The Enlightened Few - The Journey Begins

Parting

One day before Viatara, a lot of things had to be done and there was hardly any time to do it all in. Aden had been helping Ilmatar place collars around all the bird's necks. If you just hesitated for a mere split Moonicle the bird would turn on you and gnaw at your bare skin. After a large number of cuts and bruises, Ilmatar sympathetically asked Aden to ensure that the food and water stocks for the birds were full.

Aden had to find clothing for the major event, seeing as a lot of royalty figures were allowed to attend the different celebratory events in their respective cities; Aden had no longer needed to hide from everyone. He had to however ensure he would be out of sight from the scribes' prying minds, as no word was sent by Antonious of Aden's arrival and this would complicate matters with unnecessary questions.

Aden and Ilmatar headed off to the tailor to pick up his uncle's robes, they had newly sewn emblems as the old had faded through use. The tailor did not ask Aden a single question and when prompted by Ilmatar for a costume of Aden's size, he produced one within minutes, as if he had a factory full of them.

"Does he always do things so fast?"

"He has had some help,", winked Ilmatar.

"A sort of magic you mean?"

"No, of course not! He has so many costumes ready for these events; they just need a trim here and there. You got to be prepared for people who wait last minute, or who grow belly's so fast in one Suncycle they don't notice that the formal clothes in the cupboard have shrunk."

Aden laughed wholeheartedly, "Are you speaking out of experience?"

"Of course, I am," Ilmatar patted his rather small belly.

The night came quickly, just as did the following. Aden was eager to see what this special day's events would bring, not forgetting that this would be the night when he would be able to for the first time, since the last, see Anemone.

Little candles were lit in every window, lights outlined all the streets. Ginger and lavender filled the air. Dusk surrounded them with warmth, as did the real warmth of the gathering of souls in the town council square. In front of them, up several stairs, stood a unique building with many columns in the centre of which there was an elevated landing and there she stood still like a pearl statue ever so precious. The building's solitary presence had a majestic impact on everyone who gazed upon it. Although the speeches went as per usual, Aden stood in the crowd focused on only one thing. He could hear mumbling and the gasping sound of the people around him, he followed Anemone's gaze up into the sky.

The hawks had been released and shot out from their cages in a synchronized fashion, as if they had been fireworks, their little collars glowing as they caught the last few rays of the sun. They spun in a cylindrical fashion and plummeted without warning towards the crowd; you would now be staring straight into the dragon's face. Before they could reach the crowd, they dispersed and flew away. Little white flowers were handed to every crowd member, to rejoice the beginning of the winter. People all kissed each other and hugged everyone around them, as if knowing them like family. Aden did not really understand the meaning behind what he saw, but he felt a sense of union-ship and camaraderie, which he really liked.

He followed the crowd up the stairs towards the intimidating building; the sun had now disappeared. Ilmatar was nowhere to be seen, like a shadow by your side the one moment and gone the next when the lighting changes.

Prompted by the crowd, Aden had no choice but to follow suite in their actions.

At the top of the stairs, a large platform had been built under a canopy for the spectators, revealing a large dance floor in the centre. People were quickly gathering there to start the opening dance; the music had a good rhythm to it and was rather fast paced. Aden stood and watched, while circulating the vicinity trying to find Ilmatar.