Innocence of the Past

The morning sun streamed softly through the gauzy curtains of Eliss's room, casting gentle patterns of light across the familiar, comforting surroundings of her childhood home. The tranquility of the scene was punctuated by a gentle knock at the door and her mother's familiar voice, warm and inviting. "Eliss, breakfast is on the table. Come before it gets cold."

Stirring from her bed, Eliss felt a sense of peace wash over her. She stretched languidly, her body relaxed and unburdened by the scars and stresses of her future adventures. She padded across the room to the mirror, her reflection greeting her with tousled hair and the soft morning light.

Taking care to present herself as the dignified daughter of Lord Theren and Lady Mirena, she washed up and dressed in a soft blush pink dress, fitted at the bodice with delicate floral lace detailing around the neckline. The sleeves taper elegantly to scalloped lace cuffs, and the flowing skirt reaches her ankles, cinched at the waist with a darker pink satin ribbon. Simple yet refined, it perfectly complements her gentle nature. Then she combed her hair black until it fell smoothly down her back. Her movements were unhurried, each step taken with the unconscious grace of someone secure in their place in the world.

As she made her way to the dining room, the familiar voices of her parents wrapped around her like a warm embrace. Her mother, Lady Mirena, greeted her with a playful chide, "Finally, our pretty latecomer" Her tone was light, filled with the unspoken joy of a family together at the start of a new day.

Her father, Lord Theren, joined in with a tone of affectionate caution, "You have a big day tomorrow. It will be your first real mission. But remember, be careful. If something is too dangerous, escape with your friends as fast as possible." His eyes held a glint of pride mixed with the inevitable worry of a father for his daughter stepping out into the wider world.

Mirena smiled reassuringly at them both, the eternal optimist. "Don't be too pessimistic, Theren. They will have the strongest mages in the entire world. Everything will be okay." Her confidence was infectious, and it brought a smile to Eliss's face, bolstering her own courage for the challenges ahead.

The breakfast was a lively affair, with delicious smells wafting from the dishes laid out on the table. Eliss savored the meal, the familiar flavors grounding her as she prepared to leave. "I'm leaving, see you later Mom and Dad," she announced as she finished, her voice carrying excitement.

"Bye, sweetheart. I love you," Mirena called out as Eliss headed for the door.

"I love you too," Eliss replied, her heart swelling with the strength of her family's love.

Stepping out into the bustling streets, Eliss was greeted by the vibrant life of her city. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants opening their shops, the clatter of carts, and the cheerful greetings of neighbors. The weather was beautiful, a perfect backdrop for the day's gentle beginnings. She smiled at familiar faces, exchanging pleasantries and absorbing the lively spirit of her community.

Eliss arrived at the designated meeting spot where a group of girls around sixteen years old, like herself, were gathered. They were the future of their people, young mages and warriors a day before stepping into roles that would test their abilities and shape their destinies.

Finally, Eliss met with her friends, each young woman aligned with the excitement and trepidation of the upcoming adventure. The square where they gathered buzzed with the daily hustle, a perfect backdrop for their lively reunion.

Liora, always the spirited one in the group, greeted Eliss with infectious enthusiasm. Her reddish-brown hair glinted in the sunlight, complementing her striking yellow eyes that sparkled with mischief. The soft green summer dress she wore was adorned with delicate floral embroidery, echoing the freshness of the season. "Ahh, Eliss! Good to see you," she exclaimed with open arms.

Eliss chuckled, a bit amused by her friend's dramatic flair. "We saw each other yesterday," she reminded her gently.

"Yes, but it's always good to see you," Liora replied, her smile wide and warm, radiating genuine affection that melted Eliss's initial reservations, coaxing a small, reciprocal smile from her.

Esabel, with her keen green eyes and sleek black hair, stood slightly apart, her demeanor more reserved but no less kind. She wore a vibrant blue dress that flowed elegantly to her ankles, the fabric catching the light with every subtle movement. "We've been waiting for you for quite some time," she mentioned her voice soft but carrying a hint of impatience.

Eliss apologized, her tone sincere. "Sorry, I was just lost in thoughts about our tomorrow's mission." Her eyes clouded over briefly with the shadows of her doubts.

Liora, quick to lift the spirits, chimed in again, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Me too, I can't wait!" she declared, clearly eager to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Eliss responded, her voice tinged with a trace of pessimism, "I don't know, I just have a bad feeling about it." Her expression conveyed her anxiety, a stark contrast to her friends' excitement.

Rowena, ever the comforter, placed a reassuring hand on Eliss's back. Her curly chestnut hair framed her face beautifully, and her warm brown eyes looked into Eliss's with empathy. She was dressed in a cheerful yellow sundress that matched her sunny disposition. "Don't worry. Honestly, we are there only to see what the best mages can do, we won't have many responsibilities," she soothed, trying to alleviate Eliss's concerns.

Liora, not one to miss a beat, added playfully while flexing her arm, "Don't worry, Eliss, if something happens, I will protect you." Her tone was light, teasing, aimed at bringing a smile to Eliss's face.

Eliss couldn't help but respond to the camaraderie and light-hearted banter, her worries momentarily forgotten. "You are right," she admitted, her smile now more confident.

Tara, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. Her sandy blonde hair and deep blue eyes had a calming effect, much like the breezy light blue skirt and simple white blouse she wore, both accented with fine lace. "Okay, so what do we do today?" she asked, redirecting the conversation toward their immediate, more cheerful plans.

The group burst into a flurry of suggestions, each girl bringing her own ideas and enthusiasm to the table. They discussed various activities they could indulge in on their free day, their laughter and chatter filling the air with contagious joy. The innocence of their youth shone brightly in these moments, their friendship a bond that seemed capable of overcoming any darkness that might lie ahead.