Shifting Sands
“I am no teacher, youngling. I appreciate your resolve, but this is not how things are done. You must petition the leaders of the Path and a teacher is chosen for you. And before that, the Rixen must speak to your heart and your mind. It is not a choice to be made in a moment of grief and anger.”
Juna yanked her hand from his and stared at him for a moment. He saw grief and anger battling behind her gentle features. Finally grief won and silver tears traced shimmering lines down her cheeks and were absorbed into her skin before they had a chance to fall from her chin. She clasped her hands together in her lap and focused on them as she spoke. Her voice was soft and full of emotion.
“I have heard the Rixen. Do you think I want to leave my home? My home.” Bitterness edged into her voice. “It is not even mine anymore. It is the home of the Horono now. This is how it must be.”
Jaul studied the young female and thought about the loss of his own brother so many years ago. He'd experienced that same grief and anger. He was already walking the Path by then and Rixen guided him through the pain. He could only hope They would do the same for her.
“Very well. I will do what I can for you. You may study with me but only until we reach Dolnanir. Then you will begin formal studies. Does this suit you, youngling?”
Relief filled her face and she nodded. “It suits me, Warden. When can we leave this place?”
“We will leave in two days. You must say goodbye to your family and then we will complete the farewell rituals the Rixen require of us.”
She stood and took a step towards the door. She held open the flap and was about to leave when Jaul stopped her.
“Listen for your new name, Juna. The Rixen will whisper it to you.”
“They already have, Warden. From now on I am Tala.”
Tala, Jaul thought, remembering his earlier prayer. Peace. I hear you Rixen.
Juna yanked her hand from his and stared at him for a moment. He saw grief and anger battling behind her gentle features. Finally grief won and silver tears traced shimmering lines down her cheeks and were absorbed into her skin before they had a chance to fall from her chin. She clasped her hands together in her lap and focused on them as she spoke. Her voice was soft and full of emotion.
“I have heard the Rixen. Do you think I want to leave my home? My home.” Bitterness edged into her voice. “It is not even mine anymore. It is the home of the Horono now. This is how it must be.”
Jaul studied the young female and thought about the loss of his own brother so many years ago. He'd experienced that same grief and anger. He was already walking the Path by then and Rixen guided him through the pain. He could only hope They would do the same for her.
“Very well. I will do what I can for you. You may study with me but only until we reach Dolnanir. Then you will begin formal studies. Does this suit you, youngling?”
Relief filled her face and she nodded. “It suits me, Warden. When can we leave this place?”
“We will leave in two days. You must say goodbye to your family and then we will complete the farewell rituals the Rixen require of us.”
She stood and took a step towards the door. She held open the flap and was about to leave when Jaul stopped her.
“Listen for your new name, Juna. The Rixen will whisper it to you.”
“They already have, Warden. From now on I am Tala.”
Tala, Jaul thought, remembering his earlier prayer. Peace. I hear you Rixen.
posted by Heather | 9:14 AM
3 Comments:
I love the way this one leaves off -- I'm wanting more.
Ooh, very interesting! I wonder why she had to leave her home, who the Horono are and what the Rixen will do.
That's so sad, but there's hope in there, too. I like it and want to read more.
Post a Comment
<< Home