Moonlight Flame

After the harrowing encounter with the bandits, Lyra and Ryn began their journey back to her village, Lunaford. The tension from the attack gradually eased as they walked, and Lyra, ever the curious one, turned to Ryn with a question.

"Oh, Ryn," she began, her voice carrying a playful lilt, "how old are you?"

Ryn blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the casual question. "I'm fifteen," he replied simply.

Lyra's face lit up with a smile. "Well, same as me! Looks like we're the same age."

Her cheerful tone made Ryn relax a little, and he nodded. "I guess that makes us equals, huh?"

Lyra chuckled, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "Equals, huh? Well, you did save me from those bandits, so maybe you're ahead of me for now."

Ryn couldn't help but smile at her teasing remark. Together, the two continued their journey, the looming silhouette of Lunaford growing closer with each step.

As they entered the village, Lunaford revealed itself to be a quaint, bustling place. Cobblestone streets wound through clusters of modest homes, and villagers moved about with a lively energy. Lyra led Ryn through the heart of the village, where people greeted her warmly, some casting curious glances at the newcomer by her side.

Before long, they arrived at Lyra's house, a cozy structure nestled near the edge of the village. As they stepped inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. A woman with gentle features and kind eyes hurried toward them.

"Lyra!" she exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. "Where have you been? You had me worried sick!"

Lyra hugged her mother back. "I'm sorry, Mom. I went to the forest for a little while, but some bandits attacked me." She gestured toward Ryn. "Thankfully, Ryn came to my rescue."

The woman turned to Ryn, her eyes welling with tears. Without warning, she pulled him into a heartfelt embrace. "Thank you, thank you so much for saving my daughter. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Ryn stiffened at first, unaccustomed to such affection, but he managed a small smile. "It's okay, really. I'm just glad I was able to help."

"I'm Anglica Rain," the woman said, releasing him and wiping her tears. "Please, make yourself at home here. Any friend of Lyra's is like family to me."

For the first time since his arrival in this strange new world, Ryn felt a sense of belonging. The warmth of Lyra's family was a welcome change from the isolation he had known in his past life.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village, Ryn sat with Lyra and Anglica at the dinner table. They shared stories, laughter, and a hearty meal that made Ryn feel more at ease.

After dinner, Ryn turned to Lyra, his curiosity piqued. "Earlier, you mentioned someone in the village who could help me with my magic. Who is he?"

Lyra's expression grew thoughtful. "His name is Calyon Selvion. I don't know much about him, but my dad used to say he was a very powerful man. If anyone can help you, it's him."

Anglica's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Lyra's father, a shadow of sorrow passing over her face. Lyra noticed and quickly added, "Don't worry, Mom. We'll be careful."

Anglica nodded, her smile returning. "Calyon is a good man. If he agrees to train you, Ryn, you'll be in good hands."

The next morning, Lyra and Ryn set out to visit Calyon. His home was situated on the outskirts of the village, a modest cabin surrounded by a dense grove of ancient trees. When they reached the door, Lyra knocked lightly.

Moments later, the door opened, and an older man with sharp eyes and a weathered face stepped out. His gaze first landed on Lyra, softening with recognition, before shifting to Ryn. His eyes lingered on the crescent bracelet around Ryn's neck, and his expression changed—a flicker of recognition and surprise, quickly masked by a thoughtful look.

For a moment, Calyon's thoughts raced: I finally found you. But he kept his composure and greeted them with a warm smile.

"Lyra," he said, his voice warm, "what brings you here?"

Lyra stepped forward. "Calyon, this is Ryn. He's new to the village, and he saved me from bandits yesterday. He wants to learn more about his magic, and I thought you might be able to help."

Calyon's sharp gaze returned to Ryn, studying him intently. After a moment, he nodded. "Of course. Come inside, both of you."

The interior of Calyon's home was simple but filled with an air of mystery. Bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with ancient tomes and artifacts. Ryn felt a strange sense of familiarity, as though the room itself resonated with his newfound power.

Once they were seated, Calyon turned to Lyra. "Leave Ryn with me for a while. There are some things I need to discuss with him."

Lyra hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright. I'll come back later." She gave Ryn an encouraging smile before leaving the house.

When they were alone, Calyon leaned forward, his expression serious. "Ryn, where are you from?

Ryn stiffened, unsure of how to answer. After a moment, he decided it was too soon to reveal the truth. "I'm just a traveler," he said carefully. "I don't have a place to call home."

Calyon studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Fair enough. But I can see there's more to you than you're letting on."

The older man gestured toward the bracelet on Ryn's neck. "That is the moon's sign. It connects you to the Moon Gods and marks you as someone destined for a great path."

Ryn frowned. "What does it mean? And who are the Moon Gods?"

Calyon's expression grew unreadable. "I can't tell you about it right now," he said carefully. "But when the time comes, you'll understand. For now, let me tell you about this world."

Calyon leaned back in his chair. first "Let me tell you about this world. Vyranthia—a majestic, powerful world full of magic and conflict. Here, those with power often join the Hunters' Guilds. There are seven great guilds, each tied to an elemental kingdom. At the top of them all is the Eclipsar Crown, a guild so powerful that its very name strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it."

Ryn listened intently as Calyon continued, describing the kingdoms and their hunters: Flameheart Dominion, Frostveil Haven, Zephyros Sanctum, Duskshade Hollow, Terraforge Realm, and Starlight Enclave. Each kingdom had its own strengths, but the Eclipsar Crown reigned supreme.

"The leader of the Eclipsar Crown," Calyon said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "is a figure shrouded in mystery. Even I dare not speak his name. But if you wish to survive and grow stronger, you must dedicate yourself to mastering your power."

Ryn clenched his fists, determination flaring in his chest. "I will. Whatever it takes."

Calyon smiled faintly, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.