Lily's Guardians

Lily slowly started to regain consciousness and gradually blinked her eyes open. She was aware of muffled and unclear voices around her, trying to understand what was happening.

"Is she awake?" one voice whispered.

"I don't know..." another voice replied.

She heard someone mutter, "Poor kid," and then the conversation took a more serious tone.

"Well, this is what this academy has been doing for centuries," a voice said.

"I know, and we, as guardians, are responsible for caring for the students assigned to us, right?"

"I will never forget that... but this is just so wrong," the first voice replied.

"Stop your whining, Amaria," a voice said sternly.

"I am not whin—" Amaria started to protest before being interrupted.

"Shh! She's awake now."

Lily turned her head, her eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness of the sunlight filtering through the window. She saw someone with fair skin and a pointed set of ears sitting near her and asked, "W-who are you?"

"I'm Amaria," the lady replied with a warm smile. "And this is Leon. We are your guardians." The room was quiet except for the sounds of nature outside.

Lily gazed up at the two people standing before her, her heart racing with anticipation. "Where are my mama and papa?" she asked, her voice trembling with anxiety.

The two adults exchanged a solemn look, communicating with each other without uttering a word. As Lily waited for their response, she felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"Lily," one of them finally spoke, "we know you've been through great hardship since leaving your village. It is with a heavy heart that we must tell you that your parents are no longer with us." 

As Lily tried to process the devastating news, the room fell silent, save for her ragged breathing.

As a five-year-old child who saw the tragic event, she was overwhelmed again with emotion and began to cry, making a sound that conveyed her sadness and distress.

Amaria places a comforting hand on her back, gently patting her to provide a sense of solace and emotional support.

Her guardians knew that it was essential to let her cry and process her emotions. They waited patiently, offering a comforting presence as she expressed her feelings.

After a few moments, Leon spoke up. "Lily, look," he said gently, "We have your dragon egg here." He gestured towards the nest in the corner of her room.

Lily was captivated by the white-scaled egg as sunrays illuminated it through the window, revealing a breathtaking iridescent quality that seemed to shimmer and dance in the light. She sniffled and wiped her tears away.

"Take care of it, Lily. It's yours now." She remembered the woman's voice.

Leon was about to get the egg for Lily to hold, but Amaria interrupted.

"Perhaps you're hungry? We prepared something for your arrival. Come, we'll clean you up, and let's eat together." She extended her hand for Lily to reach and smiled.

She got up from bed and held Amaria's hand. She doesn't know if they can trust them as they are strangers.

Lily soaked in the bathtub; she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Her curly, reddish-orange hair was tangled and dirty, but Amaria's gentle touch and warm water helped to clean it. However, Lily's green eyes revealed a profound sadness that could not be washed away. The room was dimly lit, and the silence only amplified the emptiness she felt inside. Despite this, Lily found comfort that Amaria was there for her, just like how her mother cared for her.

After cleaning her up, Amaria gently braided her hair. Memories of her mother flooded her mind, and tears welled in her eyes. She tried to hold them back, but they rolled down her cheeks anyway. Amaria noticed her tears and paused her braiding.

"It's okay, Lily," she said softly, "I know it's hard. You don't have to hold back your tears."

Lily nodded, letting the tears flow freely as Amaria continued to work on her hair. Amaria's touch was gentle and soothing, and Lily felt a sense of comfort and safety in her presence. As Amaria finished braiding her hair and tying it off with a ribbon, she turned to face Lily.

"We're not going to hurt you, Lily," she said, "we're here to protect you." She gently cherished Lily's cheek.

Lily wiped away her tears and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She felt a pang of sadness as she realized how much she missed her mother's touch. However, Lily also felt grateful for Amaria's comforting words. She took a deep breath and tried to push her sadness aside, focusing on the present moment.

Amaria helped her wear a green dress made of soft, lightweight fabric like linen. The dress was decorated with elegant golden rose embroidery, long sleeves, and a full skirt that fell to her ankles. The clothing was loose and comfortable, with a bodice laced up at the back.

"Now, let's complete your look with this golden pin. I found it in your hair when I helped you clean it. This must be an important family heirloom. " She carefully placed the pin back in Lily's hair, ensuring it was secure and would not fall out. "There you go; you're so beautiful, Lily." She genuinely smiled.

Lily expressed her gratitude by uttering the words, "Thank you." The pin was a birthday gift from her father. However, as she stood there admiring the pin, she couldn't help but think of her mother's gift, a beautiful handmade scarf.

"Let's go get some lunch," Amaria said, leading Lily by the hand.

As they walked down the stairs, Lily couldn't help but take in the grandeur of her surroundings. The floors beneath her feet were made of gleaming polished marble, and the walls were thick stone adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. The sheer opulence of the place was a stark contrast to the humble cottage she had grown up in.

The house's roof was made of sturdy timber and had steeply pitched gables that soared high into the sky, lending the place a majestic appearance. It was clear that no expense had been spared in constructing this magnificent dwelling.

Inside, the house boasted a grand hall that was fit for royalty. Banners and flags hung from the high ceiling, casting a colorful glow over the room. The table was always set with the finest silverware and crystal glass, gleaming in the light streaming through the large windows. The hall was spacious enough to accommodate many guests.

They entered the dining hall, and the aroma of the finest delicacies wafted through the air. The room was adorned with opulent decorations, and the table was set with the most exquisite silverware and crystal glass. The centerpiece was a large, perfectly prepared roasted meat surrounded by various exotic fruits and vegetables. The wine selection was equally impressive, with bottles from the most renowned vineyards in the land. The feast was a grandiose display of the nobles' wealth and influence, showcasing their social status and power.

Lily kept on thinking. Who are these people, and what are their roles in her life?