Chapter 5: Choice

*AETHERIUS*

After feeling embarrassed, we headed to the armory where she would gift us a weapon. I'm astonished to see the tremendous arsenal she has here; even Trevor and Layra are surprised.

"What weapons did you decide to start your training with?" Atheria asks. "I chose a double-edged sword, just like my father," Trevor replies. "And you, Layra?" "A long-bladed spear," Layra answers.

"Alright, here are several options, please take your time to choose," "Now, my little average one, what weapon have you chosen?" She says, intending to embarrass me again for my earlier words. My father laughs again, and my mother looks slightly embarrassed. "For an unethical weapon," my mother responds. "Why do you say that?" Atheria asks.

This time, I respond, "For a scythe," I say as I scratch my cheek. "Oh wow, I didn't see that coming. I thought you'd choose something like a greatsword or the same weapons as your siblings," she says. "Well, you're not wrong, miss. I can specialize in both weapons, but I chose a change of pace, that's why I chose the scythe. I can even wield the lightning element, which I inherited from my mother," Atheria just laughs, "What a peculiar boy, not only speaking of his appearance but also in your tastes," she says while raising her eyebrows, oh boy, I think I've been caught, sorry Viola.

"Oh, I forgot to ask, what elements are you affiliated with?" Atheria asks. "I'm affiliated with fire magic," Trevor responds while holding a double-edged sword in his hands, completely red with the hilt's tip resembling a fang, the blade was long, measuring about 100 cm from end to end, almost resembling a greatsword.

My sister appeared almost at the same time, "Water magic, Miss Atheria," as she appeared with a spear with the entire handle purple adorned with gold, it was almost 60cm long, almost 30 cm longer than she was used to. From the handle to the blade tip, it was over 190cm.

Atheria praises my siblings' choices, "You indeed have a good eye for weapons, just like everyone in this guild," she says. "Thank you, guild master," Trevor and Layra say simultaneously.

"Now, my betrothed, here are your preferences," Atheria addresses me. The room had six scythes, but not all to my liking. They all had the curved staff and blade, except one that caught my attention.

The blade was almost 220cm long, the staff had two curves, one at the bottom of the staff and another reaching up to the blade. The blade had the shape of a dragon's head, its horns protruding backward and slightly upward, what seemed like the face was 90cm long with a curve upwards, downwards, and up again, where it marked the tip. The top of the blade seemed to have engraved eyes in yellow, and near its nose, close to the tip, the blade had a light yellow color from the tip and halfway back and a red or pinkish color towards the edge, and at the very edge, both colors were deeper.

"I choose this one," I announce to Atheria, astonished by my choice, even my parents and siblings seemed amazed. "That's wonderful, son, go ahead," my father says. "Be careful, son, you're not tall enough to hold it properly," my worried mother says. "Excellent choice, my betrothed, it seems you'll indeed have my hand in the future," I blush at that remark.

My parents and siblings laugh together with Atheria, and I still feel embarrassed. We realized someone was missing in the room, and that was Elowen, who was at the other end of the room. "Mom, Dad, look, I like this one, can I keep it?" Elowen says enthusiastically.

The weapon was what I had suggested; it was a greatsword, the color was as red as or even redder than Trevor's weapon. My mother looks at it, "Not yet, dear, you're not old enough to choose that weapon, let alone handle it. It will be too heavy for you," my mother tells Elowen, who starts to cry, begging Atheria if she could have the weapon, "Sister Atheria, can I take it with me? I'll train to be able to master it," she gives her puppy dog eyes, and Atheria can't refuse.

"Alright," says Atheria, "if she likes it, I can't say no," she says, "just let me find the rings to fit on your fingers and where to store it," "YES, thank you, Sister Atheria," says Elowen, "Brother Ther, I give you permission to marry her,"

"Thank you, Wen, just make sure not to tell Viola anything," I say with a genuine laugh, "wait dear, we haven't asked your parents yet," Atheria says teasingly, although I know it's a joint joke.