The morning sun bathed Gladefen's plaza in a golden glow, herb stalls bustling with traders bundling glowing sage and moonpetal. The Celestars sat at a long oak table in Gladewind House, the scent of spiced bread and roasted roots filling the air. Lord Torren, wand tucked into his belt, raised a mug of cider, his jovial face beaming. Lady Elara arranged herb wreaths, their faint hum calming the room. Liora and Finn, her younger brother, passed platters, Finn sneaking extra tarts to Rick.
"Thanks for the spread," Lui said, slicing herb-crusted bread. His red eyes flicked to Torren. "Kaelis mentioned Elyndor Academy yesterday. You're an alum?"
Torren nodded, sprinkling glowing rosemary over his plate. "Aye, graduated two decades ago. Toughest entrance exam in the kingdoms—mages, knights, hybrids, all races, even enemy territories, treated equal. It's in Aetherion, the capital of Eldoria. Changed my life."
Iuro, Tofu buzzing on his shoulder, leaned in. "What's it like? Fancy?"
"Floating spires, rune-lit halls, classes from dawn to dusk," Torren said. "Main lessons end at 1 PM, then clubs—gardening, duels, meditation, whatever you fancy. You pick your path, no matter your magic."
Izumi, sipping cider, tilted his head. "Diverse classes? Like, healing mages separate from attack mages?"
"Exactly," Torren said. "Building, art, flora-healing, combat—all split, but you can cross-enroll. Elyndor's about freedom to grow."
Yuuv yawned, bell wand chiming softly. Ding~. "Sounds… big. Are there naps?"
Finn laughed, his mint-wand spraying a tiny cloud. "You'd nap through a dragon raid!"
Rick grinned, tossing Finn a tart. "What's the exam like, Lord Torren?"
"Brutal," Torren said, eyes twinkling. "Theory, elemental trials, team battles. Nobles and royals dominate, but your teamwork could outshine them. Guild work drops to one-fifth, so you'd focus on training."
Ishi, sharpening a dagger, frowned. "Sounds crowded. Too many egos."
"Maybe," Torren admitted. "But Elyndor's principal, Master Varyn, is a friend of your Master Elard. He'd see your potential."
Lui set down his mug. "We'd need to ask Master Elard first. Letters are our only way to reach him."
Elara smiled, waving her wand to grow a tiny ivy sprig. "Write from here. Our couriers are swift—enchanted hawks. Elard's reply will reach you before you leave Eldoria's borders."
Liora handed Izumi a glowing herb sachet, her violet hair catching the light. "If you go, send me a letter. Gladefen's quiet without you troublemakers."
Izumi tucked the sachet away, a faint smile forming. "Deal."
The feast continued, laughter mixing with clinking mugs. Rick and Finn staged a mock water-cloud duel, soaking a tablecloth. Iuro showed Finn a vine trick, crafting a glowing flower ring. Yuuv, half-asleep, mumbled about "stars whispering paths".
Ishi stayed quiet, but when Finn begged for a shadow trick, he summoned a wispy hawk that circled the table, earning a cheer. Lui watched his brothers, warmth in his gaze. "This feels like home," he said softly.
Torren raised his mug. "To the Celestars—may Elyndor light your way."
After the feast, the brothers gathered in their inn room, parchment and quill ready. Lui penned the letter to Master Elard, detailing Torren's suggestion and their Gladefen adventures. Rick added a doodle of Tofu, Iuro a pressed moonpetal, and Yuuv a sleepy scribble of a duck he saw in one of the shops in the market.
"Think he'll approve?" Iuro asked, sealing the parchment.
"He'll love it," Izumi said. "Elard always said we'd find our path together."
Ishi nodded. "If it's tough, it's worth it."
Yuuv's bell chimed. Ding~. "Stars say… go."
Lui handed the letter to a courier hawk, its wings shimmering with runes. As it soared into the sky, the brothers stood on Gladefen's outskirts, bags packed, the road to Aetherion stretching ahead. A faint shimmer—like a Starwatcher's gaze—flickered in the distance, then vanished.
"Ready for the capital?" Lui asked.
Rick grinned. "Born ready."
The Celestars set off, their bond tighter than ever, the promise of Elyndor's spires pulling them toward a new chapter.