There is always that moment in a person’s life when they go through a tremendous and unforeseen change. Many interpretations exist for the interim of that moment, but most think of it as the end of something. Where the person they once were is left behind to make way for something new
This is the story of when I was faced with that moment. The trials and hardships I had to go through to become the person I am today, the hero and leader that everyone from my home reveres. This is the story of how I died, and a world of amazement was opened for me.
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It was a nice and relaxing late afternoon, the wind blowing over my face was filled with the cold touch of autumn combined with the dry air of the region. It would’ve made others discomfortable, but I, having lived in this town my entire life, felt nothing more than a slight tingle. This temperature was nothing compared to the harshness of summer when everyone had to stay indoors and ration the water so that there was enough to keep the crops alive.
My younger brother Nicodemus, my friend Aristotelis, and I enjoyed ourselves as usual after a long day of work and training. We lay at the base of the grassy hill where the Divine Hall was built, taking our time to nap and enjoy the cool breeze. As some time went on, I heard a set of footsteps shuffling directly towards us through the grass.
Opening my eyes to see who it was, I watched as the Sky Caller of our town’s Hall approached us. The senior man was fast approaching the start of his winter years, as shown by the number of wrinkles spreading across his face and new ones appearing nearly every day. His short copper metallic hair was thinning on the sides, even starting to dim in color. He wore a single piece of fabric that flowed down to his knees and was held together by the shoulders, with a long robe tied close by a wool cloth belt and a golden sash covering him from shoulder to hip. It was all dyed in several shades of blue, with motifs of clouds stitched into the hem. The traditional religious clothing of a Caller of the Goddess Amestris.
Sky Caller Nabaranes looked down directly at where we lay and gave a kind smile. His eyes, however, showed that he was ready to chastise the three of them again.
“Lukyanos, it is nice to see you and the others enjoying your time at the end of the workday. I am sorry to say that it is getting to be very late, so you should be going back home soon. Unless you decide to join the Hall as an Aspirant, where you will have freedom of movement across the entire sacred ground we are on.”
I let out a soft sigh. This was a common occurrence between us and the Caller, since we were technically not allowed to be here right now. My body was starting to twitch from staying in a single place for too long anyway, so I stood and faced him. Nico and Aristo are quick to follow, both of them looking appropriately apologetic.
“We are sorry, but this is our favorite spot to feel the sun and winds pass over us. The feeling of Rahimateh’s and Amestri’s touch helps to relieve the tension and soreness of the day.” Aristotelis explains, but the Sky Caller looks unamused by it.
“As you have said the previous time, and the time before that as well. While it does fill me with gratitude to see the next generation take an interest in the Divine, no matter how small, you should not be so disrespectful to the Hall. Unless you are here to pray for the Divine’s blessing or to provide a donation, the Hall is currently closed off to those not a part of the clergy. That is something that has been taught to every child from the moment they can walk.”
“Well, it’s not like it’s heavily enforced or even illegal to just appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this place. If anything, Sky Caller, I would say it is a small form of worship towards the Divine for blessing this sacred ground.” Nico responds, typically trying to diffuse the tension while putting a happy or humorous take on it.
Nabaranes’ face slightly softened from my brother’s words, though he still had a gruff edge. The Sky Caller had a soft spot for my brother, mostly because the Divine Hall has been attempting to convince him to become an Aspirant once he comes of age. Having someone like him would greatly improve everyday life for anyone.
“Maybe that is true, young Nicodemus, but we cannot ignore the rules. Without order and rules, chaos and misery will spread unchecked. That is the wisdom we learned from Amestris.”
We all bow our heads in respect and give the expected prayers to the Divines. While I was a devout follower, I just wanted to get out of this conversation. It was just so boring and unnecessarily repetitive.
“Thank you for those words, Sky Caller. We again apologize for any disrespect we have shown to you and the Divines. We will leave for our homes now before it gets dark.” I respectfully bowed to him, the Sky Caller giving a nod in return.
“Yes, go before your parents have to seek you out. I wish to say for you not to do this again, but I know my advice will not be listened to. See you again soon, one way or another. Oh, and Nicodemus. Please come by tomorrow when you have time, the Noble and Guardian Callers wish to speak to you again. May the Great Divines guide you on the path toward your destiny, children.”
I can hear my brother stifle a groan as we bowed and turned to leave. Once we were far enough away, Nico released the feelings of annoyance he was keeping inside.
“Why do they have to insist so much? I’ve already told them many times that I’m not interested in becoming a member. I want to join Orion and become a great warrior just like him.”
“Nico, you do not need to whine so much about that,” Aristo complains, his muscular arms scratching at his head in annoyance, “Yes, with your Life Attunement you are the envy of pretty much everyone. But other than that, what reason do you have to gripe this much? This isn’t like the inner cities, you actually have a choice of what you want for your future. The Callers can keep asking you to join all they want, but they can’t force you.”
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I agree with them, listening to the conversation while looking ahead at the street we were walking down. Khasain is a nice town known for trade and the large quarries southwest of it. Because of that, most of the buildings were built entirely with mined limestone, while the roofs were built of sturdy wood that gently slopes over the edges. The homes of the mayor and other wealthy people living here also used slate tiles to decorate the floors and interior walls. While much of the architecture was crafted with practicality in mind, the corners and walls were all decoratively carved to give an appealing aesthetic.
The town itself was a nice place to live in, the constant flow of money and goods allowing its citizens to prosper and be happy. The community itself was also particularly close-knit, with neighbors often helping each other with daily tasks.
“Have you ever thought how lucky we are to be born in this town?” I ask, a wistful smile forming on my handsome features.
“Are you becoming more sentimental as you get older, Anos? Maybe we can find a pair of glasses for you to wear like father,” my brother laughs deeply at his joke, but I just roll my eyes, “Honestly, though, I sometimes do. Khasain is pretty great, and we live idyllic and peaceful lives here.”
Aristo nods, an infectious grin appearing on him.
“Yeah, I can agree with that. Sure, it’s not perfect. I’ve seen and experienced a few damned moments in the town guard that make me feel anger and disbelief to no end.”
As we walked down the street and the final light from Rahimateh disappeared, we traveled into the more well-off section of Khasain. It wasn’t quite as good as the homes made for the Avishani, but we and the rest of the people living in this quarter could marvel at a portion of the wonders they had. For instance, the Vitae-powered lights that were intermittently placed along the street. Helping to provide decent lighting even when the blanket of the starry sky that was the God Sami was hanging over them.
The gentle quiet of the night, combined with the jovial and happy sounds of families being together, has never failed to make feel me good. I always considered Khasain my personal paradise. That may be a little pretentious, but it's how I genuinely feel about my home. Sure, there were thieves and other troublesome people, but that wasn’t my problem so long as I didn’t encounter them.
We eventually had to end our conversation to split off. Our homes weren’t very close to each other, so we had to go our separate ways. We said our goodbyes for the night and continued back to our home. I looked over to my brother, noticing his steps we light and almost skipping.
“Nico, I can’t wait to ask you this any longer. Did something good happen to you today? You are acting more carefree than usual.”
“Nope, I’m not saying a word. This is something for our entire family.”
Now, this is something that would make me extremely curious. Nico knows that and wouldn’t have mentioned something so important to him normally. Whatever it is, it’s made my brother a bit careless.
That got me thinking about what my brother was doing today. Nothing unusual as far as I was aware, it being a normal workday. We got up at dawn, had breakfast with our parents, and then set out for our mentorships. I was being taught by a friend of our father to become a merchant, and Nico went to his bi-weekly lessons with an Adept named Kambiz. That man wasn’t the best in the empire, but any Adept is highly sought after for their abilities.
Unlike myself and the rest of our family, Nico had awakened a basic core a few years ago. His golden metallic hair was proof of that since any awakening can cause physical changes to happen. Hair and eyes were the most common, but there were others such as body markings or even horns and claws in very rare cases.
The biggest problem though is that Adepts and knowledge on how to advance and cultivate Vitae is closely guarded by both the upper echelons of the empire and the Church. It’s not impossible to obtain, but finding an independent Adept to become a teacher is both rare and expensive. While our family had a decent amount of money and connections, it had still taken almost an entire year before we could find one.
It has been almost two years since Nico’s teacher came to Khasain, and my brother has grown greatly since then. His ability to gather and manipulate Vitae, the natural energy produced by the world and used for both cultivation and magic, has become amazing. That thought is what led me to my answer.
“You are close to establishing your Vitae Core, aren’t you?” I mutter in awe, Nico having heard the words and stomping the ground in annoyance.
“By Jamael’s dirty-”
“Don’t finish that sentence!” I almost yelled at him.
“Why shouldn’t I?! You ruined the surprise, you void-smeared damn-” Nico instantly regained control of himself, taking in deep breaths to calm down. After a few moments, he looked at me with frustration and some regret.
“Why did you have to ruin it? I wanted us all to share in the celebration.”
“You are the one who let the words slip from their mouth. But by Rahimateh, you really are forming your completed core in just two years? It usually takes double that amount of time.”
In truth, that estimate is for those who have more proper tutelage and resources than us. The Vanatridae and above, people who have been given titles and responsibilities to manage and defend their land. Some Avishani might be able to do this as well, but that’s not certain.
“I know! Master Kambiz said that I’m practically a genius. We haven’t picked a specific date yet, but he said we can try by the end of the year. I won’t get into details, but he found a Foundation Establishment ritual that he thinks will make my Foundation Technique even stronger than we planned.”
Nico was jumping in excitement as he continued to explain, but I was feeling skeptical. Rituals like these were jealously guarded by the ones that created them, and so seldom find their way to the lower classes. If Master Kambiz has one, then it’s either a fake or will bring trouble to them.
“Nico, are you absolutely sure this is a legitimate ritual? You know how difficult it is to get them.”
“Completely. I swear under the ever-watchful eyes of Rahimateh and Sami. Master Kambiz explained it to me, and I’m certain that it will work out. No problems or anything else will come for our family.”
I didn’t fail to notice that my brother said “our family”, but I decided it wasn’t worth the headache it would bring.
“Fine, if you are certain. Now we need to get back home. Mother is probably starting to worry, and you know what happens when she is angry at us.” I involuntarily shiver as I remember the many hours of harsh labor she put us through.
“Don’t worry, once I tell her the news she will be so proud that I’ll never have to do chores or work ever again.”
“Sure, I will let you believe that.”