Entire month passed training became easier and easier, able to run longer then I could ever dream of. Being very unusual for a female my age, having a great trainer to help. During our warm up my body had gotten accustomed to the stress my body felt during the fighting stances, but I had problems keeping my body still. It didn't matter how much I practiced I couldnt master total control of my own body. Another difference is my body went thru a transformation, my hips more defined along with thinner yet toned thighs. My stomach showing small version of abs yet still holding the feminine flat stomach.
Looking over my arms. When flexing them small round bumps formed, letting my arms hang limp against, my sides they were toned as well. Staring at myself in the mirror admiring myself, for fun puckering my lips at myself showing off the muscle I gained and fat i've lost.
"Oh yeah, maybe now father might notice. I know Tarak will... Tarak." My smirk turned to a frown missing my nanny. Tears began to flow underneath my eyes, only to straighten myself wiping the tears away. Getting dressed the clothes were starting to fit better around my waist, leaving my room grasping the apple rtas always laid out for me.
I was so used to getting up in the morning he didn't even need to wake me anymore. Taking a bite of the delicous fruit, already eaten to the core by the time I had sit myself on the sand ready to meditate. Once our run, and excersize's was thru Rta left for a moment coming back with two 6 ft wooden spear shaped poles. The top had two different ribbons tied around the top end, he tossed one with the blue ribbon I caught it holding it upright with myr ight hand.
"Use this follow my lead." I nodded he held his pole upright in the same hand as I. Lifting it up his hands met in the middle as he began to spin the spear slowly, his pace quickened the more he spun keeping perfect balance and rythym.
I watched inhaling I began to spin my own spear embarrased with the speed I spun the heavy spear, but it was where I was comfortable. Rtas noticed and decreased the spinning speed, next was so fast I barely saw what he did. Stopping in mid spin the spear end facing an invisible oppenent, he thrusted the spear forward "Ha!"
Retracting the spear his body shifted he spun the spear once more the head now facing behind him, he thrusted the spear once more in the opposite direction behind him. "Ha!"
Fixing his posture facing forward once more raising the spear chest level he spun his entire body 360 degree turn only to stop facing forward thrusting the spear once more. I couldn't help but admire the moves, trying to imprint each move to repeat them.
"Alright again follow, do not extend your elbows completly keep her back straight at all times. Never let go of your weapon." He stabbed his spear into the sand as it stayed upright.
He came over to my side instructing me,helping me to fix my mistakes. It didn't take me long to remember each move. Soon he pulled the spear from the sand and we started over together. Both of us called the same time. "Ha!" We shifted our bodies spearing our invisible enemies turning completly around again "Ha!".
By the end of our training, my arms and legs were feeling sore once again having held the 6 pound spear. If I swung any sand from the spear we had to start over, I had to perfectly execute the spear moves without either end touching me or the ground.
The night fell having to drop the spear, I could barely move my arms. As my usual routine taking a bath, eating dinner, and then going to bed that was my daily routine for another 3 weeks. My spear weilding skills had of course gotten better, turning into something fun to do. At the end of our training levy came to evaluate my performance.
"Little one I have some things to speak to you about." Levy stood waiting patiently, handing my spear over to rtas we bowed to one another wishing each other goodnight.
"What is it levy?" Wiping my forehead sweat had beaded all over my body, barely any part of my body had a jiggle what so ever having toned every muscle in my body.
"You may want to have your things packed we must leave tomorrow morning. I have gotten news your brothers are about to leave for war college, your family wish for you to be there to see them off." So much time had passed by I hadn't thought about my family back home for awhile. Hearing of the news brought teary eyes. Levy placed his left arm around my shoulders escorting me to the bathing area.
"I.. I can't beleive they are leaving already.." Wiping the tears that fell hearing them fall against the surface fo the bath water, watching the ripples the sound of the tear drops echoed giving off a lonely arura. Standing placing my robe over my nude body tying the normal knot. Heading to my bedroom, neatly folding the uniform mistress cato had let me use placing it on the vanity. Sitting myself on the edge of the bed, I couldn't help but stare up at the ceiling for hours before falling asleep.
Morning came the sound of birds singing their hearts out to their mates, or in a conversation. Sitting up my body enjoyed the first time to sleep in, levy had came in at the perfect time. With two workers behind him they were careful to walk around him grabbing for my bags after I had changed into my blue dress. Running my hand over my stomach the dress felt more loose in places that used to fit snug.
"Your family will be thrilled to see your change little one. Shall we go?" I nodded afraid to speak, afraid to start crying in front of everyone. Having to suck it up, following my grandfather down the halls and towards the private family cruiser. The engines sat running in idle, everyone lined up to say our goodbyes. Cato was first to approach me hugging me tightly.
"I will miss your company. And hope to see you soon." She smiled sweetly, taking away my depression I smiled back towards her.
Next was karo he kissed my hand again sending a wink bowing in respect. I chuckled knowing he meant goodbye, next was rtas he seemed quite uncomfortable. We became good friends in just the two months, he nodded holding his right arm out. Grasping onto his forearm with my left, he replied grasping my left forearm. And we shook like allied warriors he managed to speak up before letting go.
"It was an honor training you, I look forward to next time."
"As do I rtas. Thank you for everything." We shared a moment before our hands let each other go.
Leavy placed his hands on my shoulders turning me to guide me to the ship, stepping up the stairs the door closed behind us. The engines roared as the cruiser began to acsend upwards, proppelling itself forward we were well on our way back home to Mdama state.
Sitting in one of the chairs my legs crossed, levy was back to reading on his tablet. He noticed I felt down, watching out the window Vadum estate becoming smaller, and smaller only able to see clouds. Coming home was always the faster then normal, it was just how things were.
"Little one there is always next year." I sighed straightening myself into a lady like position nodding in agreement.
"You are right levy, but still goodbyes are always the hardest to say." Crossing my legs making myself comfortable I decided to read some myself. I began to study about vehicle mechanics, and the parts that made them.
Levy noticed I was already at work studying on subjects he had yet to teach me, he grinned very proud of his granddaughter he had never seen someone so intent on fullfilling their goal unlike rtas vadum. He was impressed on the physical changes I had undergone since the two months. Turning into a very unique young lady.
"Little one have I said lately I am very proud of you?" I giggled feeling flattered nodding.
"Yes levy you have."
He chuckled swiping his finger across the tablet turning the page. "Ah well making sure."
I couldn't help but smile, I felt good and proud of myself as well. Concentrating back onto my tablet, the hours flew by and already it was time to go to sleep. Powering off the tablet standing up, pressing my lips against levy's head he stood up himself towering over me as usual passing my form heading towards his room. I watched for a moment then headed for my room as well. The door slid shut behind me removing my clothing, lastly laying my head dress onto the night table near the bed. Leaving the robe untied, relaxing back onto the bed. I wasn't worried about anyone coming in, not like I had anything to show I was still a child. Though sometimes I wished I had grown up already, wondering what I will look like. Maybe just like any other female, but that isn't what I wanted. I know I will never give up becoming the first ship mistress in the covenants fleet.
Slowly my eyelids were closing, making it difficult to stay up any longer, finally falling asleep around 10 pm. My chest rose and fell in a slow rthym, everything was peaceful as I began to dream of my future.
Levy had opened my door leaning over he began to shake me awake, blinking the light stung my eyes. Levy had picked me up holding me, everyone was preparing for something scrambling about. Managing to speak up finally after trying to wake up.
"Levy what is going on? What is happening?" I was becoming frightened never seeing the urgency in levy's eyes before, his gaurd was up completely holding me tightly.
"Little one I have been called for an urgent matter and you must go on home without me, a war has broke out one that needs my expertee's." He handed me to another Sangheili one that was dressed in yellow armor. Levy pressed his lips against my forehead.
"Wait no don't go levy please... Take me with you!" I began to fight against the sangheili that held me to him, levy shook his head and began to explain.
"You cannot go, and I will come back. You must stay strong little one." Levy turned his back to me nodding towards the others to take me inside another cruiser much smaller then the one we were in.
"NO Levy!" I fought back as hard as I could but the sangheili held a tight grip around my waist. Finally he let me go after the doors closed and the cruisers dispatched from one another. Running towards the nearest window I watched as levy's cruiser slowly began to disappear. My heart was torn in two, wiping the tears from my face. But it was no use more followed I sat for hours in the same spot hoping that levy's cruiser would come back.
But it didn't arriving home later that evening, I had came to terms that levy was going to be gone for awhile leaving my parents in charge for the time being. The doors opened the stairs formed, mother ran to greet me before I could take my last step off the cruiser. I put on a smile hugging my mother in return, I did miss her very much. My brothers came as well complimenting on how different I look.
"Step aside please.." Hearing a familiar voice of my father, he approached me kneeling as he did before I left to the Vadum estate. His muscular arms pulled me against him in an embrace, nudging his head against my own. "Welcome home my child."
"Thank you, it's good to be back." There was a small lie to that since she really wanted levy with her about now. Looking up at my father he too had something to tell me.
"My child, your brothers and I have been called to duty a war has broke out. We leave as soon as the cruiser is ready." I had never heard father sound so sad to leave.
I couldn't hold back anymore I cried out ashamed of myself, but my family was leaving one by one and I didn't know if I would see them again. The feeling in my gut was making me feel ill, throwing my arms around my fathers neck he held me as I cried like an infant. He stood up not letting me go, mother came to run her hand along my back.
Tears were in her eyes as well, but she could do nothing. Her brothers stood silent their heads lowered hating to see their little sister so upset. "Jul' I can't bare to see her like this.."
Everyone tried their best to comfort me in one way or another, but ignoring them all letting my cries muffle their voices. I didn't want to hear them instead I wanted them all to stay, I didn't want to lose them. Taking me inside father had enough of my balling, he sat me down onto a chair as he knelt before me with serious eyes.
For a moment I had stopped crying seeing he was feeling agrivated, only sniffles could be heard from me. Nother wanted to intervene but father raised his hand keeping her away at the moment.
"Listen you are my daughter Keila Mdama and my daughter is no child. She would not cry even from how upset she feels. She will pray and train everyday to make her family proud. For she has a duty to help her mother, and protect her from harm. And when the time comes she will fight for her planet. Do you keila think you can fulfill that role I am placing you under?"
Staring at him he was serious, wiping my eyes he stood up taking a step back. If my father was good at anything it was giving speeches making you feel like you could conquer the world. Swallowing the tears back I stood up nodding in reply.
"I can't here you little one." He grinned standing straight in military stance waiting for my answer.
Taking a deep breath, "Yes sir, I promise..". Father chuckled patting my head in reward before leaving the room along with my brothers.
Mother waited I kept my eyes forward and stayed put till the cruiser was heard leaving once more. Finally she came up to me kneeling eye level, making it hard for me to keep my composure my lips trembled trying to man up.
"My dear child I am so very proud of you, we will get thru this together." Kissing my forehead, she began to wipe her eyes also hiding the tears. I know she would be missing father, and I plan on keeping my word. "Little one I have something I want to give you."
She reached for my hand, leading off into our family's training room. The walls were made of some kind of paper the dark wood holding the paper in place gave off a unique wooden smell of oak. The flooring of a type of wood named bamboo, strong yet durable and easy to clean blood from. Letting go of my hand she began sifting thru old clothing of her husbands training uniforms including her sons. Pulling out something folded neatly wrapped in what was paper, a string held it tightly closed.
"Keila this was my uniform when I was your age, I want you to wear it. Now you should go get some rest have a big morning ahead of us." She pressed her hand against my cheek, walking off exiting the training room.
I stood there holding the wrapped package in my hands, I didn't bother opening it having enough for one day I decided to take a bath to help calm my nerves. Removing my clothes stepping into our tub filled with the flower petals of my favorite flower.
"My you have changed, you look more defined. How was your trip miss?" Sitting up seeing tarak holding my robe and a towel, I hurried out of the bath hugging her. She hugged me tightly in return running her hand over my wet hair.
"Tarak I missed you too. I have so much to tell you." Tarak nodded helping me to dry off dressing me in my robe. She walked with me to my room, tucking me in she laid next to me keeping me company till I fell asleep.
Waking up tarak had spent the night with me sleeping on the sofa in my room, stretching my hands up in the air I slid out of bed. Heading over towards the balcony of my room getting a look outside, it was early really early. Being so used to waking up by rtas changed my internal clock I guess, removing the robe from my body untying the string that held the wrapped package I took my time opening it. Careful not to wake tarak my eyes widened in suprise on what I had found. Raising up the top of the uniform guessing by the style but there was something different about it. It was like half of it was missing the lower half, getting a good look on the buttom everything looked fine nothing was torn. Sliding my hands thru each sleeve the top over lapped one another just like a tiny kimono design.
The basic uniform design was the similar to mistress cato's except this one was entirely blue, which was my favorite color. Tying off the top I went to reach for the pants, they were tightened against my hips using similar drawstrings. But these were long reaching past my thighs, everything seemed to fit right just wasn't used to showing so much flesh in the middle making it akward. I felt naked still or half I guess. Tarak began to stir waking up seeing that I was awake and already dressed. She quickly sat up, then standing she approached me giving slight tugs on my uniform fixing it.
"There little miss, you look so pretty and all grown up." She smiled at me opening my door, I left returning a smirk towards her.
Mother was already awake, she had already begun meditation. She had placed two mats onto the cold bamboo floor, one for her and one for me. Kneeling down myself I begun to mediation myself it was nice getting do this with my own mother.
Once my meditation was over I stood up heading for the door, mother noticed my absence quickly snapping out of hers as well.
"Little one where are you going?" Stopping in my tracks I found it odd for her to even ask, but I replied.
"To go for a run mother." She shifted her body turning towards me.
"But you have not stretched." I was confused on what she meant by stretching.
"Stretching?" Mother stood up pointing to the matt I used for meditation. Hesitant I obeyed standing on the mat as mother did.
"You see little one, males and females are different. Not only because of sex, but physically different. Females, are more agile, flexible able to control our bodies better then males. Males are strong, their stamina outmatches any other. They can control their bodies to a certain extent."
Everything she said made sense maybe that is why I could not gain full control of my body yet. Nodding in understanding she began pressing her hands together raising them above her head as far as she could, staying in that position for a few seconds before seperating her hands slowly moving her arms outward. I watched amazed on how much control she had, rtas body twitched or flinched but mothers was completely solid. Bending her body to either side till her fingertips could touch the floor she again waited a few seconds before moving. Soon she sat down keeping her legs straight in front of her before bending her upper half forward letting her fingers touch her feet waiting.
Sitting up again raising her right knee till her foot touched the ground her body shifted in the opposite direction, till both hands could press flat against the floor. When mother said she was flexible she wasn't kidding either. Switching sides she did the same, the entire time keeping her legs completely straight which is going to hurt and going to be hard to do.
What was next made my mouth drop mother seperating her legs till they faced away from one another in like a split, she leaned herself forward till her nose almost touched the ground. There was no way I would be able to do that, course I never tried either. She sat back up pressing her legs back together laying herself back, raising her hands above her head pressing them against the floor she began to raise her body up in an arch. But that wasn't the best part, she raised her left leg completely up and back towards her head, right leg followed after she had full control of her slow flip. Once her left leg touched the groun followed by her right she was standing upright again.
"Do you tink you can do it now? It's not as hard as it looks." Swallowing I was afraid to make myself look stupid, but I tried it anyway mother stood beside me as I began the hand movements.
"Just like in meditation keep calm peaceful thoughts and your body will do your will." She was good at keeping my spirits high, and I never thought I would be a natural. Stretching was much different then the stances rtas had me doing, I was actually stretching the muscle preparing it for a long hard day of training.
It felt good parts of my bones popped or cracked but never any pain, even doing the splits was a surpise for me. Enjoying myself really, the flip was my last move but instead I tried something else. Using my hands to hold my body upward my legs were seperated into the splits once more, I took my time raising my legs up in the air. I felt the control mother was talking about, my body already doing what I wished. Then pushing my right leg back finishing the flip landing on my feet once again.
"Oh I have to try that one, that was wonderful keila! Now you may run and finish your training. I garantee your body will feel much better, plus it helps to keep your muscles flexible and not to tear. Meaning less pain, you can push yourself to the limit and not feel intense pain as before."
I had no idea mother knew so much about training, all this time this was what I was missing. The reason I couldn't get my body to completely surcome under my control. Hugging my mother quickly getting a light squeeze from her, releasing her soon after I went out for my run breathing in the morning air. It was like a huge weight lifted off of my body now, pushing myself even further 10 miles total on rough hillsides as turrain. And not once did I feel any pain, instead I felt like I could keep going. But I decided to take a break I wanted to try the moves rtas had taught me.
Back in the training room the doors wide open to let in the breeze and the sunshine. Finishing up my sit ups and push ups. I began to do slow motion fighting stances, keeping my concentration I was able to have full control of my body even squatting to the lowest position not once did my body twitch or flinch. Grinning I felt my entire training as an apprentice was over, all I had to do was push myself harder more and more.
Mother came to check up on me from time to time, watching me applauding a few times she was proud of me and I was proud of myself.
Fulls day training and my body felt great, heading for the bath removing my clothes letting them fall onto the floor surrounding my feet. Stepping into the warm water, leaning back my back pressed against the warm feel of the granite rock making up the bath sides. A sigh escaped my lips letting all the stress from my body release, starting to feel as if I had done nothing all day.
"Little miss, is there something you wish to do today?" She spoke with a soft voice.
Turning my head looking over at tarak who approached me from the right. She held a small ceramic boal in her hand filling the bowl with the warm water, tilting my head back abit she poured the warm water over my head. The running water gave a small massage on it's travel towards the bath water once more. I began to think on what I wanted to do today. Looking over towards tarak I really had no idea.
"I don't know tarak, what. What about you what do you have to do?"
Tarak stared at me strangely then let out a small laugh she continued to rinse my hair with the fresh hot spring water.
"Well to serve you of course silly."
Laughing myself I should of known that, but my smile slowly faded missing the wind blowing against my face from riding shiku. That's what I wanted to do was ride shiku again. Missing her already and barely a day has passed. Tarak noticed my change in mood wrapping her arms around my neck gently she kissed the side of my head.
"Tell me what bothers you darling." Her voice was so sweet, and caring how could I not tell her.
"I miss the horse rtas' gave me to ride." I stood up finished soaking, tarak nodded reaching for a towel wrapping it around my body she grasped for another towel and began to towel dry my hair.
"Keila tell me about her."
I snickered tying the robe around my waist tarak had placed over my shoulders. Heading out towards a shaded patio where bamboo lounging chairs with bird feather filled cushions laid waiting. Laying myself onto my stomach the veiw overlooked a large pond with water fowl playing, eating and singing to one another. With a glass of apple juice tarak had poured for me I took a sip, licking my lips tasting any bit of juice left over.
"Well she was what you call a mix between fresian and clysedale, humans used them for work and pleasure. Shiku she was so tall almost 8 foot so getting on her wasn't easy. She was entirely black, eyes and all black as the night itself. If you were stuck in the middle of a field she could stand right in front of you and you would of never knew she was there."
Pressing the glass against my lips getting another drink before continuing, tarak sat on the chair next to me listening.
"Her mane and tail were so long when she ran they fluttered in the wind almost long enough to tickle your face. Shiku had hooves similar to ours but rounded whatever surface her hooves touched was that of a sound as a heavy beast making their way around. She was so gentle, good natured and very patient. Her speed was like any other animal I had ever seen run, she could jump a 5 foot fence with ease. Rtas allowed me to name her, he was so good with the horses it was unbeleivable."
Tarak had a big smile on her face, one that I knew wasn't something I would like.
"What tarak?"
"Oh nothing but it seems to me you might have a crush on that prince rtas vadum."
I shot up almost spilling my juice. "No it wasn't like that he was my teacher, and a good friend that is all."
Tarak stopped teasing nodding in understanding. " I am sorry little miss, I was way out of line. But if I may say so you have grown up in the 2 months you have been gone from a little girl to a young lady."
"Yeah well I don't think of him like that, he took me serious helped me accomplish part of my goal and I intend finishing that goal. When I do I will hopefull outrank him then maybe I would think of marriage but not to him could be anyone. Maybe someone wealthy and handsome."
Tarak joined in sitting next to me she hugged me tightly.
"I do hope you find someone for you little miss, your such a sweet sangheili what male wouldn't want you."
"Smart ones.." Looking at one another we bust out laughing tarak shook her head.
"Little miss now we both know that isn't true haha!"
I stopped laughing looking over at tarak I wonder if she had someone special.
"Tarak.. Do you have someone special?" She began to blush she stood up trying to get away from the question. "Tarak please answer me."
She stopped before turning towards me sitting on the chair in front of me. "There is someone, but I refuse til I have permission from you to leave."
"Oh tarak do not wait for happiness because of me, go marry him, I would be happy you all could stay here! You know mother wouldn't mind it."
Her smile faded staring ontot he ground, I didn't understand I thought she would want to be near me forever.
"Little one, I love you and I love working here but I do not want to do this my entire life. I want to live my own life raise children just as I have raised you. Please do not take it as I don't want to see you anymore."
I had nothing to reply to that, I understood how she felt instead I smiled. "Just promise me when the time comes you will visit me."
Tarak had gotten down on her knees placing her hands on my lap as I sat up. "Of course little one, I would never be too far away."
The sun had set eventually nightfall came and finally we decided to go inside awaiting at our spots at the large and lonely dinner table. Mother and I sat next to one another enjoying the food laid out before us, also enjoying each others company.
"Mother, I miss everyone.. I know it shows weakness but I just can't help but feel a large whole in one of my hearts."
Mother laid her fork down onto the table, seeing a side of her rarely seen unless with my father. She loved him dearly along with my brothers and her father-n-law Levy. Maybe I shouldn't of said anything, her lover, best friend was gone to a war and she could not do anything to help but pray everyday that he and her sons return home safely. Lowering my head, I had opened my mouth hurting my mothers feelings. Everything and everyone went silent, the workers stared at one another unsure what to do if they should even do anything.
But mother spoke up after clearing her throat. "Keila.. I do miss them terribly, but there is nothing I can do but be here when they return."
Her hand rested on my back forcing me to fall onto her lap, she pulled me even closer holding onto me tightly and did not let go. "Mother I know it was selfish of me I am sorry."
She raised my head her eyes met mine, she held a smile as best as she could without wanting to cry. "Little one it is completly normal to feel this way, just be prepared if they are gone for years too come. But during the meantime you train, and train hard. Everything will be fine we will find things to do alright? We will even do shopping, attend festivals if you like mini vacations. How does that sound?"
Very rarely am I allowed to go visit our city without an escort. My eyes lit up at mothers suggestions, she was really trying to make me happy. We finished our dinner eating the remaining dessert out on the patio where tarak and I had spoken earlier. I told her about shiku and how much I missed her.
"She sounds like a majestic animal." Giving me another squeeze holding onto me tighter.
"Oh mother she was, she was worth all the work. All thanks to rtas' he didn't have to help me what so ever but he did, and taught me to ride. Now I am like a pro."
"I am sure you will see her soon Keila." Looking up at my mother it was time for bed, we didn't feel like being seperated so instead we slept together in the guest bedroom which was the closest room.
Mother held onto me tightly against her both of us slept like infants, for the first night we didn't feel alone.
Few weeks went by mother and I became closer then ever, still no word on my brothers, levy, and father. But hearing nothing at all was good news mother made a good point that if one was lost in the war, the covenant were quick to let the family know of their loss.
Anyway today we were going to attend a festival made in kaidon, levy's honor like a presidents day. Mother and I decided to get dressed in the same room. We were giddy with excitment, mother seemed even mroe excited then I. She said this was going to be a perfect night, for there was going to be a parade and we were the guests of honor.
"Little one I hope you don't mind you are going to ride on a seperate vehicle then I." As tarak finished little make up touches to the mistress.
We both were going to dress up I was excited being old enough to wear some of the elegant and fragile jewelry mother decided to give to me. I wore pure white kimono with our families symbol enlarged and etched onto the back of the kimono. My hair was put up in an upside down bun hair style strands of hair stuck up like a turkey's tail. Wearing the head band given to me by my mother it had been cleaned ecspecially for this occassion, for this was the first time the mistress and daughter to be involved with such a festival.
Being too young, or too busy even people not from the city was going to come just to see us. There was rumors amongst the staff talking of another special guest, but when they noticed I was listening they hurried off to continue their duties.
As for my mother she was more beautiful then I, of course it made things easier to realize why father loved her so. Her kimono was of pure white yet her inner robe was bright yellow, the collar shown itself above the white kimono. Her hair was much shorter then mine but hidden under a large head dress made for the queen or mistress. Made of pure gold in a heart shaped design red jewels placed elegantly all around the head dress. Her earings matched in color and jewels that hung down almost passed her shoulders.
As for me my earrings were made of silver with small sapphires hanging from the end. A choke necklace made of black velvet, with a large sapphire sitting in the middle surrounded by small diamonds.
Mother and I faced each other once we were finished admiring each other, both of us touched one anothers jewelry. The sun was setting the festival always started at nightfall, bowing towards one another mother held her left hand towards me, as I held my right she grasped it as we took our time walknig out to the vehicle awaiting for us. Once we were both inside, Tarak was careful tucking in our long kimono trails inside before the purple private cargo vehicle took off down the road. The wind was reflected away by the vehicles hull, not having to worry about how we looked when we exiting the vehicle.
"Mother warriors from the war college are here!" Almost pushing my head out the window mother giggled grasping the back of my dress keeping me inside. Admiring the young sangheili males dressed in pure yellow armor with actual weapons of many types, given to them by the covenant.
"They are the chosen gaurds of the Mdama estate." My mouth almost dropped seeing how handsome and physically strong most of them were.
Mother sat straight her hands in her lap, keeping her eyes closed unlike me I was too busy gawking at the males. The vehicle had come to it's destination, we were helped out by one of the warriors my face had felt warm knowing I had to be blushing. He noticed lowering his head kneeling in respect.
"Welcome to the kaidon's family festival m'lady." His voice was so deep the vibrations of his voice ran thru my body like waves, I tried to say something but I couldn't nothing would come out.
Mother tried not too laugh watching me make a fool of myself, I honeslty wanted to squeal not realizing what I had missed out on. So much testosterone in one area, my female sense's tingled he was a master swordsman in training as well.
Soon I felt a forceful nudge by something soft and rounded, being almost pushed forward another push came pushing me into the males arms. Looking up then over my shoulder, there stood shiku I froze for a second. I squealed pushing the male away from me hurrying to hug shiku's snout.
"Shiku by the forerunners shiku! Mother shiku is here! I missed you soo much girl." Her ears shifted forward missing me just as much lowering her large head to my level. Admiring the craftsmanship of her new white bridle and saddle, they matched her dress perfectly. Tears formed under my eyes mother had all the thanks yous in the world as I held tightly onto shiku.
"I told you, you would see her soon now get on we the parade is starting." Nodding wiping my eyes with the edge of my long sleeves.
The male who I was crushing on helped me up onto shiku's back positioning myself comfortably on the saddle. Tarak couldn't help keeping a smile on her face as she fixed the end of the kimono to cover shiku's rear, grasping onto the white reins missing the sound of shiku's hooves pounding the ground beneath her. Walking her right next to mothers carriage vehicle. The crowds roared of excitment and awe from the different performers, but the best was seeing the mother and I on a horse an animal many have never seen before. Shiku loved the attention raising her hooves high prancing, I held a smile waving to either side. Small sangheili children held up by their mothers or fathers reached their hands out to touch me. Lowering my hands giving each one a pat on their palms.
This was so much fun an un forgettable experience, tho my mouth began to hurt from smiling the entire time. Once we had reached our destination there was a canopy put up with comfortable chairs made for mother and I, with a table in front filled with food. I had help getting off of shiku not wanting to leave her side but she needed rest from all of the excitment. Accompaning mother as she sat in the biggest chair, and I sat in the second largest. Sangheili & some uggoy from all over were celebrating, there was dancing, eating, and lots of drinking.
"Go little one!"
Clapping my hands to the beat mother did the same, not only was I feeling antsy I wanted to join in on the fun. Biting my lip looking towards mother she nodded, laughing as the older male from earlier came asking for my hand. My face had reddened again cursing this feeling I took his hand after removing the outter kimono. He led me towards where everyone else was having a good time. Mother began clapping the music continued, and we began to dance his right arm around my back. While his left hand held my right, we spun side stepping in different directions following his lead.
Soon I was getting the hang of it following his lead keeping my eye on his, others began to join in. I couldn't help but laugh looking over towards mother who winked. We danced, then switched partners I was being shared by every male, and child who wanted to have a dance. They enjoyed themselves so much asking for me to do this every year. I promised that I would, of course till I had to leave for training. Watching mother she was still sitting by herself, after the song was over I pulled him to bend slightly so I could whisper into his ear.
"Can you ask my mother to dance." He glanced over at the mistress and agreed he would, she seemed confused as the amle approached her holding his hand out politely.
"Will you oblige me in a dance mistress Raia, your daughter asked in a favor." She was speechless hiding her face but took his hand anyway. He twirled her gracefully being careful not to knock off the crown on her head. She couldn't help but laugh as he pulled her towards him being respectful of course.
Watching from the sidelines, hearing a familiar voice from behind he spoke quietly into my ear.
"Nice party, would you like to dance?"
Turning quickly seeing rtas behind me, I couldn't speak only to jump wrapping my arms around his neck. He wore a brown elegant robe, mother must have invited him.
"By the fore runners rtas mother invited you didn't she? I am so glad you are here I should of known!" He chuckled nodding, holding his right hand for me to take.
"Yes, now shut up let's dance... M'lady."
Placing my hand onto his he was graceful keeping his left arm behind his back, only to bring his arm around my waist keeping a good hold on my left hand. We began to dance being up close against rtas' was different, but nice. I felt like I was in a dream or something soon the music had faded away, and it was just him and I our eyes locked onto one anothers. Soon I was able to smile, I never thought I would see the serious rtas vadumee be so sensative and good on his feet. Gently we parted only for him to raise his right arm allowing me room as I spun only to be pulled against his body once more. The applauding, screams, everything was zoned out. And I think he noticed it too for he didn't break eye contact with me.
We were too young to feel the emotion called love, but we did have a deep connection maybe because of the 2 months we spent together training. Warriors always had a good relationship with their comrades trusting each other with their lives.
None of us were in a hurry to do the whole marriage run away thing. Instead we both seemed to just enjoy one anothers touch and company. Our bodies seemed to know when the song was over, we stopped but our eyes didn't look away. And no one bothered to wake us up so to speak, only for another song to play except this one had a faster beat.
Breaking our moment rtas began to become more demanding of my body as he spun me from him, keeping along witht he rthym of the song only for him to spin me back against him once again. I barely could keep up but he knew what he was doing.
"Rtas' I didn't know you knew how to dance." Laughing as he held me against him, his head turned towards mine.
"That's because our training didn't consist of dancing haha. You can thank my mother for the lessons."
"Thank you mistress cato." He jerked me away from him only to turn me around pulling me firm against him, with a grin on his lips.
"Your still a smartass." Laughing agreeing with him, the song was soon over and we both were sweating as if we had had a full's day of training. Removing my hand from his I needed a drink of water, mother was already seated eating some dessert.
"Little one, prince rtas you two were phenomanol." She nodded in greeting to rtas, he bowed in return.
"Thank you for your invatation, I am sorry for the absence of master kaidon and Jul Mdama."
Mother smirked licking her lips. "It is quite alright I think keila was the one who seemed the happiest to see you here."
"Surprising since she cursed me on the first few days of training." We all laughed after I had elbowed rtas in the ribs.
The fun was over once I began to doze off from exhaustion, rtas had to carry me to the vehicle that brought us here. All of us getting inside, shiku was shiped in a large cargo vehicle used in the covanent military which was comfortable for her. Resting in my mothers lap rtas enjoyed the view keeping silent, til we arrived home. Mother had gently shaken me forcing my eyelids to retract looking around rtas was already heading inside.
"I am sorry mother, I fell asleep." A giggle escaped her lips after she had kissed my forehead. Tarak helped me exit the vehicle, holding me close against her. She helped me to my room closing the door behind me myself, she sat me down on a cushioned bench like seat as she began to wash my face with a warm damp cloth.
"Did you have fun little miss?" The conversation woke me up abit, nodding a yawn kept me from speaking.
She smiled carefully removing my jewelry, and clothes replacing the dress with my night robe.
"Rtas and I danced, he surprised me I had no idea he was here nor shiku. Tonight was the best night." Yawning once again tarak had to literally pull me into bed, helping only slightly once my head fell onto the pillow I was gone in a deep sleep with a smirk on my face.
"Sleep well keila." Tarak was careful not to wake me as she left the room closing the door behind her.