A gentle rain settled over Bloodstone before dawn, leaving the valley wrapped in a cool blanket of mist. Droplets gathered along the edges of rooftops before falling into puddles that mirrored the awakening sky.
Though the inclement weather had driven most people indoors, the village never truly became quiet. Fires crackled inside homes, laughter drifted from open windows, and the scent of fresh bread permeated the streets, proving that life continued exactly as it always did.
Inside the Learning Hall, Master Aldren stood before a large woven basket covered with a linen cloth. Without saying a word, he invited the children to gather around him in a semicircle, his expression expectant and calm.
Curious whispers filled the room as the students craned their necks to see what the teacher had brought.
"What do you think is inside?" he asked, his voice steady.
"Books!" one student shouted eagerly.
"A rabbit!" another guessed with wide eyes.
