Night enveloped Briarford Village in peace. From the bedroom window, moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, mingling with the warm glow of several candles that were still burning.
Sitting cross-legged on the wooden bed, Elias Rowan Valebryn held a book titled “A History of Mages” in his lap. Every so often, his brow furrowed whenever he came across a difficult passage.
Across from the bed, his older brother, Lucien Aster Valebryn, was arranging the bow, arrows, and knife he would take hunting. His hands were busy, but his ears remained tuned to his younger brother’s reading.
“In the past, relations between ordinary people and mages did not always go smoothly.
Some mages used their powers to seize territory, oppress ordinary people, and consider themselves superior because of their abilities. These actions sparked fear and hatred among humans. The conflict between the two sides eventually developed into a hostility that lasted for many years.
As a result, the existence of mages began to be seen as a threat. Many of them were hunted down, driven from human settlements, and forced to hide their identities and abilities.”
Elias paused to catch his breath before continuing to read.
“However, not all mages used their powers for personal gain.
In some regions far from the heart of the conflict, there were still mages who lived alongside ordinary people. They used their abilities to help those in need, heal illnesses, protect settlements from danger, and help preserve the balance of nature.
To them, power was not a sign that a mage held a higher status. Power was considered both a gift and a responsibility. They believed that the abilities given to them should be used to protect and help others, not to gain power.”
“Dad is a good mage too, right, Luen?”
Elias asked, using his familiar nickname for Lucien as he looked toward him.
Lucien gave a faint smile and placed the last arrow into its quiver.
“Yes, Dad is very kind.”
He set a pillow behind his back to lean against.
“He wasn’t originally from Briarford, but Dad treats the people here like family,” he continued.
“What about you, Luen?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you a good mage too?”
“Pfft.”
Lucien held back his laughter, then chuckled at Elias’s innocent question.
“I can’t even be called a mage yet, El.”
“But you can use magic!”
“Only basic magic. It’s nothing special, in my opinion.”
“It’s still magic! I can’t even move a cup without touching it!”
Elias complained, raising his hand toward an object and pretending there was an invisible force in his grasp. His comical antics made Lucien laugh softly.
“Ahh…”
Elias flopped down onto the bed.
“What does it feel like to be able to use magic?”
Before Lucien could answer, they heard a small cough from behind the door.
They both turned toward it as their mother’s gentle voice came from outside.
“Boys, aren’t you asleep yet? If you don’t go to sleep soon, you’ll oversleep tomorrow.”
They answered in unison.
“Okay, Mom!”
They heard footsteps moving away, followed by the slow closing of their mother’s bedroom door. Elias turned to Lucien.
“I didn’t realize our voices could be heard all the way outside.”
“Yeah, it’s quieter since it’s so late. We should go to sleep soon. You have school tomorrow, too. I’ll put out the candles.”
Lucien was about to get up from the bed, but Elias stopped him.
“Wait, Luen! I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“Put out those candles with your magic.”
“Huh?”
“Please… It’s been so long since the last time you used magic. I want to see it again.”
Lucien let out a long sigh.
“You’re something else… But don’t tell Mom, okay?”
“Don’t worry. This was my request, so I won’t tell her.”
Lucien shook his head with a smile. He closed his eyes. Slowly, the air around his feet began to stir. A gentle current rose along his body, gathering at his fingertips. He raised his hand and aimed it at the candles he intended to put out.
One gentle sweep.
“Fwoosh…”
The first candle went out, followed by the second, third, and fourth, until the entire room was swallowed by darkness. The only thing that remained was the moonlight streaming through the window.
“Awesome…”
Elias whispered his praise. He was always amazed whenever he saw Lucien use his magic.
Lucien chuckled.
“There. Happy now? Go to sleep.”
“Yeah. Good night, Luen.”
“You too. Good night.”
His request had been granted. It had been only a simple spell, but it had filled his heart with happiness. After the brief performance, he prepared for bed, lying down, pulling the blanket over himself, and closing his eyes.
The room fell silent. No sound could be heard anymore, save for the two brothers’ breathing as it gradually grew calm. They had already fallen asleep. Briarford Village brought the night to a peaceful close.