Forbidden Love

A New Beginning in Folkvangr

I woke up to the cosy light sneaking through the slats of his bedroom window in Folkvangr. The everyday sounds of Orario were already kicking in—people chatting, metal rattling around, and that mellow hum that made the city feel alive. I pushed myself up, rubbed my eyes, and took a second to get my bearings. It was the first day of a fresh chapter for me as a member of the Freya Familia, and I was pumped!

After a quick wash, I put on the new gear featuring the Freya Familia emblem. It felt odd yet thrilling. Taking a deep breath, I left my room and headed to the dining area.

The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee enveloped me as I entered the dining hall. The room buzzed with low-ranking members of the Familia, all deep in animated discussions. My heart raced as I noticed I didn't recognize a single face. I paused at the entrance, feeling like a stranger in a place that should have felt familiar.

Summoning my courage, I spotted an empty table in the corner and helped myself to a modest breakfast. While nibbling on a piece of bread, I looked around at the other members—laughter and camaraderie filled the air, and I felt a sharp pain of loneliness.

After finishing my meal, I decided to seize the day. I had joined Freya Familia to become a hero and was committed to achieving that goal. After clearing my plate, I went to the training grounds, hoping to encounter others who would welcome me.

As I approached, I noticed a cluster of lower-ranking members huddled together, honing their combat skills. I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach, but I pushed forward. "This is where I belong," I reminded myself, attempting to suppress his growing unease.

"Hey there!" a cheerful voice interrupted my thoughts. A young woman with bright red hair and an energetic smile waved at me. "You must be the new guy! I'm Lira. Want to join us for some training?"

 "Uh, sure," I replied, grateful for her friendly demeanour. I stepped forward, feeling a bit less like an outsider.

I Introduced myself to the group: My name is Bell Cranel. 

The group welcomed me warmly, introducing themselves as they prepared for sparring sessions. Lira explained that they would focus on basic techniques and encouraged him to participate. I watched their movements as they warmed up, trying to soak in as much as I could.

"Alright, let's kick things off!" Lira exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Who's up for a spar with our new recruit?" My heart raced once more, but I managed to force a smile. Before I could say anything, Lira pointed to a young man named Jax, who seemed eager to show off his skills.

 "Let's see what you can do!" Jax said, bouncing on his toes, exuding confidence.As they faced each other, I felt a swirl of excitement and anxiety. I had never really trained in combat, and the idea of going up against someone experienced made me hesitate. But I reminded myself of my goal: to become a hero.

As soon as the match started, Jax sprang into action. He rushed forward and threw a swift jab that surprised me. The punch hit me directly on the shoulder, causing me to stagger backwards. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, feeling the shock of the hit.

"Stay alert!" Lira yelled, but I hardly had a moment to respond. Jax was unyielding, weaving in and out, delivering punches I could barely block with my dagger. Each hit took a breath from me, and before long, I was on the ground, gasping for air and feeling dazed.

"Come on, Bell! You need to concentrate!" Lira urged, but her voice seemed to drift away. I forced myself to rise, a surge of determination fueling me, but the next round proved just as challenging. Jax was fast, his blows coming from all directions.

After an eternity, I found myself on the ground again. Every part of my body throbbed, and I struggled to take a breath. The laughter and chatter from the sidelines faded into a distant hum, and the weight of defeat settled heavily on me. "I'm not made for this," I thought, frustration rising.

"Alright, let's take a break!" Lira exclaimed as she hurried over to me. "You did amazing for your first time! Don't be too hard on yourself."

"Great? I just got beaten up pretty badly," I mumbled, still lying on the ground, trying to catch my breath. My ribs throbbed, and I felt utterly humiliated. The gap between me and the others was painfully obvious."You're just getting started! Everyone has to go through this," Lira said, reaching out to help me. "It's all part of the learning process. You'll get stronger, I promise."

I grasped her hand, pulling myself up gradually. As I rose, I  glanced at the other members of Freya Familia, who were observing me with a blend of empathy and support. A spark of something ignited within me—perhaps it was hope. Despite the bruises and fatigue, I remained present, ready to pursue my dreams.

"Thanks, Lira. I'll give it my all," I replied with determination. I may have been inexperienced and in pain, but this was just the start of my journey. I refused to let this setback define who I am.

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Folkvangr, stretching shadows over the training ground, I realized I still had much to learn. Yet, with every challenge I faced, I felt myself inching closer to the hero I dreamed of becoming. I was prepared to welcome the struggles, the personal growth, and the friendships that lay ahead in this new Familia.