Grayson leaned in, her warm smile reaching her eyes as she placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "We've decided that simple training won't be enough for someone with your potential," she said gently. "Are you ready to embark on a journey to become stronger?"
The boy nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with determination. But when Grayson asked for his name, he hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his features.
Before he could respond, Elias stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "You see, young one," he began, his voice steady and sure, "we knights have agreed to take you under our wing as your mentors, your guides on the path to greatness."
"Our order boasts some of the finest warriors and mages in all of Arkania," Elias continued, pride swelling in his chest. "Grayson here, Lisa Grayson, is a sixth circle mage, a title earned through years of dedication and mastery over the arcane arts."
"And I," Elias paused for emphasis, "am Elias Darrow, renowned for my prowess on the battlefield and unmatched strategic acumen." He gestured towards the assembled knights, each standing tall and proud.
"Thane Ironclad," Elias pointed to a burly knight with thick, muscular arms, "our esteemed tank, whose strength is matched only by his unwavering loyalty."
"Lyra Stoneheart," he motioned to a lithe figure with sharp features and keen eyes, "the archery prodigy whose arrows never miss their mark."
"Seraphina Nightshade," Elias nodded towards a shadowy figure cloaked in darkness, "our resident stealth expert, whose cunning and agility are unmatched."
"Elenwe Silverleaf," he indicated a figure with pointed ears and elegant features, "our elven companion and master archer."
"And there," Elias said, gesturing to a knight with a strong jawline and piercing eyes, "is Creason Highwind, our skilled swordsman and tactician."
As Elias spoke, the other knights stepped forward, each introducing themselves with pride and conviction. There was Cedric Brightshield, the valiant knight known for his unwavering courage; Gwendolyn Stormheart, the fierce warrior whose lightning-fast strikes were a force to be reckoned with; and Alistair Ravenswood, the enigmatic swordsman whose skill with a blade was unmatched.
Together, they formed a formidable team, each possessing their own unique talents and skills. And now, they stood united in their commitment to guide Lucas Grayson on his journey to mastery.
"But before we can proceed," Grayson interjected, her voice gentle but firm, "we need to know your name. If you're not ready to share it with us, that's fine. We'll give you a name, one that befits the journey you're about to embark on."
The boy hesitated for a moment longer, his gaze flickering between the knights before finally settling on Grayson. With a deep breath, he spoke, his voice hardly audible.
"Lucas."