UNNAMED part 3 Festival part 2
UNNAMED (first draft)
FESTIVAL
Festival cont.
The air filled with the beating of massive wings as the Tyto Elders flew down to the platform, assembled on the right side of the stage and started calling the names. Ever the efficient and no nonsense creatures that they were.
Wrathe and Phoenix were near the top of the list, as expected. 35 names were called this year. 5 more than last year. Cayleb fidgeted with his tail impatiently and looked expectantly at his mother as he waited for his name to be called. They were already on the 27th name and he had yet to be called. Did he not make the selection? He understood that he could not be just added to the list because of his birthright or whom his parents were, but he was sure he would be called up this cycle on his merit alone. The 34th name was called and his heart sank. Would he truly have to wait another cycle? He lowered his head and his tail drooped at the realization that he may have to wait until he had gone through the change before he would even be considered. Not what he wanted, but he understood how much more powerful he would be afterward and with a sigh resigned to accept that as truth.
Finally, the Tyto reached the last name. His name was called... last.
He looked up slightly startled. Pride and relief swelled like a balloon inside his chest. Cayleb could not show pride outwardly as it would look disrespectful since he was the 1st born of the new colony and the ruling family. He gracefully and humbly took his place among the the seasoned and unseasoned Harvesters, his yellow eyes cast downward. He knew that this was only the beginning. He still had to make the final selection or this would mean nothing. The cheers of the colony erupted as he took his place. Waiting a beat he looked up and acknowledged the crowd with a smile and a wave. The older Raa-men chanted a warrior cry in honor of the chosen. The Tyto continued with a lengthy speech about some of the changes to be expected. Cayleb heard very little as he reveled in the moment. He silently hoped that she was somewhere watching, proud of him. He never questioned as to why it mattered to him. She had been a part of his life for many yearn and had a secret place settled inside of his hearts.
He looked out across the sea of faces knowing his participation was for something larger than himself. His eyes finally rested upon his parents. The proud look in their eyes was worth all the waiting. Many races were represented and all had useful abilities. Only 5 would be disqualified. They were accepting more harvesters this cycle because of the extra births. He silently hoped that they would be able to harvest enough for everyone. She said that she had expanded the growing area so they should be able to accomodate the colony.
His father stood once again and the crowd lulled into a silence as he spoke
"This tradition is a great honor and a coming of age, rite of passage, for our young offspring. You have been chosen for more than your physical prowess, and blood lines. This harvest is important for many of the medicines we need. You have been chosen for many facets of your character; your reasoning, ability to lead, to follow, to analyze and your chances of survival under duress, were all critical factors, including your species numbers." With obvious pride in his voice "I am honored that my own offspring will be a part of this sacred and honorable tradition." The crowd erupted in applause and cheer.
After the Time Trial qualifying ceremony, the celebrating continued well into the hours of rest. His family and all of the families that had members participating in the Time Trials left early to make sure their representative got enough rest. Once home, Cayleb was so excited that he could not sleep.
"Can you believe it mother! I am going to get my chance to help the colony!" Cayleb exclaimed with excitement punctuating his voice.
"Of course you are my son, it is time. You are an excellent candidate and I am sure you will make us proud no matter what. You are of solid character and we love you. There is no doubt you will participate in this years harvest. I do plan on having a word with the Tyto however as to why they called your name last..." She broke off as Cayleb's father entered the room.
"Mother that will not be necessary. My name was called and that is truly what is important. We must not be puffed up about it." Cayleb responded "Although, I must speak truth when I say I was worried I would have to wait another cycle," he confessed.
His mother smiled and inclined her head toward his father. "It was all I could do to keep your father's nervous energy from flipping over the meal table." Her laughter tinkled throughout the room.
"Rubbish" His father said smiling" I was merely enjoying the excitement of the day." He said taking her into his arms. She immediately purred as she was held.
"Father." Cayleb acknowledged
"Come my son." and Rook embraced his son.
Rook's mind was full of the desires that a good father has for their offspring. His love greater than for his own life. His pride magnified. Cayleb was his greatest achievement in his eyes. They had waited so long to be able to breed and he made every hope and fear disappear. Every cycle waiting, worth it. He knew that his son would be a profoundly wise and kind ruler in his stead when that long away day came.
His kind was blessed with longevity. To some Rook would seem immortal. But he was humble and of sound judgement and character. He was a warrior, a protector, a leader, a visionary. All of the things that were needed for a good ruler. His son inherited and displayed the same qualities.
"Miyrah, my sweet, we should rest now." His father spoke gently to his mother. Turning back to his son as they exited to their quarters he wished Cayleb a good evening.
"Father!" Gayleb called out as something crossed his mind.
"Yes my son" Rook answered halting their steps. Both him and his mother regarded him patiently.
"Wrathe said the change was painful. Is that true?" Cayleb asked
Before answering, they both exchanged a knowing look. They both walked back toward Cayleb where his mother kissed his forehead and excused herself so they could talk.
Rook guided his son to the spacious, well appointed sitting area. A few fine textiles from the home planet had been saved and were displayed prominently in this room usually only used when they had important guests. The fact that his father chose this room indicated the importance of the conversation they were about to have.
Cayleb waited for his father to sit before choosing a chair off to his right; as was the custom for the son to sit at the right hand of the father. His father looked serious as he began.
"The pain determines how strong and how powerful you are to be. Some have hardly any pain because their role is of a lesser cause. My pain for example was excruciating as was my brothers and sisters. I was delirious with it and would have taken death's invitation had it been offered at one point, but my family was there with me doing all they could to make me comfortable. The Raa-men chanted and gave their energy to help me through. Who knew that one day I would be a ruler.
Just remember, the pain is only temporary. You are being wrought in fire so that you are ready for your destiny... whatever that may be. Try to keep your mind settled as you have been taught. It will help. Since you have your mother's genes as well, you are a special Surmani. We will have the Tyto here and all of the colony doctors to make sure we do all we can to help you through your change.
We are not sure how you will be affected with the added bloodline from your mother but she is a strong female. She has the heart and fight of some of the best warriors of her species. I cannot assume it will be of anything other than an added benefit. We will be here for you and you will have the love and support of the Raa-men in the colony. They will lend their energy and chant for you."
Cayleb smiled as his father rose "Thank you father." He once more embraced his father and hoped he could be half the warrior his father was.
"I sense your unrest my son. Go to your place of peace. You will need to be focused for tomorrow. I will let your mother know you are going out for a bit." Rook strode out of the main hall towards his quarters where his lovely mate would be waiting to receive him, leaving Cayleb alone in the sitting area.
Cayleb stood there for a time before conceding that he did indeed need to settle his rampant thoughts.
He quietly went outside and looked at the lavender hazed sky that indicated that the time of rest was upon him. He walked through the field and into the woods just beyond the family home. Cayleb climbed his favorite tree. His mother would bring him to this very tree as a youngling. She would sing to him and carry him up through the branches and they would lounge in the safety of the branches while his father went out with the discovery teams. As he grew, he continued to come alone. His parents knew where to find him if he was gone for any time too long.
The wide upper branches made a nice canopy for him to stretch along. Cayleb longed to go to the cave to hear her voice reassure him that he had nothing to worry about but he knew that she would not speak again to him this day. The training for the Time Trials would begin first thing tomorrow. A shiver of excitement took flight in his stomach as he looked across the valley from his perch in the Motter tree. The Valley would be where the first set of trials would begin.
He placed his palm on the trunk of the tree feeling the pulse within. The life flowing through it energized and refreshed him. But tonight he needed calm. He could not explain it, but it seemed liked the tree always knew exactly what he needed. He settled back against the wide trunk and closed his eyes harnessing the tree's offering.
A calming peace came over Cayleb as he rested in the Motter tree. The tiny evening Brevas singing gently into the wind, carried to his ears a wonderful lullaby. Before long he was deep in rest.
Far below the ground, running through the very roots of Cayleb's Motter tree was the black water. The UNNAMED flowed silently through the tree and from inside the tree, touched Cayleb, pouring calm and peace into him. She stayed there as he drifted off, finally letting peace settle within him and watched him sleep.
to be continued...
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