It was two days after the shadow beast raids, and the sun was yet to rise. Arden Mægenstern yawned as she awoke, having been roused from rest by her alarm clock, and settled into an upright sitting position with her back flat against the headboard. She remained still. It would usually take a few minutes for her body to be fully awake; after that, she would begin another day of labor.

Her phone rang. Arden opened her palm and called her phone into it, then picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey," Norman greeted from the other side, "sorry to bother you so early, but there're a few mishaps with the scheduling."

"What mishaps?"

"Scheduling mishaps. We've had to move people around and reassign shifts after the raids, and your schedule got affected—"

"Hold on," she interrupted, "there were shifts reassigned without my knowledge?"

"We had to do it ASAP. You already had a lot on your plate, so Leith and I took the initiative."

Arden pressed a hand against her forehead. "Alright, sorry; I'm not used to being excluded from decisions like this."

"Don't worry, I understand," Norman chuckled. "With all that you've done, it's easy to forget you're not the most senior of senior guardians. Anyway, the schedule's not fixed, so you'll have to keep checking throughout the day. All will be sorted out by tomorrow."

She breathed an inward sigh. "Alright. Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem. Happy birthday, by the way."

"Thank you."

A high-pitched beep soon followed. Arden lowered her phone from her ear and held it with both hands, then tapped and swiped at the screen a few times. Her schedule for the day unrolled before her eyes. Her morning shift had vanished; her next shift would start in the afternoon.

A satisfied smile crept up the corners of her lips. Arden placed her phone on her bedside table and crawled back under her duvet. She could very well use a few more hours of rest.

***

The morning sun's rays awakened Arden from her extended slumber. Arden yawned, propping her torso up with one arm as she leaned to glance at the clock. It was eight o'clock; she had slept for an additional three hours. Though the prospect of sleeping till noon tempted her, her now-alert body told her that she had had enough rest. After all, oversleeping was not good either.

Arden tossed the duvet off her body and climbed off the bed to begin her morning routine. Habit made her waste no time though she had ample hours to get ready, and she was downstairs before twenty minutes had passed.

Her nose caught a whiff of mouthwatering smells as she strode toward the kitchen. She traced the savory scents to the dining hall. With a thought, she commanded the doors to draw back, revealing a hearty breakfast. It turned out that the aromas arose from smoked bacon, grilled sausages, and fried eggs. Accompanying them were glasses of milk and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Near where she would usually sit, a young man was folding a napkin into a cloth crane. His creation was... not the best, to put it lightly.

Edin looked up from the table. "Good morning, Arden."

"Good morning." She strode to her seat. "You did all this for me?"

"Of course, it's your special day," he smiled. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Please, take a seat."

He grasped the back of her chair and dragged it backward. Once she had taken her seat, he helped to slide her in. "Any birthday plans?"

"Not really," she replied, unwrapping her napkin and laying it on her lap, "I got my morning shift erased so I've more time; I'm just not sure what to do while waiting."

"Erased?"

She nodded. "Norman told me there was a mix-up with the schedules, and one of my shifts disappeared because of that."

"I hope the rest of your schedule disappears then."

Arden laughed. "I doubt so."

Edin took a seat across from her. Breakfast was far more decadent than her usual morning meal—on most days she would settle for a warm sandwich and a glass of milk; now she was having no fewer than five courses, from bacon and sausages served with a side of fried eggs to a bowl of yogurt topped with fruits and granola. The last time she had eaten so well in the morning was many months ago.

After tucking into her breakfast, Arden wiped her mouth with a napkin and set it on the table. "Thank you for the meal."

"It was my pleasure," Edin beamed. "So, what time's your first shift?"

"One o'clock."

"You sure?"

"I'm pretty sure, but I'll check again." Arden summoned her phone with a spell. When she checked her schedule, she parted her mouth.

"It's earlier?"

"No," she answered him, "it starts at five now."

"Oh, great! Now you have more time off."

"I'm not so sure about that. Hold on." Arden dialed a number and held her phone up to her ear. "Yes, Norman, my afternoon shift disappeared from my schedule. What? Oh, I didn't know. Funny how we got assigned the same shift. Good luck, and thanks." She put her phone down. "It was assigned to me and another senior; Norman caught the mistake and removed it from my schedule."

"In other words, you have more free time," Edin grinned.

Arden smiled a little. "I guess I do."

"Now that that's confirmed, do you have any ideas on what to do?"

"Hmm," she hummed, fingering her chin, "there is a nice library in Ildor I used to visit, and I suppose I can go shopping too." She lifted her gaze to look at him. "Do you have any plans today?"

"No, just practice."

"You can pause practice for today and come with me instead, if you'd like."

"Oh, sure. When are we leaving?"

"In an hour. I'll meet you at the front door."

Arden rose from her seat, pushed her chair back in, and paced to her private quarters. She planned her outfit as she strolled towards her dressing chamber. A black dress was her go-to, but its color was not festive enough for the occasion. Would white or red look nicer? Gold, perhaps? She pondered while walking.

Arden reached her dressing room, which held several closets of clothes and accessories. She waved her arm. Wardrobe doors slid open and dozens of dresses flew out, all of them bright and bewitching. One of them immediately caught her eye: an off-white strapless dress whose flowing skirt reached just past her knees. Its golden floral patterns added a pop of color to the otherwise plain bodice, and its simple yet elegant style matched what she was looking for. The perfect festive frock.

Arden sent the rest of the dresses back to their closets as she donned her dress. Dozens of shoes danced their way to her just as she zipped up; from them, she picked a set of black ballet flats with golden buckles. She slipped them on as she dismissed the rest of her footwear, then fetched a black clutch purse with a golden chain. The last stage to completing her look was the hardest: adding a light layer of makeup to her face, which she did not do often. She sat at her makeup table as she applied light shades of pink to her pale visage.

Arden stepped out of her quarters, feeling lighter and brighter than she had in years. The heels of her shoes clinked against the floor as she ambled to the lobby. Edin was already waiting for her, dressed more smartly than usual: on top of a white collared shirt and chinos, he also sported a navy blazer that matched his dark blue shoes.

Edin turned his head as soon as he heard her footsteps. When he caught sight of her, his jaw dropped.

Arden paused. "Do I look alright?"

"I-I'm sorry," he said as he collected himself, "you just look really... beautiful."

"Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself."

"Oh, uh, thanks," he said, blushing. "Anyway, let's go?"

"Let's."

The doors swung open. Arden exited first; Edin followed.

***

If Beor and Sorien's other cities were known for their modernity, Ildor was known for its historic beauty. Classical architecture sprawled through the landscape, save a small patch of skyscrapers a little far from the city center. An air of elegance accompanied the refined environment—there was not too much chatter, for Ildorians were a reserved bunch, and everything about them, from their fashion to their countenance, exuded class. It was no wonder that Arden called Ildor her hometown: everybody seemed to be sophisticated and introverted.

Speaking of elegance, somewhere along Ildor's renowned fashion district, a set of brass-trimmed double doors swung open to let two of its patrons exit. Edin and Arden exited a clothing boutique; following them was a flock of paper bags that floated through the crowd as her magic carried them through the air. They formed a wavy line that trailed her like a kite's tail, and thankfully, nobody dared to snatch the bags and run with them—her anti-theft spell would have paralyzed anyone who attempted such a thing.

Edin's eyes wandered up and down the street. "So you grew up in Ildor?"

"Not really," Arden replied, ignoring the subtle stares of strangers as the two of them sauntered. "My parents and I lived in a house in a forest outside Ildor; I went here often because it was close by."

"Sort of like how you don't live in Irien now, but you go there often?"

She nodded.

Edin turned his head to take in more of his surroundings. "It's a lovely place."

"It is." She sighed. "I've made many memories here."

And they could make new memories there together, Arden almost added, but instead she slipped once more into comfortable silence. There was no point in uttering it. She had gone on shopping sprees in the past; today's trip was no different. Although, one could argue that it was; in her previous splurges, she was not a birthday celebrant, nor was she dressed up as well as that day.

Arden sighed. It was not like they had much time to make memories either if she wanted. Her shift was scheduled to start at five, and she would have to be home by four o'clock or earlier, which meant they had to leave half-past three at most. Most of the morning had gone by.

They stopped at a rather quiet sidewalk near a park and waited there. A black sedan slowed to a halt in front of where they were.

The trunk popped open. Without verbal instruction, the shopping bags floated into the car, then the trunk slammed shut.

"So, where to next?" Edin asked.

"Hmm, I could buy some more jewelry," Arden pondered. "The shop my mother used to go to's nearby."

"If it's not too far, we can walk there."

"It's not too far."

Arden waved, sending off her sedan to park somewhere safe. Then they walked. A few minutes later, the newly turned twenty-four-year-old and her ward reached the topmost corner of the avenue, where a jewelry boutique was located. On it hung a sign that held the name of the establishment, which read: Sigil & Sons.

The doors drew back, and a sales assistant in a crisp suit greeted them. "Welcome, Miss Mægenstern."

She flashed a brief smile in return. "I'm just here to look around."

"As you wish." He gestured. "I'll be here if you need any assistance."

Arden gave a small nod, then browsed the jewelry boutique. The walls were a matte beige, contrasting the glimmer of the marble floor and everything else in the store. Closest to the doors were their newest and least lavish offerings; their more valuable treasures were kept further back, guarded by deceptively strong glass. Not too far from a section reserved for wedding bands was a table of dainty earrings, shaped like the boutique's current theme: flowers.

She turned her head. "Excuse me," she said, waving to the sales assistant, "may I take a closer look at these?"

He obliged, heading to the display box and using a key to unlock one of its drawers. "Which one are you interested in?"

"The platinum flower earrings, with yellow diamonds."

The sales assistant opened the drawer and lifted a pair. "These?"

"Yes."

He handed the earrings to her for closer inspection. The earrings, though simple at first glance, beheld an understated elegance. Each of the flower's five platinum petals were perfectly symmetrical, big enough to be visible from afar, but not so big as to appear tacky. A round yellow diamond was nestled in the center of each stud.

Arden slowly turned the earrings as she held them up, observing how light reflected off them. "May I try them on?"

"Sure," the salesman responded, who then promptly retrieved a table mirror and set it in front of her.

Arden leaned towards the mirror as she put the earrings on, careful to not drop the earrings themselves or their backs. She stared at her reflection. Her head tilted to one side, then the other, her eye focused on her image as she discerned the earrings from different angles.

"It matches your ring," the salesman remarked.

Arden lifted her left hand to show the diamond-laden platinum band wrapped around her ring finger. "Yes, it does," she said with a soft smile. "It was gifted to me."

"From whom? That gentleman over there?"

Arden laughed while Edin blushed. "No, no. Someone else."

"Ah. It's a very lovely ring."

"It is. By the way, these earrings are shaped like forget-me-nots, aren't they?"

"Correct, those are forget-me-nots. We also have similar pairs with aquamarines or pink sapphires in their petals if you'd like to see."

"No thanks, these are fine." Arden removed the earrings from her ear lobes and handed them back to the salesman. "I'll take these."

"As you wish. Is there anything else you'd like to look at?"

"No, just those."

And they proceeded to the cashier from there. A few minutes later, Arden stepped out of the boutique, her ears now adorned with small sparkling flowers.

Edin followed her out of the shop. "Anything else you're up for?"

Arden glanced to the side as she pondered. "There's a nice restaurant nearby where we can have lunch. It's just over..." Her voice trailed off into the wind as her eye caught sight of a familiar face passing by her. "Fallon."

The brunette stopped in her tracks and turned her head to the side. Upon seeing Arden, her eyes widened. "Arden?"

"Yes. It's a coincidence we're both here."

"It is."

An awkward silence swept between the two women. Arden turned her head and told Edin, "Can you excuse us for a while, please?"

He gave a short nod in reply.

Arden faced Fallon once more and beckoned with her head. "Been a while since we've talked."

"It has," she agreed.

Arden began strolling down a path, and Fallon followed her. The former slowed her steps so that she would be walking side by side, rather than pace ahead. "So, how's life so far?"

"It's been well," Fallon replied. "Yours?"

"Been busy. Today's a rare exception."

Fallon nodded. "Happy birthday, by the way."

"Thank you. I'm glad you still remember."

"How can I not? We were close friends after all."

The past tense prodded open an old wound. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" Fallon asked.

"For Morgan."

"Arden, it's fine."

"It's not." She averted her gaze. "Had I not invited her, she wouldn't have died like everyone else."

"But it's not your fault."

"It was." Arden sighed. "Even if it's not, I know it can't be fine for you. You lost your whole family in one day."

Fallon paused. "It was hard," she admitted, "but I don't blame you for what happened that day."

"You don't?"

"No, why would I?"

There was another pause this time, except instead of tension, the threads of conversation seemed to ease. They looked at each other.

"So you don't hate me for your family's death?"

"No, not at all. I never hated you." Fallon tilted her head. "Is that why you stopped talking to me since..."

"I thought you wouldn't want to speak to me after losing them."

"Oh, no. Not at all. I mean, I wasn't the only one who lost someone that day." There was another pause. "You lost your whole family too."

Arden nodded. "I did."

"In fact," Fallon said, edging a few steps closer, "I was hoping you would reach out to me more. You didn't have to deal with it on your own."

The next few minutes meandered by as they strolled side by side. Arden's shoulders relaxed the more she confided in Fallon, and before she knew it, they were back to reminiscing the good old times like the close friends they once were.

"By the way, Edin and I are heading to lunch," Arden said. "Would you like to join us?"

"I'm afraid I can't," Fallon replied, "I have a shift starting soon. But I'd love to meet up again sometime."

Arden's lips curled into a soft smile. "I'd love that too."

The two friends bade each other goodbye, then went their separate ways.

From there, Edin and Arden proceeded to lunch. The restaurant in question was small, and fully booked at the time the two arrived, but as one might find unsurprising, they were willing to make room for someone as important as Arden Mægenstern. In fact, they insisted upon it.

"Oh it's fine," Arden said to the maître d'hôtel, "I cannot take someone else's table."

"No no, you're not taking anybody's spot. We have a private room where you can sit," he insisted. "For two people?"

"Yes."

Edin and Arden were led up the stairs to a floor which held private rooms in addition to regular seating. Most times the rooms were reserved in advance by large parties, and reservations had to be made far in advance. The maître d'hôtel led them to a smaller room at the end of the hallway. A round table sat centered in the chamber, adorned with a fresh flower arrangement. On one side, flowers festooned the windowsill of a window that overlooked Ildor's fashion district.

The two were seated, given their menus, then left alone.

"That was very nice of them," Edin remarked.

"It is," Arden agreed. "I don't understand why they would accommodate us given how full they are."

"Maybe because it's your birthday?"

"I doubt so. But then again, I did celebrate my birthday here once..." Arden's voice trailed off as she looked around the room. Even if she had celebrated her birthday in that same restaurant, it had happened ages ago. She did not expect them to remember. Even if they did, she saw no reason for them to make room for her and Edin the way they did.

Edin looked down at his menu. He then asked, "When's your next shift again?"

"It's at five."

"You sure?"

"I'm pretty sure. I'll check." Arden retrieved her phone from her purse. When she checked her schedule, her mouth parted. "It's gone."

"What's gone, your shift?"

"Yes. I... I don't have any work today." She froze.

Arden Mægenstern had no work. She looked across the table at Edin, expecting him to be concerned, but instead he twinkled. "You finally get to relax today!"

"I-I shouldn't be! I have a realm to protect."

"Arden, you've been protecting the realm every day for three years now. You need a break."

"Let me call Norman." She dialed a number, but he did not pick up. "I'll call Riven." The same happened. "Maybe Leith." Nobody answered Arden's call.

Edin sipped water as she blazed through her contacts. He set his glass down. "Arden, I think you're a little too worried right now."

"Edin, you don't understand. I'm not supposed to be here."

"I think the fact that you've forgotten how to relax just shows you need to be here," he countered. "When was the last time you had a full day of rest?"

She replied with silence.

"I don't mean to disrespect you, especially on your birthday. I just think... if the guardians want you to work, they would've told you. I think they want you to rest too."

"I guess so." Arden suspired, then cast a glance at the window.

Edin fidgeted. "I hope I didn't offend you."

"No you didn't. I've just forgotten how to relax."

"Well, now you can do that for the rest of the day," he beamed.

The corners of her lips rose a bit.

Lunch was another decadent meal. Like during her walk with Fallon, Arden found herself loosening up, in the physical and metaphorical sense. She almost took her relaxation as a sign she was getting weak. Her shoulders tensed at the thought, then she remembered: she was just relaxing. As she should be. The two discussed their plans for the rest of the day over dessert—there was a salon she had been planning to visit sometime, and a hilltop she and her old friends used to picnic at during her more carefree days. Edin only nodded at her every suggestion.

"Do you have any ideas?" she asked him.

"Well I've never been here, so I don't know where to go," he replied. "And it's your birthday. You should be the one telling me where you want to go."

"You think I don't know that, Edin?"

"You forgot how to enjoy a day off just an hour ago."

She tittered. "When you're used to battling every day for more than a thousand days, you kind of forget how to relax." Arden reclined further in her seat. Her eye focused on the flower arrangement on the table, and she tilted her head. "Do those flowers look familiar to you?"

Edin paid more attention to them. "What about them—oh, they match your earrings!"

"Forget-me-nots."

"Not just those. I see other flowers there too," he said, leaning forward to look at them more closely. "Pretty cool that they match."

While Edin fixated his gaze on the flowers, admiring their beauty, Arden fed her attention elsewhere. Her right hand tapped her earring.

Near the window, a petal fell to the floor.