An Ordinary Friday

A small hand pressed against the boy’s shoulder and began shaking him.

“Wake up.”

He didn’t.

The hand pressed harder.

“Wake up, big brother,” the voice said again, this time managing to get a reaction from him.

“Five more minutes,” Soren mumbled as he tried to pull his blanket over his head.

“Well, you said that five minutes ago,” the voice replied, tugging the blanket back down.

“Then I’ve been very consistent,” he responded.

“You promised to go shopping for a new dress with me after practice,” the voice reminded him.

“Exactly. After practice, Lily,” Soren said.

“You can’t take me after practice if you don’t go to practice,” Liora pointed out.

“Fine, I guess you got me there,” he said as he got up and sat on his bed.

“You know, you can be really pushy at times,” he said as he finally got out of bed.

“I was starting to think you’d changed your mind about today,” she said with a pout.

Soren reached over and playfully stretched her cheeks.

“I would never. We’re still going today, and I’ll also treat you to some ice cream.”

“Now please leave my room so I can change,” he said as he started making his bed.

“Alright, at least you’re finally awake,” she said with a big smile on her face as she headed for the door.

“Also, Mom said breakfast will be ready soon, so you might want to hurry up.”

“I’ll be right down,” he said as she stepped out and closed the door behind her.

Once he'd washed his face and changed, Soren made his way downstairs. The voices coming from the dining room grew clearer as he approached.

“Yes, it’s been coming together quite well, actually. I’ve been improving it a lot,” said the girl at the table as Soren entered the dining room.

“Well that’s good. You’ve been working on it for a few years now,” said Soren’s uncle, who sat at the head of the table.

His uncle’s wife, Marcellina, came in carrying a tray of food as she finished setting the table for everyone.

“Good morning everyone,” Soren said as he sat at the end of the table in front of Liora.

“Yes, all that hard work is finally starting to pay off,” Sena said in response to her dad.

“Good morning, Soren,” Marcellina said, just as Liora greeted him too.

A tall young man entered from the same direction as Marcellina, also carrying a tray of food.

“I shouldn’t be the one helping Mom set up the table, you know,” he said, looking directly at Sena with a smile.

“Well you were the one who was available at the time, and it’s not like you’re not going to eat as well,” said his mom.

“If someone hadn’t decided to wake up late, I wouldn’t have been the only one available.”

“Quit complaining, Jarek,” Sena said with a laugh.

“Good morning to you too, Sena,” he replied as he sat down to the right of his dad.

“I hope you guys didn’t start without me,” another young man said as he rushed down the stairs and greeted everyone.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, honey,” Marcellina joked as she sat to Eryndor’s left.

“That’s good to know. Wouldn’t want the favourite child to feel left out,” Renar said as he joined everyone at the dining table.

“I don’t feel left out,” said Jarek.

“Yeah, ’cause you’re not the favourite,” Sena and Renar joked, both laughing.

“Yes, because I’m everyone’s favourite,” Liora joined in.

“Yes you are,” they agreed with smiles on their faces.

“You guys should hurry up and eat so you’re not late for classes,” Eryndor suggested as he started eating.

“Yes dad, after all we all have busy days unlike Soren here,” Sena jeered as she started to dig in.

“Are you still struggling with magic, dear?” Marcellina asked with concern as she looked at Soren.

“Yes, Aunt Lina,” he replied. His expression brightened. “But sword practice has been going well.”

“Well, the sword alone won’t do you much good if you’re really serious about becoming Captain of the New Order’s Elite Squad one day,” Renar mocked with a smirk.

“I’m still going to try,” Soren mumbled as he looked down at his bowl.

“Alright then, we’ll see how that will work out for you,” he laughed.

“Alright, you guys. Finish up so you can get to class,” Marcellina urged.

The conversation quieted as everyone turned their attention back to breakfast. It wasn't long before chairs began scraping against the floor as everyone finished eating and gathered their things for the day.

Liora was among the first ready to leave. Before heading out, she turned back and pointed at Soren. “You better not forget.”

“I won’t,” he responded with a smile as he knew exactly what she meant.

One by one, the others headed out until only Soren and Marcellina remained in the dining room.

“You know you don’t have to help me out every day, Soren. I don’t want you arriving late for practice,” Marcellina said as she began clearing the table.

“I won’t be late, Aunt Lina. Don’t worry,” he replied as he carried the trays to the kitchen.

“I’d worry less if you left at the same time as everyone else. That way I’d know you weren’t going to be late,” she said, giving him a concerned look.

“Maybe tomorrow I’ll try.” Soren hurried toward the front door after realising how much of the morning had already passed.

“You’re only saying that because you don’t have practice tomorrow,” she sighed with a smile on her face.

“See you later, Aunt Lina,” he said with a smile as he rushed out the door.

Soren hurried through the quiet streets of the noble district, following the same route he took most mornings. Tall walls and iron gates separated the large estates on either side of the road, with the upper floors of their mansions rising beyond neatly kept trees. There weren’t many people around at this hour. When a carriage rolled past in the direction of the academy, Soren shifted toward the edge of the road to give it room.

As he approached an intersection separating the higher and lesser noble districts, he found a girl who looked as though she had been waiting for some time.

Her arms were crossed.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” the girl said with a frown as she started walking toward the academy.

“Sorry, Nyssa. I lost track of time.” Soren slowed down to match her pace.

“You really have to find a better excuse, this one is getting old now.”

“Alright, I’ll come up with something new next time,” he joked.

“Maybe I won’t wait for you next time. Then we’ll see who you use that new excuse on.” She rolled her eyes.

“No fair. Who’ll be my knight in shining armour against Mr. Sior?” he asked with a smirk.

“Good luck figuring that one out,” she laughed.

They continued on and soon reached the end of the noble district. As they left the quieter streets behind, foot traffic increased. Children travelled in small groups while others hurried ahead alone, all moving toward the academy now visible beyond the surrounding buildings. The number of horse-drawn carriages increased as well, many heading back toward the noble district after dropping off students. The clatter of hooves and turning wheels mixed with the growing voices around them.

“Looks like we’re going to make it in time,” Soren said with relief. A loud bell rang from the academy, causing students who had been walking casually to quicken their pace.

“We still could’ve been earlier, though,” Nyssa replied as they approached the academy grounds, surrounded by a high wall with a wide iron gate standing open for the morning arrivals.

Beyond the wall stood the academy’s white three-storey central building. Two guards stood on either side of the gate, each with a sheathed sword at his waist.

“I see you decided to be early today, young Drystan,” one of the guards said with a laugh.

“Yes, sir. I can’t always arrive when the gate is closing,” Soren joked as he and Nyssa walked onto the school grounds.

“Have a good day out there, kiddo.”

“Thank you, sir, I will,” he responded. “I hope you have a good day too.”

Soren and Nyssa passed through the gate and joined the other students heading toward the academy’s main building. The wide three-storey structure stood directly ahead, its white exterior bordered by small plants growing along its base.

A broad stone path stretched from the gate to the entrance, with neatly kept grass on either side. Students filled the path ahead, bags in hand, all dressed in the academy’s light-grey, black and white uniform.

The large entrance doors had already been opened for the morning, wide enough for several students to enter side by side.

Inside, Soren and Nyssa joined the students gathered around the lockers near the entrance. Doors clicked open and shut around them as bags were put away and students hurried off toward their classes.

After storing their own things, the two continued along the central walkway with the other students heading in the same direction. Staircases rose to the upper floors on either side, but Soren and Nyssa passed between them and headed for the doors at the far end of the building.

Stepping outside again, they followed another wide stone path until it split ahead of them. Groups of students separated there, some heading right while Soren and Nyssa took the path to the left.

The sword-training hall wasn't far.

Wooden practice swords filled racks on either side of the entrance. Dozens of students were already scattered across the training mat without coming close to filling it, and several dummies stood around its edges. Rows of seats rose one behind another along the right side, overlooking the training area.

Soren and Nyssa followed the other students toward the changing rooms on the opposite side before separating at their respective entrances.

“See you on the other side,” Soren said as he entered the changing room.

Inside, Soren passed students chatting on wooden benches as they changed and made his way to his designated locker. After changing into his training clothes, he returned to the hall. Students were already gathering across the mat, some talking, others stretching or collecting wooden swords from the racks near the entrance.

Nyssa was already waiting outside the changing rooms so they could prepare for the warm-up session together.

“You’re finally done putting on makeup?” teased Nyssa.

“Come on, I didn’t take that long,” he laughed as they moved toward the other students gathering in the centre of the mat.

A tall, older-looking gentleman with grey hair and a beard approached the students. Age showed in his face, but his unusually straight posture and sturdy build suggested he had lost little of his strength.

“Alright, guys, settle down,” he said in a slightly deep voice. Conversations around the mat quickly died away.

Mr. Sior started them with their usual warm-up before moving into footwork and basic striking drills.

“Good form, Alden, Nyssa,” Mr. Sior praised.

“Thank you, sir,” they both responded.

“Soren, I see yours has improved as well,” he said as he nudged Soren’s front foot slightly farther to the side.

“Thank you, sir. I’ve been working on it a lot,” Soren replied cheerfully.

After circling the mat and checking everyone’s positioning, Mr. Sior concluded the basic striking session and announced a three-round sparring session.

“This is the last day I’m allowing you to choose your own sparring partners. Starting next week, I’ll choose your partners at random,” he announced as everyone began moving toward the seats in pairs.

After a few students had finished sparring, it was finally Soren and Nyssa’s turn.

“You know I’m going to win today, right?” Soren said with a smirk as he got up from his seat.

“Nope. I’m extending my run to four wins in a row today,” Nyssa replied with a smile as they made their way to the mat.

They stood facing each other, waiting for Mr. Sior’s signal.

“You may begin,” Mr. Sior signalled.

Nyssa charged at Soren, using her speed as she raised her wooden sword as though she intended to strike from the left.

Soren reacted immediately.

He swung to intercept her, but Nyssa never completed the strike. She ducked beneath his swing and went for his stomach from the side without breaking stride. Soren reacted quickly enough to counter, but before their blades met, Nyssa changed direction again.

Again?

She carried her momentum past Soren. As he tried to turn, she slipped toward his blind spot.

Before he could reposition himself—

the wooden blade stopped beside his neck.

“Point. Nyssa,” Mr. Sior called.

“One.” Nyssa smirked.

“And it’ll be your last.” Soren rolled his eyes as they took up their positions again.

“Round two, go,” Mr. Sior signalled.

Nyssa charged at Soren again.

Not this time.

Instead of committing again, he waited until she was close. He stepped back just enough to create space between them, disrupting her momentum.

Then he exploded forward with a strike.

Before Nyssa could fully adjust, she was forced into a direct block.

Got you.

The impact jarred her hands.

Her grip failed, and the wooden sword flew from her hands.

“Point, Soren,” Mr. Sior announced.

“Told you I’m winning today.” Soren smirked.

“There’s still one more round, dummy,” she said as she rubbed her hands.

“Final round. Begin,” Mr. Sior signalled.

Soren moved in to strike first, but Nyssa moved toward him as well.

Nyssa slipped around him again, heading for the same blind side she had exploited in the first round.

This time, Soren was ready.

Not this time.

Soren turned toward his blind side before she could get there.

He attacked immediately as he turned.

Nyssa ducked again.

She went in for another strike.

Before she could land it, Soren stepped back to create distance, then surged forward again.

Nyssa raised her sword as if preparing to block.

He fully committed.

For the win.

Their wooden blades met.

But there was none of the resistance Soren expected.

Nyssa angled her sword against his and guided the strike upward, carrying its momentum across and past her. In the same motion, she landed her own strike against the left side of his abdomen.

“Four.” She smirked.

“Honestly, that was a good move at the end,” Soren said with a smile.

“I can’t even hate on it. Your bait worked really well,” he added with a laugh.

“Nyssa wins this one,” Mr. Sior announced.

“Soren, you get too confident when you think you’ve found an opening. Never count yourself as the victor before you’ve actually won.”

“Yes, sir. Understood,” he replied.

“Nyssa, in the second round you relied too heavily on what worked in the first round.”

“Yes, sir,” Nyssa acknowledged.

“But both of you fought well. You recognised your own weaknesses and adjusted your strategies to avoid being exposed again,” Mr. Sior praised.

“Next, Alden and Rhylen.”

A few more spars took place before Mr. Sior finally announced the end of the class. Everyone got up from their seats, making their way to the changing rooms.

“Before you go, I have an announcement.” Mr. Sior raised his voice slightly.

“This year’s New Order early-entry selection will be taking place soon.”

“A member of the New Order will come here, and eight of you will be selected from this class to attend the evaluation. From there, only two will earn early entry into the New Order.”

“Next week, I’ll explain the criteria used to decide who qualifies among the eight candidates for the evaluation.”

“At the evaluation, you’ll be competing against students from the advanced class, so use the next two months to prepare accordingly.”

The room stayed silent.

Soren lowered his gaze, fighting back the grin threatening to spread across his face.

“This might be our chance,” Nyssa whispered. Soren could only smile.

“You two losers don’t have a chance,” Alden laughed as he walked past them.

“Come on, Alden, don’t say that,” Rhylen tried to ease the tension.

“We’ll see about that,” Nyssa said confidently.

“Good luck,” Alden laughed while he went inside the changing room.

“Let me go bathe and change,” Soren said as he headed into the changing room.

“Alright. I’ll wait for you out here when I’m done,” Nyssa replied before making her way into the girls’ changing room.

After spending some time in the baths and changing back into his uniform, Soren made his way out. Nyssa was already waiting for him.

“You know we can’t let Alden and Rhylen beat us to those two spots, right?” Nyssa said.

“I know, and we won’t let them,” Soren responded as they headed outside.

“I suggest we train together. That way I can learn how to handle someone with your strength, while you can work on your agility—or at least find more ways to compensate for it,” she suggested.

“Yeah, I think so too,” he agreed excitedly.

“But first, as a reward for completing my four wins in a row, you have to take me out to eat,” she teased.

“Alright, fine,” he laughed.

“I feel like you won’t let me forget this anytime soon.”

“Oh! Uhmm…”

“Yes, I won’t let you—laugh.”

“Sorry.”

“Forget.”

“Ha ha.”

“I have to go to magic class. I’ll see you later,” she said hurriedly.

“Are you okay?” Soren asked, moving a little closer.

“I’m okay, don’t worry.” She continued toward the magic hall. “I’ll see you tomorrow at noon. Bye-bye.”

“Huh. I wonder what’s wrong with her.” He shrugged.

With Nyssa heading off to magic class, Soren started back home. He had made one other promise that morning, and knowing Liora, she was probably already waiting for him.

“You’re late, big brother,” Liora said with a pout as she sat by the front door.

“Hey, now. I came back right after class,” Soren replied.

“Well I’ve been waiting for you,” she teased.

“Alright, fine. We’re going now. Let me leave my bag inside.” He hurried in.

After leaving his bag in his room, Soren and Liora headed for the shopping area in the common district. The large estates gradually gave way to rows of two- and three-storey stone buildings, with narrow alleys cutting between them beneath sloping rooftops.

The farther they went, the busier the streets became. People moved in both directions along the broad road, some carrying brown paper bags while others stopped at the shops and stalls beginning to appear ahead.

“Hey, give me your hand.” Soren held his out to her.

“I don’t want you to get lost.”

“Alright,” she replied as she held his.

A clatter of hooves and wooden wheels rattling over the brick-paved road grew behind them.

They moved slightly toward the side.

A loaded merchant carriage passed, wooden crates stacked high as it moved through the crowd toward the city gate.

They passed several food stalls and vendors calling out to potential customers.

Liora began pulling Soren toward a shop with a dress-shaped sign hanging above the door.

The door was closed, but a sign in the window read OPEN.

“Oh, I guess this is it,” Soren said as they went inside.

“Welcome,” the shopkeeper greeted them from behind the counter.

“Do you two need help finding a dress?”

“Good afternoon,” they replied together.

“No, thanks. We’d just like to look around for now,” Soren said as Liora started browsing the racks of dresses.

“Alright, then. Let me know if you need help with anything.”

“We will. Thank you.”

“Brother, which one looks better?” Liora asked excitedly, holding up three dresses.

“…”

“Aren’t those all the same?” He shrugged.

“Big brother, you’re hopeless. These are different designs.”

“At least ask me to choose between different colours. Those look identical to me.”

“Fine. I’ll look at different colours as well.”

“Great. Much better.”

“What about these?” Liora asked, holding up a few more dresses.

“Don’t you want to try them on too, just to make sure they fit properly?”

“Yes, I do.”

“You should go try them on then.”

“Alright, big bro,” she said as she slipped through the curtain into the fitting room.

“I love this one!” Liora emerged moments later in a white dress patterned with blue roses.

“I agree. That one is very pretty.”

“I think you mean I’m pretty.” She pouted.

“I’m sorry, Lily.”

“Yes, you’re pretty.”

“It suits you.”

“You should take it.”

“Thank you, brother.” She smiled.

“I’ll take it.”

She went back into the fitting room and changed into her own clothes. When she came out, they headed to the counter.

“We’d like to buy this one,” Soren said to the shopkeeper.

“Great choice. She’ll look amazing in this,” the shopkeeper said as she packed the dress into a bag.

“I agree.” Lily smiled.

“That’ll be one silver coin, please.”

“Okay.” Soren paid.

“Have an amazing rest of your day.” The shopkeeper handed Soren the bag.

“Thank you. You have an amazing day too,” they said before heading out.

“Ice cream now?” Liora said as they stepped outside.

“You don’t forget anything,” Soren laughed as they started walking again.

“Of course not.”

“Who would forget an ice-cream treat from their amazing big brother?”

“Look at you trying to butter me up.”

“No, I would never,” she teased.

After walking for a while, Soren led them into a two-storey building.

“Welcome,” a waitress greeted.

“Would you like me to find you two a table?”

“Yes, please,” Soren replied.

“Follow me.” She guided them past tables filled with customers enjoying different kinds of desserts.

“Right this way.” She led them upstairs to a balcony seating area.

“Will this be okay?” she asked, gesturing toward a table.

“Yes, it will. Thank you,” Soren said as they sat down.

“Alright. What would you two like?”

“What would you like, Lily?” Soren asked.

“Strawberry ice cream, please.”

“Is that all?” the waitress asked.

“Yes, please,” Lily replied.

“You know you can choose cake too, right?” Soren suggested.

“Really?” Lily’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes,” Soren responded.

“And strawberry cake, please.”

“Alright. What about you, sir?” the waitress asked, turning to Soren.

“I’d like cheesecake and vanilla ice cream, please.”

“Alright, coming right up.” The waitress left after writing down their orders.

“You didn’t tell me we were getting cake too,” Liora said excitedly.

“Well, it was a surprise.”

“Thanks, big brother,” she said as the waitress approached with their orders.

“Thank you,” they both said.

“You’re welcome,” the waitress responded.

“If you need me, just call. My name is Fiona.”

“Will do,” Soren responded as she left to serve other tables.

“How is it?” Soren asked as Liora began eating.

“It’s really good,” she responded.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Nyssa showed me this place a few months ago.”

“Oh.”

“Her,” she pouted.

“Yeah. Is something wrong?” Soren asked, confused.

“Nope. Not at all.”

“Anyway.”

“How was practice today?” she asked.

“It was good.”

“My instructor announced that in two months, eight students from my class will be selected for an evaluation, and only two of them will earn early entry into the New Order.”

“Oh.”

“So you’ll be joining the New Order early?”

“Well, not yet.”

“I still have to be selected among the eight candidates first, then pass the evaluation before I can join.”

“I know you’ll pass, big bro.”

“Aww.”

“Thank you for believing in me, Lily.” He smiled.

“I’ll always believe in you, big bro,” she said cheerfully.

“Now eat up before your ice cream melts.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you for reminding me,” she laughed.

After they finished eating, Soren paid and they headed out.

“Thank you for today, big bro. I had so much fun.”

“And thank you for the dress as well,” Liora added excitedly.

“You’re welcome, Lily. I had fun too,” he said as they headed home.