The grand hall of the Altair estate was abuzz with activity. Nobles from various houses had gathered for an evening of festivities and discussion, their elegant attire and refined manners a testament to their status. This was my first experience at such a gathering, and I was both excited and nervous.
My father had taken great care in preparing me for the evening. "Remember, Aric," he had said, kneeling down to look me in the eye, "you represent the House of Altair. Be polite, be observant, and most importantly, be yourself."
I nodded, determined to make a good impression. As I entered the hall, I marveled at the opulence around me. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, and tables were laden with exotic foods and fine drinks. The sound of laughter and conversation filled the air.
My mother guided me through the throng of guests, introducing me to various nobles. Some greeted me with warm smiles and kind words, while others merely nodded, their expressions unreadable.
It wasn't long before I found myself among a group of children, all around my age. They were dressed in fine clothes, their manners a mix of politeness and haughtiness. I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up.
One boy, tall and with an air of superiority, stepped forward. "So, you're the youngest Altair," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "I hear you're supposed to be some kind of prodigy."
I straightened my back, meeting his gaze. "I'm Aric," I said simply, refusing to be intimidated. "And you are?"
"Edwin, of House Varian," he replied, puffing out his chest. "My father says we're destined for greatness. What about you, Altair? What makes you so special?"
Before I could respond, a girl with auburn hair and a kind smile stepped between us. "Ignore him," she said, rolling her eyes. "Edwin likes to think he's better than everyone else. I'm Lyra, from House Caron."
"Nice to meet you, Lyra," I said, grateful for the intervention.
Another boy, shorter and round-faced, joined the conversation. "I'm Tomlin, from House Drex. Don't mind Edwin; he's just jealous because his magic isn't as strong as he thinks."
Edwin scowled but said nothing, crossing his arms and looking away.
Lyra leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is it true that you might be a twilight mage? That's amazing! I've never met anyone with the potential for both light and dark magic."
I shrugged, feeling a bit shy under her enthusiastic gaze. "That's what my parents think, but I haven't shown any signs of magic yet."
Tomlin patted my shoulder. "Don't worry, Aric. You'll figure it out. We're all still learning."
As the evening went on, I found myself relaxing in the company of my new friends. Edwin's snide comments faded into the background as I listened to Lyra and Tomlin's stories about their families and their own experiences with magic. They made me feel welcome, and for the first time, I felt a sense of belonging among my peers.
Towards the end of the evening, as the guests began to depart, my father approached me. "How did you find the gathering, Aric?"
"It was interesting," I replied honestly. "I met some nice people."
He smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Good. Remember, these connections are important. The friends you make now will shape your future."
As I looked around the grand hall one last time, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The world of nobility was complex and challenging, but I was ready to face it head-on. With friends like Lyra and Tomlin by my side, and the support of my family, I knew I could navigate whatever lay ahead.