literature

Forever Loyal: Chapter Two: Presentation Day

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"Mom... Moooommmmmmaaaah. Could you please- Mom! Are you done? I- Can you- Stop!" Tamu pleaded. Excitement made the youngster restless. "I`m clean now, my hair is in order... I`m ready!"

"I just wanted you to look nice, my dear."

"But dad says nice is`nt important! We have to be tough up here!"

"Being 'tough' doesn`t mean you can`t be kind, Tamu. Remember that."

"Okay, okay, it`s not lesson time! It`s presentation time! Can we go now? Please?"

"I`m glad you are so excited, son. Some get nervous. I`m proud of you."

The two started to walk out of the den and down towards the ceremony hall. Surely the residents of Satus was gathered there by now. 

"Nervous? Why?" Tamu questioned as they walked.

"Well, it`s intimidating being in front of the whole town... Well, the whole town won`t be here today.."

"No? Why not? Do they not like me?" Tamu asked looking crestfallen. 

"Of course they will like you, Tamu! But don`t you remember? We spoke of it last night. The winter has been harsh. Some of our clan sisters went down the slopes. They are hoping the weather is calmer so their newborns have a better chance at surviving. They took two of our males with them, as well. Only one is left here to protect us. Alongside your dad, of course."

"Will I get to meet them, too?"

"Within the next few moon cycles, son. They will have to be here for their presentation days, too. It won`t be much longer. No more questions for now. See that opening in the wall over there? Walk through it and that`s where everyone is waiting to meet you. Let me go out first. Come to me when I call your name."

Tamu sat patiently near a huge boulder while his mother walked out in front of the gathering and was joined by her mate, who Tamu had met only a few times now.

"This has been a harsh winter," the large male called out.

"But we have endured! As we always will! We appreciate your loyalty and your strength through these tough times. Staying together is the best way to stay alive," his mate finished.

"This season has marked the end of many lives, but today, we get to celebrate the beginning of one. I present to you my son-" he proclaimed.

"-And your prince! Tamu!" 

A deafening clamor echoed through the cavern, startling Tamu. He faltered in his first steps towards his parents and stood frozen. Lyra cocked her head and gave a small smile to her son. This was enough to reignite his excitement and he bounded towards her. He paused beside her for only a moment before spotting a rock in front of his parents. He clumsily scrambled to the top of the rock and peered into the faces of his family from his vantage point. 

"Bold, just like you, Lyra"
"And brave! Just like his father!"
"I see good things in our young prince!"

The pride called these things out in a chorus,  which only encouraged the child. He approached his sisters. He was an instant hit. Everyone adored him. Surely, he had the makings of a great king.

He had the makings, but will he make good use of those traits? Only time will tell!

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