Morning broke with the sweet scent of magic in the air, signaling a momentous day for Aether. As he woke, the loving embrace of his parents enveloped him, and their warm birthday wishes filled his heart. Agak, the diligent homemaker, placed a cup of tea before him, but she knew he wasn't quite ready for the taste of grown-up tea. With a flick of her hand, the tea transformed into his beloved coffee, much to Aether's delight.

Intrigued by his mother's magic, Aether tried to mimic her, but nothing happened. Agak chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, my little sorcerer. You'll master it in no time."

His parents shared mysterious smiles, a secret just between them, while Aether prepared for the exciting day ahead.

As they exited the room, giving Aether the time he needed to start his morning routine, he started predicting, how many families were waiting for him in the hallway, just like they did on his previous birthday.

As he stepped into the hall, his expectations were immediately confounded. The familiar scene of relatives gathered for his birthday was conspicuously absent. The hall was empty, and even his parents were nowhere to be found. Aether's curiosity piqued.

A soft voice, reminiscent of a whispering breeze, emanated from the telecasting mirror. Aether's gaze was drawn to the mirror, which tuned to reveal his parents waiting for him in their backyard garden. He couldn't help but feel that this birthday would be unlike any other.

Stepping into the garden, he was met with a breathtaking sight. The once-familiar garden had transformed into a wonderland. Flowers danced in harmony with his favourite melodies, the sun bathed the garden in an ethereal light, and relatives from near and far gathered to celebrate with him.

Aether was awestruck, his young heart filled with wonder. He was welcomed with hugs, kisses, and warm blessings as he navigated the crowd. The centrepiece of it all was a grand cake, just like the one he had cut every year.

With the crowd's encouragement, Aether stepped forward to cut the cake with his parents beside him. The cheerful chorus of the birthday song filled the air as he blew out each of the six candles. It was an enchanting moment, like a dream brought to life.

As he prepared to blow out the final candle, the crowd's whispers grew louder and more animated. They marveled at an avian creature gliding towards him, perched on the shoulder of his father, Ajax. The bird's majestic appearance left Aether speechless. As he tried to discern its features, the crowd's voices painted a vivid picture of the bird: a vulture's beak, imposing wingspan, a massive body, intelligent eyes with an otherworldly glow, and Netle-made feathers. They even mentioned coins are made from the bird's feathers. Few claimed Its elegant tail feathers shimmer like an Alicanto's. The powerful feet with razor-sharp talons, like those of the Stymphalian birds...

The bird landed on Aether's shoulder, and he felt an inexplicable connection to it. Ajax presented the bird as a gift, and Aether, captivated by its uniqueness, named it "Stympha," drawing from the whispered descriptions.

With the cake cutting and celebrations concluded, the crowd slowly dispersed. Some inquired about the cave's collapse, but Ajax and Agak remained tight-lipped about the events. Ajax's eyes met Agak's, and they shared an unspoken promise to protect Aether and Stympha's secrets.

The clock struck at 12 once more, and Agak fainted. Ajax, filled with panic, carried her into the house and summoned a healer from the town, deep within the forest. The young healer arrived, bringing his spell box, he was excited to heal the world's best healer, but he was outperformed by Aether's advanced understanding of the healing argot. When the healer questioned, Ajax remembered the healer that Aether was the son of the world's best healer, leaving the healer shuttered mouth.

Agak regained consciousness, and the healer explained that her fainting was a result of anxiety and internal grief. The healer departed. Aether the small boy with throb of pain in his eyes, made a heartfelt promise to his mother, vowing never to leave her.

Ajax who could understand the pain of Agak, suggested that Aether take Stympha to the garden to play, a suggestion met with some hesitation from Aether. However, he obeyed his father. Aether took Stympha to the garden and sat on patio furniture. When Stympha came beside him chirping, Aether expressed his apology for not being in the mood to play, to which Stympha astonishingly replied, "I know how it feels to see our mom feeling insecure about losing us."

Aether was taken aback. "How can you speak?" he exclaimed.

Stympha simply replied, "Like you do."

Inside the house, Ajax, with a deep understanding of the situation, sought to console Agak. He wrapped his strong arms around her, offering a comforting embrace. "I know it hurts to hear that we might have to let go of our precious gift, but Agak, it's what he is meant to be," he reassured her with a soothing tone.

Agak's voice trembled as she replied, "You heard what that bird said, Ajax. He is our son, and how can I stay calm when I know he's facing the greatest threats of all?"

Ajax tightened his grip, holding Agak close as they navigated the tumultuous emotions that threatened to engulf them. "That's precisely why we must support him on his journey to fulfil his destiny. There will be obstacles, challenges, and perhaps even dangers, but we must stand by his side," Ajax affirmed controlling his emotions.

As Aether played with Stympha, an unexpected bond formed, and a unique language of understanding connected them.

"Oye! Celebrant, we have deeds to do, will you accompany me?" Ajax called, coming out of the house.