True Birth

Part 1

Tomorrow is the big day. The day I officially turn… one year old.

Again.

In Zerathis, they don't count a baby as truly "born" until it's been a whole year. Or at least, that's what Dad said while he was hanging decorations for my "true birth" ceremony. Apparently, it's an old tradition, something about needing a year for a child's essence core to develop. They believe that until then, you're not fully part of this world. I'm not sure what all of it means yet, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Dad was trying to explain it to me when Mom sent him out to fetch some plumekin eggs.

Plumekin are these round, fluffy birds with feathers like little clouds and lay eggs that taste amazing—like chicken eggs, only better.

Whatever this "true birth" thing means, I'll know soon enough. For now, sleep is calling, and I want to be ready for tomorrow.

I rolled into my crib, the cool air from my window acting like a natural air conditioner.

Part 2

Well, that definitely didn't go according to plan. I was so nervous about the ceremony that I couldn't sleep a wink.

"Huh, it's still morning? Guess I'll go back to bed," I said to myself, looking out of the window.

As soon as my head hit the comfortable fabric of my pillow, my door slammed open and my parents came in cheering me on, chanting the words:

"Happy birthday, Kael!"

My heart jumped at the noise, and I tried to pull the blanket over my head, but it was too late. They were already by my side, pulling me up and fussing over me like I was a king or something.

"Just a few more minutes, Mom," I begged.

"Not a chance. Get up, sleepyhead! The ceremony starts in a few hours, and we need to get you ready," my mother rebuked.

Something told me this was not going to be like my usual quiet birthdays.

The morning was bright and warm, with sunlight pouring through my window and a feeling in the air that I couldn't quite place. It was like the whole house was holding its breath, waiting.

I got up slowly, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves swirling in my stomach. Today, everyone in the village would come to celebrate my "true birth." I've never seen so many people all at once, and just thinking about it made me fidgety.

"Are you ready for today, Kael?" Mom asked as she helped me get dressed, her voice soft but cheerful. Her hands were gentle as she smoothed down my tunic, but her eyes looked serious, like she knew something I didn't.

"I think so," I said, even though my stomach felt like it was doing flips. I didn't really understand what the ceremony was about, but I wanted to be brave. Today was supposed to be special, and I wanted to feel special too.

Part 3

After getting dressed, I made my way down the stairs into the kitchen for breakfast. On my way to the kitchen, I noticed the hall was beautifully decorated. There were runes near the fireplace saying "Happy Birthday, Kael," and a huge cake-like thing in the middle of the living room. To be honest, I am still having trouble processing that this was all for me.

For breakfast, my mother really went all out. The spread was extravagant, even for her. There were plumekin eggs, tone-burd fish, revar (which tasted like rice), and a few other dishes I didn't even recognize.

Not trying to brag, but I'm pretty sure my mom's cooking is the best in the world—even though I haven't tasted anyone else's food yet.

Te he!

The day was a blur of activity. I could hear villagers chatting and laughing outside, and every once in a while someone would stop by to drop off gifts or help with decorations. By the time evening came, our house was filled to the brim. It seemed like almost the entire village had shown up. There were humans, beastmen, and even a few dwarfs.

Seeing so many people crowded around made me feel… well, a little nervous. I'd never been the center of attention like this before. But a small part of me felt proud too. Today was special, and maybe—for the first time—it really felt that way.

I made my way outside to my dad, who was waiting for a few more guests to show up before we officially started the party.

"Who are you waiting for, Dad?" I asked in a soft tone.

"Your mother's parents," he replied.

My eyes glittered in excitement and nervousness.

Wait, so my grandparents are also coming? I wonder what kind of people they are.

"They haven't come to visit us in over six years now…" he continued, but his voice seemed a little shaky.

Six years? Guess Mom and her parents are not on the best terms.

"Why?" I asked nonchalantly, trying to seem as innocent as possible.

"Well, they were nobles and I was an adventurer…" he drifted off with what seemed like tears in his eyes.

"But you don't need to know about it, Kael. This is a matter between adults." He recollected himself, going back to his usual grin.

"Guess I'll have to be on my best behavior so that they come back often," I smiled back.

Even though I know there isn't much I can do to help as a baby, I can still offer some emotional comfort.

"Kael, sometimes you seem way too mature for your age." He laughed.

"This time I'll make them accept me," Dad continued with a determined look in his eyes.

Our conversation was cut short when a carriage appeared in the distance. It looked quite extravagant, being pulled by white horses. The faint glow of runes inscribed on the carriage beamed in contrast to the dark pathway.

"Go back inside and tell your mother that your grandparents are here," my dad instructed.

I went back in to inform my mother and would have reached her if only I hadn't been stopped by someone congratulating me for my birthday at every other step.

By the time I told her, the front door opened.

Suddenly, the haughty environment filled with bustling laughter went quiet. Too quiet… to the point where I could hear my own heartbeat. Suddenly everyone bowed their heads, including my mother and father. I was caught off guard by the sudden movement.

I turned back in confusion. That's when a stunning lady dressed in a black gown and a hat with a floral pattern entered. The only hint of color was the red rose in her hat. If it weren't for the red rose, I would have definitely assumed that she was here for a burial. She had fair skin, a few wrinkles on her face, green eyes, a sharp jaw, and looked as if she was glaring at everyone.

Soon after she entered, a guy just a few inches taller than my dad followed. He looked quite a bit older than my dad and had a white beard. He was wearing a black suit, but unlike the lady, he had a huge smile on his face and looked quite welcoming. With a broad body and large muscles, he looked a bit like a mountain.

As the silence grew, so did the awkwardness, as everyone except me was still bowing down. The lady shifted her attention to my mother and spoke.

"Alethia, I am disappointed. You couldn't even teach your son a few manners? Or did he learn to be this disrespectful from his dad?"

The words struck deep in my heart and I glared back at her. Who does this lady even think she is, being this rude to my mother and disrespecting my dad? Before I could say something, my mother forced my head down, cutting me short.

"I am sorry, Mother. I'll be more careful next time," my mother replied.

That's when it clicked—so these were my grandparents… but the realization only made my anger grow. No matter how bad your past is, that is no way to speak to someone, and that too, your own daughter! Like what, did you expect a one-year-old to give a proper introduction? Actually, that is not a bad idea.

I shifted my head back up, escaping my mother's gentle hold, and spoke out with a sarcastic tone.

"I am so sorry, ma'am, for not knowing proper etiquette and how to treat such a noble person like yourself, but if I may, I most definitely didn't like the way you spoke to my mother, soo…" I grinned.

"Can you please apologise?"

Everyone looked at me with terror and awe. It most definitely made me uncomfortable and a little scared, to be honest.

She glared back at me, shaking with anger. "What did you say, you little brat? It seems yo…"

Before she could say something else, my grandfather cut her short, saying, "So you must be Kael, right? I am Dravin Elion Ashenvale and this is my wife, Tessa Ashenvale. You must already know, but we are your grandparents."

I bowed down, showing respect. "I am extremely sorry for my rude conduct a while ago… I am Kaelric Elion Ashenvale, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Grandpa," I gleamed with a smile.

Just as the awkward silence started to bite, my dad spoke out.

"Now that everyone is here, shall we start the party?"

Everyone, including my grandpa, went back into the over-cramped living room and indulged in their own activities, having fun. My grandmother, on the other hand, scoffed at the proposal and sat down in the corner of a couch, still maintaining her noble demeanor. The atmosphere around her was dark and depressing. Quite the contrast to the rest of the room.

That was the only place that no one dared to approach, no matter how cramped it got. I had quite a huge smile on my face, which quickly faded as I smelled impending danger just behind my back.

I turned around to see my mother, who had nothing but bloodlust in her eyes. I gulped and tried to make an innocent baby face, but nothing could save me from the thrashing I was in for. I surrendered myself to fate and decided to enjoy while the fun lasted.

I was quite literally the center of attention, unable to get even a second away from people. I did pick up on a conversation between a group of people betting on what essence type I'll get.

I swear every time this word "essence" comes into play, I get more and more confused and no one explains it to me properly. AHH, it's such a pain…

Just as I thought I could get a moment of peace away from people, someone picked me up from behind. I shivered at the sudden touch but soon calmed when I realized it was my grandfather. He lifted me up and put me on his back. That's when my dad announced:

"I would like to thank everyone for gathering here today, for my eldest son's true birth. We will soon begin the ceremony for his essence awakening."

Wait, what? Essence awakening? No one told me anything about thisss…