The festivities began shortly after we arrived at the lake. It's late afternoon, and there are people handing out snacks. Dumplings on wooden skewers and stead buns, in both savory and sweet varieties. I prefer the savory ones, filled with minced at and chopped leeks. There's alcohol, but I'm handed a wooden cup of sothing that tastes like sugar cane juice. The trials of being a minor. It is delicious and refreshing though.
Everyone gathers at the lakeside, where a large platform is built over the water. Five villagers are at the back of the platform, playing giant drums in a quick, heart pounding rhythm. It's loud, and the pounding feels like it shakes down to the bones. Alsantset puts her hand on my shoulder and points. I look and see several roosequins running into the water, including Suret. Apparently they can swim as well. Adorable wall climbing, distance running, water diving animals. I wonder if there are half-roosequins? Where do demi-humans co from anyways? I should ask Charok about that later. I really hope the answer isn't bestiality. That would put a cloud over all of this.
We walk around the outer periter, eating snacks and avoiding the big crowds. Several villagers stop to chat with Alsantset. They exchange pleasantries, and ask about respective spouses. Many of them look at , but Alsantset doesn't introduce . She never chats for long and brings away quickly after so short pleasantries. Am I not supposed to be here? It IS a hidden village. Maybe there's so strict screening process. Maybe I should just go. I shouldn't make things difficult for Alsantset and Charok. Theyve already done so much for . I start looking around for the best escape routes, but Alsantset keeps a grip on my shoulder, holding close. It'd be tough to get away from her. It's like having an older sister though. It feels right. Even though I think I'm older than her. She's like 24-25? Can't be much older than that. Did I use to have a sister? I can't rember anymore. I've forgotten so much.
I see Charok, grinning like a madman and cooking over a charcoal grill. at skewers. The sll is divine. I start heading in his direction. There are a lot of people watching him cook. He brushes so sauce, turns so skewers, and hands them off to people waiting. I line up with Alsantset, and wait my turn. When we get to the front, Charok's smile gets even bigger. He even hands an extra skewer. I almost wish he hadn't. I can imagine the annoyed stares on my back. I don't deserve two. I still eat them though. Deliciously grilled, crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. I do my best not to get my clothes dirty. I don't want to go back to wearing rags.
The drumming cos to a crescendo and then suddenly stops. The silence is almost deafening. Everyone stops chattering and turns towards the stage. I can't really see it from where we are, but Alsantset walks over to a rock and lifts up so I can sit. There's a woman on stage, who looks to be in her late 40's. Alsantset tells that she is the Speaker, Sarnai. Her voice carries well. I can hear it clearly from way back here. Guess that's why shes the Speaker.
She's welcoming the rcenaries ho. They go up, one or two at a ti as their nas are called, and she thanks them for their service. There's cheering and applauding, then they go stand off to one side. I guess the rcenaries are all really popular. Makes sense, seeing as how isolated this place is. Most of the villagers probably never travel. The rcenaries brought ho a lot of goods as well. I guess they double as rchants, bringing in needed imports in the winter, selling off exports in the spring.
Alsantset and Charok are called, and she looks at to make sure I'm alright. I smile and nod, and she goes up. The cheering is louder than before. They're a popular couple. The rest of the ceremony doesn't take too long. There are only 30 or so soldiers. Gerel and Baatar are last. They are carrying a tal signboard on two poles. I guess that's the titular 'iron banner'. They're very literal with their naming. Alsantset for example, ans 'mountain flower' while Charok ans 'fiery eyes'. Baatar ans Iron. The na of the company can be translated literally as 'Baatar's Banner Company'.
They place the banner down in two slots at the back of the stage that seem designed for it. I can't read the words on the banner, but it doesn't matter, because as I watch, the words all disappear, except for a line at the top. Ooo, magic. It doesn't do anything else though.
No longer are you soldiers. Your duty done, the contract upheld. We welco you ho. We are reunited once again, as one People.
The soldiers no the People on stage co back down, again to applause and cheers, hugs and back slapping. A simple ceremony, no pageantry or pomp. But important. It shows appreciation and sincerity, and celebrates a hocoming. It's a nice atmosphere, loving and welcoming.
Sarnai speaks again when the noise dies down. We've another matter to attend to, before we truly begin the festivities.
Gerel walks towards , Charok and Alsantset behind him. I smile and wave at them as they approach. Gerel says nothing, and just picks up off the rock and carries , sitting on his shoulder. What the hell dude. Stop invading my personal space. He carries onto the stage, despite my struggling. He puts down and turns towards the crowd.
I bring one who claims to carry the blood of the People. This lying son of a I didn't claim shit! Don't put words into my mouth. I can't run. Gerel is holding by my collar. God damn these new clothes.
Sarnai looks at sternly for a mont. I don't think she likes very much. A long mont later, she says, We all know that one is not born of The People. One is accepted.
Well shit. I guess I'm getting thrown out. I wonder if I'll starve to death, or get eaten. Which would I prefer? Will I at least get to keep the clothes? I'd settle for just the boots.
She turns to the crowd and says, Who will stand for his conduct, to guide his morality?
I stand for him. Baatar walks onto stage and stands behind , his hands planted firmly on my shoulders. I calm down. Baatar's here. He's much better than that liar, Gerel.
A long pause. Sarnai is glaring at Baatar. Guess she doesn't like him either. Lady has quite the glare. Finally she speaks. Do you pledge to teach him the precepts and to take responsibility should he break them?
I do so pledge. Baatar replies.
Who will stand for his upbringing, to teach him humanity?
We stand for him. Charok and Alsantset walk up to and each take one of my hands.
Do you pledge to feed and clothe him, love and nurture him?
We do so pledge. They both squeeze my hands. I start tearing up. I can't wipe my eyes if they both hold so tightly.
Who will stand for his learning, to teach him humility?
I stand for him. Taduk walks up, and stands to the side. Looks like he took my request seriously after all.
Do you pledge to teach him our history and our customs?
I do so pledge. Taduk smiles at . I smile back.
Then so shall it be. Co forward to be known, child. It matters not who you were. Speak your na, for the first ti, as one of The People.
Baatar pushes forward, while Charok and Alsantset co with , still holding my hands. They urge to look forward and speak. My heart is pounding, mouth dry. I don't think I was a public speaker. I look forward, and see a crowd of faces, all smiling, waiting expectantly. They accept . I clear my throat, and speak.
My na is Rain. I am one of The People.
The cheering is thunderous, and goes on for a long ti.
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