1. Cedric Thornfield

It all began as a lie, the wizard who burned everything, the one who had the power to destroy dark wizards, someone who pretended from the start.

In an ancient village, nestled between mountains and surrounded by a green forest, there was a warm and welcoming tavern that hosted the best friends and adventurers: Cedric Thornfield, a highly talented but, as his companions claimed, somewhat "lazy and womanizing" wizard; Theron Frsheart, a crazy companion who followed him in his madness; Freya Stormwatcher, an energetic and wise healer; and Magnus Shadowlock, a mystical and wise wizard in arcane secrets. Evangeline Silverleaf, the most powerful mage of the group, who had graduated before her companions and worked in security, and Caspian Sunfire, the most focused and boring mage of the group.

The cold winter had given way to a fresh spring, and the sun descended among the village houses as friends gathered for a glass of wine at the "Enchanted Star" tavern. The table was filled with bursts of laughter and good humor, interspersed with anecdotes about past adventures and challenging tetrágotos that Cedric had solved.

"Why don't you use your magic to help others more instead of sitting here every day drinking?" Caspian asked, with a kind but concerned fatherly look at his friend Cedric. "There's much to do in this world."

"Caspian," Cedric replied, smiling and raising his glass for a sip, "magic is like medicine: it must be used at the right time and for just needs. Right now, I feel happy among my friends, enjoying this beautiful night."

"It's true, Caspian. At least Evangeline doesn't try to impress anyone with her intelligence. She just enjoys the moment. If she were with us, she'd agree that you're a bore," defended Freya.

The conversation continued as friends shared their food and stories, surrounded by the charm and joy found only in good company.

After several more drinks and immersed in the festive atmosphere of the "Enchanted Star," Cedric, who had until then maintained a relaxed and calm attitude among his friends, felt a sudden impulse that led him to rise and carefully observe a table in a corner of the tavern. There, seated and surrounded by darkness, was a beautiful woman who caught his attention from the moment he saw her enter the door.

The woman was stunning, with flowing reddish-brown hair and deep blue eyes that shone with wisdom and intrigue. Cedric felt his eyes locked with hers, as if they were the tip of an arrow crafted by the gods to unite souls.

With the impulsiveness that characterized him when he was drunk, Cedric didn't hesitate for a second to use his smile to unleash his greatest charm and capture the attention of the beautiful woman. To the tune of a magical melody that emanated from his hands, her blue eyes widened with surprise, followed by a seductive smile.

"Are you the one they talk about in rumors? Cedric the wizard, who hides the power of the dragon?" the woman asked in a soft, low voice like a spring breeze, staring at Cedric. "My name is Evelyn, and I am enchanted by the charm you just displayed."

Cedric couldn't believe what he had done: to enchant a beautiful unknown woman solely with his reputation, in a moment of drunkenness.

After leaving the tavern, surrounded by darkness but with the light of the stars shining on their faces, Cedric and Evelyn separated from the group to find a more private place. There, they felt liberated by the joy and charm that had led them to cross paths at that moment, while enjoying conversation and Cedric's magical music.

"Why didn't you approach my table earlier?" Evelyn asked with a charming smile. "I echoed your reputation, and I loved the rhythm and chords that emanated from your hands."

"I was enjoying the company of my friends," Cedric replied, "but upon hearing your voice and seeing your face in the darkness, I felt enveloped by a magical force that I needed to share with you. And here we are."

They began to walk slowly to a place beyond the reach of the tavern's candles and torches, where the moonlit and starry light illuminated their path. Arriving at a secluded corner away from the outside world, Cedric unleashed another charm that harmonized with the faint sound of the sea in the distance.

"It's okay for us to grant ourselves this joy," Evelyn said, slowly falling onto a blanket of fresh grass and held by Cedric's arms. "I too have been drawn to your charm, and to find out if the rumors are true."

As time passed and the stars shone upon them, Evelyn's soft moans were heard amidst the magical music and Cedric's laughter. Although no one could see or hear them from the outside, at that moment, the magic of love bound them in a bond that would last forever.

As time and stars passed, Cedric and Evelyn surrendered to magical pleasure and the joy of companionship that enveloped them. However, as the night advanced and the hours passed.

"We must return," Cedric said, feeling a sense of parting, "I am very grateful for this magical night with you, Evelyn, but I must take care of my friends and fulfill my obligations."

Evelyn offered him a passionate kiss before Cedric disappeared along with the magic that kept them together. On the way home, although filled with joy and memories of that magical encounter, Cedric couldn't help but reflect on his future and how this episode might affect his reputation among friends and the magical community. He didn't care; he just sang to the tune of the birds as he staggered from side to side.

As he adjusted to his surroundings and tried to overcome the weight of the nocturnal memory, Cedric noticed a package at the door. He approached it, and upon opening it, he found a basket full of attention: inside was a baby just three months old with a red tuft of hair similar to his own, as well as eyes that reminded him of his coloration. Also, he found a note next to the child that said, "This is your son, his name is Lysander."

At that moment, excitement and surprise completely took over Cedric, making his drunken state fade away in the innocent gaze of the little being given to him as his punishment.

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