**The Next Morning…**
The soft, golden morning light filtered through the trees of the academy courtyard. As the playful breeze stirred the leaves into a gentle dance, the sunbeams shimmered on the dew-covered stone pavement below. Reflections of the light danced across the still, clear water of the courtyard pool, painting a scene straight from a dream. The air was filled with the sound of birds — from cheerful sparrows to melancholic doves — and the fresh scent of blooming flowers carried by the calm morning breeze.
The sun had yet to fully rise. The sky glowed a soft shade of indigo, whispering the promise of a peaceful day. The capital's streets still lay in a half-awake hush, broken only by the creak of cart wheels pulled by hunched-over vendors heading toward the market. Their carts brimmed with crates of fresh fruit and vegetables. Shopkeepers, still groggy with sleep, swept the front of their stores; the rising dust mixed with water, releasing the earthy scent of damp soil. Some wiped down their windows, while others arranged chairs and benches outside, ready for the bustle of a new day.
From afar, soft smoke curled upward from chimneys. The gentle trickle of water flowing between the cobblestones whispered alongside the laughter and playful shouts of children — a sweet melody echoing through the alleyways. After weeks filled with tension and unrest, the city was finally taking a fresh breath. The embrace of morning was warm and peaceful.
Inside the academy dormitory, golden sunlight slipped through a thin curtain and landed directly on Arthur's closed eyes. He blinked, slowly opening them, staring at the ceiling in quiet stillness. Outside, the birds continued their morning song — the melody of life itself.
He glanced around. Julius, as usual, was tangled half in and half out of his blanket, his hair as messy as ever. Anos had dozed off in a strange position on a chair, still clutching a book, a pencil loosely balanced between his fingers.
The scent of flowers — ones Julius had planted in small pots on the windowsill — lingered in the room, mingling with the smell of open books, dry wood, and the gentle breeze that drifted in. Despite the clutter, the room felt like home.
Arthur closed his eyes for a moment and simply listened to the birds. A faint, wordless smile touched his lips. After a few seconds, he rose from bed, his movements slow and deliberate. He got dressed and began to comb his silvery hair — but paused. A few more strands had fallen onto his shoulder.
He stared at them, drawing in a deep breath. Perhaps it was the illness. Perhaps the weight of stress, the kind that breathed down his neck like a blade. But now wasn't the time to think. Today was another day. A special one.
He stepped out of the room. The corridor was quiet. Laughter echoed from the courtyard below — students already out for their morning exercise. Arthur walked slowly, his heart beating a little faster — not from fear, but from anticipation.
Today was the **Multi-Racial Peace Festival**, a celebration held for nearly three centuries across the kingdoms and nations. A day when elves, dwarves, demi-humans, and humans danced, laughed, and let go of the bitter past of war. And what better place to host such a celebration than **Tarolinia**, the kingdom of harmony and diversity?
Schools and academies were closed for the occasion. People bustled through the markets from early morning, buying clothes, food, and decorations. Children donned new outfits, painted playful designs on their faces, and ran laughing through the streets. Tonight, the city would glow — with lanterns, fireworks, song, and dance.
Arthur reached the academy's courtyard pool. Sunlight rippled across its surface, and the trees around it stood like silent sentinels, their branches swaying softly in the breeze. He knelt beside the pool and dipped his hands into the water — cold, clear, awakening.
He splashed it on his face. The sudden chill against his skin, mingled with the crisp scent of damp leaves, made his eyes shimmer. He rubbed his face dry, took a deep breath, and whispered in his heart:
> "What a beautiful day... I hope it stays this peaceful, just a little longer."
And so the morning began. Quiet, yet full of promise.
Arthur took a deep breath as the breeze caressed his face. He stretched his body, raising his arms to the sky and locking his fingers together. He bent forward until his spine popped gently, letting blood circulate through his muscles. The tension began to loosen. His body relaxed. So did his mind.
After a few minutes of stretching, Arthur walked back toward the dorm building. He climbed the damp stone steps — slick with morning dew — and reached his room. Taking out his worn key, he unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The quiet creak of the door was enough to wake Julius. He blinked groggily, hair a mess, and gave Arthur a sleepy smile.
"Morning, Arthur..."
Arthur returned a warm smile, sunlight catching on his face. "Good morning to you too."
Julius sighed and swung his legs off the bed, giving a long stretch. "You went out for exercise? Thought your body couldn't handle it anymore."
Arthur paused, his gaze dropping to the floor. A faint sorrow flickered in his eyes. "No... just went to wash my face. Get some fresh air."
Julius lowered his head, as if ashamed of the question. In a quiet voice, he said, "Ever since you got sick, I haven't been going out much either... I guess I lost the motivation."
Arthur stepped forward, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said with firm yet gentle resolve, "Don't hold yourself back because of me. My illness… it's temporary. You shouldn't let my condition steer you away from your path. Keep pushing forward."
Julius gave a small smile, though concern still shimmered faintly in his eyes. "Alright… I'll try."
Arthur's gaze shifted to Anos — still asleep in that strange position at the table. Books were scattered around him, and fresh ink stains across the pages revealed he had stayed up late into the night.
With a tired but soft voice, Arthur murmured, "We need to keep an eye on Anos these days… he's pushing himself too hard."
Julius nodded with a sigh. "I talked to him... but he won't listen. After that exam, when his score was lower than yours and Sophia's, he's been burning himself out."
Arthur knew exactly why Anos had become so harsh with himself. That letter from his father — written in a cold, rigid hand, full of duty but devoid of affection — was still etched in his memory.
Suddenly, Julius flashed a bright, mischievous smile and said, "Today's a special day… the Multi-Race Peace Festival! We should go out, have fun. The whole city will be dancing tonight!"
Arthur's soft smile deepened, and a spark lit up in his golden eyes. "Yeah… I'm actually really excited."
With childlike mischief, Julius hopped off the bed, grabbed a nearby glass, and walked over to Anos. Without warning, he poured a splash of water over his head.
Anos jolted awake, drenched and dazed, hair plastered to his forehead. He shouted, half-asleep and furious, "Are you insane?! Can't you see I'm sleeping?!"
Julius burst out laughing and darted away, yelling, "Catch me if you can!"
The room erupted in chaos. Laughter, the sound of running feet, and soft thuds filled the space. Arthur remained where he stood, watching the scene with a warm smile. He felt something glowing in his chest — a sense of family, of having something he once only dreamed of.
He walked over to a corner of the room, where his old satchel lay — the same one he had carried from the orphanage to the academy. Opening it, he rummaged through his clothes, searching for the new outfit he had bought a few months ago.
His fingers brushed against something familiar.
A necklace.
A thin silver chain with a green jade pendant. In its center, an ancient tree was intricately carved — so finely detailed it seemed to sway with every breath. The necklace that **Sister Maria** had given him.
His mind was suddenly pulled into the past, to the moment Sister Maria had spoken to him in that quiet, mournful voice:
> "The power of this necklace… goes beyond the physical, Arthur. It preserves balance. Father Maldreus fought his illness for years… but this helped him endure."
Arthur took the necklace in his hand, fingers curling gently around it, and walked over to the window. He sat on the wooden ledge, sunlight pouring over his face, the cool morning breeze gently brushing through his silver hair.
He raised the necklace to the light, eyes fixed on the glowing green gem. It sparkled like a quiet flame at the center of his heart.
He whispered,
"How could I have been so stupid? How did I forget what I was holding?… A relic from a father who survived with this very power."
Arthur slowly fastened the necklace around his neck. The gem settled against his chest, and a delicate coolness spread across his skin.
He stood before the mirror.
In it, a boy stared back with golden eyes and silver hair. His body looked slightly thinner than before, but in his gaze, there was something new — hope, and perhaps a hidden strength.
He murmured:
> "Maybe this necklace is exactly what I need… to find my way back to who I used to be."
And just then, the laughter of Anos and Julius rang through the background — life, in all its vivid colors, went on.
Arthur began to dress himself in his new clothes — a clean white shirt that fit perfectly, and beige trousers that captured the freshness of the morning. As he put them on, he felt himself transformed — not just in appearance, but in energy.
Meanwhile, the playful noise in the room continued; Anos and Julius were now wrestling, grabbing each other's collars and trying to pin the other to the floor, laughing all the while.
Arthur, smiling warmly, turned toward them and called out with cheerful energy,
"Alright, you two — better get ready. Today's a big day; we're going to celebrate every moment."
Anos, slightly breathless, asked curiously,
"Why are we getting ready so early? The festival doesn't start until tonight, does it?"
Arthur responded gently,
"We're making a full day of it. I want to explore the whole capital — from the alleys around the academy to all the beautiful sights."
Julius, now bouncing with excitement, said,
"I haven't seen much of the city myself. I know the streets near the academy, but Anos, I bet you know every corner, right?"
Anos scratched his head, smiled with a bit of hesitation,
"Honestly, sounds a little tiring to spend the day like that… but alright. I'll show you around."
Arthur and Julius clapped their hands and cheered — the excitement of discovering new places lighting up their faces.
Soon, all three had changed. Anos wore a sky-blue shirt with black pants that contrasted beautifully with his tan skin. Julius was in a vibrant red shirt with white trousers, full of life and spirit. To Arthur, they looked like morning stars.
Holding hands, they ran through the quiet dormitory halls, joy and energy radiating from them. They were kids who had weathered painful pasts — but now, being together helped soothe old wounds and offered new light.
As usual, they waited outside the girls' dormitory for Sophia. She was a vital part of their circle — a girl with a kind smile and eyes always brimming with warmth and friendship. When she arrived, they greeted her happily and set off together.
Their laughter and cheerful voices filled the academy corridors, warming the cold stone with the fire of their friendship.
A few minutes later, they reached the city's central square. Arthur looked around — a lively market where life pulsed in every corner. Merchants haggled passionately over prices, fruit vendors shouted "Freshest fruits, best taste!" and street sellers offered colorful trinkets with wide smiles.
Mothers held their children's hands tenderly as they strolled through, and fathers carried kids on their shoulders, their laughter echoing into the sky.
Julius pointed to a café tucked in a corner of the square and exclaimed,
"How about we have breakfast there? Looks like a great spot."
Anos, Arthur, and Sophia all agreed cheerfully and headed that way.
The café's interior was cozy and inviting. Sunlight poured through the wide windows, filling the space with warmth. The smell of fresh coffee and hot bread wafted through the air.
They sat at a table for four and gave their orders to the server.
Anos asked for a bitter coffee and a small slice of chocolate cake.
Sophia ordered lemon tea and a cinnamon cake.
Julius went all in — eggs, sausage, bacon, meat, and fresh bread.
Arthur chose a warm coffee and a fragrant vegetable soup.
A few minutes later, their meals arrived — beautifully presented, steaming, and aromatic. The smell of coffee and hot soup filled the café, making everyone's appetite surge.
Arthur wrapped his hands around his coffee cup, its warmth soothing his fingers and spirit. Steam from the soup rose gently, promising comfort. He took a spoonful — the taste, rich and full of life, seemed to melt the fatigue from his bones.
In that moment — the laughter of his friends, the aroma of food, the colors of the bustling square — all came together to remind him that life, for all its complexity, was still beautiful and full of hope.
After they finished their delightful breakfast, the four of them rose from the table. The scent of coffee and fresh food still lingered, and morning sunlight streamed through the café windows.
Anos smiled and said,
"I'll go pay the bill. You guys wait outside."
He walked up to the counter, where a middle-aged woman with a clean apron and a kind face stood. She glanced at the small note by the register, then smiled and said:
"Well, dear, that's two coffees, one tea, two slices of cake, a hot soup, and the special breakfast platter… that'll be five silver and nine copper coins."
Without hesitation, Anos pulled a small leather pouch from the inside pocket of his shirt and took out a gold coin. The coin gleamed in the sunlight, and its considerable weight made a faint sound as he placed it on the counter.
The woman glanced briefly at the coin, then smiled with satisfaction and said,
"Very well. Here's the rest…"
She then carefully took four silver coins and one copper coin from the chest and placed them in front of Anos.
"Thank you for choosing our café for breakfast. We hope to see you again."
Anos nodded politely and replied,
"Your food was excellent. We will definitely come back."
When he rejoined his friends, they all left the café together and stepped onto the bustling streets of the city. Golden sunlight spilled over the cobblestones, and the chirping of birds echoed from the branches of the trees surrounding the square. They decided their first destination would be the "National Library of the Capital."
The library building was vast; a stone structure with white columns and a silver dome that sparkled in the sunlight. Upon entering, a heavy but inspiring silence enveloped them. Tall shelves filled with books bound in leather and gold stretched from floor to ceiling. Some books floated magically in the air; the moment someone spoke the title or pointed to a book, it would gently move toward them and open to the desired page.
The children's eyes sparkled with wonder. Even Anos, usually indifferent, flipped through a book about ancient magic with interest. But lacking a special access card, they weren't allowed into the restricted floors, and after an hour or two of wandering, they decided to leave the library.
Next, they headed toward the "Astria Market"—a large and colorful bazaar considered the beating heart of the capital.
The market was alive with sounds and colors. People of various races wore traditional and sometimes strange clothes, buying and selling side by side. Dwarves hammered away at shining swords and armor; sweat dripped from their brows, and the clang of metal on metal filled the air. Elves' booths were filled with delicate handicrafts, bottles of rare perfumes, spices, and fabrics that shimmered as if woven from strands of light.
Half-humans also had stalls, selling strange and colorful fruits; some performed magical tricks, while others danced local dances. Meanwhile, the elves played wooden instruments that produced a pleasant rhythm. The atmosphere was alive with joy, smiles, and mutual respect. On this day, it seemed no discord existed between the races.
Amidst the hustle, Arthur's curious gaze was drawn to one of the elves' booths. It was filled with crystal-clear bottles, each containing a glowing, colorful liquid. Behind the counter stood an elf woman with ice-blue eyes and soft green hair. Her translucent skin and calm face made it impossible to guess her age.
Arthur picked up one bottle, a jade green color. When he opened it, a wondrous scent reached his nose—a blend of fresh earth, the first autumn rain, and flowers he had never before seen or smelled.
With bright eyes, he asked,
"How much is this?"
The elf woman smiled gently and replied,
"One gold coin."
Arthur looked at the bottle in surprise; it was worth it but expensive for him.
With a hopeful yet anxious tone, he said,
"Can you give me a discount?"
The woman, sensing his honesty, smiled wider and said,
"Today is a festival day, so why not? With a special discount, only seven silver coins."
Arthur happily reached for his money pouch but after a moment of counting, his face fell. He only had five silver coins.
Disappointed, he said,
"Sorry… I don't have enough money."
At that moment, Anos, who was nearby and had witnessed the scene, stepped forward. Without saying a word, he handed seven silver coins to the elf and took the perfume.
He then gave the bottle to Arthur and said,
"Take it. This is my gift. As long as I'm here, you shouldn't worry about money."
Arthur, stunned, could only say,
"But…"
Anos looked at him with a serious yet warm gaze:
"When a friend gives you a gift, you must accept it wholeheartedly."
Arthur, with teary eyes and a heart full of gratitude, took the bottle and said,
"Thank you… this gift means so much to me."
The elf woman smiled sweetly and said cheerfully,
"You really have a good friend. Cherish him; friends like these are rare."
Arthur nodded and squeezed Anos's hand, and together they walked away from the stall.
The elf woman watched them leave and whispered,
"What good friends. They're hard to find."
In a corner of the market, Sophia and Julius stood before a group of half-humans performing an energetic street show and dance. Magic tricks, sparkling lights, and the sound of drums and instruments captivated everyone. Arthur and Anos also joined them, and the four friends, smiling, lived a moment among all the colors and sounds in the heart of the vibrant and magical capital that they would never forget.
After hours full of excitement, curiosity, and wandering the alleys and streets of the capital, Anos, Arthur, Julius, and Sophia, tired but with hearts full of passion, headed back to the city's main square.
A vast plaza, paved with ancient patterns, shone in the heart of the city. Floating lanterns hovered in the air, emitting warm golden light like earthly stars shining over the people. Crowds from many races—the elves in long silver robes, dwarves with braided beards and hammers at their belts, half-humans with colorful skin tones, and humans from all over the lands—gathered side by side.
As the sun set and the sky turned blue, the first notes of elven flutes were heard. The soft, enchanting sounds, like whispers from distant forests, filled the air. Soon, the deep beats of dwarven drums joined, their rhythms pounding yet harmonizing with the elven melodies. Gradually, other instruments joined in: harps, pipes, small bells, and even magical instruments floating and playing without players.
The crowd held hands and formed circles—human, elven, and dwarven alike—across the square. Laughter, joyful cries, and magical lights danced in the air.
Arthur, Anos, Julius, and Sophia joined one of the circles. The crowd's voices, singing together, warmed the heart of every listener:
" In the name of wind and earth and light,
In the name of pure blood's might,
Elf's hand with dwarf's hand clasped tight,
Human's heart with morph's heart bright.
Though our tongues may differ, it's true,
Our hearts beat as one, through and through.
No war, no wounds, no grudges to hold—
Only the joyful song of peace told. "
The poem repeated with a steady rhythm, each time louder and clearer. The dances were simple yet beautiful; steps matched the music, sometimes glowing and flowing with gentle magic. Children's laughter, floating lights, and the scent of spices and sweets filled the air with the feeling of life. Arthur felt his heart pounding, not from fear, but from a deep joy he had never experienced before. The evening breeze gently played with his hair and caressed his cheek.
After an hour of dancing and singing, Arthur stepped away from the crowd. His three friends still sat by the central fountain, laughing and singing with the people. Arthur went to the nearby stalls to get some snacks. Some vendors were handing out colorful fruits and traditional sweets for free. The sound of wooden wheels turning, the smell of hot bread and spices, and children's laughter created a dreamlike atmosphere.
As he looked left and right, captivated by the scenes around him, suddenly he collided with someone. He lost his balance and fell to the ground.
At that moment, a calm, deep, and familiar voice echoed in his ear:
"Are you hurt, Arthur?"
Arthur, still a bit dazed, said,
"Yeah... no... I'm fine."
He looked up in surprise and saw a middle-aged man with white-gray hair, piercing dark eyes, and a warm, fatherly smile standing before him. He wore a simple but elegant gray outfit.
"Master Charles?!"
Arthur's eyes widened as he quickly grabbed the man's hand to stand up.
Master Charles looked kindly and said,
"I hope I didn't hurt you. Are you sure you're okay?"
Arthur nodded and smiled,
"Yes, I'm fine. Did you come for the festival too? I never expected to see you here."
Master glanced around. The glowing lanterns and soft music made the scene magical.
"It was tempting not to come. These kinds of celebrations are miraculous for the soul. Have you just arrived, or have you been here a while?"
"We've been roaming the city since noon with my friends. I just left the group to buy some snacks."
Master Charles smiled and said,
"With Anos and Julius, right? And that girl, Sophia?"
Arthur nodded eagerly,
"Yes, they're sitting over there by the fountain."
Master paused for a moment and respectfully asked,
"If you don't mind, may I join you?"
Arthur, surprised but happy, replied,
"Join? Not at all, it's our honor, Master. Please come, we'd be glad to have you with us."
Master Charles nodded,
"Thank you. Now, come on, let's see what delicious treats we can find."
And so, amidst the noise, lights, and music, the two of them entered the festival market. Their steps were calm but full of meaning—steps of friendship and respect—as the night of celebration continued...