ch-2 Birthday

As the day of my fifth birthday approaches, the air is electric with excitement. 

Our home is transformed into a vibrant celebration hub, with colorful streamers and balloons adorning the walls and ceilings. 

The atmosphere is alive with a human of anticipation, as if the very house itself is eager to commemorate this milestone.

Father and his friends have taken charge of the preparations, their laughter and banter filling the air as they work tirelessly to create an un-forgettable experience. 

They carefully hang intricate paper lanterns, their delicate patterns shimmering in the sunlight. The sweet scent of freshly baked goods wants from the kitchen, enticing everyone with promise of sweet treats to come.

Meanwhile, mother takes me on a special outing, just the two of us. We set out on a shopping adventure, strolling hand-in-hand through the bustling streets of our quaint town. 

The warm sun casts a golden glow over the scene, illuminating the vibrant market stalls and shops.

Our first shop is a charming little boutique, it's facade adorned with an assortment of colorful dresses and garments.

Mother pushes open the door, and we step inside, surrounded by gentle rustle of fabrics and soft murmur of shopkeeper's greeting. 

The shop is a treasure trove of delights with row upon row of exquisite dresses in every color and pattern imaginable. I gaze about in wonder, my eyes widening as I take in the dazzling array. 

Mother smiles, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she guides me through the racks,Carefully selecting a few dresses for me to try on.

As we browse, the shopkeeper regales us with stories of her lastest designs, enthusiastically sharing the inspiration behind each creation. Her passion is infectious, and soon I find myself swept up in the excitement, eagerly trying on dress after dress.

As we browse through the shop, mother helps me pick out the perfect outfit for my birthday celebration.

We settle on a dashing, sky-blue tunic with intricate, silver embroidery and a pair of sturdy, dark-grey pants.

I feel like a true adventurer as I try on the outfit, striking a pose Infront of the mirror. 

The tunic fits perfectly, and the silver embroidery catches the light, making me feel like a brave young warrior.

With my birthday dress securely in hand, mother and I continue our shopping adventure. We wander through market, taking in the sight and sounds of the bustling stalls. 

The aroma of fresh fruits and baked goods wafts through the air, enticing us with its Savory scents.

As we explore, mother asks me about my interests, seeking to uncover the perfect gift.

I enthusiastically share my love of adventure, magic and exploration, and she listens initially, a thoughtful expression on her face. 

At last we come across a small, mysterious shop tucked away in quiet corner of the market. The sign above the door reads " curious and wonders," and the windows are filled with an assortment of strange and fascinating objects.

Mother's eyes sparkle with intrigue as she pushes open the the door, and we step inside. The shop is dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old books and leather. Shelves upon shelves of curious objects stretch towards the ceiling, each one more intriguing than the last. As we browse, than the last.

As we browse, the shopkeeper emerges from the shadows, an enigmatic smile spreading across his face. "Welcome, young one", he says, his voice low and mysterious. " I have just the thing for a curious mind such as yours". 

And with that, he disappears into the shadows , leaving us to wonder what wonders he might produce.

The shopkeeper's eyes sparkle with excitement as he reveals a trio of magnificent, magical adornments. 

"Behold, young boy!" He exclaims, his voice dripping with reverence. " These are no ordinary accessories, for they hold the essence of mana within them."

He presents a gleaming, silver pendant adorned with an intricate, azure crystal. " This pendant, imbued with the magic of shielding, will protect its wearer from harm."

Next, he reveals a sturdy, leather-bound bracelet, it's surface etched with ancient runes. "This bracelet, infused with the power of elemental resistance, will grant its wearer strength against the fury of the elements."

Hastily , he showcases a dazzling , golden ring, it's surface adorned with a glittering, star- shaped gemstone. "And this ring, attuned to the magic of illumination, will shine brightly in the darkest of the times, guiding its wearer through the shadows."

Mother's eyes meet mine, a hint of excitement dancing in their depths. " What about it , then, Aries ?" She asks , her voice filled with anticipation.

"Which one of these wondrous adornments calls you ?, Which one do you like ?, the choice is yours and yours alone."

I find myself underwhelmed by the offered choices.My gaze begins to wander, scanning the shelves of the shop for something that truly resonates with me. 

That's when I spot it - an old, mysterious - looking time hidden away on a dusty shelf. The cover is made of a strange , scaly material that seems almost.... Alive.

The tittle "ARCANAE UMBRA" is etched in the faded, silver lettering that seems to shimmer in the dim light. I feel an inexplicable pull towards the book, as if it's becoming me to come closer. 

The shopkeeper notices and says " nahh young one, it's just an old book, nothing special about it." He waves his hand dismissively, as if to downplay the book's significance.

I turned to mother, my eyes shining with excitement. " Mom, can I have this book?" I ask, my voice filled with hope mother raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise dancing in her expression.

"Huh? Seriously, Aries? You've always been a book lover, but there are so many other fascinating tomes out there. Is there something special about the other ones that caught your eye?"

I shake my head, my gaze locked into the book. "No mom, this book alone will do it", I reply my voice firm and resolute.

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As We come back from the shopping and step into our home, I'm immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of color and sound.

The entire house has been transformed into a vibrant party venue, with ballons, streamers, and ribbons adorning every available surface. The air is alive with the hum of conversation and the sweet scent of cake and treats.

I rushed to get dressed in my special birthday outfit, a smart ensemble of white and blue that makes me feel like a true celebrant.

As I emerge from my room , mother's eyes light up with delight.

"Aries , you look absolutely great!" She exclaims, sweeping me into a warm hug. "Happy birthday, my dear boy!" She plants a tender kiss on my forehead and I feel a surge of happiness.

"Thank you, mom!" I reply as she was kneeling I wrap my arms around her waist, beaming with pride. The sound of laughter and music swirls around us, and I know that this is going to be an unforgettable birthday celebration.

As I enter the hallway, the sea of smiling faces greets me. The guests and my parents friends gather around, offering warm wishes and congratulations. The air is filled with laughter and music , and I feel like luckiest boy alive.

However, the atmosphere shifts as my father's brothers arrive. Ronan Valemont , the second-born , strides in with a smirk on his face. " Oh, look who's having a birthday," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm "A lowly noble boy, with a loser father"

 he paused then with evil smile "wait, actually can't even be called as a noble, poor boy it must be embarrassing to have such a father." His words cut through the air, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake.

My father's and mother's faces fall, their smiles fading as they exchange uneasy glances.

But before Ronan continue his taunts, the first-born , Lucian Valemont intervenes. He stands tall , his white hair and beard a testament to his age and wisdom. His piercing pearlish eyes seems to bore into Ronan's very soul.

 "That's enough Ronan!" He commands,

 Ronan tries to speak again then "enough is enough, it's a celebration, don't spoil the atmosphere here" he said.

 He then turned to my father a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Congratulations, brother," he says " your son has reached a milestone. Five years old and showing such a promise." 

He then turns to mother offering words of encouragement. " And you, dear, have done exemplary job raising this young boy. Your dedication and love are evident in his bright smile and curious nature." 

Finally turns to me. " And you , young boy, what is your name ?." I stand up straight proudly declaring " Aries, Aries Valemont."

Lucian's face breaks into a wide smile. "Wow, that's a fine name you have there young boy. You should be proud to bear the name Valemont. Remember, with great privilege comes great responsibility. I hope you'll make our family proud and bring honor to our name."

He hands me a small, elegantly wrapped gift. "Here's a little something from me not much, but I hope you'll make good use of it."

As he prepares to leave , he offers one final words of encouragement. " Good luck, young Aries. May your life be filled with wonder, adventure and success."

Before Lucian leaves both my parents bowed their heads "thank you big brother for your wonderful words and blessings" they say in unison with tone of happiness. 

"It was not big deal, rise your heads you two, take good care of your son there." He leaves, Ronan watching him leave grind and leaves too.

As soon as the party was over I head back to bed, someone wraps their arms around me from behind. I turn to see my sister's smiling face. "Happy birthday, little Aries! My dumb little brother!" She exclaims. 

"Hey sis where were you ? I didn't see you at the party, " I ask , my sister looks down, apologetic.

"I'm sorry, Aries. I got held up." She said. Then we had a little talk with each other...

As soon as she was done, she left the room. I unwrap the present which uncle Lucian gave me...

 *it were 15 Gold coins*.

 I was shocked to see the amount of money and thought to myself "maybe he is not like what I have expected, not like that creep Ronan... Uncle Lucian may looks creepy but..." 

I pause with a hint of smile on my face "he sure is kind".

Before going to sleep , I was storing the gold coins and gifts in my table.

Then my gaze drifts to mysterious book, the book which was gifted me by my mother

"Arcanae Umbra" - words seem to whisper me to uncover it's Secrets.