Lyrόnia

A Promise

Some time later, Nia and Kuta were about to sit down at the table, when the sound of three knocks grabbed their attention. Timbre opened the door to find Kuta's two older brothers standing outside. Timbre welcomed them warmly, "Welcome back, you two. Will you be joining us for Dinner?"

The brothers exchanged glances, their eyes lingering on the table filled with delicious food. Kratus, the eldest, let out a groan. "Sorry, Mother, but unfortunately we're here because we need Kuta. There was an accident with some of the deliveries, so we have another order to pick up since there weren't enough." Kruntah, the second brother, nodded in agreement. "We'll try to be back before dark." Timbre sighed, disappointed, "Are you sure it can't wait until tomorrow?" Kratus shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. The delivery is needed by tomorrow. We'll try to come back as soon as we can." Timbre finally relented, though reluctantly. "Alright my sons." The brothers nodded, and Kratus called for Kuta to join them. However, Kuta grumbled under his breath, "But I'm eating!" Kratus stared sternly at his youngest brother. "Come on, Kuta. We're already pressed for time!"

Kuta sighed, hastily wiping his face, and begrudgingly sat up, getting ready, followed by Nia, who couldn't contain her enthusiasm. Rushing to the door, she held out a small coat exclaiming, "I want to come too! I can help!" she said, eagerly. The brothers looked at each other, Kratus huffed in defeat. He kneels to her level giving a gentle smile, "Nia, we appreciate that you are willing to help us, but now isn't a good time, maybe when you're a little older and our job isn't as hectic." Nia pouts at Kratus's words, "But you guys used to go when you were way younger than me. What makes it so dangerous for me?" The brothers flinch at their niece's point, Kruntah coming with a reason explained. "It was a little different in circumstances, all of us are around the same age, allowing us to cover and defend each other. You are still too young to defend yourself, Nia." Nia's disappointment surfaced to show a growing frown. Lowering her head she mutters, "Is it because I can't use my Essentice like you guys?"

Kratus placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "Nia, there are other reasons why you can't come with us, many that you will understand when you're older, but for now it's safe for you to come with us." Kuta chimed in, his voice filled with concern. "Kratus and Kruntah are right. The capital is a lot more dangerous than the woods. There are many dangers outside that would make it hard to protect you and fulfill our tasks."

Nia was enveloped in a heartfelt embrace by her uncles before they put on their capes and grabbed their bags. Kuta, the last to leave, looked back to see his niece crying. He sighed deeply, unable to bear her sadness. Turning back, he met her tearful eyes. "Tell you what, when you're older, we'll let you come along for our first expedition!" Nia's tears slowly subsided as her spirits lifted. "How old?" she asked, her voice filled with hope. Kuta staggered by at the question, but pondered for a moment, deep in thought. "Hmm, let's say 18! When you turn 18, we'll allow you to come along, alright?" Nia's face lit up with excitement. That was 13 long years away, but the promise made her giddy with anticipation. She giggled excitedly, running to hug her uncle tightly. "Thank you, Uncle Kuta!"

Kuta gave her a relieved smile, his heart swelling with love for his niece. As the door closed behind them, Timbre gave her youngest sons a knowing look. As the brothers walked together, Kruntah was the first to break the silence. "You know she's gonna remember, right?" he said to Kuta, his voice tinged with amusement. Kuta looked back at his second brother, a knowing smile on his face. "Yeah, but I would rather make a promise to her that she can look forward to, then have the fear of her trying to sneak away on her own, we all know that someday she will see what's beyond this village, the best we can do is help prepare her for it." His older sibling look at him in shock. "To think that Kuta would become the Elder of Wisdom, I'm impressed!" Kratus remarks with a smile as they walk into a cave. Kratus's words finally process into Kuta's brain. "Hey! I'm just saying that we should understand our role in all this."