The sounds of early morning merchants hummed outside the windows of a manor house. Nestled in a quiet part of the capital, Gryphon Heights, where each neighborhood had it's own well to do houses served by their local bakery and other such shops, it was a pleasant place for Saber to learn and grow. Quieter than the other girls her age, Saber preferred to to spend time in the family library studying history and art.
A knock at the library window caught her attention. Reluctantly placing her book down, she gracefully stood from the sofa and went to the large window. Despite the sun shining through, it was with depressed thoughts that she opened the lower pane. Her friend from next door sat on the ledge, having scampered from the large tree near the fence to their ornate building architecture.
"Morning Saber!" Misty climbed in and settled cross-legged on the floor beneath the window. Saber took a prim step back and soberly looked away. "Ah don't be like that. I'm sure boarding school will be fascinating with more books than you can imagine." Seeing her enthusiasm was not catching, Misty tried another tactic. "You get to travel. Maybe see some of the places you read about."
Saber sighed and sank to the floor. Her lady-like posture changing to resemble that of the middle-class girl nestled against the wall. "I know Misty, but why am I going?" With a frustrated sigh she continued, "I'm not gifted and have displayed no signs of any of the Gifts. I'm not born with the ability to use Mana so I can't be a mage and their magic artes. I have no love for the wild powers of nature and their contracts. So why am I being sent away now?"
The clanging out on the street of a stage coach passing interrupted her questions. It only reminded her that her own carriage was being prepared for her departure within the hour. Misty looked up at Saber and grinned, "You might not have a Gift that could allow you to become a Herald. You might not possess magical abilities. The power to summon rain or beast in exchange for who knows what is outside your adventureless spirit. But listen my friend," Misty reached out and touched Saber's cheek, "You have a strong will power. You never give up and always find a way to do what you know is right. That is why we are friends even though your family is well to do and I am from the working class. You fought for me to be your friend. So pay close attention to your new school. What makes it unique. What values and talents those living there hold in higher praise than here. And maybe you will find your answer."
The sound of footsteps approaching the library sent Misty through the window like a shadow of a hawk passing by. Saber stood quickly and assumed an expressionless face. As the door opened, her house butler took in the sight of the stately figure and serene expression. Always graceful and perfect as a lady should be, yet it was displayed by the body of a 7 year old girl. Bowing, Berian announced, "Your carriage is ready. Please say your goodbyes and make way to the courtyard." He watched her nod, the innocent replacement of a book from the nearby sofa, and her delicate steps out. As she disappeared, Berian turned and looked at the open window. He would bet anything it was open for more than fresh air. Walking to it, he hesitated before closing it to mutter, "Thank you for your kindness to the lady." Then he closed it gently and resumed his tasks for the morning.
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