Lyrόnia

Hidden Talent

In the tranquil embrace of the morning's serenity, the soft tendrils of golden sunlight danced through the room's curtains, caressing Nia's tranquil, slumbering visage with a gentle glow. As her room door creaked open, Lucius, sauntered in, his gaze briefly falling upon G'enphius, still in deep slumber, before gracefully leaping onto Nia's bed. With delicate paw taps, he nudged her awake, "Morning Lucius", Nia greeted, her voice laced with morning grogginess.

"Did Gan-gan call you to wake me up?" Nia inquired, lifting the feline into her arms. Lucius nodded in response. Nia looked down at her hand then looked at Lucious, "Look what I can do!" she whispered joyfully. Holding her hand out, she closed her eyes and focused all her energy into her hands. At first a green mist flowed out of her hand but she persisted. Soon the mist formed in a single shape like that of a growing sapling. Nia's excitement grew at the change, as the sapling grew into a small orb of light. Nia gasps, "I did it!" she pushed the orb to Lucious who stared at it, reaching his paws to swat it.

The child pulled it away, "No Lucious, you can't hit!" she said with a frown. An idea comes to her as she trotted out of her room to her uncles' shared quarters. The child curiously peeked into the room, she frowned at the sight of all their beds empty and untouched, "They still aren't back yet." she pouts, "I guess I'll show it at the festival." She mutters as she is heading downstairs to the dining room.

"Morning, Gan-gan!" Nia greeted her grandmother cheerfully. Timbre returned the greeting with a tender smile, and Nia approached her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.Timbre enveloped her granddaughter in a warm hug, causing Nia to squeal in delight. Lucius let out a yelp from being squished between them, prompting Timbre to release him with a chuckle. 

"Oh, excuse me, Lucius!" she said, adjusting her embrace.

The child looks around, "Why aren't they back yet?" She questioned, perplexed. "Well dear, they did return to deliver your dress but hurried out again before you woke, mentioning they had to pick something up." Timbre explained. Lyrόnia's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Really?!" Timbre affirmed with a nod and a smile. "Would you like to see it?" she offered, leading the way upstairs, with Lucius trailing behind.

In Nia's room, Timbre placed a green box on the bed. Lyrόnia eagerly opened it to reveal a stunning dress. Her eyes lit up with joy as she lifted it out, admiring its flowing fabric and vibrant color. "Do you like it, Nia?" Timbre asked, her voice filled with anticipation. Lyrόnia's face broke into a wide smile as she turned to her grandmother. "I love it, Gan-gan!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. Timbre's heart swelled with happiness at her granddaughter's joy. With practiced hands, she helped Lyrόnia into the dress, ensuring that it fit perfectly.

While Timbre worked on her granddaughter's hair, styling it into an intricate braid, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Lyrόnia skipped over to answer it, revealing her uncle Kruntah, accompanied by his brothers. Kruntah held a small black box, his expression nervous and hesitant, a comical contrast to his brother's faces, eager with anticipation. Timbre looked at her sons, surprised by their unexpected visit. "Is there something you boys need?" she asked with a warm smile. Kuta and Kratus gently nudged Kruntah forward, urging him to speak. Kruntah, visibly nervous, stuttered out, "Umm, well, we have something we wanted to give Nia."

"It's a present from all of us." He extended the box, and Lyrόnia eagerly accepted it. Inside the box was a delicate golden necklace, its pendant glimmering in the light. Lyrόnia's eyes widened with delight as she admired the gift.

With tears of gratitude shining in her eyes, Lyrόnia embraced Kruntah tightly, thanking him profusely. Kruntah, touched by her reaction, could only manage a nod and a small smile in response. "We'll meet you outside later, okay?" Kuta says Kruntah glares at him for interrupting the moment, but he shrugs it off.Nia nodded eagerly, waving off her uncles as they left the room. After fastening the necklace around Lyrόnia's neck, Timbre stepped back to admire her granddaughter's appearance. "There, all that is needed now is your veil." Timbre walks to her room for a moment, returning with a vintage veil. "This was your grandmother's, one of the first Wise Elders of this village."