Chapter 11 Ceremony
Two more months pass, with Derek and Jean both getting basic martial arts and our team coordination smoothing out even further, with my father leading our group we had taken down a few low leveled wolves and a Shcmeep, it being a cross between a ram and sheep, a highly territorial monster that was strictly an herbivore. We ate the Schmeep together after roasting it, Alice working hard to cook it just right. Its meat was tough but delicious, the leftovers would be perfect for rations on the road once we set off after the ceremony.
A caravan had stopped for the ceremony, looking to peddle more practical wares as some of the merchants had come to know Dereck as our leader in negotiations and our aspirations for adventure. After stopping by the caravan for some trade, we got a few more backpacks, and some water skins. Derrick, being the shrewd person he was, managed to get a second shortsword for me on the house.
“...Xion… i got you something… i thought it might balance you out… when we train, you seem off center….”
I look at the plain shortword and slowly take it, looping it on my other hip, opposite my other.
“Thank you Derrick. Ill make sure to put it to use.”
With that we all went home and dressed in ceremonial clothing, the women of the group wearing hats with veils and the men wearing a small hat without a veil.
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We all walked together, our group a stark contrast to a few of the others going through the ceremony. We were all athletic and moved with silent grace as a unit to the pedestal set up in the town square. The Elder stood there, his old form leaning on a cane, his grey hair and sharp eyes leaving us to feel as if he was still plenty strong, even though he was nearing the end of his life. We all kneel in respect to the elder as he begins to speak.
“We witness the next generation take their first steps into adulthood, with the gods as witnesses I would like to have Xion preform the ritual of her ancestors to first welcome the new year.”
I rise and walk to the small stage set before the ritual stone. Snow begins to fall as I start. My movements graceful and polished, a small circle of serenity flows around me, everyone watches with rapt attention as I twirl beneath the falling snow. My tail keeping perfect balance as light blows are sent through the air, my palms hitting nothing.
[Skill has been enhanced to its next stage, beast style arts has evolved into beast style flow-”let the spirits rest, and all evil in this place begone. For my children….” Nameless fox-kin.]
As I finish the ritual a small amount of clapping comes from all around me. I go back to my spot and kneel once more, the elder grins at me as I take my place.
“What wonderful moves, you bring honor to our ancestors Xion. And with the new year welcomed the village recognizes you all as adults, I will call you one by one to receive your class, just place your hand on the stone and you shall receive it.”
One by one we're called up, Jean is first.
His class is ‘dark blade warrior.’ Next is Derrick, his is ‘protector.’ After a few of the other village boys get a turn, most of them becoming farmers or hunters, one becoming a Smith, it's Alice's turn. She puts her hand on the stone and it glows softly like all the others. Her class is ‘battle healer.’ Sarah is called next, leaving me for last. I give her a small pat on the shoulder before she goes up. She touches the stone and her class is announced. ‘Great mage initiate.’ We all clap at that, her potential for magic truly was great. Last but not least it was my turn. I step up, already half remembering what my result should be.
