.” She said, with a smug look on her face. You brat! How dare you call a former commander a brat?! I coughed to hide my irritation as both sets of parents laughed.

“How old is this cute little girl?” Mom asked, picking Valmira up and planting a soft kiss on her cheek. Valmira looked down at me from my mother’s arms, wearing a smug little grin. I could practically feel the betrayal stabbing my chest. 

“She turned four this year.” The queen answered as she ran a hand through Valmira’s hair. 

“Aelrion, how about you, Lysera, and Valmira join us for some tea?” My dad offered, pointing a thumb toward our house. So they’re named Aelrion and Lysera, huh…interesting names. 

“I wish we could,” Aelrion replied with a faint smile. “But we have to hurry to Erasden. We sent off Kaelith and Elyndra ahead of us; they must be waiting.” Now, who’s Kaelith and Elyndra? I mused. 

I tugged on my mom’s sleeve. “Mom…who are Kaelith and Elyndra?” I asked, putting my best curious tone, trying to sound like any other child my age.

Mom chuckled softly, brushing her hand through my hair. “They’re the older children of King Aelrion and Queen Lysera,” She said gently. “Kaelith is their eldest son—he’ll inherit the throne one day. And Elyndra, their eldest daughter, is training to become one of the strongest mages in Elarindel.” She explained. 

Queen Lysera smiled at that, a quiet pride glinting in her emerald eyes. “You flatter them too much,” she said lightly. “Though…Elyndra would be thrilled to hear she’s already famous in Solmere.” 

My dad let out a laugh. “If she’s anything like her parents, I’m not surprised she’s made a name for herself.” 

King Aelrion returned the grin, folding his arms over his chest. “Perhaps one day, our children will meet properly, not just passing by.” He nodded his head.

Valmira puffed her cheeks. “I already met him,” She declared, pointing at me. “He’s short.” Everyone laughed. I groaned inwardly. You’ve got to be kidding me. 

Another question rose in my mind: how did Mom and Dad get so close to the elven royal family? I mused, but my thoughts came to a stop when I saw the elves preparing to leave off. The soldiers that were sent by our king also boarded their carriage. 

“We’ll be off now.” King Aelrion firmly shook hands with my dad while my mom and the queen exchanged a warm hug. They’re leav—my thoughts were cut off by a sudden hug from Valmira. Her cheek squished against mine. “H-hey…!” I stammered, startled by the sudden affection. She giggled, tightening her hold even more as if she refused to let go. What’s with this girl?! Her hair brushed against my face, soft and faintly sweet—like blooming lilies. I sighed in defeat, my hands hovering in the air before I gently patted her back. 

“Valmira, dear,” the queen called softly, amusement dancing in her tone. “We have to leave now.” 

Valmira pulled away, her blue eyes meeting mine. “Bye-bye, shorty!” She said with a mischievous grin before running back to her mother. Her hair flowed, and so did her dress.

“Short—” I bit my tongue, deciding to ignore that nickname. The adults, including the soldiers, laughed, the sound light and echoing on the quiet afternoon.

As the elves stepped into their carriage and the wheels began to turn, I couldn't stop myself from watching them leave. The sun caught in their light-toned hair and the golden design on the carriage, glinting like something out of a dream. 

I turned toward our house, my mom and dad were already walking ahead, laughing and chatting. For a moment, watching them laugh and being happy made my heart flutter. This was something that I had lost back on earth. If this really is a dream, then I don't ever want to wake up from it.

I walked after them, glanced around and noticed that not many villagers were out today. Oh, right. Dad did say something about harvest day; everyone must be busy there. My question from earlier rose up again. I have to ask this.  
I quickened my pace, catching up with my parents. “Mom, Dad. Can I ask you something?” I said innocently, looking up at them. 

They exchanged a look before nodding. “Sure, Kairon. What’s on your mind?” My dad asked, keeping her eyes on me.

“Well…” I trailed off before I asked my question. “How did you and mom get so close to the elven royals…?”