Anterra - the morning of the celebration

Day broke beautifully, salmon sky with few clouds. The nocturnal animals settled in to their day-sleep after foraging throughout the night. A light mist rose from the forest and dissipated. Silence. Then the explosion of birdsong that heralds each new day. And with that profusion of twittering and warbling, the elves began to stir.

It was a new day, a day of celebration and good-byes. This was the day the young elves had been working so diligently toward. They would find out before they left Morthar how they ranked after the 3 day tournament that assigned each student to a learning pod at Ilthrae. Some elves would spend their time specializing in the art of combat, others in the learning arts, others in the fine arts. This was how each elf received his or her responsibility within the tribe. They would each accept their own elvish sword at the naming ceremony, along with their assignment.

Anterra awoke, fresh and excited about the day. As she readied, she made a point of telling herself that it didn't matter what learning pod she was assigned to, she would be learning the arts of combat while at Ilthrae. Even if she was not destined for the brigade or cavalry, she would still receive much training. It was as important as what was taught within the halls of the academy.

The most exciting thing about today was that each young elf would be granted his or her elven-crafted swords. They would train daily with the sword they were given, they would take that sword into battle after battle. It was as much a part of them as the animals of those that had spirit beasts. Anterra knew that with a sword and her spirit beast, Po, she would have much more of an advantage when it came time to deal with those that had destroyed her family. She felt mounting confidence, this was her destiny.

All the younglings descended out of the trees, chattering and laughing amongst themselves. It was a nervous, excited mirth. The entire tribe gravitated toward the area they gathered to take their repast. Anterra was going to veer into the copse to see her friend and mentor, Grai-El, but she saw that the healer was walking toward her up the path from the woods.

"Peaceful morning to you, Anterra!" Grai-El was in a heightened state but was careful not to show it. She did not want to overshadow the young elf's big day. Anterra gleaned that the healer was caught up in all the excitement though, she usually waited to be addressed. This attention to detail and ability to recall were some of the characteristics that made Anterra the special elf that she was. Not many held her skill with a blade and no-one else in the tribe had the gift of wood-speak. She didn't realize how set apart she was from her peers. No-one had made mention of it. She received her training in the ring with them all. However, she alone had class time with Grai-El.

"Peaceful morning to you, too, Grai-El!" She couldn't help but have a little skip in her step, so keyed up was she with the anticipation of tonight's ceremony. "I could hardly sleep last night but when I did, it was a dreamless sleep. Why do you think that is?" She looked over to her mentor, and only then noticed the strands of silver woven into her hair. This was one of the only signs that Grai-El was an elder. The elf looked as hale and hearty as any other, but had wisdom in her eyes and a sprinkling of snow in her hair.

"I think you may not have remembered your dreams because you are anticipating tonight's ceremony. It's perfectly normal for the conscious to over-ride the subconscious. You will find that in times of stress, before an important occurrence, your dreams may become suppressed. There is nothing to worry about, young one. All your dreams are still in your head, just waiting for the right opportunity to manifest."

Anterra nodded in acknowledgement. The two continued on in silence until they were swallowed up by the others in the glade. At a series of dining tables arranged around the large clearing used by the elves to take meals, socialize and rejoice, as well as to host travelers and other visitors, they all gathered. Small groups of elves gravitated toward this table or that. Some were animated and excited. Others seemed slightly somber at the idea of having to say goodbye to their loved ones. But tonight all would be merriment and celebration.

Upon filling their bowls with fruits, nuts, freshly baked breads, and honey, they wandered over to the scattered tables. Anterra saw that Fenian was waving her over to join him and some of the others. She looked to Grai-El. The healer smiled and nodded her head. She rarely joined in the mealtimes. It would be pleasant to mingle with the young ones on this, a most joyous of days.

The table rang with laughter and voices shouting over each other. There were silly antics and good-hearted ribbing. All were in fine spirits at this dining table on this fine morning.