-Adalbert

  The days leading up to Lady fia's fifteenth birthday unfolded with a quiet hum of eager anticipation within the Baroness' estate. For me, these days were mostly marked by a singular, somewhat clandestine mission. Tucked securely within a padded pouch at my belt, nestled amongst the familiar weight of my coin purse and the comforting heft of my little dagger, was the crystalline beauty of a gem the little girl had recovered from some ruin.

  I couldn't believe it myself, but it was cold to the touch, and emitted mana. Just holding it in my hand felt soothing, calming.. somewhat addictive, really. It pulses with a faint light, and the subtle thrum of latent magics resonated against my thigh.

  My destination, however, was the Silvalean Court, more specifically, the study of the esteemed court magician, Brynhilde.

  It was just another excuse for me to go see her, and one I was glad for. The journey to the palace was brisk, with early spring air carrying a scent of thawing earth and promise of soon-to-be burgeoning life. My gaze was sharp and observant, as I navigated the well-worn paths, and the busy streets of the city. The route took me through multiple districts, from the adventurer's, to the pleasure district, and, finally, the elegance district, where the nobles resided. It was the straightest path to the royal palace, with the highest security. I couldn't really risk the gem getting stolen.. it's a birthday present for Lady Fia. Reina would be really mad at me if I lost it..

  My thoughts were all over the place, though. From the crystalline fragment, to its suitability for a staff, and whatnot.. and perhaps, a little extra gift I could find for the 15th birthday of a girl-to-be-woman. It was difficult..

  Brynhilde, a woman whose reputation for magics and technology was surpassed only by her sharp wit and unwavering dedication to her craft, greeted me with a knowing smile. I found myself hiding most of my smile, though my stares betrayed me, surely. She was just too gorgeous to look at.

  Her study, chaotic yet somehow organized with collections of beakers, crystals, stacks of ancient tomes and scrools, exuded an aura of potent magic. It was.. alive, yet felt all over the place.

  To her, I opened my pouch and presented the giant gem with a respectful nod, explaining how it came into my hands and the Baroness', and my, hope it could be used to craft a staff for Lady Fia.

  Brynhilde's eyes, which I sometimes wish would rest on me longer than they do, twinkled with amusement, but then narrowed with intense focus, as she examined the crystal.

  She held it aloft, carefully, turning it slowly in the light, muttering words I did not understand, possibly some sort of incantations or whatever, under her breath.

  In response, the crystal's light intensified slightly, casting sorts of intricate patterns of shadow and luminescence across the cluttered room. For hours, actually. I spent the time looking around, occasionally having my gaze meet hers, as she noted down another finding. She toiled, and Brynhilde meticulously studied the gem's properties, its resonance with various mana, and its potential as a conduit, for the staff.

  "You see, Adalbert," she began a lecture for the layperson - me - about mages, "this staff will be Lady Fia's weapon for the rest of her life, possibly. I am very thorough, and my studies have shown.. the crystal seems very fitting for her, and her magic preference. It has to be special. I only received a custom-fit staff when I was well into my master's of magic.. but she, as the Prophetess of Gaia, deserves one more elegant and royal than so."

  Within the next hour, I watched her draw and write on a large scroll measurements and specifications, materials, for the staff, and a rough sketch of its design. She was excellent at art and design, it seems, which only made me fall for her more. This woman had it all. I'd love to...

  Ah.. not to get swept away by my indecent thoughts. This is for Lady Fia, after all.

  When she was done, it was pretty much evening already, Brynhilde turned to me, and handed me the scroll. "Should we visit the Queen, and ask her for the materials, and craftsmen? I think she'd love nothing more than to personally oversee the construction of this special gift!"

  I nodded, but I took a big look at the sketch she made. It was eerie, and the details it would be made with were nothing to scoff at. This thing, if made, would be akin to a legendary artifact, at least in terms of its looks.

  "Let's get going. We'll have to walk a lot today, if we want it to be finished before her lady's birthday."

  With that, I followed her steps and found myself entranced by the sway of her hips. My concentration was clearly waning, and lacking, as well as my warrior's discipline. Love is a fickle thing. I need to get myself together.

  Though, Brynhilde's eyes sometimes wandered to me, behind her, and I could feel her getting flustered.. or maybe it was imagination.

  Since Queen Asria was free, we spoke to her immediately, and no audience was formally required. That was our luck, as otherwise, we would have had to wait until tomorrow.

  "Your Majesty, I come with a proposal.", Brynhilde bowed before her, and I followed suit. "Here are the plans and the design for a staff to be built for Lady Fia, the Prophetess, as a gift for her 15th birthday."

  With her eyes tracing every little detail, she hands the scroll back to Brynhilde and me, instead focusing her gaze on the gem, nodding. "Very well. The design is superb, as expected of my most trustworthy magician. I believe this staff will suit the girl very well. Let my advisor guide you for the materials and craftsmen. "Nia, please. Guide these two. Choose only the best. Understood?"

  A voice behind us, the attendant named Nia, followed her command. "Yes, Your Majesty.", turning to us, "Please, follow along. I know where to get the necessary material and who to hire for its crafting."

  Obediently, we followed her and, over the course of the next three hours, hired the craftsmen and bought the materials required for the construction of the staff. It would take at least two days, which was just in time - Lady Fia's birthday was no less than 4 days away.

  Brynhilde oversaw construction with me from time to time. At the end, the staff looked majestic.

  The crown, designed to cradle the crystal, was fashioned from gleaming chasmalite, a rare metal that conducts magic excellently. Sworn to secrecy, the metalworkers labored tirelessly to make it come true. Their hammers ringed softly in the workshops, shaping the intricate prongs that would, hopefully, hold the precious jewel securely, locked in place.

  The staff, itself, was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, being fashioned from the heartwood of an ancient Relicwoot tree. Its color was a deep, mesmerizing grey interlaced with delicate, almost imperceptible lines of a rich, reddish hue, making it possess a natural elegance and giving it a comforting weight.

  By itself, the wood almost seemed to hum with subtle energy, as if still resonating with the ancient magic of the forest from whence it came. Skilled artisans adorned the staff with many intricate carvings of intertwining vines and various elven symbols, a homage to her ancestry, and each detail was imbued with subtle enchantments to enhance its magical capabilities.

  I was useless, and so Brynhilde herself oversaw the final enchantments, weaving layers of magic into the very fabric of the wood and the chasmalite crown.

  Protective wards, elemental affinities, enhancements for magical projection; it was a bit of everything, woven into the staff's essence and being.

  Finally, with a touch of her own, she imbued the staff with a size-altering enchantment, a spell specifically designed to ensure the staff could be changed in size to be proportional to Lady Fia's own physical development; it would remain perfectly balanced and comfortable in her hands as she matured. Its weight, too, could be subtly controlled by its wielder, allowing Fia to adjust it to her preference, as her strength grows. I only watched, with a grin, knowing that this gift, born of lots of labor, would be in excellent hands, Lady Fia's.

  Lastly, the name... this took us the longest.

  -Reina

  The bustling marketplace of Silvale's capital was a riot of color and sound, forming a vibrant tapestry, as humans and deshumans interacted under bright spring sky. Amidst all those throngs of merchants, shoppers, and bartering, I had to move with an air of quiet purpose, to fall under the radar.

  My elegant attire drew little undue attention, partly due to the city's finery.

  Well, even better it was that my destination was only a small, discreet atelier, tucked away neatly in a quiet corner of the marketplace, the Market District, and it was a place known for its exceptional artisanship, as well as its discretion in catering to the needs of the city's elite.

  Nay, even nobles from afar came here, if they were in the know.

  For weeks, I have been making the occasional visit to this unassuming shop, my mind filled with visions of a young woman who had just, unexpectedly too, become a part of my life, it was Fia.

  Together with Erica, they were like daughters to me. Since I was, by blood, even related to the former, there was already a bond between us.

  Though I'm unsure how fond she is of me, I hope my feelings come through. To make that clear, I expressed to the artisans I was in need of a gift for a girl that would turn fifteen, and become a fine noble woman. It was a milestone, naturally, that would be marked with a truly special gift.

  I would hate it to just be a trinket or a bauble.. it should be something exquisite, a gift that speaks to the heart of that young, growing woman, something to reflect her unique blend of elegance and talent, and her curiosity burgeoning and threatening to devour our entire library.

  I wish I was joking. Ever since she came into my life, there hasn't been a day I didn't see her read a book. Worse, since she received hers from Ria, the Queen, that ancient book never left her side..

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Not that I mind, it's something to be proud of. But she seems to have no interest in any boys.. what if she'll be alone her whole life?

  Unless.. nay.. I need to change my line of thought. Regardless.. I commissioned a fine, beautiful set of clothing, a magic robe and elegant every-day clothes, one designed not for formal appearances, but those moments of study or leisurely strolls through the city or wherever, and one for formal purpose. It should both be comfortable, stylish, and of excellent quality..

  It should ideally suit Fia's delicate frame and her thin body. Since she's growing, I might ask Brynhilde to enchant it, too.. My choice of fabric was exquisite, needless to say, and it would only be the softest, flowing silks in hues of deep crimson and accentuated by a lovely shade of green akin to the forests she so loves, rounded by silver embroidery.

  The tailor, a wizened woman with nimble fingers and deep understanding of her craft, had worked and laboured diligently on my secret comission, I'm sure with much practiced speed. She came to me with her questions, and added details under my oversight, from the cut of the sleeves to the placement of the intricate embroidery, which just ensured that the final product would be nothing short of perfect.

  I really wanted these robes to feel like second skin to the girl, that they might move with her, as she went through life.

  As we finalized the arrangements, a wave of emotion washed over me. Fifteen years.. and it seemed like only yesterday she came to me. It's already been so many months, a year and more.

  Now, she grew to be a powerful magician, and even a Prophetess.

  Truly, a bittersweet pang resonated in my heart, and it was like a familiar ache of a mother watching her child step further and further into the world. One so cruel, but wonderful at the same time.

  The birthday celebration was not just formality, but a gift I wished to leave her, as she lost her mother and father alike, with me being her only family left. Perhaps the gifts we've planned for her would show her, just how much love we have for her.

  -Erica

  The first rays of dawn crept through the heavy velvet curtains of Ophi's chamber, painting the eastern sky in hues of soft rose and pale gold. I stirred in the large, comfortable bed, as my senses slowly awakened. Blinking softly, my vision blurry with sleep, the sight that greeted me brought a soft, gentle smile to my lips. Curled up beside me, with her light hair a tangled halo on the pillow, was Ophi, breathing even and gentle.

  I think we'd fallen asleep together last night, and it happened a lot recently, especially in each other's beds. The anticipation of her birthday quietly filled the air, and it was much excitement that left us with less sleep than we would wish for. Gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead, I reached out a hand to Ophi. Just then, she began to stir, being woken from a soft knock echoing on the chamber door. Before either of us could respond, the door creaked open slowly, and Elara, one of the Baroness' most trusted maids, entered, face wreathed in a warm, gentle smile.

  She was always my favourite maid, with her gentle motherly nature. Though today, her attention was on the girl beside me.

  "Happy birthday, Lady Fia", we said together in cheerful and bright tone, and Elara continued, "Lady Reina wishes to see you, as well as Lady Erica, to begin preparing for the day's festivities. A light breakfast will be served shortly in your sitting room. I trust that is alright, is it not, Lady Erica?"

  I only nodded with a grin, and she had left the room again. Whispering and nudging Ophilanna, I stretched. "Happy birthday to you, Phi."

  As I finished speaking, her eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile spread across that lovely, pretty face of hers, meeting my gaze. "Nhh.. thank you, Erica.. is it already time to get up?"

  Rubbing her cheek, I giggled. "Yes, sleepyhead. Let's go!"

  The morning unfolded in a flurry of activity. Maids bustled in and out of the chambers, just like we did, bringing trays of delicate pastries, fragrant tea, and laying out exquisite dress after the other, selected by Ophilanna and the Baroness for her birthday banquet. My choice of dress was a little more modest, being comfortable to move in and wear, but hers, a gown of sparkling sapphire silk, its bodice intricately embroidered with light thread and its skirt flowing in graceful folds, was stunning. The maids all fussed over Ophi, their voices were made of all the warmth in the world, brimming and teeming with excitement.

  "It's your special day today, Lady Fia!", Elara emphasised, carefully arranging Ophi's hair, "The Baroness' daughter fifteenth birthday! Even the Queen herself will be attending the banquet, what an honor!"

  One of the maids, busy with fitting her shoes, remarked, "It's important that we make you look the best for that very reason! Modesty and grace, as only befits a young lady of your standing!"

  Having already finished my dressing process, I sat close-by, making conversation with the maids and my friend. When we weren't talking, I watched all the preparations unfold with a quiet smile, and anticipation was growing within me. Of course, this day meant a lot to Ophi, and me as well, but seeing the effort everyone is putting into it was baffling. The air in the chamber was all too joyous, and celebration chased away any vestiges of sleepiness we had in our systems.

  -Ophilanna

  The grand hall of the Baroness' estate.

  I couldn't believe my eyes! They really transformed the hall into a scene of such festive elegance, for me. Garlands of spring flowers adorned the walls, their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance filling the air. A long table, laden with an array of delectable dishes, most of which I favoured, stretched across the center of the room, under the soft glow of numerous candles. A gathering of esteemed guests was visible, and shortly, even her Majesty the Queen, Lady Asria, would arrive, assembling for my birthday.

  I felt one nervous flutter in my stomach after the other, entering the main hall, wearing my sapphire silk gown. It rustled softly with each step, and gracefully, I curtsied before the Queen, my cheeks flushed with a mixture of shyness and excitement. The Queen smiled warmly in response, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection.

  "Oh my, such a gracile, beautiful lady. Happy birthday, Lady Fia," the Queen said in a regal, but kind manner. "You truly look lovely, as befitting of your title."

  Her words made me blush a little, but I couldn't let that show.

  Throughout the banquet, I felt a warmth spread through my heart with each heartfelt wish received, and the thoughtful gifts from all the assembled guests left me speechless.

  When it was time for me to open my presents, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me.. really, they went all out.

  Adalbert presented a beautifully crafted leather-bound journal, pages of soft, blank parchment, encouraging me to continue my studies and record any discoveries I make. I wrapped my arms around him in a big hug, a lump forming in my throat. Mother's gift was an set of robes, formal and outerwear, that was enchanted and looked beautiful. She encouraged me to put them on, and so I went with a maid to get me dressed.

  When I entered the hall again, people were baffled and looked thunerstruck.

  I love them and how comfortable they are. It was an amazing present, enough to make tears well in my eyes, as I embraced her, hopefully getting across how grateful and happy I am.

  Erica's gift was a delicate floral wreath woven from the most exquisite spring blossoms, their vibrant colors a cheerful contrast to the beautiful robes given to me by Mother. It was placed on my head, and I pulled Erica into a tight hug, sobbing a little because of her sweetness.

  Then, Brynhilde stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with mischievous glint. She presented me with a staff... not just any staff, but it had an entirely different.. aura?

  It looked regal. Like a royal artifact, actually. Wait...

  "Well? It was fashioned for you, Lady Fia", said the Queen, expectantly looking at me, who hesitantly grabbed it. Its dark grey wood gleamed softly in the hall, with me surrounded by my friends and family, and only then did I notice the chasmalite crown that cradled the crystal I found in that ruin. "Happy birthday!", everyone joyously shouted, and I couldn't help but gasp, my breath caught in my throat.

  This present wasn't just beautiful, no, it was everything I could ever wish for.. ask for. It was gorgeous enough, with its insanely precise artisanship, that tears began streaming down my face. The tips of my fingers traced the intricate carvings, the smooth, cool surface of the wood, the metal.. the crystal. It felt.. right, like a natural extension of my own mana. Like it was fine-tuned to me. Or perhaps it was, because I held the crystal so long and put a lot of energy into it.

  "You really shouldn't have... thank you, everyone.. this is a legendary artifact. Are you sure..?", I sobbed slightly, tugging at Mother's hem, seeing the sparkling faces of everyone present.

  "Tirelessly, we went around to have it be made, for you.", Adalbert said, "Lady Brynhilde was the one that studied it for an entire day. She wouldn't let go of it until evening.."

  He was interrupted by a blushing Brynhilde, who continued after smacking him a little. "Ahem.. I hope you like the staff. It was my design, fashioned in a way to take the most advantage of your unique magic, creativity, and the gem you found. Please, take it."

  My gaze swept around, from Adalbert, Brynhilde, Mother, to the Queen, and then Erica. They all nodded, and I hugged them each, and then held onto the staff.

  "I just couldn't settle on a name.. nobody could", Brynhilde remarked with a troubled look.

  Her Majesty remarked, "Perhaps I can help? Why not name it the 'Hollowfrost'? It suits your magic."

  With it, Queen Asria presented me with a small, elegantly wrapped box. Inside were two delicate silver bracelets, each adorned with a small, intricately carved charm. "These bracelets, little Fia, " the Queen explained with a warm smile, "are enchanted. They'll allow you to communicate over long distances with a person of your choosing. It's... a gift of connection."

  Without hesitation, I took one of the bracelets and fastened it around Erica's wrist, as her eyes met mine in a silent exchange, leaving her face rosy. The rest of the celebration passed in joyful blur and laughter, mostly being conversation and delicious food. I found myself wildly surrounded by warmth and affection, talking animatedly with Erica about our recent adventures, discussing Der ?ther with Brynhilde, and sharing some *polite* conversation with the Queen. At the end, I even exchanged fond smiles with Mother and Adalbert.

  When the evening drew to a close, two familiar figures appeared in the hall, their presence radiating an aura of familiarity. Miss Mena, Grandma. A gasp escaped my lips as my former teacher, and Grandma, approached, flashing smiles of their own, while usually composed.

  "Happy birthday, Lady Fia," both of them congratulated me, their voices carrying warmth. "We couldn't possibly miss this wonderful occasion."

  A look at my staff, Mena remarked, "I pitched in for your staff as well, it's a gift for my top student."

  Madame Lisette cackled, "Kiddo, you look gorgeous. Your glow is ethereal. I came to see you and your growth. Don't let me disturb you."

  Both of them made my heart swell with happiness. Not just Mena, but Grandma, here to share this special day with me, made the celebration even more meaningful.

  I was surrounded by so much love and support, being with my friends and family, that today couldn't be any better. Nothing'd take this moment away from me.

  It was here, I truly felt uplifted, after all the adversity I endured - from being victim of an assassination attempt at Grandma's place, to the terrorist attack.. losing my mother, avenging her death.. it all didn't register. I feel free. This is a new beginning, a true beginning.