Kayli's Birthday and The Rite of Viran(Naomi)

From Toosigma

Title	Kayli's Birthday and The Rite of Viran
Author	Philip Mann - Naomi
Campaign	Convergent Threads
Session	Intersession
Posted
Game Date

I dispatched a letter to Hero a couple of days ago and, since I have not heard from him yet, I am a little worried. Getting in touch with him is often quite cumbersome, but he is always prompt to reply and I believed this would be no different. For now, with the date closing, I have to move forward and hope that he is able to attend. I know Kayli is still fond of him, if not romantically so, and an absence on his part would be remembered.

The first move I needed to make was to contact the two new waitresses and Arabel to ensure that Kayli and I would be needed that evening. Since this is the critical point of the plan, I approached them collectively first thing in the morning. I explained in great detail how I wanted everything to go, excepting While I offered to pay them their nightly pay with tips, they all said that it was not required, and that they would be in late so that they didn't miss it.

“Besides,” Arabel added, “After we get everyone packed in and the festivities rolling along, I'm sure the evening will work out as well for us as ever.”

“Oh, thank you!” I gushed. “Thank you all.”

Arabel smiled, “Don't worry about it. I'm sure you have some other things planned, so get those taken care of. The girls and I will quietly spread the word.”

With the three of them helping with the Eyrie, I was left just to inform those my love works with at the Diamond Theater of the plan. I did not see Luca, but I didn't really expect to. I did, however, see all of those I had met while accompanying Kayli to various performances. I gathered as many of them together as I could and carefully explained my plan again. They too wanted to know how they could help, after they finished fawning over how adorable Kal'ryu was of course. In truth, I was a little overwhelmed by the huge number of people she knew that wanted to make the celebration as memorable as I imagined. Learning just how beloved she is by all who know her made me beam as I departed to get on with my day.

Kal'ryu jumped from the ground and landed on gently my shoulder where he sat with his tail around my neck. I am not sure why he enjoyed that position, but I did not mind. I have wondered if his small but sharp claws would be too much for a normal girl, but I am sure our compatibility was taken into account before he came to be with me.

“Tell me,” he craned his head around to look directly into my face, “do you ever leave Kayli at home?”

“What do you mean?” I asked. “You are my company just now, Kal'ryu.”

“That may be, but you smile now as you do when you are with her,” he stated as he glanced to something that caught his eye behind me.

I chuckled lightly, understanding his question. “In that sense, then no, I never leave her at home. She is always with me.”

He didn't confirm my response, deciding to stretch himself across my shoulders once again to take a nap. My hair, it seemed, made a wonderful blanket for my tiny companion as he crawled under it rather than try to lay on top. Still, the position he preferred for his naps seemed to be anything but comfortable. Though, in the realm of proper sleeping techniques, I suppose I am as unqualified as any could be.

The remainder of the day I had reserved to begin making her present, but I had not yet decided what to make her. More than anything I wanted to keep her safe, but I did not wish for my efforts to be so obvious as making her a weapon or hiring a bodyguard. It did not hit me until I walked past a woman and her two vicious-looking dogs. She seemed to be completely at ease walking behind them, and when her escorts growled at a man sleeping against a building, I decided that a guard dog would be a wonderful gift. Not only would it be eternally loyal to her and fight to the death to defend her, but it would also be a companion of sorts that would give her peace of mind.

And, I recalled reading something about constructs such a thing on one of the schemas that we found in Xen'drik.

I went to the alchemy shop, much to Azarius' surprise as I had not been there in some weeks.

“My dear,” he began, “I thought you might be gone for good.”

“Not yet,” I said with a smile, “Fate has brought me back here again, so this is where I imagine I will be for the time being.”

“Good, good. I had just gotten used to you being around before you left, and it seems I have let some things get behind,” he said, only half joking. “I suppose you have your work cut out for you.”

Looking into the back, “Yes, I believe I do.”

I headed into the work room, the real heart of the shop, where I began to see what needed to be caught up and what orders needed to be filled while my diminutive companion wandered about the shop. I heard Azarius speaking briefly and didn't see anyone, so I presume that Kal'ryu had made himself obvious. The little dragon seemed to enjoy the attention and affections people heaped upon him, and that was amusing in itself.

Once I determined and categorized everything, I expended a couple of scrolls that I had been saving to get some much needed help. By the evening, however, I had everything caught up, filled, and restocked. I was also able to make out an order of items that he would need to have brought in as Sharn is not the sort of wilderness where one can find such components.

I had somewhat missed the mantra of doing work that required such concentration at such a frenzied pace. The back of my mind wanders somewhat, almost as if it is working on its own when my focus is on other things. Throughout the hours I considered every aspect of what I wanted to give her. What should it look like? How should it behave? I recalled the schemas that had enough information to outreach the ability of those who made the guardians in the Cannith forge far below us, and my mind wove its way through the complex formulas until it created a solid picture of the whole thing.

By the time the evening was near and all of the patrons had left I knew that I must start immediately if I hoped to have it done in time. So, when Azarius closed the doors for the evening, I asked him if I could remain for a while to work on a personal project. He agreed, as he always had, but cautioned me to make sure to keep the shades drawn so nobody would realize I was alone.

“Your concern is very touching,” I said sincerely, “but I think I'll be okay.”

He smiled, “I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, especially with my shelves full and orders finally caught up!” he said with a laugh. “But beyond that, there have been some unsavory types in the area off and on for the last couple of weeks.”

“Oh?” I inquired.

“Yeah. Just be careful.” he replied as he turned to leave. “And Naomi,”

“Yes?” I said as I looked up.

“Thanks for all of your help.”

With that he closed the door behind his departure and I was alone. I considered his words for just a moment as I retrieved the materials and tools that I would need. Kal'ryu, it appeared, had watched this exchange with some interest but decided not to comment. There was certainly something behind what Azarius said and that worried me a little. Since I have started learning of others behind the scenes, powerful people who seem interested in our actions, the world has started taking on a new depth. I am intrigued to see what will become of the days ahead. I wonder if the world will reveal itself as a colorful maze, full of possibilities and interesting dangers; or if I will see things more as Hero appears to: from the perspective of a fly trying to control the web he is caught in.

Hours past when I completed all of the work that I could without having the schema in hand. True to my word to Hero, I had left it in his safe house where he could secure it. I knew that I would need to access it later, probably in the morning, but he allowed Maerin and I enough information to come and go as we needed, so my next stop had to be there so that I could finish Kayli's gift in time.

Gathering my materials and tools, I placed everything near the door while I darted around the shop putting the lights out. With the lights out, I wove my way through the displays toward the front door, hearing a flutter just a moment before Kal'ryu landed on my shoulder.

“Are we off to the Gargoyle's Eyrie then?” he asked as he looped his tail around my neck.

“No, not just yet.”

He let out a tiny groan that seemed to indicate he was displeased. “You work far too much.”

I couldn't help a chuckle. “Mayhap, my small friend, tasks that keep my mind busy are for me as sleeping is for you?” I teased.

“That may be, but right now I am thinking of something else I enjoy and have missed,” he said as he cocked his head toward me. “As you do not sleep, neither do you eat, but I do both and have missed one all day.”

“Oh!” I exclaimed. “I'm sorry, I should have considered that before starting this project.”

“I forgive you, for these things are not limitations you face,” he said in a curious tone. “But could we speed our way back to the inn?”

“We can,” I said as I picked up my things and reached for the door, “but I must drop these items off at a different location first.”

“If we must,” he sighed.

“Thank you, Kal'ryu.”

Remembering Azarius' words, I looked around outside before I opened the door fully. The street lamps were lit, but the shadows around made it difficult for me to see beyond the street. I had been outside of this shop on many late nights, but I do not recall ever feeling a need to be careful. Mayhap my employer's words dug deep into me and brought on the slight edge, or mayhap there was someone watching from the darkness. In either case, I trusted Kal'ryu's senses in the darkness far more than my own and I knew that he would notice a danger far before I would.

It was not truly late yet, so our journey took us by many establishments that were filling with patrons out to enjoy the evening. Kal'ryu sniffed at the air and commented on what he perceived, which I found interesting. I asked him about some of the nuances, but his explanation did little to enlighten me. It seemed that his range of perception in general was far greater than mine, so much of what he described was beyond my ken.

Hero had not left specific instructions about approaching the safe house, but I tried to take a meandering path that would not be as easy to follow. I did not stop at the entrance until I circled the block once. If someone was watching me, I am not sure if my attempt at evasion would have been successful. If Hero was watching me, I hope he would understand that I have tried to keep the location safe. My mind does not work as his, and I may never be able to perceive the nature and variety of threats that he sees everywhere. I will, however, do what I can to keep what he has trusted me with safe.

Once inside, Kal'ryu wandered about to get a sense of the place while I put my things down on a workbench. I looked in the hiding place to make sure the schema was still there, and I quickly read it again to make sure that I had not forgotten anything. Seeing that all was in order, I gathered my small companion and made my way out through another exit.

“It could boggle the mind to see that you and he actually cooperate, so different are you.” Kal'ryu quipped.

“Yes,” I replied, “Fate has picked a strange partnership in us, but she certainly has a reason.”

As his characteristic, Kal'ryu did not acknowledge my remark and instead stood on my shoulder and wrapped his wings around his body.

We arrived at the Eyrie in the middle of the busiest part of the evening and Kal'ryu darted toward the kitchen at a very eager pace. I greeted everyone as I met them, helping the girls here and there as I made my way across the room. I mentioned to mama that the plan was in motion and that we would have a lot more help than I had thought originally.

“I imagine so, dear,” she said. “We consider her among ourselves, but the whole of Sharn considers her now. She will leave her mark on the world, as I am sure you will.”

I told her that she is probably right, and somewhat apologized for being tied up with things that draw me away. She touched my cheek and told me that, while my adventures may be fraught with dangers that keep my mind in the present, the whole family thinks of me all of the time. Her smile warmed me in a way only maternal love can, and I could not help but smile in return...

The next morning after our walk, Kayli and I parted as had become our habit. She went to her rehearsal and I left for the university. Kal'ryu was likely still asleep on my pillow, so I was with my own thoughts while I journeyed to research my past again. So much is unknown to me. Where I came from, who made me, why? These are all answers that I need to discover. The beautiful weapon that Fate has placed in my hands may also tell its own tale, and may indeed be part of my past in some way though I cannot imagine how.

My time at the university is less tense now as Thea seems to have become more comfortable with my presence. She still observes me from afar for a time before she finally approaches, but I no longer question whether she will vanish again and avoid me. I believe she is more resigned to solving the mystery between us now, and she is willing to spend time with me to help. I continue to do my best to set her at ease and to build a relationship with her as we get to know each other. Still, I respect her lingering discomfort which becomes vividly evident on those occasions where we accidentally touch each other as I am no less affected by the electricity she brings to me.

Thea has been working diligently on our project when her work permits or, as is more often the case, it coincides. Also, if time avails and she has the need, I help her do some research with the limited abilities that I have as, for reasons unknown to me, the cryptic language in the ancient texts appears quite plain to me. Lately, she has made great use of the translation lens that I gave her, both to help her work and to research into our connection. She has read through volumes of material from Xen'drik during my absence. Unfortunately, the answers we seek have not materialized with the speed I had hoped.

I have learned a great deal about the tumultuous history of the forbidden continent, but I do not yet believe that I have found anything relevant to my own history. I know of the dark events that toppled the kingdom of giants and how that served to free their elven slaves, and of other events now millenia past. I think only dragons and demons have members still alive who remember these events, and perhaps the deathless elves on their sacred island. In either case I do not consider it a wasted effort as I am sure I will return to Xen'drik to search for clues to my origin, and everything known means there will be fewer surprises in the future.

One morning that I had reserved just to find out information about my weapon was unexpectedly fruitful. I found several historical records connecting the markings on the blade to a young elven warrior named Lia Viran. She was a Valenar who came to Khorvaire with one of the earliest waves of the Valaes Tairn and was part of a unit, the Ciba Morn, meaning "Blossoming Blades" in the Elven tongue. The unit served alongside the Cyran army during the early years of the war. After Shaeras Vadallia declared the independence of the new nation of Valenar in 956 Y.K., Lia and the Ciba Morn chose to continue fighting with the Cyrans. The Ciba Morn were among the units involved in the battle that left the Field of Ruin in Cyre after the Day of Mourning.

The sword itself was an ancient relic named Earon Skye long before it entered Lia's hands. It was reputedly wielded by a powerful warrior during the elven exodus from Xen'drik. A storied weapon in the hands of a warrior from a band of Valenar that held true to their pledge to aid the people of Cyre. I suppose that, in a way, the sword passed directly from Lia's hands to mine.

I also found a reference to the legacy of the sword that Lia performed when the sword came to be in her possession. It was a complex ritual form that took her nearly a full day to perform. She also prayed. She prayed to the legacy of the sword and all who had wielded it before her. She prayed to her ancestors who she swore to honor by carrying Earon Skye into battle once more:

Ai eis Viran

I am Viran

Ai shor tasia sor mys eir eil cylys sai tia eilaerys

I will carry this sword as an honor to my ancestors

Saes shor thyrn syl air eil ailai ti

Their will flows through it and into me

Saes mael shor shi tai mael

Their strength will be my strength

Saes shor, tia orn

Their will, my own

Earon Skye mar vaestal shor ti ialor tai sosti car var

Earon Skye shall remain with me until my time has past

Ai eis Viran

I am Viran

Ai shor tasia ail tai caes ei vyr eil byrdi corysia

I will carry in my heart a proud and noble history

Tia shydia shor shi si baendoli os sar corysia

My body will be the vehicle of that history

Tia aelaesia paer shor shi ei myl os var kysor

My every deed will be a song of past glories

Tia mosor air aelolaelaer shai jhaendralia sar shor jholi thysaela

My spirit is enlivened by legacy that will live forever

Eir sar Ai pai shor eir sai si kysia os tia eilaerys

All that I do will add to the glory of my ancestors

Ai eis Viran

I am Viran

Ai shor cylys eilar si malorolaer eil bolysor os tia eilaerys

I will honor always the sacrifices and victories of my ancestors

Earon Skye mar vaestal shor ti ialor tai sosti car var

Earon Skye shall remain with me until my time has past

Ai eis Viran

I am Viran

I committed the prayer and the ritual to memory and decided to devote some time every morning following Kayli's party to practice it. The kata is a singular ritual, but the prayer is repeated a dozen times before the whole thing is completed. I am not sure if I should have reservations about proclaiming Ai eis Viran so often as I do have no reason to believe I belong to that line, but I will bear faith to Earon Skye's legacy, so I will perform it exactly as Lia did.

The days before Kayli's birthday celebration proceeded at a furious pace, which I tried to keep hidden from Kayli. When I left to work on her present, I told her that I was helping at Azarius' shop, which was still true but not the whole truth as I simply left out the reason that I stayed late. Mama and the girls told me of their progress and it appeared that the guest list was growing daily. Additionally, the day before, one of the Arabel mentioned that she was not feeling well a couple of times throughout the night while Kayli was in earshot and I thought this a nice touch to make the deception that much more convincing.

The big day finally arrived and Kayli awoke in the middle of the plan. Her mother pulled her aside first thing in the morning and explained that Arabel and another girl would not be in. She explained that they were both sick, and that the remaining girl was off due to a family obligation, so that left just Kayli and me to help out.

“Please dear, can you stay and help out?” mama pleaded. “Papa and I really need your help.”

“But, Mama, Naomi and I...” Kayli began to explain that we were going out that night, but I cut her off as I walked up behind her.

“It's okay, Kayli,” I began. “I'll stay with you, it will be just like before.”

“Well...it's just...” I could feel the disappointment in her voice. “Okay,” she said as she looked at the floor. I hated to see her anything but happy, but the feelings now were necessary and she would be that much happier in the evening.

In spite of the plan and knowing how everything would play out later, it pained me to see Kayli so depressed all day. I tried to cheer her up as much as I could without giving anything away, but even that did not seem to make a difference as the evening customers began to filter in. I could sense through our link that she was on the verge of tears, but fortunately, the hour was growing near to spring the surprise.

When everyone had gathered inside of the inn I journeyed to the back and enhanced my singing abilities with my magic. I knew that I could not match my love's talented voice, but I certainly had no desire to compete with her; merely to thrill her. When I was done, I made my way upstairs to the balcony with a glass of wine and looked over to make sure Kayli was on the floor. When I found her, I tapped my fingernail against the glass to get everyones' attention. When I had the attention of the assembled crowd and my love, I looked directly into her eyes from my perch and I began to sing...

Kayli was stunned, staring at me while I sang to her a traditional birthday song her mother shared with me. When I sang the last note the whole place erupted into applause with shouts of “Happy Birthday Kayli!”. My love burst into tears and found herself in the middle of everyone wanting to hug her and express their joy with her. Arabel, who had been outside collecting gifts, brought everything inside with help and a table in the middle was soon filled to overflowing with presents. I remained on the balcony and just watched everything unfold as I enjoyed the glass of wine.

Kal'ryu came to rest next to me on the railing and surveyed the scene.

“Quite the gathering you have made here,” he said.

I smiled. “Yes, I think it turned out as I imagined.”

He looked at me and cocked his head. “Why not go down and share the evening with her?”

“Because,” I explained, “this is for her, and I want her to enjoy it on her terms, with those who have come here tonight for her.”

“Well,” he said, “I'm going to go down there and see what I can see.” Then he spread his feathery wings and glided down to the table full of gifts. I watched how many of the guests absently scratched at him. Yes, Kal'ryu is cute.

Over an hour went by and I watched Kayli from the balcony in as much joy as I believe I had ever seen her in. Friends she had not seen in some time stopped by, as well as the whole cast from her latest production, and everyone that we would call regulars were present. The girls showed up exactly on time and Arabel directed everything as far as keeping the inn working while the rest of the family was busy with Kayli. I still had one gift left for her, but that would wait until we closed. Besides, he was already sitting peacefully next to Kayli's bed waiting for her as he would forever.

I decided that I would just watch for a little while longer when I saw Kayli talking to mama, papa, and Kal'ryu. All at once, they turned and looked at me. Kayli bolted from her chair and ran up the stairs to the balcony. She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me very tight.

“Thank you so much Naomi,” she gushed. “This is the best birthday ever.”

“It's your day, love,” I said. “I just wanted to make it the best I could.”

“I love you.”

“And I, you.”

“You aren't going to just sit up here all night are you?” she asked as she pulled away.

“Oh, love,” I explained, “I just wanted you to have your spotlight all to yourself.”

She gave me a smile and said, “You are my spotlight.”

I smiled and took her hand to walk back downstairs.

The rest of the evening passed with much celebration and joy. She got gifts both grand and modest from everyone. Even Luca sent along a beautiful card with the cast members that attended. When she got to the bottom of her hoard she looked at me in askance, and I just winked at her and handed her a whistle on a velvet loop that I made to call her guardian. She looked at me and the small stone instrument with an obvious question.

“Blow into it,” I explained.

She did, and it produced a soft note that was barely audible over the people in the inn. Within seconds, her guardian came running up the stairs. My creation went directly to her with a note around its neck that read:

Hello! My name is Miko and it is my pleasure to be of service to you. Any time you blow the whistle I will come to your side. I will protect you from anything or anyone that threatens you, and I will keep you safe in any way I can. I will be your companion and guardian always, and I will never leave your side. I promise not to make a mess, eat too much, or get in the way. I hope I can make you very happy.

Kayli was lost for words, so I answered what I knew she would ask.

“I made him,” I told her, “because I cannot be at your side all of the time.”

Kayli looked at me as if she wanted to say something but the words were not there. I touched her cheek and smiled at her, gazing deep into her beautiful green eyes. A long moment passed while I forced myself to not say what I felt, what I promised Kayli I would not say in front of her parents. Instead, I made an excuse to begin cleaning up as some people began to file out. I thanked everyone I saw for coming and making this such a special day for her, most telling me that they were glad to help with the surprise.

By the time the last patron left and the doors were closed, I believe I told Kayli to sit down and enjoy not working a hundred times. I apologized for the illusion that I used to get her to be available, but she said she will never remember how down she felt when compared to how wonderful once the celebration began.

“When did you learn that song?” she asked. “It was beautiful.”

“Oh, I asked mama to help me with a birthday song a few weeks ago.”

“You sing very well, Naomi,” she complimented.

I smiled and told her that I only hoped to not embarrass myself. She assured me that I had done no such thing, and that she would be happy to hear me sing anytime.

After a wonderful night together, I tried gently to rouse Kayli, but she was far too exhausted to get out of bed. I kissed her gently and pulled the covers around her again. To my surprise, Kal'ryu was awake and jumped to my shoulder as I opened the bedroom door.

My diminutive companion and I took my daily trek to watch the sun rise in silence. A few people were up and around and I greeted them all with a smile, and even stopped a couple of times so that an elderly lady could scratch Kal'ryu while we talked about the weather a bit. I enjoy meeting people on these morning walks, so stopping for a moment to appease Kal'ryu is no inconvenience.

After sunrise, I told Kal'ryu that I was going to practice the ritual that I discovered. He said that he may stick around or he might leave depending on how interesting the ritual turned out to be. He then jumped down to the bench and curled up there.

I drew the weapon and carefully examined every inch of it as I walked a few yards away for more room. I stood with my eyes closed for many long moments going over the ritual in my mind. Every sweep and stroke, each verse of the prayer played-out in my mind's eye. When I opened my eyes I could see that Kal'ryu must have become bored already and went back to the Eyrie to sleep.

For the next two hours I traced the movements that Lia Viran did so long ago. The ritual seemed to be easier than the text indicated, so I tried very hard to perform it perfectly the first time without the prayer. I succeeded for the most part, with the small group of observers indicated that the ritual was something to watch indeed. As I left the clearing, a very athletic woman a few years Kayli's senior stopped me for a moment.

“Excuse me, miss,” she said.

“Yes?” I inquired.

“Have you been doing that workout long? It looks very challenging.”

“No,” I said almost off-handedly, “this is my first time through it.”

She looked shocked. “You're kidding me!”

“I have no reason to be false.”

“Well, would you mind if I tried it with you tomorrow?”

“I don't mind at all,” I said. “But I'm not sure I'll be much help learning it.”

“I'm not sure I could learn it,” she said, “but I can be here in the morning. When do you start?”

“When I am in town I am here just before sunrise,” I replied.

“I'm not sure I can find such a weapon, but would a weighted staff be okay?” she queried.

“As you wish,” I said.

She smiled and said, “Sounds like a plan, Miss...?”

“Naomi.”

“Pleased to meet you Miss Naomi,” she said.

“No, just 'Naomi',” I clarified.

“I can work with 'Naomi',” she said. “My name is Brin, and I will see you in the morning.”

“I look forward to it, Brin.”

“As do I.”

With that, she continued her jog down a path that runs parallel to the park and I returned to the Eyrie to see Kayli off to her rehearsal.

The next morning Kayli, Kanto-kai, Kal'ryu, and I watched the sun rise together. I explained to Kayli what I was going to practice and she said that, since it would be a couple of hours, she would head back to the Eyrie and get ready to go to rehearsal. We kissed and she departed with the other two in tow, passing Brin on her way out. I saw her look back at Kayli as they passed, similar to how the way I have seen men look at her.

“Is she yours?” Brin asked as she walked up.

“Yes,” I said, “we are together.”

“She's cute,” Brin said. “I think you two look very cute together.”

I beamed, “Thank you!”

“It's a good thing you are both spoken for,” she said with a grin, “or I would have to move out of town to have a fair chance at dating anyone!”

“Somehow I cannot see you having a problem finding a man.”

“Oh,” she explained, “most of the men around here seem to be intimidated by a woman that takes care of her body and doesn't give it up easily.”

“It?” I asked.

Brin laughed at my spot of confusion. “Perhaps you should sleep a little later, Naomi. 'It' is my body, I don't give up my body for men to have just for their own pleasure.”

“Oh!, I'm sorry, I just was not in that frame of mind.”

“That's okay, it is early,” she said with a nod. “Shall we begin?”

“Yes, we shall, but the first part is not awfully exciting as I begin by visualizing what I am going to do.”

“Then I'll keep myself occupied until you are ready, okay?”

“Okay.”

I began as I had the day before, by going through all of the moves and sequences in my mind. Brin occupied this time by stretching and warming up. She seemed a bit concerned that I did not do any stretching on my own, but I simply explained that I did not typically need to do so.

Once I started, Brin kept up very well but could not make some of the elaborate moves that I floated through. She was clearly very coordinated and very physical, but I could recognize that my own body followed the commands of my mind with a lot less effort. Ten minutes into the ritual I noticed that she was sweating and breathing hard, and I had not told her that the whole sequence took over an hour at the same pace.

By the time I had completed the ritual, Brin was stretching out on the grass. She was fatigued, but had a big smile on her face.

“You are truly gifted little elf girl,” she began. “I have been practicing martial arts and dancing for three decades and I still cannot match your grace or speed. How long have you been doing this.”

I felt almost embarrassed when I told her that I had only been practicing with this weapon for a few months, but she commented that she had evidently found the right workout partner in me.

“The trainers in the area no longer kept me energized or even interested as I outpaced their training,” she explained. “You, on the other hand, could provide me with years of inspiration.”

“You are certainly welcome to join me when I am here,” I told her.

“You can count on me.”

We talked about techniques and the ritual for a few minutes as she patted the sweat off of her body with a towel. We both left, but headed in the same direction until we got to the lower plateau. She turned toward the west while I continued east toward the Eyrie. Brin seemed a very genuine sort of person, something that I have missed dearly outside of my family for many months.

I did some more research and found that Lia had worn a traditional outfit when she performed the ritual. In keeping with my idea to emulate her steps, I asked Himmel to make such an outfit for me to use. It was simple and could actually be made from his scraps, so he took it on as a simple project for fun one afternoon. He said he would never likely sell such a garment, but it would be interesting to see me in a traditional Valenar ceremonial ensemble none the less.

The morning arrived that I had chosen to perform the ritual. It was to be completed exactly when the sun cleared the horizon, so I had to journey out earlier than normal. Kayli insisted that I wake her in time to go because she said she would not miss it for the world.

“You never miss one of my performances unless you are out saving the world,” she said, “so I will be there to see you.”

“I am glad you will be there with me,” I said as I thanked her with a kiss for waking up so early to be with me.

Dressed in the traditional outfit, I headed toward the door with the other three following. Recognizing the nature of the outfit, Cald asked where I would be going dressed like that. I explained and he also expressed an interest in watching me. I told him that I would be delighted to have my big brother there as well. With that, the entourage headed toward the park where all of my practice would come to realization.

My audience gathered at the edge of the clearing both to gain a vantage point and to keep others from getting in the way. There was little worry of that at this hour, but I was grateful for it at any rate. I stood in the middle, clearing my thoughts, and I summoned all of my abilities and focus into Earon Skye held high above my head.

Ai...eis...Viran...

For two hours in the dim clearing I whirled and struck at phantoms while reciting the verses...

Ai...eis...Viran...

As the earliest rays of the sun broke the horizon I entered the last sequence and Earon Skye began to glow with a life of its own. The sword became warm in my hands and I felt my the line between the weapon and the wielder blur beyond even my own perception. For a moment I thought I could feel it thinking, probing my mind, but it fell silent as I engaged the final stance and declaration:

Ai...eis...Viran!

I was spent in a way I do not recall from the trail. My body and mind felt drained, but my heart was energized. The glow was gone from the weapon, but I could tell that the magic of the legacy had done something more than I expected, but I could not yet tell what. For the time I was content that I had honored the legacy legitimately...