Almost adults

He felt Art’s eyes on him, and looked up at his father. In truth, he didn’t need to look very far any more. Once, his father had been a towering figure. Now, still regal and commanding, but less imposing in height alone. Kea matched his size and found himself looking at his father from eye level. He wasn’t sure why it startled him so much, perhaps with the knowledge that this was their birthday and the realisation that he was growing older brought it all together.

He let his attention be dragged to the package before him, and moved to open it. He could feel the weight of it even as he tore the packaging, and while a part of him hoped he barely dared to believe… and there it was. The hilt was decorative, with the figure of a silver head, and adorned with a sapphire stone. The workmanship was exquisite, and he could already feel himself choking up. But it wasn’t over yet, and his father was gesturing for him to draw it. He strapped it to his back so he could pull the blade without dropping the sheath. To do so required a little bit of help for the first time, but his father stepped in to secure it across his shoulder.

The weight of it felt like home, and he almost couldn’t breath. He drew the blade, and found the Carpathian steel, rippling like water across the blade. He sniffed, trying to keep the emotions at bay. “She’s beautiful… I’m going to call her Windrunner” He said with pride, before sheathing the sword and suddenly moving. Grabbing his fathers shoulders and pulling him into an embrace. “Thank you, dad, thank you mum” He said, wiping his eyes on his shoulder. He stepped back and watched as the last of the presents were handed out. “I would like to aim for High Councilor or Commander” he said, knowing that ultimately he wanted to be a part of decision making, and doing whatever he could to help the pack.


"Ciaran Carpathius"