Dawn crept over distant hills, causing morning to pour onto the field below. It was the same scene that greeted every new day in the autumn season, but it never ceased to take the breath of all who watched it. A small clan of peoples sat camped out at the base of the hills, a common spot for them to reside. The people were nomads, ones who never stayed in one set place for long periods of time. They pitched large tents, mostly made of mammal skins, instead of building permanent homes. Animals like horses, cattle, and goats helped them move when necessary and provided food if hunting was unsuccessful. Many were awake in the early hour, all having chores or obligations that needed to be taken care of.

One teenager stayed in bed this morning, despite normally being awake with the rest. He rested in a bed in one of the bigger tents, hidden under multiple layers of fur blankets that kept him warm. The outside air was starting to become chilled with the first signs of winter, which somehow found its way into the rooms of all the tents. The teenager slept soundly, something he hadn't been allowed to do for many years. Once he had turned of age, the boy had been asked to keep his share and help with the morning duties. From that point on, he'd gotten up every morning with the others, and helped the tribe start their day. It was hard work, but the teenager felt accomplished for doing it and never was compelled to complain.

However, today he did not have to rise with the others. By the time the boy would get up, most of the morning work would be finished, and the afternoon would be on its way. The boy had stayed out late the night before, mostly because of his friends. While not officially, they had been celebrating. His close comrades had wanted to rejoice in an occasion on their own, without the rest of the tribe present. They'd laughed and fooled around the area late into the night, which proved to be tiring after a while. The leader of the tribe caught the small group eventually, and all were then sent to bed. It didn't matter much to the teenagers; they were having too much fun to care. The only difference between the boy and his friends in the morning was that he had the privilege to sleep in, while they didn't.

As the morning dragged on, the boy continued to sleep. The sun was soon at high noon, but still he didn't stir. The entire tribe knew that he wasn't awake, but only one little girl chose to do something about it. She was somewhere around ten years old and was fairly lanky and short. Her large green eyes dominated every other feature on her face, which gave people the impression she was younger than her actual age. She wore a long brown dress that matched the color of her long hair. After she was finished with her own chores, the girl ran over to the tent where the boy slept. She peeked through the fabric door, seeing the teenager sprawled out under his covers. Carefully, she pulled aside the thick tent entrance and slipped inside. It was still relatively dark in the space, but not bad enough that the girl could not see where she was going.

She sat down beside the boy's bed, right next to his sleeping face. His blue hair fell down onto his closed eyes, which seemed exhausted even as he rested. The girl watched a moment longer as the teenager's chest rose and fell in rhythm, indicating that he was in a deep slumber.

"Caleb," the girl whispered in his ear. The boy shifted slightly, but did not wake. "Caleb," She repeated louder. This time, the teen did not even stir. "Caleb!" The girl finally shouted.

Caleb's cerulean eyes shot open at the loud call of his name.

"What?" He yelled, sitting up rapidly. The girl looked up and smiled at his reaction.

"Good morning." She said cheerfully. Caleb's expression faded from urgency to annoyance in a matter of seconds.

"Nadette," He growled. "I was still asleep."

"'Was' is the key word in that sentence." Nadette retorted, standing up and smiling even wider. "Meaning that you are awake now."

"No thanks to you!" The teen quickly pulled the blankets over his head and hid beneath the covers.

"Come on, Caleb!" The girl whined, throwing her short arms over the fur blankets. "Please get up! We can't start the festivities without you!" Nadette poked around the cover, looking for an edge she could grasp. At last, she found what she was looking for and yanked on it as hard as she could. The cover flew up over the teenager and off the bed altogether.

"Nadette!" Caleb yelled.

"Caleb!" Nadette said just as loudly. The teenager scowled at his younger friend, knowing that she was too stubborn to leave.

"You're not going to go without me, are you?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow. The little girl merely smiled again and tilted her head to the side.

"Nope." She answered. Caleb sighed deeply, and then turned so that his legs touched the ground.

"Well then I guess I have no choice, but to get dressed." Caleb raised his arms above his head and stretched before rising off the bed completely. Nadette jumped excitedly when Caleb walked past her. She couldn't believe her little wake-up plan had worked.

"You should wear that black long shirt my mommy made you!" the little girl squealed, following the older boy as he walked about the room. Caleb looked around for a moment before opening one of the chests that lay in the corner. He pulled out a black piece of clothing after a moment of searching.

"This one?" He asked, looking to Nadette and holding up the shirt. The little girl eagerly nodded her head. Caleb pulled off the short-sleeved shirt he had slept in and slipped the black one over his head. The shirt was really a tunic, which meant it ran past his waist and was meant to be worn with a belt or sash.

After finding the belt that had been made with the tunic, Caleb went in search of some boots. The grey pants he wore weren't noticeably dirty, so he figured it would be fine to wear them. He eventually found the boots, with the help of Nadette, and was then ready to go out and show himself to the rest of the tribe.

It was past noon by the time Caleb had officially emerged from his sleep; it would have been longer if Nadette had not taken upon herself to wake the teenager up. Once outside the tent, Caleb picked up the young girl and carried her on his back. She giggled as he did this and wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. Many people waved at the two as they walked about, all knowing exactly who they were.

"Now where has Avi run off to?" Caleb asked, smiling at the girl on his back.

"Why do you still call him that?" Nadette questioned, ignoring what Caleb had asked of her. "I mean he's like your father, right? Why don't you call him dad, or papa, or 'my lord' like everyone else?"

Caleb shrugged slightly, looking away.

"I dunno," He whispered. "Avi is what he told me to call him a long time ago."

"But only the little kids call him Avi!" Nadette cried. "It's like his affectionate name that no one calls him after they reach a certain age. No one except you that is."

"Well I guess I never really stopped being a little kid then." The teenager said with a laugh. "Anyway, you never answered my question, Nadette." The little girl looked up at her older friend.

"Last I heard he was coming back from hunting with the rest of the men." She finally answered.

Caleb starting heading towards the center of the campsite, figuring that Avi would be somewhere around there. Ever since he had come to this place, Caleb had been under the care of Avi. This caused the boy to think of the older man as a father figure, although he'd never admitted it aloud. Avi had never been a sentimental type, so obviously he never showed much affection toward the boy, especially around others. This didn't stop Caleb from admiring his father figure, especially since the man was the leader of the tribe, but the lack of loving care did give him a sense of loneliness. Losing his parents at the young age he did, Caleb never had someone to truly love him throughout his growing up.

Being an orphan didn't stop Caleb from living fully, though. When he learned how to hunt with the rest of the boys, he excelled at the sport and was often the leader of hunting parties. He was kind and loved kids, but also knew how to demand authority when necessary. In general, Caleb was a good young man, respected by the entire tribe. He had many friends, and it was thought that someday he would make the next great leader. Whether or not that would happen would be up to the teenager himself.

"Avi!" Nadette squealed when she spotted the man in the crowd. Caleb looked back at her with a smirk. "What?" She whispered to him. "I never said I had gotten past the age of not calling him Avi." The teenager shook his head and released the girl from his hold. She slipped off of his back and ran to Avi with her arms extended.

"Nadette," Avi cooed in his deep voice. He picked up the girl and held her close to his broad chest. "Did you get this lazy teenager up all by yourself?"

"Yup!" Nadette said, flashing her teeth in a beaming smile.

"Who are you calling a 'lazy teenager'?" Caleb interjected, putting his hands on his hips. Avi chuckled and placed Nadette back on the ground.

"Well I guess your not completely lazy, my boy." The older man murmured. "If you were, we wouldn't have that magnificent boar you killed yesterday, would we?" The adults surrounding the leader laughed quietly at the comment. Caleb glared at his caregiver, not caring that the remark was actually a compliment. It was true; Caleb had caught and slaughtered an unusually large boar with his young hunting party the day before, which was to be cooked and eaten that night during his celebration.

"Give him a break, my Lord." One adult man said, still slightly laughing. "He works harder than any of the others his age."

"Perhaps you're right, Xavier." Avi answered with a grin. "And today is Caleb's special day." The middle-aged man raised his arms towards the boy. "Come to me, my son." He said softly. "Let me congratulate you on your birthday."

It was the first time Avi had ever referred to Caleb as 'his son' and honestly the teenager was stunned to hear it. He stood there frozen for a few moments before coming to his senses and approaching the man. Avi hugged him with loving arms, whispering how proud he was in the boy's ear. It was so unlike anything the man had ever done, which only left Caleb that much more confused. After a second, the teenager decided to ignore any thoughts he had about the actions and just enjoy the moment.

Avi released the boy, but still held his shoulder in an attempt to keep him close. Caleb didn't fight it and eventually embraced the touch. As the afternoon continued, members of the tribe took turns giving their congratulations to the boy and his guardian. Caleb was finally turning nineteen, which was the age that was celebrated as passing into adulthood in the tribe. From this day forward, Caleb wouldn't be seen as a child, but as a young man. He would be allowed to go on the adult hunting trips, which would be longer and harder than any he had previously experienced. However, becoming an adult meant the end of childhood fun and games. Caleb wouldn't be able to be with his friends as often as he wanted anymore, especially the ones that were younger than him.

Caleb knew he would miss his childhood, but the privileges of being a man outweighed what he knew he would lose. He was excited to be finally recognized as the adult he'd always wanted and strived to be. For as long as he could remember, Caleb had wanted to follow in the footsteps of Avi and become his successor. It had been just a dream when he was a kid, but now it seemed as though he could actually become the next great leader, and make Avi notice how hard he worked.

As afternoon started to fade into evening, the tribe began to shift into the celebration they all looked forward to. A feast was set up in the center of their little area, and music started to play when they began to eat. Fire lamps were lit and set up in various places and long tables were set up in a circle, where many sat and enjoyed their meal. Avi sat at the head table, with Caleb right beside him. They laughed with other members of the tribe, talking about humorous memories and other topics.

"I remember the day you brought Caleb to the tribe." One older man said, placing a hand on the teenager's shoulder.

"As do I," commented Avi. "He was very small and shy." Caleb shot a look to his guardian, feeling embarrassed. "Don't worry, my boy." The bearded man continued with a hearty laugh. "Remembering you as a child doesn't tarnish the fact that you are a man now." The others chuckled lowly when the teenager's cheeks glowed a light red.

"So Caleb," one of the other men interjected. "How does it feel to finally sit with the men?"

"It feels good…" Caleb answered, then looking to the side. "I guess." His gaze fell upon his younger friends, who sat at a table not too far away. They giggled and laughed just like always, but something seemed different. Caleb wasn't use to being an onlooker; he'd always been in the conversation, arguing about some random topic. He figured the subtle feeling of being left out would just be something that faded with time.

Many finished their meal and then proceeded to dance with family and friends. The musicians played familiar lively melodies that made children and adults alike jump and sway with joy. Caleb remained at the table with his guardian for a while before a younger teenage girl came up and extended her hand to him.

"You have to dance at your own celebration, Caleb." She giggled. The girl wore a fiery red dress that made her bright blue eyes sparkle. Her brunette hair framed her heart shaped face with gentle beauty.

"Maeve," Caleb whispered, looking up at her in embarrassment. "You know I don't dance."

"Please?" Maeve pleaded, putting her delicate hands together in a prayer position. "Just this once?" Even though she was still a few years younger than him, Maeve was further skilled at persuasion than Caleb. The way she bat those bright blue eyes would make anyone succumb to her demands. So naturally, when Caleb looked at her begging expression, he couldn't help but want to dance with her.

"Fine," Caleb said with a sigh. Maeve smiled brightly and grabbed her friend's arm to pull him from his seat. The pair joined in with the rest, dancing and singing to the music. Caleb started to enjoy himself after a short time. It was hard to be mad when a beautiful, lively young woman was having so much fun right next to you. Caleb held Maeve's waist and hand during most of the songs; the way that couples traditionally dance together. She felt small in his arms, but it wasn't a feeling he disliked.

Maeve danced with Caleb for a while, before other young ladies began to ask for their chance to be his partner. The young girl graciously let her older friend be shared amongst others for a while and went and found another man to dance with. The festivities continued late into the evening, the lamps and stars providing light. It wasn't until Avi stood and commanded everyone's attention that the music ceased.

"As you all know," He began, his booming voice rumbling across the crowd of people. Everyone stood in silence, listening to the words of their beloved leader. "We are here celebrating the birthday of my dear son, Caleb. He has turned nineteen today, the age that we recognize as graduating into adulthood." His gaze scanned over the crowd, coming to a halt when he met Caleb's eyes. "From now on he will be treated as an equal to the other men of the tribe. He will take on the responsibilities the other man face, and he will taste the privilege of growing up. I'm sure there will be times where the loss of his childhood will be grieved, but this is all a part of getting older."

It was as if Avi had pulled the thoughts from Caleb's mind. He spoke of all of the excitement and fears that swirled within the teenager at that very moment. Caleb had always felt like Avi never understood him, but now…it seemed like on one knew him better.

"Caleb," Avi continued. "Your life's journey begins today." Even as far away as he was, Caleb could see the passion swirling in the bearded man's eyes. "I will be here to guide you some of the way, but ultimately, you will start to make your own decisions. Decisions that will decide who you are and what you believe." A single tear ran down the cheek of his guardian, which was quickly wiped away by the back of his large hand. "Let me be the first to wish you good luck." As he said these last words, Avi picked up the glass that sat on the table in front of him and raised it in a gesture of cheers towards Caleb.

"Good luck," The rest of the tribe echoed, several more raising their glasses. Caleb looked around and smiled at his friends, proud to be a part of their loving group. Friends came up and congratulated him after that, all wanting to show how much the teenager meant to them. He became surrounded in a sea of hugs and handshakes, all paired with a face and friendly smile. The older boys patted him on the back, saying how the looked forward to hunting with him, and the girls captured him in tight embraces, whispering how they wanted to dance with him again in his ear.

Maeve made her way over to the suddenly popular boy once most of the crowd had cleared. She held her arms open and Caleb embraced her willingly. After she released him, Maeve leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on the boy's cheek.

"I'm so happy for you, Caleb." She murmured with a gentle smile.

"No Caleb!" A voice squealed from behind. Caleb turned to find Nadette attaching herself to his waist in a tight hug. "You can't be a grown up now!"

Caleb laughed and picked up the small girl.

"Maybe on the outside," He said, smiling. "But I'll never get old on the inside."

"I sure hope not, because you still have to play with me!" Nadette exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. "You have to promise to always be my friend." She continued, bringing it to a level that only Caleb could hear.

"I promise." He answered just as quietly. Maeve watched quietly as Caleb released the girl, kissed her lovingly on the temple, and told her to run off with the rest of her friends. Nadette followed his instructions without a second thought and was soon skipping away with other children her age.

"She really admires you." Maeve said as Caleb watched the little girl go.

"She's like my little sister." He responded without turning to meet her gaze.

"Are you looking forward to being a man?" The teenage girl inquired, smiling slightly.

"Do I have a choice?" Caleb asked with a laugh, facing the girl again. "I mean whether or not I like it, nature is going to make me a man, whether or not the tribe acknowledges it. Just like you're going to be a woman someday."

"I suppose you're right." Maeve said, looking to the side. Caleb didn't realize it, but his words had made the girl blush, and now she was fighting to keep it hidden.

"All I can do is look forward to it," He continued, oblivious to the blushing young lady before him. His gaze looked toward the darkened sky, as if his destiny was somehow written in it. "All I can do is look forward to what is to come."

Maeve didn't exactly understand what her friend was saying, but she knew enough not to question him. He seemed to be in a very thoughtful state at the moment, one that she did not intend to interrupt. Instead, she followed his gaze to the stars above and thought about what her own future might hold.

They stood there for a while, not noticing that most of the others in the tribe had decided to head back to their tents and turn in for the night. The musicians had put their instruments away and the lamps had begun to dim, which allowed the stars to shine even brighter than before.

Are these the same stars I looked at with Mom? Caleb wondered. Or are they somehow different? The memories Caleb held of his parents had seemed to become dim and dreamlike over the years. He couldn't always remember what his father looked like, but he had his blue hair to remind him somewhat. His mother's face wasn't always clear in the back of his mind, but he had photo to see the details of her complexion.

Are they watching me?

Caleb's thoughts reeled over his lost parents, suddenly wondering everything about who they were. It had been so long since he had thought about them, and he felt guilty for it. Would they be proud of him? Would they be disappointed? Had he become everything they had wanted him to be? He couldn't help but wonder about all of the things that a picture and old memories could not tell him.

"Caleb," A smooth voice pulled the teenager from his thoughts. He turned to find his guardian standing with a firm hand on his shoulder. The bearded man's face contained the same sense of pride and compassion that it had earlier. His brown eyes almost faded into the dark backdrop of the night sky. "I want to take a walk with you." The man continued.

Caleb didn't speak, instead giving a light nod. He looked around, noticing that Maeve had left, along with all of the other tribe members. The camp was dark, save the fading light the fire lamps held. The teenager took one last look about, before facing Avi and smiling subtly. The tribe leader grinned in return and started to guide the boy in the direction of the nearby forests.

To be continued…