The morning light shined into the room of the sleeping sorcerer as he stirred from the light in his eyes. He was a human of average height, with short brown hair and a beard just starting to grow, his ruby red eyes flickered open as he awoke from his slumber. Despite the slight grogginess his expression went to excitement as he remembered he's turned eighteen today, he is an adult finally. He got up out of his bed and he took a moment to assess himself and his current situation.

"It's my eighteenth name-day, gonna mean quite a few in the village ready to celebrate that, my closest friends most definitely... although it's been a week since my parents went to the capital, I wonder if they've returned yet?"

He looked down slightly, a mixture of sadness and worry washing over him. He shook his head taking his mind off that fact before looking around his room. He looked over at the books on his shelf and a sense of panic fell on him and he got to his feet looking over each of them.

"Oh Kal if you forgot to return another book to the librarian..."

He skimmed through each of the books, they were section off in each of there own genres, half of them being books of fairy tales and adventure stories of the like, the other half being historical novels, mainly regarding the seven, a group of the most exalted heroes of the world Isvarla who brought an end to the dark ages and became gods. Kal let out a sigh of relief, all the books he had we're not ones he owed to the library.

After that crisis he got himself into his spell casting robes. While he was still a novice with magic he enjoyed wearing his robes, both for the comfort and the enhancements the robes themselves provide, some of the threads and fabrics carrying traces of raw magic that can enhance even the most basic of spells. After getting dressed he opened the door to his room, looking around in the dimness.

"Mom? Dad?" he called out, but there was nothing but silence, he let out a sigh wondering if they will be home in time or if they will miss his day of being an adult, a sense of dread going through his mind, all the news of bandit raids throughout the kingdom Asgarna. He shook his head not wanting to let this get to him, instead he focused on the lack of cleanliness around the place and a thought occurred, he could clean up the his family's home and surprise them when they come return.

He turned his attention to the dust all over the place and finding a feather duster his mom used swept it up best he could. While doing so he noticed some cobwebs forming along the corners of the ceiling, an idea came to mind. He brought his hands together in a sharp clap and breathed in just as sharply, sparks flew from his hand as a bolt of fire formed ready to be launched, Maintaining the flame he brought it up to the cobwebs, a sense of anxiousness and excitement going through his mind.

"Just maintain focus, don't let the flames get outta control..." 

The flames jumped out of his hand latching and snaking along the cobwebs, burning them to nothing in a second, then the flames were gone. Kal let out a sigh of relief, his control over fire has gotten better over the years being able to weave what it makes contact with and sparing other objects from being scorched or worse. He took his time cleaning up the rest of the house, which was mostly just dishes piled up or left sitting out on the table or other pieces of furniture. While cleaning out the rooms he turned to a familiar object on the floor and he let out a sad sigh, a small bed made for the house cat he adopted many years ago, now gone, likely wandered off to a secluded spot at the end of it's life.

"I miss you little one... hopefully your resting well now."

After several more minutes of work he got the house looking presentable and clean. 

"Hopefully I'll eventually learn a way to clean up with magic." He looked around getting his bearings straight, "Okay today is my big day and spent a good part of it cleaning, what to do next? Don't have any books that really interest me much, nor any that need returning... I should probably see what Astor and Fara are up to, tho maybe at the same time they might be preparing something for me and that could risk spoiling it, and then there's..."

He froze as a thought came to his mind, "Right! I need to go to the temple!" and with that he put on his socks and boots and headed out.

Kal looked around the village as he got outside, the home he loves. He headed towards the temple of the seven in the center of the town walking along the cobblestone street. Though he noticed something odd, despite it being well into the day there we're hardly any people out and about doing their daily duties. He paid little mind as he neared the center of town which housed the mayor's house, the tavern, the smithy and general store, and of course the temple to the seven.

He looked upon the entranceway which was decorated with various sigils around the archway, each one being a symbol representing each of the seven gods and their domains. He walked inside as his mind shifted focus from thoughts about his day to thinking about the seven. He walked into the main chamber where various shrines and statues of each of the gods were aligned along the walls, six on each side and the seventh in the back at the end of the chamber.

Kal bowed his head towards all the shrines showing respect to all the gods as is custom. He thought about the history of each of the gods, remembering the books and accounts of each, once mortals from all around Isvarla banded together to save the world they loved from the dark age created by the Dragon Tyrant lords Abyssar and Xyrak, and in the process ascending to Godhood.

After bowing to the shrines of the gods he heads into the chamber passing by four shrines before turning to the third one on the right, seeing a statue of an elven woman holding out her hands, each adorned with sigils of each magical element. Jarella the goddess of magic.

Kal clapped his hands together forming a small orb of fire which he then held up before the statue and the flame floated towards Jarella's right hand till it was held in it's palm, the rune of fire began to glow. Kal got to his knees and began to pray to the goddess. He asked for guidance in his pursuit of knowledge in all things magic in the hopes that he can become a protector of the village he loves and the world beyond if need be, he thanks her for allowing those born with the aptitude for magic to be able to follow this craft, and finally he asks that she helps him become a light shining in the world that grows ever dark as the descendants of her former enemies are on the rise.

After his prayer he felt a sense of warmth flow through him, Jarella answered his prayer and she provided him comfort for what's to come, although he noticed that her blessing was faint this time around. Usually an answer from one of the seven would be a strong boon that would leave one enlightened, uplifted, stronger and ready for any challenges ahead, and on occasion a portion of their own power would be gifted. This time it felt more like a soft embrace, welcoming and comforting but unusual from one of the gods.

Kal got to his feet wondering to himself, perhaps given how much of the world has been oppressed by the tyrants the seven must be expending much of their power to help all mortals best they can. He could only guess. He bowed before the statue of Jarella and the others before leaving the temple quietly.

Once outside he walked down the path to the center of town leaving temple grounds before suddenly being pulled into a strong embrace, pressing against scale mail armor, he looked up to see a familiar face standing almost two heads taller than him, a woman with two large wolf ears on her head and gold colored eyes smiling down at him excitedly.

"Kal! We've been looking everywhere for you!" the half-wolf girl exclaimed, lifting him a foot off the ground in a hug before setting him down.

Kal looked around to see another figure standing next to her, an elf with indigo skin, platinum colored hair and eyes with black sclera and silver irises, and clad in leather armor, with patches of bronze adorning it. He was chuckling at the sight of the two.

"Fara, Astor! I was just about to look for you two!" Kal exclaimed, as Fara let him free of her strong hug.

"Same with us." said Astor, "How has your first day of adulthood been?"

"I can honestly say, not too eventful, so far spent the day cleaning up my family's home and just got done with my daily visit to the temple and that's been it so far."

Fara pulled Kal in a half hug, "Sounds like you haven't the chance to enjoy yourself today! Let's head to the tavern, drinks on us!" Kal was dragged by Fara to the tavern close by with Astor following close behind.

Fara slams open the door to the tavern dragging Kal in. Everyone inside at each of the tables looked up startled for a moment before they catch sight of the tall half-wolf.

"It's just Fara." one of the patrons said with a chuckle of relief, going back to their drink.

Kal was guided by Fara to the bar table and was sat down, Astor and Fara sitting next to him shoulder to shoulder, a silver coin set on the table by Astor. "Bring out a pint for this fine man." Fara said excitedly patting Kal on the shoulder.

The bartender a feline-folk with grey with black striped fur and a lion tail smiled at the trio before turning around and filling a large pint of ale. "I heard it was your birthday Kal, not surprised these two would be treating you today!" and she brought the large mug to the bar table and setting it in front of Kal.

Kal looked at the pint before turning to Fara and Astor with a smile and taking a gulp of the ale. It tasted rough and has a hint of bitterness, but it felt cool and refreshing. He set the mug down, feeling foam on his lips which he wiped away. "Thanks guys."

The trio sat there for a while as empty mugs started to mount up along with their tab, Kal was halfway through a third pint while Fara was chugging through a sixth, and Astor just sat drinking whiskey from a small cup, adding more silver coins for each round made.

Kal looked down at his mug seeing his own reflection deep in both thought and buzz from the alcohol. Thinking about his parents, his visit to the temple, the problems within his home kingdom, and the world at large.

"Anything you need to talk about Kal?" Aster asked noticing his shift in demeanor.

"Kind of... Though I'm not sure if I should talk about it, would bring down the mood I feel."

Fara had just finished her mug before slamming it down turning back to Kal, "Well... if you need to talk, we're all ears!" she slurred her words slightly, her ears doing a gentle flick as she grinned.

Kal sat in silence for a moment before taking a breath, "It's honestly... a lot on my mind. Firstly I'm concerned for my parents, it's been a week since they left and they haven't been back yet and I'm getting worried, with talk of bandits running amok out there anything could happen to them."

Astor and Fara looked to each other then back to Kal and the two laid a hand on his shoulders, "An understandable worry, but I'm sure they will be back home sooner than you'd expect." Astor said reassuringly.

Kal smiled at the two before it faded, "Another concern came to my mind today, my prayer to Jarella felt like it was just barely answered. I know I shouldn't be expecting a lot from the seven but given what's going on receiving such a faint blessing is... concerning to put it simply. Is it possible for even gods to start to fade over time?"

Astor and Fara blinked at that comment before Fara spoke up, "Given as you said a lot of darkness is in this world, perhaps it is possible that the seven are expending their power to lift as many as they can. Given the world as a whole that's a lot of people to help with either facing the evil or just keeping them from falling to despair."

Looking back at Fara, Kal nodded, "You could be on to something with that." he looked down at his drink before taking one big gulp downing it all, buzz hitting him harder and he looked up at the ceiling. "Lastly... I've been thinking about myself, I'm wanting to learn more about my magical capabilities, and to be able to protect those I love... but what if I'm unable to do that, what if I fail everyone, this village, my family, you all?"

Astor put a hand on Kal's shoulder with a reassuring smile, "Kal, you have great potential with your gift, and I am sure that you will be a great protector of the village and beyond. What is important though is that you believe in yourself, Kal."

A moment of silence fell upon the trio before Kal spoke up, "Your right! If I don't believe in myself then I might as well surrender to the Tyrants!" he got up, the alcohol giving himself some confidence, everyone in the tavern looked at him, his exclamation catching everyone's attention, "I will learn how to master my gift of magic, I will become a guardian of this village, no of Asgarna as a whole!"

The patrons of the tavern cheered for Kal, boosting his confidence even further.

"Sure you will Kal, and we'll be there with you to fight against what comes our way!" Fara chimed on wrapping an arm around Kal's shoulders.

Excited Kal slammed his empty pint to the bar table, "Another!" he called out and another was filled up in no time and Kal gulped it down.

Astor smiled warmly watching his friend enjoy himself. He laid down one final piece of silver as he downed his whiskey, shaking his head from the burning sensation. He got up with the other two with a grin on his face. "With all that I figured you'd like to head back home for now, yes Kal?"

Kal blinked as he set down the last empty pint, alcohol in his body causing him to wobble, Fara kept a firm grasp on him so he wouldn't trip over himself. "Yeah... I believe I've had my... my  fill fer da day." he let out a hiccup as Astor and Fara started to escort him out of the tavern. As they walked out the bartender called out to them thanking them for coming over, some of the more friendly patrons who knew Kal gave him a wave and a happy birthday as they left.

As the trio walked Astor and Fara guided Kal back in the direction of his parent's home. Kal stumbled slightly along the cobblestone street till Fara caught him and lifted him over her shoulders and she carried him the rest of the way. They passed by some villagers who looked at them amused by the larger half-wolf carrying Kal.

"Th-they need to work on... making these streets... smoother for those who had a few drinks an... an..." Kal lost his train of thought before turning his head back towards the two, "So what er we to do back at home?"

"Oh just gonna hang out with ya for the rest of the day, maybe give your buzz a chance to wear off." Fara said grinning at Astor, him doing the same.

Kal noticed the two of them grin, even in his current state he knew they we're up to something. Astor walked ahead of Fara and Kal making their way to his home. The afternoon sky became dusk as the sun began to set to the west, Kal was surprised at how long he had spent at the tavern, of course time flies when moods are positive it seems.

The trio made it just outside the house before Fara set Kal to his feet. As he reoriented himself he looked to the house and he noticed light was coming from the windows and cracks of the door, a wave of anxiousness washing over him. Fara led him to the entrance while Astor moved ahead, pulling open the door. Kal's anxiety fell away as the door open and he smiled. It was his parents Kathra and Kyro.

Kathra ran to the entrance and gave Kal a hug, Kyro following behind her and doing the same, "Happy birthday Kal!" said Kathra, ignoring the smell of alcohol on him. "Glad you kept the place clean while we we're gone, son." Kyro said ruffling his son's hair.

Kal gave both his parents a hug, the surprise of seeing them back sobered him up some, "Mom, Dad, when did you both get back? I was starting to get worried!"

"Around noon I believe." Kyro added.

"Noon eh?" Kal glanced around the house looking to the kitchen seeing on the table a rectangular package specially wrapped, as well as a decorative cake. Kal remembered it being noon when he left the temple of the seven, then Astor and Fara met him just outside and he noticed them grinning, "You both knew they we're back, didn't ya?" he asked with a smirk.

"Had to give them time to prepare everything." Astor said shrugging his shoulders.

Kyro and Kathra broke their head letting the trio come in. "Unfortunately thanks to the distraction by these two I don't think I can stomach any of that lovely looking cake you made for me." Kal added.

Kathra merely giggled, "Don't worry, they'll be enough for you for later." she then sat him down on a nearby chair while Kyro walked into the kitchen. He came back with a package adorned in decorative wrappings and handed it to Kal. "Happy birthday son."

Kal looked at the package as he was handed, it was rectangular in shaped and had the width of a book. He examined the package and as he held it he felt magic coursing the veins as he held it. His eyes went wide as he started to guess what his parents got him and he began to gently undo the wrapping, first undoing the colored threads wrapped around it, then pulling apart the parchment till he was holding a black leather book. 

It was completely blank, except for a rune along the top of the spine which he felt the urge to touch. The rune began to glow and a line went down the spine, Kal stroked the line with his finger which began to glow and change several colors, purple, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and then with a flash the tome started to float and opened to the first page with the title of the book, and Kal beamed with excitement as he read aloud: "'Knowledge of spells and incantations by: Asgora's Grand Sorcerer, Baltharr'!" He looked back to his parents and friends, setting the book aside for a moment and giving them all a hug, "Did you go the capital to get this for me?"

"Guilty as charged Kal." Kathra said giggling.

"We've known all your life how much you wanted to become a guardian of the kingdom with your gifted, with you becoming an adult we wanted to help you fulfil that dream, so we went to the greatest sorcerer in the kingdom, and he crafted this for you." Kyro explained, seeing Kal's eyes practically light up with even more excitement as he picked up the book once more opening it and skimming through the text. 

"I can feel magic radiating through the text itself." he looked back at his parents beaming ear to ear, "I say this without question, this is one of the best things you've ever gotten me. Thank you mom, dad." and he gave them a hug, "I'll begin practicing first thing in the morning." and he closed the book.