(Elira's POV — Evening)
The Ashencrest estate grew quiet after dinner. Servants moved softly through the halls, snuffing lanterns one by one, and the air settled into the warm calm that only arrived when the children were finally asleep.
Elira made her way down the west corridor with steady steps. Her hands remained folded in front of her, though she kept fighting the urge to wring them. Lady Seraphine had asked for her presence. That alone was enough to make her stomach tighten.
She reached the polished oak door of Seraphine's private study and paused just long enough to gather her thoughts. Then she knocked gently.
"Come in," Seraphine called from inside.
Elira stepped through.
Lady Seraphine stood by her desk, the soft glow of an ember orb floating above her shoulder. The warm light traced the elegant lines of her face and the deep crimson of her gown. Her presence was calm, but Elira could feel the strength beneath it, like banked fire waiting for breath.
"You asked for me, my lady," Elira said with a respectful bow.
Seraphine turned toward her, golden eyes thoughtful. "I did. You spent time with Kaisel earlier today."
"Yes, my lady. I accompanied him while Lord Caelan attended the council briefing."
Seraphine's expression sharpened just slightly. "And how was he?"
Elira hesitated, searching for the right words.
"He was very curious," she said at last.
Seraphine let out a soft sigh, the sound edged with both affection and exasperation. "Did he try for the library again?"
Elira nodded. "He did."
Seraphine closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with a weary smile. "That child has the determination of a grown scholar trapped in a toddler's body."
Elira lifted her chin a little. "There was something else."
Seraphine's posture straightened. "Speak."
Elira braced herself. "He wandered toward the training courtyard."
Seraphine stared at her. "The courtyard?"
"Yes, my lady. I stopped him before he entered, but the guard captains were sparring. He saw their duel."
Seraphine exhaled through her nose, a controlled breath. "Resonant Masters sparring without restraint. That is hardly the sight for a three-year-old."
"He was not frightened," Elira admitted. "Not at all. If anything, he was fascinated. Completely absorbed."
Something flickered behind Seraphine's eyes, an emotion Elira could not quite name.
"He reacts to flame differently," Seraphine murmured. "Even as an infant, he did. It is as though fire speaks to him in ways it does not to others."
Elira shifted her weight, unsure if she should speak further. After a moment, she gathered her courage.
"My lady, I have cared for many noble children in this estate. Kaisel is... different. He watches the world with a focus that feels older than he is. He thinks before he speaks. He learns too quickly."
Seraphine listened in silence.
Elira continued, softer now. "But he is gentle. And kind. And he tries very hard to understand everything around him. He is not reckless. He just wants to know."
Seraphine turned her gaze to the window, looking out at the courtyard where fading sparks from the duel still glimmered in the night air.
"I know," she whispered. "Caelan and I have seen it since the day he was born. His flame surged before he cried his first breath. We cannot pretend it is normal."
She touched the window frame with uncertain fingers, almost as if she feared what her son might become.
Elira stepped closer. "If you wish me to restrict him more strictly, I will. I can keep him away from the courtyard entirely."
Seraphine shook her head gently. "Do not cage him. It will only make him push harder. Stay at his side. Guide him. Let him explore, but under your watch."
Elira bowed her head. "I understand, my lady."
Seraphine turned back to her. Her expression had softened, the earlier tension easing into trust.
"I rely on you more than you know," Seraphine said quietly. "Kaisel responds to you. You steady him."
A small warmth bloomed in Elira's chest. She had served this family faithfully, but this was the first time she felt she was truly valued.
"Thank you, my lady."
Elira started toward the door, but Seraphine spoke again.
"And Elira?"
She paused. "Yes?"
"If he returns to the courtyard… do not pull him away immediately."
Elira blinked at her. "You wish him to watch?"
"I wish him to grow naturally," Seraphine said. "Even if it frightens me."
Elira bowed deeply. "As you wish."
When she stepped back into the dim hallway, she let out a soft breath she had been holding without realizing. The lantern light reflected off her white braid as she walked, and she felt a quiet smile tug at her lips.
Kaisel was strange.
Curious.
Far too clever for his size.
But she would guide him.
Not because duty demanded it, but because she wanted to.
And because someone like him would need someone like her at his side.
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[STATUS — ELIRA WHITESONG]
Age: 27
Tier: II [Interpreter] Rank 2 [Practitioner]
Concept: Quiet Flame (Fire + Serenity)
Flames produced are soft, steady, and calming. Can soothe emotional storms, quiet volatile flames at the same level, and balance the unstable resonance of young Concept users.
Attributes:
Vitality: 27
• Strength: 27
• Agility: 30
• Focus: 35
• Will: 27
Titles:
• The Gentle Ember