~*Chapter Three: The Graduates Ceremony*~
It seemed that the sandstorms that had been constantly battering the desert for three days straight calmed themselves just in time for the morning of the Graduates Ceremony. As the sun peaked over the horizon, crowds began to assemble in and around the colosseum. Some arrived as mere spectators, others as participants. It was a day that galvanized the entire population of the fortress. If someone did not have a daughter or niece or sister participating in the Graduates Ceremony, they would either help with preparations or sell food or serve some other vital job.
Nabooru woke that day with butterflies in her stomach. She could barely force herself to eat. Even though she hid it well, she could not ignore how nervous she was about the day. As her knee jumped quickly, Nymeria asked her relentless questions about who she thought she might fight and who might be there.
Nymeria, you know the answers already, why do you keep asking me? Nabooru sighed.
No, I don't. Nymeria said, and her sister sighed again.
You are so immature. Nabooru turned to Aleniha, who was starring blankly into a wall with her face almost frozen. Aleniha, are you well?
Aleniha was rubbing her hands together, hiding the scar she had received from Floneha. She looked up reluctantly and forced a smile. I am okay, Nabooru.
Nabooru was not convinced, but thought she would make the situation worse by pressing her cousin on the matter.
Only Nabooru and Aleniha would be competing from the family today, but the entire household would attend to watch. Lashka did not appear to be very enthusiastic about the prospect. She had been forced to watch these ceremonies ever since she was a child, always with the knowledge that she herself would never be able to participate. There is no Graduate Ceremony for cripples..., she always said.
Nabooru switched from tapping her knee to chewing her upper lip when he family departed for the colosseum. She was dressed today in her finest outfit: A purple vest embroidered with desert roses and fine white pants. At her side was her trusted sword, and she gripped it's hilt tightly. Aleniha was dressed similarly, though she hunched strangely, making her look less impressive than her taller, slimmer cousin. Uglianu admonished her daughter, ordering her to walk straighter.
You are a granddaughter of a king! You must start to look it! She explained as Aleniha tried to walk more like her mother wished her to. Unfortunately, in her effort, Aleniha looked even worse. Nabooru took pity on her.
Aleniha, like this, She whispered, trying to show her cousin by providing her own example. Nabooru straightened her own back as much as she could. Try to stick out your chest and your rear at the same time... No, no, in opposite ways. She began to giggle as Aleniha could not quite get it right. Soon, Nymeria joined in.
Like this! She began to mimic them both, striding like a disciplined soldier. She began to swing her arms widely at her side. Laughing, Nabooru and Aleniha fell in step behind Nymeria, marching down the street in a perfect line.
Why must you act so childish? Lashka scolded them all. You're all going to embarrass our family!
You're no fun, Lashka. Nymeria retorted. She stopped marching.
Yeah, we're just nervous. Nabooru explained.
You should be. The Graduate Ceremony is very difficult. Lashka warned. If you
hope to go anywhere, you'll have to grow up.
What would you know about it, anyway? You've never participated. Nabooru
said boldly.
You're a cruel little girl, Nabooru! Lashka yelled. Why was I ever cursed with a heartless family like this?!
Girls! Silence! Yurria called to all of them. Be quiet until we get to the colosseum. I will hear no more of this! The girls walked the rest of the way without either a word or a funny stride.
~*~
At the stadium, the family split up. Nabooru and Aleniha were sent off to the participant's area while their family went to find their seats. Yurria wished her daughter and niece well, hugging her. Nymeria did much the same, telling Nabooru to hit Floneha once for her. Uglianu warned her own daughter not to bring shame to their family. Aleniha nervously obeyed. Lashka said nothing to either of them, pretending she wasn't even there.
Nabooru and Aleniha had to find the rooms where the participants would wait for their turns to battle. They returned back to the narrow hallways that flowed underneath the bleachers of the stadium that they usually played in when they had breaks from their own training. They were met by a group of older women led by Balinu, who was dividing up the students by the level they were competing at. Nabooru and Aleniha fell in line behind some younger girls.
They look nervous. Nabooru whispered to Aleniha, pointing to the girls ahead.
They look nervous? I'm more nervous than they are... Aleniha whispered back.
Don't worry about it. Nabooru told her. I believe in you.
Thank you, Nabooru. Aleniha said quietly, staring again at her own feet.
They slowly made their way to the front of the line. When Balinu saw them, she patted Nabooru firmly on the shoulder. Nabooru, how are you feeling today? She asked the girl.
I am feeling very well, I'ama. Nabooru tried to sound confident. She seemed to
convince Balinu.
Excellent! You go with Tidi and Frolni over there to the Elites room. She pointed to two girls waiting against the wall. Aleniha, how is your hand?
It's much better, I'ama. I've been doing the exercises that you taught me to make sure the wound healed properly. Aleniha said politely.
Great. You can go to the room down that hall to my right. Balinu directed her.
Before Nabooru separated from Aleniha, she gave her some parting words, You will always be safe. Remember that, Aleniha. She said to her cousin. Aleniha seemed grateful, smiling and nodding her head before she jogged off towards her room.
Taking a deep breath, Nabooru marched off with Tidi and Frolni to be with the other Elites. The two girls were a year older than Nabooru, but she knew them to be kind and fun loving. She greeted them, grateful she already had people to talk with to ease her nerves.
How are you this morning, Nabooru? Frolni asked as her short hair bobbed along with her down the hall. You seem tense.
Nabooru swallowed, realizing that her feelings may have been more apparent to others than she had guessed. Just a bit. She admitted.
Me too. Tidi admitted. Tidi wore a striking red vest with a jeweled dragon that Nabooru admired for a moment. The yellow jewels appeared to bring out Tidi's umber eyes. I hardly slept last night!
I couldn't eat. But I'm hungry now. Frolni admitted, clutching her stomach. I should have forced myself to eat something...
There's some snacks in the waiting room, I heard. Tidi remarked.
Then lets get going! Frolni could hardly wait and began to jog. Nabooru and Tidi followed closely after.
The waiting room afforded the girls seemed barely able to hold everyone. Girls sat or stood in just about every corner, and Nabooru and the others were forced to step over several of them. One of the older women tried in vain to walk around the room to hand out biscuits. Frolni almost assaulted the woman in her attempt to secure sustenance for herself. She managed to secure a handful of the biscuits, which she offered to Tidi and Nabooru.
Here, they're really tasty! Frolni said energetically. Nabooru took one biscuit out of courtesy and quickly hid it in her vest.
Nabooru, Tidi, and Frolni found a small space to stand in and talk quietly. Frolni devoured her biscuits quickly as Tidi nervously chewed her own. She said it was better than biting her fingernails.
Wow, look at all these girls? Tidi said. This is going to be tough.
Not necessarily. Nabooru told them as she observed her competition. Look at the girls in here. How many of them are truly capable of fighting at this skill level? Nabooru noticed many girls and recalled their fighting styles from watching them during lessons. For each one, she told Tidi and Frolni about their major weaknesses. Just because they chose to fight at the Elite level doesn't mean they're that good. I'm surprised I'ama Balinu allowed half of them to even sign up this high.
Wow, Nabooru, how do you know so much? Tidi asked.
I just watch them fight. If you observe them long enough, you begin to see what they're doing wrong and what they're going right. Nabooru shrugged.
Nabooru, what's my weakness? Frolni asked seriously. Nabooru had to ponder that question thoughtfully for a moment before she spoke.
Well, you have a tendency to open yourself up to attacks too often. You turn too much to your side. You'd have difficulties against a fast opponent. Nabooru noticed that Frolni was saddened by her assessment, so she quickly followed up with a positive comment. But you have patience. You're able to wait for an opening as long as it takes, and you never make stupid offensive moves. Nabooru smiled, and this seemed to please Frolni.
Ooh, do me now! Tidi said. What's my strengths and weaknesses?
You tend to move too quickly and waste your energy in long battles, but you've got really good balance and you never seem to fall. Nabooru told her.
My mother always made me do balancing exercises. Tidi said proudly.
I want to do well, Nabooru, Frolni admitted, But if I don't, I will feel safe knowing that you have. One day, you're going to be great.
Nabooru blushed at that thought and told Frolni she was silly. She didn't want to be great, she just wanted to be as good as she knew she was capable of. She almost drifted off into deep thought when Tidi nudged her.
Nabooru, isn't that the girl that attacked your cousin? Tidi asked, and Nabooru looked up to see Floneha enter the room. Floneha was escorted by some of her associates as well as her sister, Helnihu, as they began pushing other girls aside to get seats. As they sat down, they began to talk and laugh very loudly and intimidating the girls around them.
What a big showoff that Floneha is. Frolni spat. Just because she is a relative of the king... She thinks she's some kind of grand princess!
I hope you fight her and beat her, Nabooru. Tidi said, going back to chewing on her biscuit.
I hope that I meet her in the standings, just so I can get her for what she did to Aleniha. Nabooru said, staring down Floneha. She kept her gaze locked on the other girl until the two met eyes. When Floneha recognized Nabooru, she registered it with a cruel grin. She got up and called across the room.
It's little Nabooru! She's come to fight with me! Floneha declared. See how popular I am that people are stepping over themselves just to face me!
Nabooru crossed her arms defiantly. I'm here to prove myself, Floneha! Get over yourself! She called back. The other girls in the room exchanged nervous glances, wondering where this fight would go.
How's your cousin? I hope she doesn't have a big, ugly scar to go with her big, ugly face! Floneha said as the group of girls around her laughed, pretending to be amazed at the cleverness of her joke.
I wouldn't be throwing stones if I was a horse face like you, Floneha! Nabooru told her. It's one thing to speak with words but it is another to speak with swords. We'll see if you're as quick as that big mouth of yours. Nabooru left the room, even as Floneha called out threats and insults after her. She would have none of it, knowing this battle between the two of them would come down to skill in combat before childish name-calling.
~*~
To get her mind off everything else and into the right frames, Nabooru decided to watch some of the lower level battles. They weren't as entertaining as she would have liked, but it helped her think up strategies. Frolni and Tidi joined her, idly chatting about all sorts of other topics and being a general distraction. Nabooru had managed to find her family and waved to her mother and Nymeria, who enthusiastically waved back.
Her gaze flew across the stadium and eventually landed on the King's royal box. It was a shaded area filled with high officials as well as the king himself, who sat surrounded by his current favourites. At the moment, he appeared more interested with the girl on his lap than the battle on the floor of the stadium. Nabooru did not recognize the girl, who appeared to be just a bit older than her, but it was harder to tell from such a distance. She found herself watching them for a time, as the king would seem to whisper something in the girl's ear as she reacted with a mixture of shock and giggles. Nabooru also noticed Subia standing behind the king, looking particularly bored. She stopped herself from waving to her sister, realizing that she could not wave back anyway.
Are you spying on our gracious king? Frolni teased.
Nabooru, tell us the story about you and the king. Tidi asked. I only got to hear
from the others.
Do I have to? Nabooru sighed, eventually recounting the entire story as quickly as she could to the two girls, who hung on her every word. When she finished, they sighed just as most others had when she had repeated the story on numerous occasions.
Wow... You're so very lucky, Nabooru. Tidi said quietly.
But Nabooru did not hear as Tidi and Frolni went on about how lucky Nabooru was and how much they adored the king. She had returned her gaze to the royal box and her heart pounded as she realized Ganondorf was staring her straight in the eye. At least it seemed that way. She felt strange, as though he had heard every word she had spoken, and as though he could hear them all now. The girl that had been with him before was gone, and he now sat alone, leaning on the arm of his plush, violet chair. As much as she wanted to turn away, she did not, and she found herself exchanging glances for what seemed to be an eternity.
Nabooru now felt another feeling come over her. It was one of exposure. She suddenly felt very naked, and hugged herself. The shock of it must have broken her concentration, for she managed to break away from Ganondorf's gaze and quickly ran off, leaving Tidi and Frolni to wonder what was the matter.
The king merely smiled and called for a drink.
~*~
Nabooru quickly gained her composure after her unnerving experience with the king. For the sake of the tournament, she would have to have full concentration and free from distractions. So she continued to watch the lower level battles while Tidi and Frolni returned to their gossip. As Nabooru finally heard it announced that Aleniha's turn was approaching, she began to feel her palms sweat, experiencing a greater level of apprehension than she did for herself.
Your cousin looks tense. Frolni commented as Aleniha walked out onto the sand field, gripping her sword as though it was an extension of her hand. She hunched over as she walked, staring at the ground. She did not even look up to the stands to search for her family. Who's she facing?
Nabooru heard from the call that her cousin would be facing a girl named Yemini. She's not that great, but she could beat Aleniha. Nabooru said sadly. Yemini's also a friend of Floneha's. She's sure to be rough on her and fight as dirty as she can.
Can Aleniha do anything? Tidi asked.
She's larger, so she may be able to hold her ground, but Yemini will get angry if she sees the battle not going as she wants and may try something.
But, she'd get caught, wouldn't she?
Not necessarily. Nabooru explained. If she can make it look like an accident...
Don't worry, Nabooru. Frolni assured her.
Aleniha and Yemini took their spot alongside several other battles taking place in the arena. To save time, up to three battles were conducted alongside one another at a time within the stadium. At later stages in the competition, the arena would be given over in full to stage final battles.
The two girls stood before one another and bowed. A referee was assigned to each battle to make sure rules were obeyed and to declare a winner. The referee asked Aleniha and Yemini to touch swords and wish each other a good battle. They would address each other as sisters, then begin the fight.
She's standing all wrong, Nabooru mumbled about Aleniha's sloppy battle-ready position. Yemini could knock her down before she knew what hit her standing like that.
Aleniha nervously held her sword in front of her with both hands firmly clenched around the hilt as the referee opened the battle. As Nabooru had predicted, Yemini lunged quickly at Aleniha, knocking her backwards onto her rear. Somehow, Aleniha did not lose her sword, so she was able to block the furious blows Yemini began to rain down on her.
Trip her! Nabooru shouted, hoping her cousin might hear her advice over the roar of the crowds.
Aleniha did not seem to hear her cousin, as she began instead to roll away from Yemini's attacks. She moved too slowly, and caught Yemini's blade on her right shoulder. The gash began to spit blood over the sand, even as Aleniha grasped the wound. She dropped her sword, leaving her completely open. Despite her utter defenselessness, Aleniha was not saved from Yemini's slashes. The girl continued to attack, catching Aleniha again, this time on her right thigh.
Nabooru screamed frantically. She dashed for the stadium wall and began to climb it, thinking to storm the field, but Frolni and Tidi followed close after her and
held her back. Aleniha! Someone stop her!
It's okay, the referee is breaking it up. Tidi said, watching as two women ran in to physically restrain Yemini as well. They quickly tended to Aleniha, carrying her off the field. Nabooru watched, calling after her cousin.
I have to help her! I have to see if she's okay! Nabooru shouted.
They're taking her away... Tidi said, It's okay...
Nabooru finally broke free from them and dashed back into the stadium. She followed the long stone hallways to towards where she had seen her cousin being taken away. Nabooru was running so quickly that she did not notice her sister Nymeria until she grabbed Nabooru by the arm and stopped her.
You can't go any farther. Nymeria told her. They have it blocked off.
But, we're family! Nabooru said breathlessly. What are you doing here?
They already told us we're not allowed. Moma and Auntie are with her, but no one else is permitted. You'd just get in trouble. Nymeria explained.
Nabooru caught her breath, then collapsed towards the wall. She slowly sat to the ground, her face hard with rage and fear for her cousin.
That damn Yemini... damn Floneha... Nabooru spat, clenching her fists. How can they be so cruel to Aleniha?
Nymeria sat down beside her sister in the empty hallway. She watched as her elder sister suppressed her tears. Nabooru bit her upper lip.
I wish I could compete in the battles. I'd beat those girls too. Nymeria commented.
Nymeria, you don't want to enter these battles just for revenge. That's petty.
Then why did you enter? Nymeria asked.
I want to prove to myself that I can fight. Nabooru looked down. But it's
becoming harder and harder to do that now.
Why is Floneha so mean? Nymeria asked. Why does she hate Aleniha?
I don't know, Nymeria. Nabooru sighed. Who knows why she does anything? Perhaps her family is a bunch of witches.
Nabooru, will you do to Floneha was she did to Aleniha?
I want to... I've thought about it. Nabooru said, which was true. She had thought of all the mean things she could do to get revenge, but every time she did, she thought about how it would make her look to others. If she ruthlessly attacked Floneha like she had done to Aleniha, would she be just as bad? I'm just so mad! Nabooru decided she didn't care what happened to Floneha. She was more able to defend herself than Aleniha, and besides, she had attacked Aleniha first without provocation. Perhaps she deserved to be hurt...
They drew matches for the Elite level, did you know? Nymeria asked. They just posted them.
Really? Where? Nabooru asked, eager to see who she had drawn in the first
round.
It's okay, I checked for you already. You're fighting Renyla. Nymeria said as she began to pick at the pebbles on the floor. You can beat her.
Nabooru secretly agreed. Renyla was a girl who had problems blocking side attacks. Nabooru began to prepare her strategy.
Don't you have to go back to your room? Nymeria asked curiously.
I guess I should. Nabooru reluctantly stood. If anything happens to Aleniha, tell me.
How? I'm not allowed near the participants area.
Try and signal me from the crowd. I'll try and watch for you as much as I can. Nabooru turned back. Just wave at me and I'll try to figure out the rest.
Okay, Nabooru.
~*~
Nabooru avoided Tidi and Frolni now, achieving some moments of relative peace. She truly wished she could leave the stadium for a time to find solitude, but that was an impossibility. At least there was less excitement on the field now.
Before she was called to take her place for battle, Nabooru caught sight of Renyla, who had decided to pace nervously back and forth for several minutes. She wondered to herself if Renyla found it therapeutic to pace like that. She noticed that Renyla also avoided watching the action on the field. Then she wondered how nervous the girl was.
When they were called onto the field, Nabooru gave Renyla a reassuring smile. At first, the girl did nothing and Nabooru wondered if it had been the right thing to do.
I'm sorry... About your cousin... Renyla said quietly as they walked through the cool tunnel.
Thank you. Nabooru said. Unsure of what else to say to one another, the two girls remained silent until the sound of the stadium overtook them.
The sun was harsh and Nabooru was sure she would begin to sweat in minutes. She quickly grabbed up some sand and rubbed it into her hands to soak up the perspiration. She felt the grits rub over her hands that had always been rough from work. It all was in stark contrast to her face, which remained soft despite the years of desert life.
Nabooru took her spot before Renyla, holding her sword straight at her side. She looked towards the crowd, searching for Nymeria. When she spotted her younger sister, she waved quickly. Nymeria responded with a cutting gesture which she interpreted as meaning there had been no change in Aleniha's condition. That and their mother and aunt had not yet returned to the stands. Only Nymeria and Lashka remained, the later still sitting with the same pouting face she had been wearing since morning.
The referee between them called for the required greetings and wishes for a good battle. In a way, it was almost like a religious ritual for them all. Nabooru noticed how unsteady Renyla looked to her now. The girl kicked around in the sand, trying to find a sure footing. Just as she had predicted, Renyla chose a ready stance that left her wide open to side attacks.
Nabooru stood ready to pounce as the referee began the battle with a shout. Surprisingly, Renyla took the offensive, and Nabooru was forced onto defense for the time being. Renyla was moving too fast to be attacked, so Nabooru made conservative moves to save her own energy. She would wait until the girl wore herself down and wait for an opening.
Nabooru darted and dashed, wishing she could get the battle over with as quickly as she could. She really had no passion to fight Renlya, but she understood that patience was crucial for her to maintain.
After a few hurried jabs, Renlya began to show her fatigue. It was time for Nabooru's offensive. As Renlya sloppily swung, Nabooru blocked her and held her sword for a moment. Stepping to the side, Nabooru then let Renlya fall forward, having lost her support. As Renlya fell forward, Nabooru made a precise swipe at the girl's back, slicing her vest. Remarkably, Nabooru did not cut down to the skin.
Renlya stumbled, dropping her sword as she put her arms forward to break her fall. Nabooru moved quickly to grab up Renlya's sword and, along with her own sword, pointed them towards the girl.
Having disarmed her opponent, Nabooru was declared the winner and the match came to an end. Graciously, she helped Renlya to her feet and returned the sword.
I'm sorry about your vest. It was very nice. Nabooru said quietly, secretly grateful she had not sliced the girl's back open as well.
It's okay. My moma will make me a new one. Renlya said, sounding happy and heartbroken all at the same time. You fight very fairly.
So do you. Nabooru extended her hand. You're faster than I imagined. She
admitted, which was true. Renlya had been far faster than she had anticipated.
I do a lot of running. Renlya said. But my moma is always telling me that if I want to run far, I shouldn't run fast. I'm much more of sprinter.
That's true. Nabooru smiled. She looked away for a moment, back to the crowds and then to the royal box. The king was still watching her intently, but this time he was slowly clapping his hands in approval.
Wow, the king is giving you applause. Renlya remarked. Oh, that means he was
watching our battle. I am so ashamed.
You fought well. Nabooru told her. Don't be. She looked back to the king once more, who gave her a smile and nodded his head. Come on, let's get some water.
~*~
Subia came to visit Nabooru shortly afterwards, taking her younger sister somewhere they could converse in private. Nabooru was curious as to what Subia wanted, seeing the seriousness in her sister's face. At first, she panicked, believing it was news of Aleniha. But the fear subsided as Subia was able to reveal her true intent for visiting her.
You did very well, Nabooru. Subia told her. We were all watching. Mother was told of your victory and sends her well wishes.
It wasn't a huge victory. I still have so much more to do. Nabooru sighed, leaning on a creaky wooden table. This is just a baby step.
But it's an important one. You've had your first battle. Now you know what to expect.
Nabooru nodded slightly. Sure. But how come you're here to see me? The king wouldn't let you run off just to visit your little sister.
And what if he did? Subia countered, perking Nabooru's interest. He watched you the entire time. He said he's keeping an eye on you. He's made a bet with some others that you'll win the Elite tournament and take top honours.
Nabooru stood silent, trying to absorb it all as quickly as she could.
You're really doing well. Sure it was an easy match, but you dealt with it as quickly as I had imagined.
I know. But I would have rather faced Floneha. Nabooru whined.
You still have a chance. If you and her win your next battles, you'll face each other. Subia explained. The king laughed when they asked him who he would bet on: You or his own cousin. He's got quite a bit of treasure riding on you, little one. Subia smirked and crossed her arms.
I don't care who he bets on. I just want to get Floneha. Nabooru growled.
When will you stop fighting Aleniha's battles for her? It's not good for her. Subia asked with frustration. We're a desert people. If you cannot survive on your own, then you won't last long.
Why do you say that? Nabooru asked. She was confused by the statement, as she had never recalled their mother teaching them that. They had always been taught to help out one another, not abandon them.
The king, it's something he says often. Subia shrugged. I guess its rubbed off on me.
Nabooru knew they didn't have much more time to talk, but she wanted to know. Why is the king showing so much interest in me?
I suppose you're the new favourite. Nabooru thought she detected some bitterness in Subia's voice, but the feeling quickly passed. Subia smiled at her, putting her arm around her. Come, let's get you prepared for your next battle.