Light. Exploits; Book I.

Part 9. Spirit of The Hunter.

We were in a quiet room in the Hall of the Vanguard. Away from the clutter and business of the tower.
Cayde was being gentle with his slender metal fingers, making well sure his work was his best.
I worked beside him, preparing a sacred proclamation of fire and Light.
What we are doing is a most sacred ritual.
Or tradition.
Or in a way just to let every Hunter know; even if they don't wear the same color or walk the same path.
A Hunter is a Hunter.
And all are of Light and family in the frontier.
Every Hunter has their body burned wearing the Crest of Alpha Lupi.
The symbol of protection for the pack.
Even if they walk alone.
This is the Spirit of The Hunter.
Cayde looks up at me.
I see his heavy green eyes. For just being lights, they hold more emotion than I've seen in a lot of Guardians.
She's ready.... He says heavily.
We're ready Zavala, I say motioning in two Titans.
Titans, Zavala's voices cradles the room as they stand on each side of the door and salute Cayde and myself.
Prestigious Carriers of The Lost, from the Order of The Honored. He says softly.
I look at Cayde. He's lost. Much like me.
Go ahead Titans. I say softly.
They silently walk to each end of the table Cayde and I used. They reach down and take hold of the gurney and effortlessly lift her.
As we walk out, Cayde stands taller.
He is trying his best to show respect for a fallen Hunter.
The Speaker is saying a prayer to guide this young one to the Light of the Traveler.
Guardians, young and old, line our path out of the City.
They say nothing.
Their silence is respect.
Cayde and I stand out on a bare patch in the tundra.
It's nice and cold... Cayde notices.
Yes... I say fastening my Sunbreakers.
I'm ready. Whenever you're ready Cayde.
He nods and looks down once more at her.
The tradition is that a Warlock sets 4 Solar grenade charges at the arms, feet and head of a Hunter and another Hunter is there to sense and direct the next change of the winds.
The direction it is changed too is therefore owned by the deceased Hunter.
Her will, knowledge and skill is given to fellow Hunters following that wind.
Go ahead Warlock, he whispers.
I nod and set a charge at her feet.
May the Spirit of the Hunter bless the feet; that forge new paths for us to reclaim. For new treasures to unearth. For new futures for us to meet. I say softly as I activate my Radiance.
Cayde stands tall as I bend next to her and set two charges at her arms.
May The Spirit of The Hunter bless the hands; that hold the knife that would defeat the aggressor. To hold fast on the air and be fearless with the unknown.
I step to her head and bend down and set a final charge at her head.
May the Spirit of The Hunter bless the head that houses the mind. The knowledge gathered is that all Hunters may use. Scatter her experience along the wind of all space and let her show any and all Hunters the way should they lose their path.
I stood next to Cayde, the wind blowing under his cape and my robes.
It didn't take long for the body to burn.
But it was longer than it was.
This always took a long time of just standing and waiting.
Memories.
I'd like to think she was my friend.
If even only for a short time.
Her ashes rose above the fire and began to waft about, not knowing where it wanted to go.
North, Cayde whispered as the ashes moved off on the northbound wind.
And we dedicated that direction to her.
And asked that she join the other fallen Hunters in teaching the new ones their ways.
In a way to transcend death.
Just to let each other know not to fear.
As there are friends everywhere.
And we have all been lost.
And we will all be found again.
That. Is the Spirit. Of The Hunter.