Pheirdhu

Reckonquistarr - Dos

There are times in one's life we need to face challenges to succeed. We Elven are no exceptance. When an Elven reaches a prime age, he/she must participate in the Squall of Rites, a skirmish which judges whether a young Elven is fit to be called such. I am no exceptance either.

"But mother, Iam to be pitted against my father. My own flesh and blood."

"Yes I know. But there is nothing I can do. Even your Father agrees to this."

I cannot bring myself to bring harm to anyone, especially my family. I knew this day would come, I just simply cannot accept it. Of all the Elven I could face, why would my father step upto be my own opponent. But, I need to do it. For my family's honor.

"Namaste"

"Oh, li inti wisck"

"I hear you are facing Paraske."

"So it seems."

"You can do it."

"To my own father?"

"Yes, remember that he has asked for this in the first place. Show him your strength and do not hold back."

"It seem you are right, Shryll."

 I loomed over to our balcony. I saw people of my own kind watching up - and - coming Elvens fighting to the end for their marks. Isometimes question the very essence of these festivities. But this is our culture, and I dare not sway it. Many female Elvens pay visit to me to wish me luck. I am simply humbled and honored by their gestures. The more encouragement they give me, the more anxious my mind becomes. My father is already preparing at the holdings. I knew my father, and so does everyone else, very well. He was a ruthless and merciless Elven. He brought glory to our race for he won the war with the Dark Elvens circas ago. I knew he would be all but merciful to me in battle.

"My son, you are almost next. Are you prepared."

".......yes, mother."

"....Whatever happens, I will still love you."

"Thank you...."

I made my way towards one of the holdings. Coutnless noble warriors have made their way towards this hall. I want to make everyone proud. My people, my mother, and my father. It is decided. I will not hold back.

As I was waiting for my turn, Eaylox made hisway towards me. Ihave heard he has passed the skirmish. We are not on good terms, so I just let him pass by.

"Don't coward out now, son of Paraske."

He has a way of unnerving someone.

"You're turn is now, neophyte."

And so it begins.

I walked out. I saw Light Elvens watching intently. They are all eager to see what the outcome of my match would be. The son of Paraske vs Himself. It would be a match won't to forget. My fahter soon came afterward. His eyes were at me. I felt the sheer coldness and hostility in it. I gulped down hard.

"This match is to decide whether the Son of Paraske is worthy enough to be accepted to out tribe. Let it begin!!!!"

Without warning, he dashed towards mw and attempted to give a sharp blow at the gut. I evaded just in time to feela strong gust of wind followed his fist. I gave him a swift kick in th head. Direct hit, though he did not flinch. He caught my leg and swang me around multiple times. I felt dizzy. He finally let go and I slammed hard against the roots of a tree. I was hurt, but I did not show weakness. I thrust myself to him at full force. He was ready, and soam I. He drew his axe and tried to slam it down on me. Slow. A flipped out of the way, jumped and gave a strong slash on his face with my claws. He flinched. I felt confident. I let my guard only for him to take advantage and kicked the side of my fce. I winced. He seemed to think thatIam just another beast and not his son. That was it. Both of us ran towards the other. Each of us was taking and evading hits from antoher. It was an equal match, and the spectators were cheering. Isaw a glimpse of my mother. She was wary, afraid one of us would perish. He was getting tired, his years getting the best of him. I took this to my advantage. Without warning, I threw a series of scratches, punches, kicks and bites at him. He was taking every damage. He caught my legagain, but I was prepared. I twisted my body and sat down on his shoulders facing him. I flipped backward, forcing the back of his head on the unforgiving floor. I was still attached to him and was to deal the final blow, a stab on his neck. But then I realized, this was my father. Behind the cheers of the crowd, I could not do it. I let go of my hold and walked away from him....

"What are you doing, finish me now!"

"I cannot...."

"What do you mean you cannot?! Do it!!!"

"I-----"

The crowds were jeering me to finish it. The tribe leaders were looking at me, seemingly with disappointment. My mother was holding back tears. It was enough for me to take. 

I ran way. Ran away from everything. Perhaps I am a coward after all. I cannot be counted to protect the ones I hold dear. I would only be a liability....

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"Alalkhai?"

"Hmm-mmmm..."

"Alalkhai??"

"H-huh?"

"Oh thank Woden you're awake!!! Quaie, Hagel, Alalkhai's awake!!!"

Alalkhai? Who is this Alalkhai this girl speaks of? Aah--- my whole body is in pain.....O remember now, she was the one who pleaded those men with whips to stop. She cared for me. Can she be trusted? Why did he call me Alalkhai? I-Icannot move. My throat aches.....

Alalkhai, hmmmm......

"Don't worry Alalkhai, everything is going to be alright, Ipromise you. Just hold on. Oh, my name is Yourhia. Yourhia Xahlmasza. Pleased to meet you. From now on, I'll take care of you. Yu have my word on that."

And with that, she gave me a reassuring smile......

Yourhia......