Morning, in my experience, usually arrived quietly, politely announcing itself with soft golden light and gentle whispers. Today, however, it crashed in like a thunderstorm made entirely of jam-covered enthusiasm, ink-stained fingers, and squeals loud enough to shatter crystal goblets.
"ELYZARA THE BRAVE!" the twins shouted in jubilant unison, barreling into the royal breakfast chamber with enough force to rattle the enchanted sconces.
Aeris waved a crumpled, glittering poster wildly. Arion brandished his own like a war banner, proudly bearing a drawing that resembled me only if viewed through several thick veils, in poor lighting, from a considerable distance.
"Tell us everything!" Aeris demanded breathlessly. "Did you vanquish the villains? Did you use your magic? Was there cake?"
Arion jumped onto a chair, wobbling slightly. "I heard you fought a hundred evil wizards! No, a thousand!"
Velka, seated beside me with a bemused expression, murmured, "Did you?"
