5

The days blurred into weeks, and the weeks melted into months. Summer’s warmth faded, replaced by the crisp, cool air of autumn. The wheat fields, once golden with ripeness, were now harvested, leaving behind stubble that swayed in the wind. Leaves turned vibrant shades of red and gold before falling to the ground, creating a colorful carpet across the farm. And as the season shifted, so too did the atmosphere within the Wolflace household. Kuina, though still reserved, had softened towards both Lael and Eira, the initial fury replaced by a cautious acceptance. Julian, despite the lingering stiffness in his arm, thrived under his mother’s careful guidance, his magical abilities developing at an astonishing rate.

"Happy birthday sis."

Julian mumbled awkwardly, presenting the crudely carved necklace he'd made for his older sister. It was charming in its own right, resembling a blooming rose.

Accepting her younger brother's gift, Eira twirled the rose between her fingers. Her gaze shimmering tiredly into an off blue.

"Can you put in on me, Jules?"

Eira narrowly smiled, lowering her gaze to her brother.

Julian, eager to please, scrambled onto one of the kitchen chairs, his small legs dangling as he reached for the clasp of the necklace. His movements were a little clumsy, still hampered by the lingering effects of his past injury, but he managed to secure the rose around Eira’s neck. It sat perfectly against her skin, a delicate contrast to the rough-hewn wood.

As Julian finished fastening the necklace, Kuina entered the kitchen, a large frosted cocoa cake held carefully in her hands. The aroma of chocolate and vanilla filled the room, a comforting scent that chased away the lingering chill of the autumn air. The cake was simple, yet elegant, adorned with a scattering of sugared cranberries that resembled tiny jewels. She set the cake down on the kitchen table, then knelt before Eira, her blue eyes softening with affection. She gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Eira’s forehead, her touch lingering for a moment.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

Kuina murmured, pressing a loving kiss to Eira’s cheek. The gesture was warming, a visible display of affection that Eira treasured.

Lael, who had been quietly observing the scene, stepped forward and placed a hand on Eira’s shoulder, offering a warm smile.

"For you m'dear."

He presented her with a beautifully bound leather grimoire, its cover embossed with intricate floral patterns. The parchment pages within were crisp and clean, waiting to be filled with her own spells and enchantments. Eira’s eyes widened in delight, her fingers tracing the delicate designs on the cover. It was exactly what she had hoped for, a tangible symbol of her magical aspirations.

She opened the grimoire to the first page. Eira traced her slender finger over the page, giving herself a meagre paper cut. Her blood droplet activated the magical ownership process. Runes swirled and morphed onto the parchment as the grimoire began filling with Eira's full name, race and all of her most distinct features. More in depth pages glowed, filling themselves with all of the spells she already learnt from her father as well. Settled with barely contained excitement, tears began to overflow as she set the large book down. She then turned, offering each of her parents a tight hug. She knew this blank grimoire must've cost quite a small fortune of its own.

"Momma, Poppa... thank you..."

Eira then knelt before Julian, carefully enveloping him in a gentle hug. Leaning close, she whispered softly in his ear, her voice barely audible.

“I’m happy to have you as my brother.”

Eira whispered, her breath warm against Julian’s ear. A genuine smile touched her lips, erasing some of the lingering shadows from her face. She pulled back slightly, her blue eyes meeting his. For a fleeting moment, the weight of recent events seemed to lift, replaced by a shared sense of familial warmth. Kuina and Lael exchanged a knowing glance, a silent acknowledgment of the bond between their children.

Julian’s cheeks flushed a vibrant crimson, betraying his surprise and delight at Eira’s unexpected affection. He averted his gaze, his small hands fidgeting with the hem of his tunic. He wasn’t used to such direct expressions of warmth, especially not from his older sister. A shy smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a silent acknowledgment of her words. He mumbled quietly.

“Me too.”

It was barely audible above the gentle crackling of the fire in the hearth.

Before anyone could react, Eira leaned down and pressed a soft peck to Julian’s cheek, a fleeting gesture of affection delivered swiftly and playfully. It was a small act, but one filled with genuine warmth. She quickly straightened up, her smile radiant as she broke away from the embrace, seemingly unfazed by the potential for teasing from their parents. The quickness of the gesture suggested a playful rebellion, a secret shared between siblings.

Julian instinctively brought his hand up to his cheek, his fingertips lingering on the spot where Eira had kissed him. A strange sensation coursed through him – a confusing mix of embarrassment, delight, and a peculiar tingling warmth. He scowled playfully, attempting to feign annoyance.

"Ugh, you're so gross..."

He mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. But his reddened cheeks and the lingering smile betrayed his true feelings. It was a clumsy attempt at maintaining composure, a childish facade masking the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. The idea that a girl, other than his mother, had kissed him felt…unsettling, yet strangely exhilarating. He felt a peculiar buzzing sensation, as if his inner workings were struggling to process the unexpected input.

Kuina, seemingly oblivious to the subtle drama unfolding between her children, efficiently cut the frosted cocoa cake into generous slices. She carefully placed a piece on each plate, then offered the first slice to Eira, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips. Lael received the next slice, followed by Julian, who eagerly reached for his portion, momentarily distracted from his internal turmoil by the promise of sweet, sugary goodness. The aroma of chocolate filled the room, a comforting scent that momentarily eased the tension.

As the last crumbs of cake disappeared, Lael cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. He beamed at Eira, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Eira. As you are ten years old now, you’ll be permitted to attend The Academy of Ad Laera.”

He announced with a wide grin.

“If you want to pursue magic, it’s definitely the place to go.”

The Academy of Ad Laera was renowned throughout the land, a prestigious institution dedicated to the study of magic and the arcane arts. It was a beacon of knowledge, attracting the most talented mages from far and wide. Kuina’s expression remained carefully neutral, but a flicker of pride shone in her blue eyes as well.

Eira’s hands tightened around her new grimoire, her surprise evident in her wide, glistening eyes. The news of attending Ad Laera was overwhelming, a dream come true. A wave of understanding washed over her as she realized the sacrifices her parents had made to make this possible – the countless quests Lael had undertaken during his adventuring days, the careful budgeting, the unwavering support. She looked at her parents, her heart swelling with gratitude.

“I…I accept...”

She breathed, her voice filled with emotion.

“I’ll repay you, both of you, in any way I can. I promise to make you proud.”

Her determination was palpable, a silent vow to dedicate herself to her studies and become a powerful mage worthy of their sacrifice.

~

The first snowflakes began to fall, delicate and ethereal, as Eira and Lael departed for the Academy of Ad Laera. Lael, a towering figure of strength and reassurance, walked beside his daughter, guiding and protecting her as they ventured towards the distant, snow-covered spires of the academy. Julian, left behind with Kuina, felt a strange sense of responsibility settle upon his small shoulders. He was ‘the man of the house’ now, tasked with keeping things in order while his sister and father were away. He took the role seriously, attempting to emulate Lael’s stoic demeanor. But his attention was often drawn to Kuina, and to the subtle, yet undeniable changes in her form. With each passing week, her belly grew rounder, a gentle swell beneath her clothes. A delightful surprise rippled through the household – Kuina was with child. He would finally be a big brother.

A firm knock echoed through the farmhouse, interrupting the quiet domesticity. Kuina, carefully adjusting a cushion to support her back, gestured for Julian to answer the door. As he pulled it open, a woman stood framed against the snowy landscape. It was Aunt Aerith, Kuina’s older sister, a formidable figure with calloused hands and a warm smile. Aerith was a blacksmith from a neighboring kingdom, renowned for her skill with the forge, though her kingdom was smaller than the capital. She wore practical leather clothing, dusted with soot, and carried a well-worn traveling pack.

“Kuina.”

She greeted, her voice strong and resonant.

“I heard the news. Came to lend a hand with the little one on the way and keep an eye on my nephew while you’re…indisposed.”

She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the cozy interior with a twinkle in her ice blue eyes.

Julian’s gaze snapped upwards, his green eyes immediately drawn to Aerith’s ample figure. A flush crept up his neck as his eyes lingered on the pronounced curves beneath her tightly clipped suspenders. A thought, shockingly mature for a five-year-old, but not so much for an adult male in his last life, flitted through his mind.

'Damn… Kuina’s family is so blessed…'

He found it difficult to tear his gaze away, his innocent curiosity tainted with a burgeoning, and unsettling, awareness. He quickly averted his eyes, a blush deepening on his cheeks and ears as he busied himself with fiddling with a wooden toy soldier, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. The internal appraisal felt…wrong, yet undeniably captivating.

Kuina’s keen eyes didn’t miss a thing. She observed Julian’s sudden bashfulness, the way his cheeks flushed and his gaze darted away. He was usually a quiet child, content to observe from the sidelines, but this was different. A knowing smile touched her lips as she addressed Aerith, her voice laced with amusement.

“Seems like he likes you.”

She chuckled softly as Aerith gently cupped her belly, her calloused hands surprisingly tender as she assessed the growth of the new life within. Aerith’s expression softened as she felt the slight movement, a flicker of warmth in her usually stoic features.

“He has good taste.”

Aerith replied with a wry grin, her eyes twinkling.

“Though, I suspect it’s more your gentle nature he appreciates, little sister.”

Heat flooded Julian’s ears, intensifying the blush already staining his cheeks. He felt acutely aware of their gazes, of the knowing smiles exchanged between his mother and aunt. To be discussed so openly, as if he were a fascinating specimen rather than a person present in the room, was mortifying. He hunched his shoulders, burying his face in the wooden toy soldier, desperately wishing he could disappear. The playful banter felt like a spotlight, highlighting his inappropriate thoughts and making him acutely conscious of his own burgeoning, and unwanted, maturity. He wished the floor would swallow him whole.

Aerith’s gaze swept around the room, a hint of playful exasperation in her eyes. She turned back to Kuina, a wry smile playing on her lips.

“Now where’s that useless husband of yours?”

She asked, her voice laced with affectionate teasing.

“Still off gallivanting, no doubt, chasing after some mythical beast or another? Honestly, the man has no sense of responsibility.”

Despite the playful jab, there was a clear fondness in her tone, a testament to the long-standing bond between the two sisters and the maritally ingrained brother-in-law. Aerith settled into a sturdy wooden chair, groaning in content to sit after the long journey here.

“He’s escorting Eira to the academy of Ad Laera.”

Julian’s mother replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and worry.

“That journey takes two months one way with good weather… there’s no telling how long he’ll take to return with the winter just beginning.”

She sighed, her hand instinctively cradling her growing belly. A shadow crossed her face as a sobering thought took root. It was a very real possibility that Lael would miss the birth of their child. The prospect weighed heavily on her, a familiar ache of separation resurfacing with the impending arrival of their new baby. She closed her eyes for a moment, composing herself before offering a small, reassuring smile to Aerith.

~

Another week melted away, marked by swirling snowstorms and the comforting presence of Aunt Aerith. The farmhouse settled into a cozy rhythm, punctuated by the clang of Aerith’s hammer from the makeshift forge she’d set up in the barn, Kuina’s gentle guidance, and Julian’s quiet observations. Then came the day – Julian’s sixth birthday. A small, powder sugar cake, baked by Aerith, sat on the kitchen table, adorned with six sliced peaches. A simple, yet heartfelt celebration, reflecting the warmth and love that filled the home despite Lael’s absence. Kuina, though visibly fatigued, beamed at Julian, her hand resting on her swollen belly. Aerith, a rare smile gracing her lips, offered him a small, intricately crafted wooden wolf, a symbol of his family name.

Julian’s brow furrowed slightly as he gazed at the cake, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.

“I thought we only celebrate every quinquennial birthday…”

He murmured softly, his voice barely audible above the crackling fire. A quinquennial birthday – a celebration every five years – was the tradition he vaguely recalled from his parents explanations. Despite the discrepancy, a genuine smile touched his lips. He was grateful for the gesture, for the small act of kindness that acknowledged his special day. He carefully examined the wooden wolf Aerith had gifted him, tracing the intricate details with a small finger. It was a beautiful piece, a tangible symbol of the affection surrounding him. He would cherish it always.

Kuina chuckled softly, her hand tightening around her belly.

"Your aunt insisted. She said a growing boy needs a little extra joy, especially when his father is away."

She glanced at Aerith, a silent thank you passing between the sisters. Aerith simply shrugged, her expression unreadable, but a subtle warmth lingered in her ice-blue eyes.

Julian offered a small, determined shrug, his green eyes holding a spark of unwavering faith.

“Da will be back.”

He stated it as a fact, a quiet reassurance to himself and, perhaps, to his mother. He carefully set his newly gifted wooden wolf down beside his wooden horse and soldier, arranging the small collection with meticulous care. The toys represented a sense of normalcy, a small world he could control amidst the uncertainties of his life. He watched his mother and aunt, sensing the underlying worry that lingered beneath their smiles. He wished he could offer more comfort, but his words felt inadequate, his understanding limited by his young age, and the fragmented memories of a life lived before this one...