They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Quel was in the right place. Despite Zer's watchful eyes, there was always someone looking after, playing with or feeding the little girl. It was hard not to fall for the kindness in those little green eyes, along with the smile of someone who was about to get into trouble.
Sometimes someone had to take her out of the sword storage room, which surprised no one - after all, the girl was surrounded by young people training and moving those shiny blades.
Her fascination with the weapon led Zer to carve a wooden sword, just the right size for her little fingers, and Quel began to always carry it by her side. When she got angry, she would pull out her sword and shout at whoever had upset her, drawing laughter from apprentices and masters alike.
After a bone measurement by Hígo, they established her age and a birthday - used by Zer to celebrate her arrival in the village and by Quel as a countdown to the day she could finally join the classes with a 'real sword', as she put it.
Just before sunrise on the day of her sixth birthday, Zer was getting ready for his meditative walk when Quel appeared panting in front of him.
"It's today! I'm ready. When's the ceremony?"
The girl wore a peculiar combination of clothes simulating a swordsman's outfit: dark pants, a brown blouse much bigger than her size tied around her waist by a belt wrapped twice, and colourful scarves tied around her wrists. A high, twisted ponytail let her dark hair fall to one side, and the look was completed with her small sword tucked into her belt. She was so anxious, she bounced from one foot to the other.
The monk's heart broke in two when he realized that he had to break the news that the reception for the young apprentices wouldn't take place for another two weeks, according to the official calendar. His voice as welcoming as possible, he said:
"Calm down, little one! Today is your birthday, it's a day for celebrating and not for boring ceremonies." - a yellow smile appeared on his face.
Quel was a little doubtful and said: "But Zer... today I turn 6. Everyone always said that when I turned six I'd become an apprentice. I don't want a party, I want to be an apprentice! Today!"
Zer crouched down, looked into his eyes, gathered all the courage he could and said: "The apprentice ceremony won't take place for another two weeks, when all the new children gather here for their initiation. Today we're going to celebrate your birthday and in two weeks' time, you'll join the newbies and start your lessons, okay?"
Quel's eyes were flooded with tears. Zer felt the pain in her soul and hugged her, trying at least to comfort her amidst the sea of tears and sobs that began.
Despite the congratulations, the small gifts the monks made for her, the games with the older apprentices, the cake and the delicacies prepared especially for the occasion, Quel spent the whole day sulking.
At the end of the afternoon, one of the older apprentices persuaded the birthday girl to play ‘training’, saying that it was good for her to prepare for her initiation, and a smile returned to her face. Zer was relieved and approached Hígo, who was enjoying one of the last slices of cake.
"Will she survive the next two weeks? - he asked the Vitaris.
Hígo found it funny and replied: "I've never seen anyone die of frustration, my friend. It's also a good way to learn certain things. Most people here in the village are quite permissive with her. And that's going to change a lot in two weeks.”
Zer knew that. He had been preparing for months to isolate his affection and maintain his master's posture when Quel was in one of his classes, but it wouldn't be easy. Then he remembered Rhano's words the day she was accepted into the village and decided to seek him out.
The Tales of Greenfar are originally written in Portuguese. If you find any major mistakes, please be kind and let me know 🌻
🔖 New chapters every Friday!
Next chapter:
Chapter 6
"...a blade wielded with lightness, concentration and technique can be faster than wind or water, but to find that state, you need to be in balance. Always keep your sword at your side and make it part of your body. Keep your heart at peace and make it your main weapon. Strengthen your meditation this week. Dismissed."
What has already happened in Greenfar:
Prologue: The beginning of Greenfar
Chapter 1: Alone in the forest
Chapter 2: Marks
Chapter 3: Zelas
Chapter 4: The Chosen Ones?