The first light of the morning spilled through the cracks of Lif's wooden shutters, gently nudging him awake. His eyes fluttered open as the warmth of the sun kissed his face, and he rolled over, blinking a few times to shake off the remnants of sleep.
Stretching his limbs, Lif swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The floor beneath him was cold, but it didn't bother him. The village was always quiet in the mornings, and today felt no different.
He stood, rubbing his eyes and running a hand through his messy hair. The familiar creak of the floorboards beneath his feet made him feel grounded, as though the village was still secure. He glanced at the small wooden chest at the foot of his bed, where his boots sat neatly. After a moment of hesitation, Lif put them on.
Walking out of his room, he found his mother, Lucia, at the stove. Her back was to him, her hands deftly flipping something in a pan. She was humming softly, a gentle tune that always made Lif feel at home. He smiled and walked up behind her.
"Morning, Mom."
Lucia turned with a smile of her own, her dark curls bouncing slightly as she brushed a strand away from her face. "Good morning, sweetheart. You're up early today."
"Yeah, just couldn't sleep well," Lif admitted, moving to sit at the table. He could smell the bread baking and the faint aroma of herbs. Life here was simple, but it felt comforting. Sometimes, it felt like everything in this village was a part of a dream.
Lucia set a plate of food in front of him. "Your father went out to chop wood. He'll be back soon. You should probably go help him, Lif."
Lif nodded, taking a bite of the bread. "I will. Thanks."
He grabbed his coat and stepped outside, the cool morning air biting at his face as he crossed the yard. The trees that surrounded their home swayed gently in the wind, a peaceful scene that helped him clear his thoughts.
As he walked down the path, he could hear the steady rhythm of an axe striking wood. Victor, his father, was already at it, his muscles flexing as he swung the axe into the trunk of a tree. He had always been strong, always had a certain energy about him that Lif admired.
"Hey, dad," Lif called out, walking up to him.
Victor paused, wiping the sweat from his brow and giving his son a warm smile. "Hey, son. You ready to lend a hand today?"
Lif grinned back. "Yeah, of course."
Victor handed him the smaller axe, the one Lif had used many times before. It was familiar, the handle worn smooth from years of use.
"Alright, son," Victor said, showing him how to grip the axe properly, "Remember, this is more than just a tool. It's your strength. It's your way of providing for those you care about. So, make sure to give it everything you've got."
Lif nodded, lifting the axe and taking a few practice swings. The sound of metal against wood filled the air as they worked side by side, the rhythm calming Lif's mind. Despite how simple the task was, there was something about it that made him feel like a part of something bigger. Something that mattered.
As they finished chopping the wood, Lif wiped his brow and leaned against a nearby tree. "That's a lot of wood for one day," he said, slightly out of breath.
Victor chuckled and patted him on the back. "That's how it is around here. But you did well. Go take a break. You've earned it."
Lif gave him a smile and walked back toward the village. The sun had risen higher now, casting long shadows on the dirt roads. As he approached the square, he spotted Rael leaning against the wall of the village hall, tossing a small stone up and down in his hand.
"Yo, Lif!" Rael called, his voice as casual as ever. His brown hair fluttered in the breeze, and the rock getting redder each time it lands on his hand.
Lif walked up to him, a grin on his face. "Hey, Rael."
Rael threw the stone one last time, catching it effortlessly. "What's up? I was thinking of going to the river later to train a bit. Wanna come?"
Lif shrugged. "I guess. Could use something to do."
Rael's eyes twinkled, the rock burnt a little brighter as he got excited. "You know, sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to leave this place. Go to the Kingdom. Maybe even join one of those fancy academies they have for nobles. Humiliate a few of them. Get them to respect us, you know?"
Lif chuckled. "Sounds like a dream."
"I mean, it'd be fun," Rael said, a grin forming. "You know, show them how we do things in the village. Teach those nobles what real power looks like."
Lif's grin faded for a moment. "Yeah, well... I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon."
Rael glanced at him curiously. "What, you think we're stuck here forever?"
"I don't know," Lif replied quietly. "I've never really thought about leaving. This place... it's all I've ever known... besides im still a hollowborn its not like im gon end up as a king or whatever."
Rael was silent for a moment, then nudged him playfully. "Well, if you ever do decide to leave, you've got me by your side. We'll make it big hollowborn or not."
Lif couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, sure."
They walked together through the village, the two of them chatting casually. Rael was a prodigy when it came to fire, a skill that burned brightly in his very soul. Lif knew it; everyone knew it. But still, despite how easily Rael could control fire, Lif had beaten him in almost all their duels so far. and Rael didnt mind it made him sorta happy for him.
After a while, they made their way to the elder's hut. Lif had been meaning to check in with him, as he often did. The village elder, Maeron, was a wise, old man who had seen everything in his time. He was always willing to chat with Lif about anything that weighed on his mind.
"See you later, Rael," Lif said, pushing open the door to the elder's hut.
"seeyah," Rael called, waving as he walked off toward the river.
Lif stepped inside the dimly lit room. The air smelled of dried herbs and parchment, the walls lined with shelves full of old books. Maeron was sitting at his desk, scribbling something on a piece of parchment, his long gray beard flowing down to his chest.
"Gramps," Lif greeted, a smile tugging at his lips.
Maeron looked up, his sharp eyes softening as he saw Lif. "Ah, my favorite brat. Come to distract an old man from his duties?"
Lif shrugged. "Just wanted to talk."
"Well, you've got the right place," Maeron said with a twinkle in his eye. He motioned for Lif to sit. "What's on your mind?"
Lif hesitated for a moment, looking down at his hands. He didn't know how to say it. How could he put into words the loneliness he sometimes felt? How could he explain how it feels to be hollow? He knew all the other kids had a constelletion, Rael with fire, Ren with wind, and Sela was had both fire and Earth... But Lif, he himself doesnt know what to do.
"what am i," Lif said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why wasent i chosen by an constelletion."
Maeron was silent for a moment, his wise eyes studying Lif's face. "You're a kid," he said finally. "Though its true most people are chosen at birth, there were people were chosen later in life regardless If they were already chosen, or a hollow born like you.."
Lif didn't meet his gaze. "It's just... everyone else is ahead. And I'm stuck."
Maeron chuckled softly. "You know, Lif, you may not have a constelletion, but that doesn't mean you're stuck. It means you're waiting for something special. Something that will come in time."
Lif sighed. "Stop trying to act so wise. It doesn't help."
Maeron grinned. "Ah, the arrogance of youth. But listen, my boy, sometimes things happen in ways we don't understand. You'll find your path."
Lif didn't respond. Instead, he just sat back, his thoughts heavy in his chest.
Then, suddenly, a loud scream tore through the air.
The two of them shot to their feet, eyes wide with alarm.
Another scream. Then, the sound of shouts, panic rising in the distance.
Maeron's face turned grim. "This is bad," he muttered under his breath. Without waiting for Lif to respond, he dashed for the door, Lif right behind him.
They ran toward the entrance of the village. Smoke billowed in the distance, the sky darkening with an unnatural haze. Lif's heart pounded in his chest as fear began to set in.
"What's happening?" Lif asked, breathless.
Maeron didn't answer immediately, his face filled with worry. "Stay close. Whatever this is... it's not good."