She knew something was wrong by how quiet the small village was. The fact no one had come to challenge her presence hereâŠ
Her mentorâs people made recluses look welcomingâŠ
She found them, finally, atop the high cliffs, above the settlement. Barely a third of them stood around twice as many graves, most of which bore just a marker. She stood quietly, noting the few who looked her way and nodded. She was seen and known and still welcomed at least.
Once the ceremony was done, her mentor approached. He walked with a cane and she could see bandages under his clothing. While she was relieved to see him, his quickly relayed tale of what happened dampened the high spirits.
They retired to his home, now oddly quiet, as he told of the days past. His sister-in-laws passing, naturally. Despite the knowledge it was coming, her death still shook his brother. He had retreated to his home and refused company for days.
Then one night the village was woken by monstrous screams. A creature like none they had ever seen had destroyed his brotherâs house and soon felled those first on the scene. Foul magicks took hold of others present and changed them into other beasts. No sooner did they put these down than more arose.
By the time it was over, over half the village lay dead, severely injured or just missing. They tended to hurt and cleaned up what they could. Today was the first day many were well enough to honor the lost, which is what Nico had come in on.
Now they were gathering in the center to celebrate the lives of those who were gone. A way to keep spirits up and people distracted. Something they had learned was important.
She stayed, shared stories of those she knew, cried for those she felt close to. Drinks were raised, food eaten and dancing done. When it was finished, her mentor retired to his house with her and a couple others.
There, he released her from his tutelage. While not a Master of the art, she had learned all he could teach and as he put it, the rest she would learn on her own in the greater school of life, much as he had.
When she departed a few days later, he told her she would always be welcome and was officially a member of the village. For however long it remained. Then he laid his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eye. âFind your joy, your happiness. Your spark. When things are dark and hard, focus on that one thing lest you end up like those we had to put down. Live the rest of your life full of joy and happiness despite everything and anything that happens. For yourself, for usâ.
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