War Gala (Part 1)

"Congratulations, Rena. Congratulations, Elina." Jadon Lark said. "Dad would have loved to meet Aran and Leria. He always loved magic and seeing such talented youths would have made him monocle pop until he broke."

"Thanks, Count Lark." Aran gave him a deep bow, not understanding why despite the ruler of the Lustria county and a dear friend of the family had complimented him, everyone looked so sad.

"Tell me, Leria." Kelya Lark said. "Is Aran a little imp like your Uncle Lith at his age?"

"Uncle Lith is no imp!" Leria said in outrage. "He's my hero whereas Aran is…" She was about to say something mean when she noticed that everyone was staring at her.

"Still lacking under many aspects. He's an imp and a short one at that." She used a hand to highlight how even if by a short margin, she was taller.