The Three-Hued Child

As the morning sun gently filtered through the windows of their modest home in Asvattha's secluded countryside, a young girl lounged peacefully, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of her family.

The house, neither grand nor small, provided just enough space for the trio who inhabited it—living a simple life amidst the tranquil landscapes of Asvattha, a haven for commoners, peasants, and servants alike, as well as a gathering place for those with noble titles and their attendants.

"Adira, do you think there's another world out there, where we live different lives over and over again?" questioned a precocious child of about eight, her curiosity piqued by the mysteries of existence.

"What's that...parallel what?" Adira, the older sister, inquired, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Never mind," the younger girl dismissed with a knowing smile, already anticipating her sister's response.

"You're far too clever for your age, Karasi," she praised, wrapping her arms around her sister in admiration.

"Stop it, I don't like hugs," she grumbled, her annoyance evident. Adira couldn't help but chuckle at her sister's aversion to affection, teasing her with a playful pinch to the cheek. Karasi responded with a disapproving 'tsk', effectively halting her sister's teasing as she returned to her book.

"Is Karasi not joining us?" inquired Adira, the confusion evident in her voice, as their father, Alaric, approached her with an invitation to accompany him on a shopping excursion for supper. 

"No, Karasi won't be coming with us," he replied, a tinge of sadness coloring his tone, his heart yearning for the day when all three of them could venture out together.

"Why not?" she pressed, stealing a glance at her younger sister lost in her book.

"Is it because of Casmer?" she ventured, recalling the memory of Casimir, who had taken all the children born on May 25th.

"Do you remember the first time you laid eyes on your little sister?" he asked softly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he adjusted a straw bucket hat onto Adira's head. She furrowed her brow, trying to recall any memories from her early childhood but coming up blank.

"Do you still see the three auras around your sister?" he inquired, his gaze shifting to Karasi. Adira glanced over at Karasi, studying her intently.

"I see white, violet, and..." she paused, searching for the right words to describe the third hue. Alaric watched patiently as Adira contemplated.

"It's like glitter, Papa!" she exclaimed suddenly, reaching out to touch her father's sleeve. Alaric looked at her with curiosity.

"Glitter?" he echoed, intrigued by her description.

Though still young and inexperienced in magic, Adira possessed the ability to perceive auras—a gift she hadn't fully realized the extent of yet. Alaric couldn't see auras in the same way Adira could; such abilities were usually reserved for those skilled in magic.

"Yes! Karasi's aura was surrounded by glitter, swirling around her like gold!" Adira animatedly explained, gesturing with her hands to illustrate her point.

"Gold," he echoed softly, turning his attention back to Karasi, who was already looking their way.

It was unheard of for someone to possess three auras in Basilia's history—only the deceased holy saint, Hygeia, and the newly born saint, Lucius, were known to have two auras. The notion of three auras was unprecedented, sparking curiosity and intrigue in Alaric's mind.

"Are you two gossiping about me again?" Karasi interjected, her expression stoic.

Adira's smile widened as she darted towards Karasi, planting quick kisses on her cheeks, causing Karasi's brows to knit together in irritation.

"Adi!" Karasi exclaimed, her annoyance palpable as Adira then dashed towards their laughing father.

"Papa! Look what your mischievous daughter has done!" Karasi complained, her irritation evident. But Adira only chuckled at her sister's reaction.

Alaric approached his agitated daughter, affectionately patting her head. "Let her have her fun. Your sister enjoys teasing you," he whispered to the pouting Karasi, while Adira giggled in the background.

"We're heading out now, you stay here, okay? No wandering off," Alaric instructed. Karasi simply nodded, remaining silent in compliance with her father's request.

As Alaric took Adira's hand, she waved at Karasi before they departed together.

Meanwhile, a person's aura held significant meaning in Basilia society. Crimson auras were associated with knights and Dames for their strength and practicality, while magicians bore a bluish glow. Nobles typically had silver auras, contrasting with the gray auras of commoners.

A black aura, like Casimir's, signaled a troubled past and unresolved emotions, while members of the royal family, like Ayira and King Themis, radiated the rare and esteemed gold aura.

Karasi, however, possessed three distinct auras—white, violet, and gold. White auras, like that of the priest Damayanti, were linked to healing abilities, while violet auras, akin to Alaunos', denoted exceptional magical prowess, making him renowned as Basilia's finest mage.