Post by Wezurii-kun on May 30, 2007 19:28:36 GMT -8
I began a story years ago and have edited and added to it as time began. I am now revising what I have. I'll do what i'm doing on Deviant Art here as well. I'll revise the chapters one at a time and then post them. I will now put the first chapter here.
Covenant of Fire
By: Wesley Monson
Forward
It was the day of Nova’s 18th birthday, her coming of age. Her village has a ceremony for everyone’s coming of age, as numerous villages do. The difference between her village and the others was that their women are treated as equal as men. She is to appear before her village and accept a gift. A gift everyone in her village receives when they became of age and chose to accept it. The gift, this tool, is what her people are known well for, far and wide. Its countless uses ensure survival in more then one way. Today, Nova Vek’tyr will receive her sacred item of survival. Blessed by the gods, this object would help her go off into the world and prove herself, if she succeeded. Proving her years of training had been well spent. Failure meant death, never to return. She must, on this day, receive the blessings of the Holy Ones. Today, she would be granted her own sacred bow. Once attained, she must go out into the world of and prove herself, a Ranger of Navirna.
Chapter 1
Nova awoke sweating. She was the only one home/ She saw the sun and realized- she was late for the ceremony! She threw off the hide blanket and dashed to the bathing room. Her mother had left her a bucket of water from the well. She would thank her later. She bathed fairly quickly and found a freshly cleaned leather tunic and skirt and sprinted as fast as she could to the center of town.
Thankfully she wasn’t far away from the gathering. One block away was the central square, the gathering place when ceremonies where held. She pushed through the crowd and stopped at her mother. Breathing heavily, she began franticly apologizing to her. Her mother had an unusual smile on her face. This calmed her child.
“Nova, dear, it is alright. I would have woken you if it were necessary. On this day, it is at your leisure. You need your rest, so do not worry.”
“So I could have bathed longer and relaxed, and eaten the magnificent looking breakfast you left me?”
You did not eat! Well, it is too late now. I will come and sit with you while you eat before you leave-“
“Leave! What do you me-“
Her mother pushed her up the steps of the temple before she could finish. The high priest of the village grabbed her hand raised it high.
“This,” the High Priest exclaimed, “is the daughter of Aurkanthis Trueshot! Today, Nova Vek’Tyr, daughter of Aurkanthis, shall receive the blessings of the gods. She shall become a full fledged ranger and protector of Navirna Forest!”
Cheers from the large crowd roared out while the High Priest walked her into the temple. Then he told her to open the forbidden door, the door only to be opened on this ceremony, the becoming of age.
Reluctantly, she opened the door. Upon touching its engraved handles, she felt an odd feeling. As if some magic were inside this room, waiting for her to unlock it. Throwing her thoughts aside, she held the door open for the priest to follow. She had learned to be courteous in her life. She was just being herself. The High Priest just shook his head.
“No, child,” he said softly, “you must enter alone. You will find all that is necessary will be given. All your questions answered. The gods will provide you with whatever you require. Go now, young Nova, daughter of Aurkanthis. Do the gods’ bidding.”
She entered the dark room. Not knowing what could be lying in wait, lurking in the shadows, except there weren’t any. It was if she walked into the abyss. Opened a door right into the void. But she felt the solidness of the floor beneath her feet. No, she defiantly hadn’t left her world. Or had she? She trusted the High Priest, and trusted the Holy Ones would answer her questions. Some how, some way, they would. How, it didn’t matter. She would do as she was told… and was meant to do.
She started walking deeper into the room, straight in from the door. She started to feel as if she wasn’t alone. The door slammed the rest of the way shut, with more force than the elderly High Priest on the other side could have conjured. There was a blue light on all the creases around the door. Then it faded to green. The whole room became lit with a beautiful green light. The light once again returned back to darkness. The soft, green light lingered in the corners and around the edges of the room. Then she heard a voice.
“Nova…” the voice said thoughtfully.
“Yes, it is I,” she said as calm as she could, “daughter of Aurkanthis.”
“Yes,” the voice said, “we know who you are.” The voice was straightforward but not unkind.
“We?” she asked under her breath.
“You shall do wonderful things. We are happy that you have come of age.” Said another voice.
“Who are you beings?” she asked as calmly as possible, “are… are you the Holy Ones”
“That would be a correct assumption...” Said another voice. This one sounded to be feminine.
“All right,” said one of the gods in the black and green abyss, this one a female too, “let us get right to it. We have come here to your temple to prepare you for what lies ahead. We are here to provide you with our protection and, the most important thing of all, your bow. It is a sacred one, like the one your father uses.”
“My father is alive?” Nova asked surprised.
“Yes, very much so,” the goddess exclaimed. “He is still alive and shooting as you might say. And if you want to help him, well, now is the chance for you to go out on your own adventure just as he did. You will be able to help find him. Now, you do not have to accept this. You may be a ranger of Navirna here in this forest, but it would please us more…”
“We know your destiny, Nova,” interrupted one of the voices, “we know what you must do. You must go out into the world. There is a path just for you. Your skill and cunning will get you through any peril. You are the best one in your village right now, did you know that?”
Nova was astonished but overjoyed at the same time.
“No, I did not.” She replied.
“Well it is the truth,” a male voice boomed, “you may take this sacred journey and seek your father if you wish. The path is set. Now it is up to you to take it. You do not have to, but it is highly recommended. You will have us watching over you. Have you decided?”
“Slow down,” one of the goddesses nagged, “give the girl more time.”
Nova considered what could keep her from going. She couldn’t think of anything. Her older brother was a headstrong, arrogant type, and her mother…. hard to depend on. Very kind, but in an instant could become crazy and angry. She was unpredictable, hard to like all of the time.
“Yes,” she said softly at first, “I will go, and become a great ranger like my father,” Nova said with pride.
“Ah,” one of the gods began, “you are just like him. Almost fearless and eager to move forward and explore. Yes, you shall do fine. You will not let us, or anyone else for that matter, down. Yes, there is no doubt you are the right one for the job.”
Nova, very pleased to hear this, stood straighter, and had a smile on her face. Her dirty-blonde hair, down to about her shoulders, glistening slightly in the green light.
“Nova,” a goddess said, “please step forward. We will give you our blessing, and awaken the power within you.”
She obeyed and took three steps forward.
“That is enough,” said the goddess, “now, please stand completely still. Concentrate on your inner self, who you are. I know that doesn’t make much sense but… it does, doesn’t it?”
Amazingly, it did. She nodded, then tilted her head down and closed her eyes in deep thought.
“Good,” began one of the gods, “now just keep thinking of good things, things from the past, or present, even future, that have, do, or will make you happy.”
Nova obeyed. She thought of her child hood. As dark as it was, there were quite a few good things. She kept those and moved on to the present, recent events that had put a smile on her face. Fortunately, there were some. She pulled those out too. Then she thought of her future… she felt a warm feeling inside of her. Surging through every vein. She felt the warmth move out onto her skin and then was gone.
“Open your eyes, Nova Vek’Tyr.”
There, before her, was a bow. Her bow. It was made of yew with strange metal plates on it. They seemed to have more then ornamental use; she’d figure them out later. The metal was silver, yet some how orange and red. It kind of looked like silver with an odd orange and red hue to it, yet metallic as well.
“Take your bow, Nova, and use it well. We found what is inside of you and manipulated it into a physical representation of a bow, which we now bestow onto you. We’ve changed your metaphysical attributes and brought them to the physical realm. You and the bow are one in the same. The only difference is yours and its appearance. If you haven’t realized already, your being is of fire. Not of evil flame, but warm and soothing, but vengeful and very strong. Did you ever wander why your father’s title was Aurkanthis Trueshot? This is why. You, however, shall be known as, Nova Firebow. Take it now and go make us proud, as well as your village. Most of all make your father proud.”
“Thank you, kind Holy Ones.” Nova said.
“There is no need,” one of the invisible entities said. “It is we who should be thanking you. But not quite yet, your time will come, Nova Firebow of Navirna, daughter of Aurkanthis Trueshot. Now go.”
She turned and walked toward the doors. As she got about two feet in front of them, the green light faded to light blue, then went out completely. She then felt alone in the dark. The presence she had felt before had left. She opened the door to the small entry hall. There was no one on the other side.
“They must still be waiting outside,” she said to herself.
She went to the large double door of the temple and pushed them open with a small effort. She was careful not to damage her bow. She stood on the steps before the whole town. Everyone’s eyes went immediately to her and everyone immediately fell silent. The High Priest was up top with her. Everyone wore a smile, even the High Priest. Her mother and brother too had a pleasant smile on their faces. The Priest told her to go to her family. To say her good byes and she would leave this afternoon. She walked towards them and the three of them walked toward their home.
When they got home, Nova sat down at their table where the amazing breakfast had been abandoned. She could smell the delicious aroma as she walked in. The warm scent of cured meats filled her nostrils as she strode in. She set her bow on her bed, sat down at the table and started eating. She was famished. Apparently, a lot of her recent strength had been taken out of her when the Holy Ones tapped into her inner energy and produced her bow. That added to her not eating since yesterday. At that moment all she cared about was how great all the food tasted. After eating she stood up, went to her side of their home, and plopped down on her bed. Her mother came over and pulled up a chair along side the bed.
“It’s very beautiful, don’t you think?” Nova said, as she ran her hands over the shining new weapon of hers.
“Yes, it is indeed. But I’m not surprised. It is, after all born of the gods… and you.” Her mother said with a smile.
Nova glanced at her mother with a huge smile on her face, that she could barely suppress from becoming a broad grin. Her mother had always said how pretty she was. It always made her smile. She was a beautiful girl, and always had been, ever since she was born. And she seemed to grow prettier as she grew up. She has always been a perfect height for her age, each year she grew of course. But she was always the same when compared to her peers. She was never too short, and never too tall. She had shoulder length, gorgeous, dirty blonde hair. Her beautiful, shimmering hair complimented her bright face, which contained two beautiful emeralds for eyes. Her whole body, including her face had a slight, natural tan that never seemed to fade. She had an attractive physique. She was slender, but muscular. Her whole body was beautifully toned. Every man in her village agreed she had to be the best looking girl in Narvirna Forest. Some argued in all existence.
“I still can’t believe it,” Nova said after a few minutes silence.
“What’s troubling you my dear?” Her mother asked.
“I just…. I never thought anything like this would ever happen.”
“You know you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to go. Serving the gods is up to you. There are other ways. They will not frown upon you for living your life as you wish.”
“I know, it is just… things will be so different. I don’t know… I’m just a little tired and… nothing. Nothing is wrong. Honestly, I’m fine. I’m just thinking…you know what I mean?” She asked.
“I know what you mean.” Mother said, “Are you alright? Are you scared or worried or anything?”
“No, I am actually glad. If I seemed disappointed I’m actually fine. Besides, I get to go find father,” she said with a smile.
“Yes, that is a blessing I was convinced myself that he had passed on. Well, after you have rested, you should get ready to leave. But take your time. Come get me when you’re ready.”
With a kiss on the forehead, she left her side to go help prepare for her daughter’s departure. Nova held the magnificent bow for a few moments longer then leaned it against the wall next to her bed. After a minute of pondering what lied ahead, she decided that she should just rest. In another few minute she was asleep.
*******
She awoke in the afternoon. The sun was much higher in the sky and slightly to the west. She slowly got out of bed. As she got up she realized that lying on the chair where her mother had sat hours ago was a neatly wrapped package. Then she felt she wasn’t alone, she looked up to see her mother standing at the end of the tarp she used as a temporary wall for her quarters.
“Just a little something as a gift for your birthday.” Her mother said with a smile.
“What is it?” Nova said excitedly.
“Open it and see,” her mother replied.
She sat on the edge of her bed and picked up the parcel. She slowly opened it and pulled out a bundle of cloth and leather. She unfolded the garments on her bed and laid them out. Her mother had made her clothes in the past, but never anything like this.
“Wow!” Nova whispered sharply, “It’s amazing!”
She hugged her mom. Then she picked up the top and placed it against her, then the leggings. Each was skin tight leather and clothe tunic and leggings.
“It’s just a little something for your journey,” her mother began, “easy to move in, it’s like your wearing nothing. No loose, hanging pieces. No encumberments like other clothing. They are very tough and strong. And if I do say so myself, very fashionable.” Her mother said with a smile.
“Yes, indeed. Amazing, fashionable armor! I can’t wait to try it on,” said Nova with excitement in her voice.
Her mother left. Nova took off her tunic and skirt and hastily pulled on and tied the new leggings her mother had made her. Then she carefully pulled over the top, and pulled it to a snug fit on her torso. Amazingly after a good pull it was perfectly fit to her body. Her mother had made it perfect! She was also correct that it was extremely comfortable. It was, as she said, as if she was naked, nothing on her at all. Free to move around swiftly and quietly if necessary. She left her bed bow in hand.
“I’m ready,” she said.
“Are you sure?” replied her mother.
“Yes, I want to be out of the forest before nightfall.” Answered Nova.
“Of course, a wise decision. You have wisdom beyond your years, as they say,” said her mother. “Well then, come.”
She led her outside and to the edge of town to the north gate. They passed through the central square. She glanced at the temple to the west as she passed through. Remembering the room, and the Holy Ones, she suddenly felt their presence. She continued on with her mother to the gate. When they were outside, her mother turned to her.
“I knew that this day would come eventually,” said her mother in a sad tone. “You have been a great daughter, Nova. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better child than the one standing before me. You shall now go out into the world and find friends and most of all, yourself; who you are. You may run into danger, but I know you are strong enough to prevail, in all aspects of the word. And with friends, that I know you are bound to make, by your side you will be able to take on anything.”
Her mother said as she put her arms around her in a loving embrace. Nova returned the gesture and whispered in her mother’s ear, two simple, but meaning filled words.
“Thank you.” Nova whispered.
Nova Vek’Tyr Firebow turned and walked briskly off into the forest.
Covenant of Fire
By: Wesley Monson
Forward
It was the day of Nova’s 18th birthday, her coming of age. Her village has a ceremony for everyone’s coming of age, as numerous villages do. The difference between her village and the others was that their women are treated as equal as men. She is to appear before her village and accept a gift. A gift everyone in her village receives when they became of age and chose to accept it. The gift, this tool, is what her people are known well for, far and wide. Its countless uses ensure survival in more then one way. Today, Nova Vek’tyr will receive her sacred item of survival. Blessed by the gods, this object would help her go off into the world and prove herself, if she succeeded. Proving her years of training had been well spent. Failure meant death, never to return. She must, on this day, receive the blessings of the Holy Ones. Today, she would be granted her own sacred bow. Once attained, she must go out into the world of and prove herself, a Ranger of Navirna.
Chapter 1
Nova awoke sweating. She was the only one home/ She saw the sun and realized- she was late for the ceremony! She threw off the hide blanket and dashed to the bathing room. Her mother had left her a bucket of water from the well. She would thank her later. She bathed fairly quickly and found a freshly cleaned leather tunic and skirt and sprinted as fast as she could to the center of town.
Thankfully she wasn’t far away from the gathering. One block away was the central square, the gathering place when ceremonies where held. She pushed through the crowd and stopped at her mother. Breathing heavily, she began franticly apologizing to her. Her mother had an unusual smile on her face. This calmed her child.
“Nova, dear, it is alright. I would have woken you if it were necessary. On this day, it is at your leisure. You need your rest, so do not worry.”
“So I could have bathed longer and relaxed, and eaten the magnificent looking breakfast you left me?”
You did not eat! Well, it is too late now. I will come and sit with you while you eat before you leave-“
“Leave! What do you me-“
Her mother pushed her up the steps of the temple before she could finish. The high priest of the village grabbed her hand raised it high.
“This,” the High Priest exclaimed, “is the daughter of Aurkanthis Trueshot! Today, Nova Vek’Tyr, daughter of Aurkanthis, shall receive the blessings of the gods. She shall become a full fledged ranger and protector of Navirna Forest!”
Cheers from the large crowd roared out while the High Priest walked her into the temple. Then he told her to open the forbidden door, the door only to be opened on this ceremony, the becoming of age.
Reluctantly, she opened the door. Upon touching its engraved handles, she felt an odd feeling. As if some magic were inside this room, waiting for her to unlock it. Throwing her thoughts aside, she held the door open for the priest to follow. She had learned to be courteous in her life. She was just being herself. The High Priest just shook his head.
“No, child,” he said softly, “you must enter alone. You will find all that is necessary will be given. All your questions answered. The gods will provide you with whatever you require. Go now, young Nova, daughter of Aurkanthis. Do the gods’ bidding.”
She entered the dark room. Not knowing what could be lying in wait, lurking in the shadows, except there weren’t any. It was if she walked into the abyss. Opened a door right into the void. But she felt the solidness of the floor beneath her feet. No, she defiantly hadn’t left her world. Or had she? She trusted the High Priest, and trusted the Holy Ones would answer her questions. Some how, some way, they would. How, it didn’t matter. She would do as she was told… and was meant to do.
She started walking deeper into the room, straight in from the door. She started to feel as if she wasn’t alone. The door slammed the rest of the way shut, with more force than the elderly High Priest on the other side could have conjured. There was a blue light on all the creases around the door. Then it faded to green. The whole room became lit with a beautiful green light. The light once again returned back to darkness. The soft, green light lingered in the corners and around the edges of the room. Then she heard a voice.
“Nova…” the voice said thoughtfully.
“Yes, it is I,” she said as calm as she could, “daughter of Aurkanthis.”
“Yes,” the voice said, “we know who you are.” The voice was straightforward but not unkind.
“We?” she asked under her breath.
“You shall do wonderful things. We are happy that you have come of age.” Said another voice.
“Who are you beings?” she asked as calmly as possible, “are… are you the Holy Ones”
“That would be a correct assumption...” Said another voice. This one sounded to be feminine.
“All right,” said one of the gods in the black and green abyss, this one a female too, “let us get right to it. We have come here to your temple to prepare you for what lies ahead. We are here to provide you with our protection and, the most important thing of all, your bow. It is a sacred one, like the one your father uses.”
“My father is alive?” Nova asked surprised.
“Yes, very much so,” the goddess exclaimed. “He is still alive and shooting as you might say. And if you want to help him, well, now is the chance for you to go out on your own adventure just as he did. You will be able to help find him. Now, you do not have to accept this. You may be a ranger of Navirna here in this forest, but it would please us more…”
“We know your destiny, Nova,” interrupted one of the voices, “we know what you must do. You must go out into the world. There is a path just for you. Your skill and cunning will get you through any peril. You are the best one in your village right now, did you know that?”
Nova was astonished but overjoyed at the same time.
“No, I did not.” She replied.
“Well it is the truth,” a male voice boomed, “you may take this sacred journey and seek your father if you wish. The path is set. Now it is up to you to take it. You do not have to, but it is highly recommended. You will have us watching over you. Have you decided?”
“Slow down,” one of the goddesses nagged, “give the girl more time.”
Nova considered what could keep her from going. She couldn’t think of anything. Her older brother was a headstrong, arrogant type, and her mother…. hard to depend on. Very kind, but in an instant could become crazy and angry. She was unpredictable, hard to like all of the time.
“Yes,” she said softly at first, “I will go, and become a great ranger like my father,” Nova said with pride.
“Ah,” one of the gods began, “you are just like him. Almost fearless and eager to move forward and explore. Yes, you shall do fine. You will not let us, or anyone else for that matter, down. Yes, there is no doubt you are the right one for the job.”
Nova, very pleased to hear this, stood straighter, and had a smile on her face. Her dirty-blonde hair, down to about her shoulders, glistening slightly in the green light.
“Nova,” a goddess said, “please step forward. We will give you our blessing, and awaken the power within you.”
She obeyed and took three steps forward.
“That is enough,” said the goddess, “now, please stand completely still. Concentrate on your inner self, who you are. I know that doesn’t make much sense but… it does, doesn’t it?”
Amazingly, it did. She nodded, then tilted her head down and closed her eyes in deep thought.
“Good,” began one of the gods, “now just keep thinking of good things, things from the past, or present, even future, that have, do, or will make you happy.”
Nova obeyed. She thought of her child hood. As dark as it was, there were quite a few good things. She kept those and moved on to the present, recent events that had put a smile on her face. Fortunately, there were some. She pulled those out too. Then she thought of her future… she felt a warm feeling inside of her. Surging through every vein. She felt the warmth move out onto her skin and then was gone.
“Open your eyes, Nova Vek’Tyr.”
There, before her, was a bow. Her bow. It was made of yew with strange metal plates on it. They seemed to have more then ornamental use; she’d figure them out later. The metal was silver, yet some how orange and red. It kind of looked like silver with an odd orange and red hue to it, yet metallic as well.
“Take your bow, Nova, and use it well. We found what is inside of you and manipulated it into a physical representation of a bow, which we now bestow onto you. We’ve changed your metaphysical attributes and brought them to the physical realm. You and the bow are one in the same. The only difference is yours and its appearance. If you haven’t realized already, your being is of fire. Not of evil flame, but warm and soothing, but vengeful and very strong. Did you ever wander why your father’s title was Aurkanthis Trueshot? This is why. You, however, shall be known as, Nova Firebow. Take it now and go make us proud, as well as your village. Most of all make your father proud.”
“Thank you, kind Holy Ones.” Nova said.
“There is no need,” one of the invisible entities said. “It is we who should be thanking you. But not quite yet, your time will come, Nova Firebow of Navirna, daughter of Aurkanthis Trueshot. Now go.”
She turned and walked toward the doors. As she got about two feet in front of them, the green light faded to light blue, then went out completely. She then felt alone in the dark. The presence she had felt before had left. She opened the door to the small entry hall. There was no one on the other side.
“They must still be waiting outside,” she said to herself.
She went to the large double door of the temple and pushed them open with a small effort. She was careful not to damage her bow. She stood on the steps before the whole town. Everyone’s eyes went immediately to her and everyone immediately fell silent. The High Priest was up top with her. Everyone wore a smile, even the High Priest. Her mother and brother too had a pleasant smile on their faces. The Priest told her to go to her family. To say her good byes and she would leave this afternoon. She walked towards them and the three of them walked toward their home.
When they got home, Nova sat down at their table where the amazing breakfast had been abandoned. She could smell the delicious aroma as she walked in. The warm scent of cured meats filled her nostrils as she strode in. She set her bow on her bed, sat down at the table and started eating. She was famished. Apparently, a lot of her recent strength had been taken out of her when the Holy Ones tapped into her inner energy and produced her bow. That added to her not eating since yesterday. At that moment all she cared about was how great all the food tasted. After eating she stood up, went to her side of their home, and plopped down on her bed. Her mother came over and pulled up a chair along side the bed.
“It’s very beautiful, don’t you think?” Nova said, as she ran her hands over the shining new weapon of hers.
“Yes, it is indeed. But I’m not surprised. It is, after all born of the gods… and you.” Her mother said with a smile.
Nova glanced at her mother with a huge smile on her face, that she could barely suppress from becoming a broad grin. Her mother had always said how pretty she was. It always made her smile. She was a beautiful girl, and always had been, ever since she was born. And she seemed to grow prettier as she grew up. She has always been a perfect height for her age, each year she grew of course. But she was always the same when compared to her peers. She was never too short, and never too tall. She had shoulder length, gorgeous, dirty blonde hair. Her beautiful, shimmering hair complimented her bright face, which contained two beautiful emeralds for eyes. Her whole body, including her face had a slight, natural tan that never seemed to fade. She had an attractive physique. She was slender, but muscular. Her whole body was beautifully toned. Every man in her village agreed she had to be the best looking girl in Narvirna Forest. Some argued in all existence.
“I still can’t believe it,” Nova said after a few minutes silence.
“What’s troubling you my dear?” Her mother asked.
“I just…. I never thought anything like this would ever happen.”
“You know you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to go. Serving the gods is up to you. There are other ways. They will not frown upon you for living your life as you wish.”
“I know, it is just… things will be so different. I don’t know… I’m just a little tired and… nothing. Nothing is wrong. Honestly, I’m fine. I’m just thinking…you know what I mean?” She asked.
“I know what you mean.” Mother said, “Are you alright? Are you scared or worried or anything?”
“No, I am actually glad. If I seemed disappointed I’m actually fine. Besides, I get to go find father,” she said with a smile.
“Yes, that is a blessing I was convinced myself that he had passed on. Well, after you have rested, you should get ready to leave. But take your time. Come get me when you’re ready.”
With a kiss on the forehead, she left her side to go help prepare for her daughter’s departure. Nova held the magnificent bow for a few moments longer then leaned it against the wall next to her bed. After a minute of pondering what lied ahead, she decided that she should just rest. In another few minute she was asleep.
*******
She awoke in the afternoon. The sun was much higher in the sky and slightly to the west. She slowly got out of bed. As she got up she realized that lying on the chair where her mother had sat hours ago was a neatly wrapped package. Then she felt she wasn’t alone, she looked up to see her mother standing at the end of the tarp she used as a temporary wall for her quarters.
“Just a little something as a gift for your birthday.” Her mother said with a smile.
“What is it?” Nova said excitedly.
“Open it and see,” her mother replied.
She sat on the edge of her bed and picked up the parcel. She slowly opened it and pulled out a bundle of cloth and leather. She unfolded the garments on her bed and laid them out. Her mother had made her clothes in the past, but never anything like this.
“Wow!” Nova whispered sharply, “It’s amazing!”
She hugged her mom. Then she picked up the top and placed it against her, then the leggings. Each was skin tight leather and clothe tunic and leggings.
“It’s just a little something for your journey,” her mother began, “easy to move in, it’s like your wearing nothing. No loose, hanging pieces. No encumberments like other clothing. They are very tough and strong. And if I do say so myself, very fashionable.” Her mother said with a smile.
“Yes, indeed. Amazing, fashionable armor! I can’t wait to try it on,” said Nova with excitement in her voice.
Her mother left. Nova took off her tunic and skirt and hastily pulled on and tied the new leggings her mother had made her. Then she carefully pulled over the top, and pulled it to a snug fit on her torso. Amazingly after a good pull it was perfectly fit to her body. Her mother had made it perfect! She was also correct that it was extremely comfortable. It was, as she said, as if she was naked, nothing on her at all. Free to move around swiftly and quietly if necessary. She left her bed bow in hand.
“I’m ready,” she said.
“Are you sure?” replied her mother.
“Yes, I want to be out of the forest before nightfall.” Answered Nova.
“Of course, a wise decision. You have wisdom beyond your years, as they say,” said her mother. “Well then, come.”
She led her outside and to the edge of town to the north gate. They passed through the central square. She glanced at the temple to the west as she passed through. Remembering the room, and the Holy Ones, she suddenly felt their presence. She continued on with her mother to the gate. When they were outside, her mother turned to her.
“I knew that this day would come eventually,” said her mother in a sad tone. “You have been a great daughter, Nova. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better child than the one standing before me. You shall now go out into the world and find friends and most of all, yourself; who you are. You may run into danger, but I know you are strong enough to prevail, in all aspects of the word. And with friends, that I know you are bound to make, by your side you will be able to take on anything.”
Her mother said as she put her arms around her in a loving embrace. Nova returned the gesture and whispered in her mother’s ear, two simple, but meaning filled words.
“Thank you.” Nova whispered.
Nova Vek’Tyr Firebow turned and walked briskly off into the forest.
