1 Awakening Ceremony

Sunlight falls onto the roof of a small house built at the edge of a great forest. The front door swings open as a middle aged man steps out and puts his hands around his mouth.

"Quincy, dinner is ready!"

Bushes near the edge of the woods rustle before a small face pops out. "I told you I'd be back by dinner, Dad! No need to yell." replies Quincy with a cheeky smile.

"Yeah, I'm sure you would have been." The dad chuckles, waving over his shoulder as he turns around, "Don't forget to wash your hands before you come inside."

"Yeah, yeah," the 10 year old Quincy retorts, mimicking his father, as he waves his hand over his shoulder on the way to the well.

After washing up, the family crowds around their small table to eat. "Which talent do you think I'll awaken at the ceremony tomorrow?" Quincy inquires, excitement evident in his brown eyes.

"Your father and I were both common talents with no type of elemental affinity. Theoretically, any type of affinity is possible but I wouldn't get your hopes up." His mom consoles.

Her words didn't dim his enthusiasm at all and his eyes lost focus, daydreaming of becoming the most powerful cultivator in the village.

The next morning, Quincy's mom dressed him in a brand new outfit and brushed his hair until it shone. "Alright my handsome little man," she said while patting his shoulder. "Go get your father and we'll head over to the ceremonial grounds."

While walking, the family runs into their neighbors who are taking their 10 year old daughter to the ceremony as well. Quincy's eyes light up in recognition, "Hey Kellie!" Quincy calls out.

"Hey, I haven't seen you for a few days. Are you excited for the ceremony?" She responds.

"Of course I am." He says with a laugh. "This is going to be a turning point in my life. Are you ready to be my wife after I awaken a supreme fire talent?"

Kellie snorts, "You're lucky if you awaken any affinity at all and you want me to be your wife? Dream on! I will be an almighty ice queen. I don't have any time to waste on boys with no elemental affinity!"

Quincy laughs again, taking her insults in stride. "If all you need is a man with elemental affinity then it sounds like I have a chance because I'm definitely going to have a fire talent that will shock the heavens themselves."

Kellie just rolls her eyes in response this time and they banter back and fourth as they walk ahead, leaving their parents to watch from behind.