A bird preparing to fly

After she purchased the pendant. She brightly smiled as she walked to the front of their house, and those who saw her greeted her since they recognized her as the young girl who was once selling vegetables with her father. 

as she was approaching her home, her heart pounding with anticipation. It had been two long years since she last saw her sister and every passing moment felt like an eternity, when she opened the door with her heart wanting to jump out due to the excitement, she saw her sister was busy preparing breakfast, while their father appeared to be set to leave for the town. 

Alaric, who was carrying all the vegetables on his back, noticed her older daughter standing at the front door. When their eyes met, she smiled radiantly, lighting up the entire house. 

He began to tear up at the thought of being relieved that she was safe and well. Even though he wanted to run to hug her daughter, he restrained himself considering he wanted Karasi to be the first to hug her sister, knowing how much they miss each other. 

Time seemed to stand still as the two locked eyes, and then, without a moment's hesitation, they rushed into each other's arms, laughter and tears mingling in a joyous embrace. The weight of the separation melted away as they held each other tight, feeling the warmth of familial love enveloping us like a comforting blanket.

Alaric had been waiting anxiously for this moment, but nothing could prepare him for the sight that greeted him as his daughters reunited after two long years apart.

As he watched from a distance, his heart swelled with pride and joy. Seeing his two daughters, Adira and Karasi, embracing each other with tears streaming down their cheeks, Alaric felt a lump form in his throat. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with overwhelming happiness at their reunion, yet tinged with a hint of sadness at the thought of all the time they had spent apart.

Alaric approached them slowly, his eyes misty with emotion. He wrapped his arms around them both, pulling them into a tight hug. At that moment, as they stood together as a family once again, Alaric felt an immense sense of gratitude wash over him. He was grateful for the love that bound them together, for the memories they had created, and for the opportunity to share in this beautiful moment of reunion.

As they stood there, tears of happiness mingling with laughter, Alaric knew that this was a moment he would cherish forever. It was a reminder of the power of family, of the unbreakable bonds that held them together, no matter the distance or time apart.

"Girls," Alaric said, his voice tinged with regret,

"I need to head into town to sell these vegetables. We must make ends meet."

Adira and Karasi exchanged a glance, understanding the weight of their family's responsibilities. Despite the pang of sadness at seeing their father leave, they nodded in agreement, knowing that his hard work was essential for their survival.

Alaric ruffled their hair affectionately before bidding them farewell.

"I'll be back before you know it," he promised, his eyes reflecting both determination and love.

"Take care of each other while I'm gone."

With a heavy heart, Alaric turned and began the journey to town, his thoughts filled with concern for his daughters. But as he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling of pride that swelled within him. Despite the hardships they faced, his daughters were resilient and strong, and he knew that they would support each other in his absence.

After Karasi and Adira were left alone in their home. they found a quiet corner where they could catch up on lost time. Over cups of steaming hot cocoa, they shared stories, reminisced about old memories, and made plans for the future. With every word exchanged and every shared laugh, it felt as though the bond between them grew stronger, reaffirming the unbreakable connection that only siblings share.

"The training was difficult, but I enjoyed it." She stated, recalling her tough times at the training camp, as Karasi stared at her and listened attentively. 

"How about you? Has anything good happened to you?"

Karasi scoffs at her before sipping her hot chocolate. No, nothing extraordinary happened because she was always at home, reading books, doing housework, and cooking meals for herself and her father. So, nothing interesting went on for her.

"Oh! I remember something!" she exclaims as she rises from her seat and approaches Karasi, who is anticipating what she remembers. 

"There's this cloaking thing, Lucius told me. Try taking a deep breath before closing your eyes and picturing a door closing. oh! Before closing the door, make sure all of your belongings are inside." She explains, but Karasi looks at her skeptically, believing that her sister is insane and saying something ridiculous.

"Just try it, I promise it will be good for you," she added, attempting to pursue her. Karasi, who is so over her sister, took a deep breath as her sister requested her, then grumpily closed her eyes as she began envisioning putting her belongings inside before shutting the door. 

Adira's breath caught in her throat as she realized what was happening – her sister was concealing her auras for the first time. It was a skill that took years of practice and mastery, yet here was Karasi, accomplishing it effortlessly on her very first try.

Adira couldn't contain her joy as she witnessed this extraordinary feat. She knew how important it was for Karasi to harness her abilities, especially in a world where Karasi's kind was often misunderstood. With her auras concealed, Karasi could move through the world undetected, free from scrutiny and danger. 

"Kasi, you did it!" Adira exclaimed, her voice filled with pride and admiration. 

Karasi's mind swirled with confusion as she watched her practically radiating with happiness.

"Adi, why are you so happy?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Kasi, something incredible happened," she began, her eyes shining with excitement.

"You've learned to conceal your auras!" Karasi blinked, unsure she had heard correctly.

"Conceal my auras? What does that mean?"

Adira leaned forward, eager to explain.

"You know how our auras make us stand out, how they can attract attention and sometimes even danger? Well, by learning to conceal them, you can move around without anyone knowing you're different. It's like putting on an invisibility cloak to protect yourself."

Karasi's eyes widened with understanding as the realization sank in.

"So, you mean I can go out into the town without being in danger? Without people knowing who or what I am?"

Adira nodded enthusiastically.

"Exactly! With your auras concealed, you can live your life freely, without fear of being targeted or misunderstood."

A rush of emotions flooded through Karasi – relief, gratitude, and a newfound sense of freedom. For so long, she had felt trapped by her unique abilities, afraid to venture beyond the safety of their home. But now, thanks to Adira's guidance and support, a whole new world of possibilities stretched out before her.

Tears welled up in Karasi's eyes as she looked at her sister, overwhelmed by gratitude.

"Thank you, Adi," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. 

"Thank you for helping me feel safe and allowing me to finally step outside without fear."

Adira wrapped her arms around her sister, holding her close.

"I'll always be here for you, Kasi," she said softly. 

As they embraced, Karasi felt a weight lift off her shoulders, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and possibility. With Adira by her side, she knew that nothing could hold her back – not even the unique gifts that set her apart from others.

As the night draped its comforting cloak over the world, Adira and Karasi found themselves nestled in the warmth of their cozy house. Their father, weary from the day's work, had succumbed to sleep, his gentle snores filling the air with a soothing rhythm.

Adira turned to her younger sister with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Karasi, do you want to go to the cabin?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Karasi's eyes widened with excitement at the suggestion. The cabin was neither far nor close to their home; it was in the middle of the woods and held a special place in their hearts – a sanctuary of childhood memories and secret adventures.

"Yes!" she replied eagerly, her voice filled with anticipation.

With silent agreement, the sisters rose from their spot by the fire and crept towards the door, careful not to disturb their sleeping father. They moved with practiced stealth, their footsteps light against the creaking floorboards as they made their way outside.

The night air greeted them with a gentle embrace, the moon casting its soft glow upon the world. Hand in hand, Adira and Karasi set off toward the woods, their hearts pounding with excitement.

The path to the cabin was familiar, each step a reminder of their shared childhood and the bond that held them together. As they reached the clearing where the cabin stood, its silhouette bathed in moonlight, a sense of nostalgia washed over them.

Pushing open the creaky door, they stepped inside, greeted by the familiar scent of pine and memories of adventures past. The cabin felt like a time capsule, preserving moments of joy and laughter amidst its rustic walls.

Sitting by the crackling fire, Adira and Karasi exchanged stories and whispered secrets, their laughter mingling with the night breeze.

Karasi's curiosity seemed to bubble over like a pot left unattended. With wide-eyed wonder, she turned to Adira, her voice filled with eager questions.

"Adira, how did you befriend the princess and the holy saint? And what about that guy, Zagan, who's supposedly great at swordsmanship?" Karasi's curiosity seemed boundless, each question tumbling out faster than the last.

Adira leaned back against the rough-hewn wall of the cabin, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Ah, little sis, you're just full of questions tonight, aren't you?" she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Well, let me tell you," Adira began, her tone light and cocky,

"befriending a princess is easy. All you have to do is charm her with your wit and grace – oh, and maybe save her from a dragon or two." her exaggerating the story with a playful glint in her eye.

"As for the holy saint, well, let's just say I stumbled upon him while he was meditating in the woods. I offered him some berries, and the next thing you know, we were swapping stories like old friends." Adira grinned, her words dripping with nonchalance.

"And Zagan," she continued, her voice taking on a dramatic flair,

"oh, he's just a guy who happens to be as sharp with his sword as he is with his wit. We met in a dusty tavern, where he challenged me to a duel. Let's just say I emerged victorious, and he's been following me around ever since."

Karasi couldn't help but giggle at her sister's playful retelling of her adventures. Adira had always been full of surprises, her confidence and charm drawing people to her like moths to a flame.

"Wow, Adira, you're amazing!" Karasi exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.

"I wish I could have all those adventures too."

Adira ruffled her sister's hair affectionately.

"Don't worry, little sis," she said.

Adira's demeanor seems to be gradually mirroring that of Captain Mike, who has a penchant for embellishing stories and exaggerating details. This change in attitude appears to be influenced by the significant amount of time she spends in his presence. As they interact more frequently, Adira may be adopting Captain Mike's mannerisms and communication style, including his propensity for dramatization.