Prologue of the Prologue: Nelora Mahariel

Chapter 9: Hunting Arrangements

Summary:

Traditions must be followed, no matter what you have done in the past.

Notes:

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars." - Jack Kerouac

Tamlen and Nelora get called to Junar, the hunter whose apprentices they are. He doesn't waste any time explaining the reason why they got called there: " You're here now cause the last hunt you were on failed and neither one of you completed their apprenticeships. I am aware that the reason why it went like that is a good one and you both handled given situation quite well. Still according to tradition you both have to bring in an animal pelt that you caught by yourself."

Nelora crosses her arms on her chest "So no special treatment for doing well before?"

"I believe it bought you two some credit amongst the clan but hunt wise no special treatment. Traditions are traditions."

"Are you being absolutely serious?!We got rid of pesky shems without even hurting them in such a way that they won't be back. Tell me how many people could say the same? So what if we didn't bring back some animal pelt, you've seen us hunt and that should just add to why the Hunt should be considered complete."

Tamlen keeps the subject going: "She is right. Thanks to us those shemlen found respect for the forest."

Junar keeps his tone calm and gestures them to relax "This is the way we have lived for generations and the way we will live for many generations to come and as I said traditions must be followed so there is no need to get worked up about something like that. Anyway I'm done debating that subject with you two. Are we clear?"

Both apprentices say tediously and disappointedly as one person: "Yes Junar."

Their trainer seems to visibly relax; he lacks the uptight tension and even the corners of him mouth seem to be elevated a little bit. "Now let's get to the thing I wanted to talk to you both about- the next hunt. Because you two can't stay away from each other and not get into trouble TOGEATHER then it has been discussed that you both will go on the hunt separately and on different days."

That was a low blow for Nelora. The girl has always been together with Tamlen, she has always known that he is there for her and vice versa. What will she do if something like that happens again, if she gets stuck somewhere or gets injured? "Junar you can't be serious? From the time we are little elflings to the day to our death we are told that the forest is a dangerous and a vital place that needs to be respected, feared and used carefully, even you remind us to tread carefully. So what should we do if something happens? What if we need help? It's a well-known fact that there's strength in numbers and that is what you are taking away from us- the safety tether."

Junar assures: "Dalen that was a fit of bad luck. No worries. The forest has been scouted through. I assure that the past events won't repeat themselves. And do you think that the other hunters always go hunting in groups'- No they don't. Crowds mean that the chances for the quarry to be alerted are higher too. This is just the most real preparation you will get; this is what you'll do for the rest of your life. The sooner you get used to it the better."

Tamlen's now changed voice is lower but it still brakes at times like right now "So you're saying we could get into an accident but it's just preparation for the future?"

"Yes and no. The clan will know that you are on the hunt and if you won't be back in time then we'll come to look for you. And remember to trust your training because you have been trained by the best."

Nelora frowns as she tries to nail Junar's gaze down with her forceful stare "Do we even get a say in this?"

"Of course you do, you could always stay an apprentice and never become a true hunter."

Nel is clearly not pleased with the way that things are, still she sort of accepts the situation and asks: „Fine, When will we get our chances to end our apprenticeships then?"

Junar looks at Tam-Tam and says: "You'll go first Tamlen. Your proving will be in a week from now."

Tamlen nods in arrogance. Nelora looks at both of them confused.

She panics: "What about me?!"

"No worries I haven't forgotten you Dalen. You will go half a week or up to a week later than Tamlen."

She whines. „Why so late?" Patience has never been one of her strong suits.

Junar keeps his tone still somewhat calm and gives his answer:" Because I say so. And Tamlen is older than you. Now the two of you have quite some time to get ready for your provings, use that time wisely. I hope that you aren't too shocked by this new information and if you are then it's your business. Have a good day and a good one to two weeks of preparation and waiting." He walks off and leaves the two standing there alone. Both Mahariel and Tamlen look at him leave. Only when they lose the sight of him they dare to start talking again.

Tamlen turns to Nel with a cocky grin: „I guess it is a competition then."

"I believe it is" She returns the look of confidence to him.

Tam explains; "The one who gets the bigger animal wins."

Bubbling with confidence and sure of her succeeding better than him she answers: "Sounds simple enough but there is still a matter of the prize for the winner."

Tamlen declares theatrically: "Honor and glory that last till the end of times, of course."

"Now you have been reading too many storybooks because that is boring."

Tam seems to be suspicious, he's voice has a new a tad bid lower and confident tone to it "Did you have anything else in mind?"

She takes a step closer to him invading his personal bubble, shoots up a mischievous smile at him and curls a strand of her lose hair around her finger and then begins to explain: "How about if the winner gets to make the looser to do anything." She pauses and scans his face. Tamlen's cheeks and tip of his ears have turned slightly pink, his eyes look awkwardly away from her but there is a traitorous little smile that is haunting the left corner of his lips. Finally she continues speaking: "This "prize" can only be used once. So the winner better think it through before doing or letting the other one do anything." She is still standing very close to him now looking deep into his, grey with a hint of murky light sky blue, eyes.

There is a short silence between them. Tam tries to use that moment of time to shake of his blush and the smile which were not supposed to be there without much success.

He clears his voice with a cough before speaking: "Sounds good enough for me."

He suggests as he reaches up his right hand: "Let's seal the deal with a handshake"

Nel steps back slightly to make room for the handshake.

They both shake hands and Nel comments ominously: "It is official now and there is no point of return."

He says just before breaking the handshake: "May the best man win."

Nelora laughs "You got that part wrong it is: May the best woman win"