Camilla entered the room, pushing a cart with a massive, multi-levelled cake on top. Aurora stared at the majestic multilayered birthday cake; it was made from soft ivory and pale roses, with cascading buttercream ruffles that resembled flowing silk. Delicate sugar roses and hand painted gold accents wind around each tier, while tiny edible pearls shimmered along the edges.
At the top, a sculpted sugar dragon sparkled above layers of fluffy vanilla sponge filled with raspberry cream that would create an elegant and enchanting surprise in every slice. Aurora felt her mouth water from just looking at it.
They really went all out this year, huh? But…why a dragon? I know our town has a famous legend about them, but seriously? My parents were never the type to believe in myths. She eyed her parents, her suspicions growing.
Camilla carefully stopped the cake next to Aurora, lighting the candles around the side.
She then bowed to Aurora's parents, "Lord and Lady Frostwind, it is a pleasure to see you again."
Her parents nodded before turning back to Aurora. "Go ahead and make your wish."
Aurora blew out the candles, silently making her wish. She then cut 4 slices and passed one to each person still in the room. They all ate in silence and ended the meal.
"Goodnight Mother, Father. Sleep well." She curtsied and then left, collapsing on her bed as soon as she returned to her room. Sasha entered shortly after and forced her to change before she drifted into unconsciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day
Aurora sprinted toward the river after running away from her daily classes. The strong smell of nature filled her nostrils, which forced her to stop, as she listened to the waterfall in the distance. Once she reached the waterfall she noticed her friend, Camilla sitting on a rock while she read a book. Her feet were in the water and her black hair fluttered gently in the wind. Aurora sneaked closer, however she slipped and fell with a grin on her face.
Her friend closed the book with a sigh. "So what brings you here today? I thought you had lessons to attend to?"
Aurora stood up and dusted herself off, "Oh, forget about those today! We need to celebrate you finally becoming a squire! C'mon, I even reserved a table at Silver Fish Inn." She grabbed her friend by the arm, which caused her to drop the book, and pulled her towards the city.
Camilla tugged back a bit in feigned resistance. "Aurora, wait, my book is still back there! Let me just grab it real quick!"
"Oh forget it for now! We'll come back!"
"Aurora, it's miles to town!" However, she was simply ignored as they moved through the trees.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the city they moved through the crowds, wandering through the bustling streets in silence. Several street vendors displayed wares around the main square of the city. In the middle of the square sat a giant fountain with a statue depicting 2 dragons fighting. Aurora stared at the statue admiring the detail it was made with.
No one knew how the statue got there, people say it was there when the city was first settled. She turned away and headed back towards the restaurant so that they wouldn't miss their appointment.
The crowds slowly thinned out as they walked through the town and admired all the different fancy marble shops that lined the street. Aside from the odd sweet shop or blacksmith here or there, most of the shops were mainly general stores and boutiques for noble ladies.
Aurora was taken aback at how clean the alleys were in this part of the city before she turned to look at the next main mysterious statue of their city. It depicted 3 dark black dragons that were trapped in a sort of cage. The statues appeared to be made out of some sort of metal but she couldn't be sure.
Camilla urged Aurora to head to the restaurant as she felt anxious around all these upper class folks. After another brief moment of walking they arrived outside the tavern door when Camilla suddenly pulled away, unable to shake her unease as a look of worry adorned her face.
"Are you sure about this? This place seems too expensive for us..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at the extravagant building before her. Gold and silver ornaments and decorations were plastered all over the sides of the marble building. Two stone statues of giant fish sat adorning two small ponds next to the entrance.
They approached the fancy building; the two girls admiring just how fancy it was, Aurora turned heel towards Camilla and puffed out her chest. "Of course I am! I've been saving up for this day all year to give you the best!" A radiant smile shone in the eyes of the squire, which prompted a chuckle from her.
"Fine, you win. Let's go eat then."
The duo swung the doors open, as they made their way inside they noticed a table in the back. They approached the table and took a seat, after a moment of looking through the menu. Aurora raised her hand and called for the waiter. "Hey sir!" The waiter approached them and bowed slightly, "What can I get for you?" Aurora hummed, "I'll take a bowl of stew, a lean cut of meat, mead and bread."
He nodded and turned to the other lady, "And for you miss?"
Camilla thought for a moment, "I'll just have the same as her, sir."
"Very well, I'll have that out shortly." The waiter bowed and rushed back into the kitchen with their order, which left two girls alone to wait for the food. However they weren't left waiting for long as the waiter soon returned carrying the plates with their orders.
The two girls smiled at each other as they dug into the food, after eating their fill they waved for the waiter to come and collect the empty dishes. Aurora patted her stomach, "That was delicious."
Shortly after he dropped off the dishes the waiter returned "That will be 6 gold coins, please miss."
Aurora reached into her satchel and retrieved 6 gold coins. After handing them over, she turned and noticed her friend's pale face.
Camilla shook as she mumbled to herself. "S-s-six gold c-c-coins….."
Aurora giggled at the sight before her ears twitched upon hearing snippets of nearby whispers.
"Did you hear about what happened over in Arkend?"
"No, what happened over there?"
Her focus was broken by Camilla nudging her and gesturing for them to leave, however, Aurora turned back to hear more of the grim news, ignoring her in the moment.
"I heard they were attacked by the Crimson Savages; they razed the entire place to the ground overnight."
"No way! Arkend has some of the best guards around! How could they lose to some mere bandits?"
"Has anyone asked the city lord what we're to do? Arkend is only a few miles south of us."
Aurora snapped away from eavesdropping once Camilla shook her shoulder. "Come on, it's time to head home."
"Come on, Camilla, do we really have to?" Aurora threw her arms up wide and gave the squire a bright smile. "It's not even noon yet. Why don't we go dress shopping or something? I know a great boutique that's just around the corner."
"You can do whatever you wish; however, I will be going to retrieve my book." Camilla got up and made her way out of the tavern.
Aurora crossed her arms before pouting. "Fine, let's go get your stupid book!" She got up and followed after her, catching up rather swiftly. She threw her arm around Camilla's, interlocking them as they walked. The squire gave a strange look to her friend, shaking her head and walking ahead.
As they walked towards the gates, they noticed more guards in the area than usual. Lots of supplies and weapons could be seen being moved to different areas atop the wall, and soldiers ran back and forth relaying orders.
Camilla thought to herself It feels as if we're preparing for a war, but that couldn't be right, could it? She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, she turned her attention back to the blue-haired elf who clung to her arm. She's cutelike this. She sighed, not brave enough to actually voice her thoughts to her.
They made their way along the riverbank, arms still linked at Aurora's insistence to do so. Looking ahead, Camilla spotted her book still on the rock and let out a breath of relief. She rushed forward to retrieve it. Aurora's lips formed a small pout at the loss of an arm to hold, yet she said nothing and followed after her.
"Alright, now that you have your book, can we go dress shopping?" Aurora's pleading tone sounded like honey in Camilla's ears.
Looking at her friend's face, she couldn't find it in her to deny it. "Fine, but only if you don't take eight years to decide on a dress."
"Yay! Let's go!" Aurora tugged at her arm as she bounced slightly in excitement. She paused when she looked at the expression of terror on Camilla's face. "Hey, what's wrong? Don't tell me you've gotten cold feet so soon?" She teased.
Camilla looked at her with a blank stare and in a low voice said, "The town's on fire, Aurora."