Chapter Text
It was under the covers of the dark night sky that a babe was born. Within the stone walls of a small house—onmar is what the people call their dwelling—a woman cradled in her quivering arms a crying child. The small creature's wails slowly quieted down as gentle coos from his mother soothed him. She paid no heed to her unruly black hair and bloodied bed. Her dark brown eyes welled up with tears at the same time her nose became tinged with red, and her lips stretched to a shaky smile. The salty tears fell when, once she sang a little to him, smaller but fuller lips gave a smile of their own.
A man came up to their side in a rush of relief and joy when the Málantë bid him in after having waited so long on the other side of the room's door. His hair was just as messy as his wife's and just as black. Blue eyes met brown ones for confirmation that what was happening was indeed real. The high-pitched gurgling noises did it for them. Both parents marveled at the wide eyes that seemed to watch them curiously, looking at where their voices are, and the small hands that clung onto their fingers.
"You will want to feed him now or he will cry again soon," the Málantë reminded the woman, cleaning up all that had been used during the birth. "And I will leave you a laiquë that will aid you in nursing. Chew on them. And envinyatala to drink for pain."
A clump of light blue leaves in a small bowl and a bottle of clear liquid were placed down, on the table at a corner of the room, as the Málantë spoke. His wise eyes, a little wrinkled at the edges, looked upon them with fondness. Such a lovely picture of warmth is surely one of the best he could ever see in his work. Healing the sick has sometimes proven to be dreary and taxing upon his 38 year old mind. Helping a babe out into the world was a more festive occasion. The young couple smiled gratefully at him and offered him a late dinner with an insistent 'Please stay, Málantë.' He shook them off despite whatever pleas they said.
"Now is not the time to repay me, Seokju." The Málantë was stern in his dismissal by then. But he smiled once more when the two nodded in acceptance. "Well, Misun, what will you name the babe? A bright one he is."
Misun, the woman, looked down at her child. She regarded him in thought and what she got was a babble and a hand on her nose. He was bright indeed and plenty lovely. "Kyungsoo. Your name is Kyungsoo."
As she traced her forefinger against his cheek and called him again, Kyungsoo made a delighted noise. It soon dwindled into crying. He was hungry. His parents laughed heartily and the Málantë commented at how easily displeased he also was. Misun made to feed Kyungsoo and the Málantë went on his way. Seokju placed another warm blanket around his family. There was a silver flame on another corner of the room, within a small enclosed space, for heating. The smoke that left the burning branches was pleasant smelling. It lulled the inhabitants of the onmar to sleep eventually as tiredness took hold of all three.
So it was that, on the 20th night of the 12th month of Hrívëlúmë 1992, Kyungsoo was born.
Hrívë has always been covered in snow, the whole land in constant winter. That was the first thing Kyungsoo learned as soon as he could understand words. And even before that, his body already understood that it was unfailingly cold. The town they lived in was called Lossëirin. His parents told him in vibrant tales of adventure and mystery, for the entertainment of his young mind, how they were located in the furthest northwestern part of the land and how the earliest townspeople battled with the wild beasts of the forest and claimed their homes right where they were. Kyungsoo's red cheeks tinted with excitement and wide eyes filled with fascination were always his parents' favorite part of telling him tall tales. That young plump face staring at them in wonder was a jewel.
It was an opinion held by everyone in their secluded town. They had even given him the nickname of 'Ancalima', the brightest, saying that the ever kind Isil has given them one of her precious stars to keep and treasure. Surely, whenever they saw him running about the irendë, playing in the snow, greeting each person politely, they had all thought of the same thing. He was a good kid and his smile was infectious. Even kids his age admitted to it, some grudgingly. Simply said, everyone was besotted by the young child's appearance and bearing. In turn, he was easily awed by the workings of the town.
He watched the mámandili and the ollië with an inquisitive nature as they toiled away at the laipalar, a plot of land in their town untouched by stone establishments. He wondered and asked how the plants grew out of the blanket of snow on half of the laipalar. 'Aren't they cold? Should we not give them little coats?' His commentaries drew out laughter. The ollië, people in charge of growing edible and medicinal vorolvar, had answered him with a simple 'Sairina (magic), Ancalima. Vorolvar have sairina in them.' After that, his eyes seemingly sparkled like twin stars as he turned again to the array of blues and silvers, whites and greys, purples and rare blacks. He had continued to stare for a long time, itching to touch the young vorolvar, until one woman patted his hair that shone in the dim sunlight. He went on to ask about the mámar, sheep-like creatures with very long coats of wool.
"Do not mámar eat vorolvar, heri?" He addresses her with a general honorific for women that shows his politeness and knack for being a conversationalist. His brows then met each other in puzzlement as he gazed at the fenced in mámar. "Would not they jump over and eat the vorolvar?"
The woman, a mámandil, smiled before she gestured over to her and the other mámandili's flock. They were in charge of looking after the mámar, tending to them and carefully taking wool from them when the right time came. "They are gentle creatures, little Kyungsoo. And obedient. We have spoken to them."
"What did you say to them? What did they tell you?" His words rushed out of his little mouth. All of his attention was now on the middle-aged woman, Hwayoung. He almost climbed up on her lap like he did whenever his mother told him stories, but he stayed put on the bench that overlooked the laipalar made for the mámandili's and the ollië's resting.
"Oh, I am not sure if I should tell you. It is a secret." She acted as if she was contemplating deeply, conflicted on what to do. She peered at him through the edge of her eyes and almost choked as she gulped down a laugh.
Kyungsoo looked desperate, big eyes shined with tears and hands clasped in front of his chest. "Please tell me! I promise to keep it a secret. I will not tell anyone. Not even mother or father! Please, heri!"
"Well," her voice was playful. Kyungsoo, by then, resembled one of the smaller animals out in the forest with his white tóvacco engulfing his body and pleading face. It was always hard to say no to him when he was like that. The tóvacco, a high quality coat made from the wool of mámar, looked exceptionally good on him that all of the mámandili would always gaze at him affectionately. "Okay. But your lips must be sealed. This is the mámandili secret."
She leaned in conspiratorially and he eagerly lent her his ear, almost falling off the bench. "We told them Kyungsoo will play with them if they do not eat the vorolvar."
It took a while before Kyungsoo could understand what it meant. When he did, his head turned so fast to stare wide-eyed at the mámandil. "Really? I can?"
"The secret part is you not telling your parents." She winked at him and led him to the mámar. One of them nosed him all over and caused him to giggle. He reached out a hand to pat the long wool on its body. At the age of 5, he was only as tall as the máma. He looked at it eye to eye before he buried his face onto its wool. He went on and on about how soft it was and how he could fall asleep on it. At one point, Hwayoung let him ride the máma and he had draped himself over on top of it, laughing as it walked around. He wasn't the best secret keeper back then and his parents heard all about it as soon as they picked him up. They couldn't keep him away from the mámar for the next few weeks.
Kyungsoo’s next escapade was waiting for his parents' return with the cundor, the guardians of their town. He trotted alongside one of them who had been asked to keep an eye out on the child. At first, they leisurely walked around and played games. Sometimes with other cundor who had the attention to spare. Mind games were played for the most part and Kyungsoo both hated and adored them. They were always so trying but he'd been told that being questioned in such a way would make him smarter and oh how he wanted to be smarter. So he soaked everything in with equal feelings of earnestness and distaste.
"I am not always present.
I come in many forms.
I may sometimes be hidden.
My children come in swarms."
The cundo, Joowon, grinned at Kyungsoo's puzzled expression. They've gone through six already in the past hour and his temporary charge had been rather excellent for a 6 year old. Kyungsoo never gave up looking for the answer and resorted to asking questions of things he did not understand. The child was promising. There could be no argument about it. It was not the pace at which he was able to grasp ideas and thoughts—which was just about the same as his peers—but how receptive and eager he was to learn.
"Swarms? You are always saying words I do not know, heru." Kyungsoo's voice and words stayed respectful despite the accusation he gave. He kicked the snow he'd been trudging on before looking up at the cundo again. "What does that mean?"
"You would not learn if I did not give you anything new." Joowon, one of the youngest among the cundor at the age of 23, messed up Kyungsoo's hair which the child complained about. The lower lip that jutted out had Joowon in a short fit of laughter. "Well, Ancalima. When a person speaks of a swarm, they mean many in number. So if I say 'My children come in swarms', it means?"
As he contemplated, Kyungsoo's head tilted to the side and he looked straight into the eyes of his companion. "Your children are many?"
"Indeed! Of course, not my own. But rather, the answer's children." Nudging Kyungsoo a bit, they resumed their walk. He watched as Kyungsoo's head tilted from side to side with each step and as Kyungsoo would momentarily stop to salute another cundo passing by with the greeting 'Helcaran varya lye’—Helcaran protect you. "How is your thinking going, Ancalima?"
"I still think you are unfair, heru."
It was a puff of cheeks this time that produced a chortle. "You have said that more than a dozen times and yet you still try to find the answer."
"I would not learn if I do not! And I want to learn." Kyungsoo's steps came in hushed stomps as he proclaimed this, the antics of a child. He turned his body around to face his current caretaker with a determined expression. "The clouds!"
"I am afraid that is not the answer. But you are close, Ancalima." There was a smile and another ruffling of hair. "That was a good guess. Clouds though cannot be hidden."
"Oh right. Well if they cannot be, then..." Kyungsoo looked up at the sky with squinted eyes. A grin played upon his lips and his face alighted with glee. "The moon! Our goddess, Isil."
"Excellent! And you only had one wrong guess. You are improving." Joowon raised Kyungsoo to the air and carried him for the rest of the walk around the town's edges, where the cundor were stationed. They ended the game there and Kyungsoo took the opportunity to ask a lot of questions about whatever his mind could think of. He inquired about the mountains that loomed over Lossëirin and the forest— 'Calataurë', Joowon told him—that surrounded them. "We live in a valley called Nando Tyeldë. You have been told what a valley is, yes?"
"Yes, heru. A valley is a place with a flat land in the middle of mountains." Kyungsoo felt exceedingly proud of himself when he was told that he was correct. "So we are on the flat land?"
"Exactly! It will be hard for all of us if we tried to live on the mountain." They looked at the snow-capped grey mountain to which the laipalar faced without the obstruction of the forest. Everywhere else, Calataurë enveloped the town with its trees of silver and black.
Kyungsoo shifts against the cundo's hold. "Why are we so near it? What if snow falls from it? We would get buried."
"That is called an avalanche. But I can assure you no avalanche shall befall our little town." They both quickly greeted the mámandili and the ollië as they passed by the laipalar. Kyungsoo stared at the white that covered the mountain while he muttered 'avalanche'. Joowon didn't speak for a while and let Kyungsoo process the word. He waited, walking diligently, until his charge spoke to him again.
"Why will there be no avalanche?"
"A good question." Joowon moved Kyungsoo from one arm to another before leaving footprints on the snow once more. "Sairina."
The answer brought about Kyungsoo's pinched up face of confusion. Magic. "Sairina? The same that helps grow vorolvar?"
"Ah. So you know about that. Yes. The very same!" A finger pointed at the silmaldar, the silver-leaved trees of Calataurë, and everywhere in front of them. In the end, Joowon placed his finger on top of where Kyungsoo's heart lied. "Everything has sairina. It gives all of us life."
There was unmistakable glee and excitement to Kyungsoo's demeanor. It showed in his voice. "All of us? So we have sairina too, heru?"
"We do. But very few are able to harness it."
"Harness? You are using difficult words again." The tone was accusing and the glare was riveting but in a way that much of the older people found charming rather than intimidating.
Joowon merely ruffled Kyungsoo's hair with a smile as he explained. "I meant that few are able to use sairina and control it."
"Why did you not say so in the first place?" Kyungsoo unwound his arms from Joowon's neck and folded them across his chest, knowing he would not fall. He muttered 'harness' a few times as if to keep it in his mind. And when he was done, he addressed Joowon again. "Will I be able to harness sairina?"
"I do not know, Ancalima. Maybe you will someday." Joowon regarded Kyungsoo with an observant eye. The latter's head tilted to the side with eyes that stared right back. The cundo smiled after being overcome with the strangest feeling of certitude. "I have a feeling you will. You are not only called 'Ancalima' because you brighten everyone's day. Your future is promising."
In the sudden but expected zeal that bubbled up in Kyungsoo which resulted in his squirming, Joowon almost let go of him. But the cundo was quick in his reflexes, something honed into the cundor. And even more so to the roilië, the hunters, of whom Kyungsoo's parents belonged to. They were arriving at that point in the two's conversation.
Kyungsoo quickly climbed down and ran to his parents when he saw them and the others emerge out of the woods. He greeted all of them with an enthusiastic ‘Ananweniëldë’—'You have returned.' And he especially bowed down to Condo, the leader of the roilië and the whole town, who reached a hand out to place on top of his head as she smiled in clear delight of the child.
"Vandë omentaina, Ancalima." She bid him a greeting of 'Well met' before walking away with one of their hunts on her shoulder. The others followed her, greeting Kyungsoo the same, while Seokju and Misun stayed behind. Joowon left as well after bowing from a distance towards the parents.
"How was your day, Kyungsoo?" Misun lowered herself down to engulf her child within her arms. Kyungsoo hugged her back before going to Seokju and hugging him as well.
From there, the couple were subjected once again to Kyungsoo's animated chatter as they walked back home. All the stories were met with fondness and an eagerness to watch how their child was growing up. Kyungsoo told them all about the questions Joowon had asked him and complained about how Joowon was always using words that he could not understand. They laughed and reassured him that it was for his own good and that they were proud of him for learning new things. He delighted in the compliments that were showered upon him. He then told them of sairina, how Joowon had just moments ago told him he will be able to harness his own. That was met with amused replies. However, both Misun and Seokju also felt that their child would grow up to great heights. They would not be completely surprised if Kyungsoo did control his sairina in the future.
Alta Ocombë was the nightly gathering of the entire town around the great bonfire for dinner and simple festivities. They have always done this and have come to regard everyone as their family. The hunted vorcelvar brought by the roilië were skinned, washed, and cooked. There was a long table on which the food were placed, from the cooked meat to the various edible vorolvar. Everything always looked and tasted scrumptious, equally shared by each person. This gathering was Kyungsoo's favorite part of the day.
"Come on, father. You are so slow." It has been years of this tradition for 7 year old Kyungsoo but it always drew awe from him. Older people doted on him a lot and told him a great many stories as the silver fire crackled. Some of them and other children played with him, from mind games to hide-and-seek. Every night was something new.
Seokju raised an eyebrow at his child and then looked at Misun who was right beside Kyungsoo as they waited for him. The couple shared amused smiles. "We do this every night, Kyungsoo. I really do not see the need to hurry."
"There will be more time to play." Kyungsoo's tone carried with it an incredulity as if he could not believe his father didn't know of such a reason, the only reason. "Now let us go, please."
The boy only had to stick out his lower lip and widen his eyes before they're already out of their quaint home and into the outdoors where other people were walking towards the irendë. The irendë was right in the middle of the town and was used for Alta Ocombë and other assemblies. There was an elevated pavement, out of reach from the 6 inch snow that always covered the ground, which surrounded the pit in the middle for the bonfire. The vast pavement served as the seats for everyone as they ate the food from the table near the bonfire and as they watched the gathered branches and pieces of trunks from the silmaldar burn in the pit into a dazzling silver fire.
But while the food and games were part of what Kyungsoo liked about their large dinner gathering, his fascination was mostly drawn to the singing and dancing around the fire once everyone has finished eating. There was something magical about it.
Pelië i uryala silmaldar
Lindilvë, matilvë, nárlvë alassëa
Quiltánë ló olla silmaldar
Súyilvë, melilvë, nárlvë cuina
Ilwënna uru oryë
Isilen ar híniryan
Ólë leltë kyermëlma
Ambë orwa pella Helcaranen
Pelië i uryala silmaldar
Liltilvë, hyamilvë, laitilvë
Quiltánë ló olla silmaldar
Súyilvë, melilvë, nárlvë cuina
(Going around the burning silmaldar
We sing, we eat, we are joyous
Surrounded by growing silmaldar
We breathe, we love, we are alive
Fire rise into the sky
To Isil and to her children
Send with you our prayers
To Helcaran, higher beyond
Going around the burning silmaldar
We dance, we pray, we worship
Surrounded by growing silmaldar
We breathe, we love, we are alive)
The song went on as Kyungsoo watched enraptured by the few people performing. The set of people were always different each night and there was never a song that was completely repeated. There was always something new, even if a little.
He personally loved it when his parents performed; he wanted so badly to join them. But one could not partake in it before the age of 20. It was an important ritual that served as their daily prayer. Though afterwards, the children were allowed to give a performance of their own should they want to. And how they wanted to, how they did. Kyungsoo himself had sung a number of times already, garnering even more praises and adoration from the townspeople.
"Hello there!"
The family of three, who were previously sitting peacefully, looked up at the source of the joyful exclamation and found three children smiling back at them. The boys were of the same age as Kyungsoo. Seokju and Misun smiled back, already knowing who they were and guessing why they were there. Kyungsoo stared curiously. He had seen them a good amount of times already but never was able to talk to them. He has heard the uproarious laughter of the tallest one, the snappy remarks of the pretty one, and the wonderful singing of the last. His parents nudge him to stand up as well and he did as expected. He smiled back at the three.
"Hello!" Kyungsoo's head bowed slightly before he looked back. "I am Kyungsoo."
"We know. We hear a lot about you." The tallest one gave a grin of his own and Kyungsoo noticed how big his ears seem to be for his face. "I am Chanyeol."
"I am Jongdae. We should sing together tomorrow!" Jongdae, the one with the wonderful voice, grabbed Kyungsoo's hands and shook them eagerly as an indication of agreement. "You, me, and Baekhyun!"
"What? What about me?" Chanyeol complained with a look of despair.
"You do not get to sing with us because you ruined our plans today.” the boy stuck a tongue out at Chanyeol who whined something along the lines of 'But my sister held me captive!' and 'Forgive me!' They all fell to deaf ears as Baekhyun turned to Kyungsoo with a smile. "I am Baekhyun."
It wasn't hard to come to the conclusion that the three were a boisterous bunch, but Kyungsoo liked it. They were funny and, most important of all, had asked him to sing with them. He looked towards his parents who nodded obligingly. When the approval was given, nothing could stop Kyungsoo from bounding up to his new friends with a slight spring to his step. "Nice to meet you all! I would love to sing with you."
All three yelled in delight and shared mischievous looks before pouncing on their new unsuspecting friend. Kyungsoo found himself drowned in a flurry of arms and bodies. He couldn't quite make out what they were exclaiming excitedly into his ears but it may have been something like 'We are going to have so much fun together.' Or it may have been something like 'Adventure here we come!' But he definitely heard a 'Shut up Chanyeol.' He laughed heartily at that but air was becoming a luxury inside the pseudo-embrace.
"Could you please let go now?" He tried to voice out over the continuing exclamations. When they didn't seem to hear his constant pleas and simply continued to talk amongst themselves while clinging onto him, he heaved out a sigh before stomping a little roughly at their feet. Some much needed air finally came to him when they jumped away. He puffed his cheeks at them. "You should listen when someone is talking to you."
They were all nursing their feet but Chanyeol was the first to stop and cuddle against Kyungsoo, cradling the smaller's head. "Look at this adorable face!"
"You could not stay mad for long!" Baekhyun quipped with a laugh. However, it was true despite the joking manner by which it was said. Nobody had ever gotten angry at Kyungsoo for long periods of time on the off chance that he did something displeasing. But those were extremely few and far between. Kyungsoo was obedient and respectful hence the town's adoration toward him. Baekhyun clasped his hands together with a pleading look at Kyungsoo. "Have mercy on us, Kyungsoo! Forgive us!"
"I will remember to run when I tease you." Jongdae snickered as Kyungsoo's face flushed in embarrassment. It was obvious that they were making him uncomfortable with their statements. Kyungsoo's reaction was too precious to pass up though. They were sure that their friend hasn't experienced being overwhelmed by such enthusiastic teasing from their peers. They were indeed a rowdy bunch and they're going to pull Kyungsoo into their adventures and let the other have fun.
A lot of time for a lot of fun.
"...Endëmar is the residence of the king and queen of Hrívë. Their palace is in the center of the city, made up of scarlet red stone walls taken from Felcoirin. It has thus been named Carnë Túrion. The first king and queen were chosen by Helcaran and, from then on, their family has continued to rule for millennia. They are rarely seen outside of the palace, only appearing on grand festivities and days of prayer.
"Residents from all over the land, however, are free to enter the palace to seek the royal family's counsel which is guided by Helcaran himself. They receive this guidance through a ceremony called Alyasáma on their 20th year. It is both a solemn and joyous celebration that the whole city participates in. It is the official welcoming and recognition of a royal family member. The Alyasáma..."
For a brief moment, Kyungsoo looked up from the book he had been told to read aloud. He saw three different heads peering from the window of his home. When the three sets of eyes caught his, there was an enthusiastic waving of hands coupled with bright smiles. He couldn't help how his eyes widened in surprise before he drew his attention again to the book, but he had been too late. His mother had caught his expression and had looked to their window as well, laughing when she saw her son's friends.
"It seems we have company, Kyungsoo." Her eyebrows were raised in a question, a stern look on her face to scare her child. And just as she had thought, the little boy's face immediately contorted in fear.
"I did not invite them, mother. I swear." He would never invite them when he had lessons for the day. He'd learned not to from that one time he did. They arrived earlier than he expected—his expectation being that they would be at his house after his lessons. Misun had let him go earlier but had a pile of books and another pile of papers waiting for him once he arrived back home. Least to say, he never saw his mother's permission for fun at face value.
"I believe you, hinya." Misun used a term of endearment, my child, to reassure Kyungsoo. She did indeed believe him. Kyungsoo had no cause to lie nor has he ever lied before. They have made it a point in their household that no such thing was tolerated; she and Seokju have perfectly instilled the value of honesty to their child. She smiled down at him. "I invited them. I thought it would be nice for you to go out today since Anar is shining brightly today."
The delight Kyungsoo felt could not be contained and he embraced his mother tightly. His exclamations of gratitude were muffled by her tóvacco as his face is buried deep onto it. She returned the gesture, lips briefly pressing atop his head and murmuring 'You are most welcome.'
After a moment more, he got ushered out of the house and in front of his friends that were buzzing with excitement. They greeted Minsu with a simultaneous 'Mára aure' and she bid them a good day as well before reminding them to be back before Alta Ocombë. The three along with Kyungsoo promised her to be back by then.
"Nai varnuvalyë." She wished for their safety as they waved farewell and walked away. Her eyes watched until they were out of sight and only then did she come back inside the house, closing the door. She took the opportunity to clean the house as her husband was with that day's group of roilië.
The group of friends walked towards the irendë where some of the other children are playing and some adults were preparing the edible vorolvar for the Alta Ocombë later. The four looked at each other with eager grins, already knowing the thoughts crossing their minds.
Kyungsoo and Jongdae made their way to the adults as Baekhyun and Chanyeol moved to the food already finished. With Kyungsoo's reputation and Jongdae's communication skills, they were both able to distract the men and women from noticing the other two taking some food.
"Mára aure, herir ar herur." They greeted with innocent smiles. Everyone paused their activities to turn around and look at the two, greeting them in return.
"What could we help you with?" One of the women asked, bending down to meet Kyungsoo and Jongdae at eye level. "Are your curious minds hungry for knowledge again?"
Within the town, the two children were notorious for their incessant questioning of just about everything. They were entertained graciously most of the time. Having but a small number of books at their disposal leaves curious minds with more queries. That is why the adults understood that there were times when the books could not answer the two children's questions and indulged in answering.
"Yes, heri." Kyungsoo answered first. He actually did have some enquiries especially after having read some things about Endëmar. Jongdae held an amused and knowing smile. That was how Kyungsoo worked. Reading and listening then asking numerous questions after.
"Go ahead then. We are all listening." The young woman, Yoojin, gestured over to her companions who had, as she said, their attention on him.
Kyungsoo was about to launch on a tirade of queries when he remembered that his mother had told him to always take it slow, one question at a time. His thoughts toss and turn around his head as he tried to weigh which one he'd like answered first. "How is it that there are red stones? I thought only blood was red."
There was a pregnant pause after Kyungsoo finished speaking. No one knew for sure what the answer was. All their lives, they only knew of the grey stone walls of their homes and establishments. Even in the other towns, there were not red stones or yellow ones or orange ones. They have heard of such things but knew only that they were very limited, if they existed at all.
The colors were rare in their land and were on the level of a myth in their town. Only testimonies from the macari, the tradesmen, affirmed of such things. But they never brought back anything to serve as concrete evidence. The items containing them were of too high a price. And so, their little town only knew of whites, greys, blacks, blues, and purples.
Yoojin turned to her companions in search of someone who would answer in her stead but they all gave her a shrug indicating that they had no idea how to. She sighed before looking again at Kyungsoo with an apologetic smile. "I am sorry, Ancalima. I do not know how. I only know that the macari were told those stones were blessings from the goddess, Anar."
"Oh. I see." Kyungsoo looked up toward Anar, high up in the sky. Anar was the only yellow he knew as well. He blinked several times, his eyes hurting from staring. When he looked down, he chanced a glance on Baekhyun and Chanyeol who had their mouths stuffed with food. His eyes quickly looked back to Yoojin. "Then do you know why the king and queen and their children seldom leave the palace?"
"Ancalima." Yoojin bowed her head in defeat. Once again, she didn't know what to respond with. All these questions were beyond her and, from the brief glimpse of everyone else, beyond them too. Her smile was small and her hand reached out to lay on his shoulder. "I am afraid if you were to ask us of things regarding Endëmar then we have no answer for you. We have never been there and we do not concern ourselves with their goings-on. I am sorry."
A pensive look fell on Kyungsoo's face. He wondered why they did not concern themselves with the goings-on of Endëmar. Was it because they were too far from it? Their town did live well on its own with just an annual trip to Endëmar for trade by the few macari, and they always said that the city and its people were strange. He decided to try his luck again with making the macari recount their journey to him. He smiled at Yoojin. "It is okay, heri. I will ask the macari when they come back."
"That is a good idea. It is only a few days now until they come back." Certainly, it has already been 23 days. It took 12 days to get to Endëmar and the macari usually stay for 2 days there, 1 to sell and 1 to buy. They always came during the time of Manca Resta, the Trade Fair. "Well, do you have other questions that do not involve Endëmar?"
"I do!" Jongdae piped in, his smile a mischievous one. He had often been told that it resembled that of the höayau, a large feline the roilië tame to aid the macari in carrying their goods. His exclamation had all heads turn to him. His eyes saw, for a moment, the food being collected by their two friends. "I heard heri Yoojin is marrying someone from Lissirin. Is that true?"
The question garnered a round of hearty laughter and hooting. Yoojin turned red. "Where did you hear that?"
"I heard it from Baekhyun who heard it from Hyejin who heard it from Youngsun who heard it from Minyoung who heard it from Kibum who heard it from his mother who heard it from your mother, heri." The long-winded answer finally came to an end. Jongdae continued to smile even at the raised eyebrows he received. "So was I right?"
"Yes. In 2 months." Word in their town surely traveled fast. Her answer got another round of hooting and a couple of ‘Laitanyel!’—‘I praise you!’—as words of congratulations.
"We look forward to it, heri!" Kyungsoo smiled widely, eyes twinkling in glee. The thought of such an occasion brought to him a sense of wonder and excitement. Weddings were immaculately beautiful in his eyes. He saw the expressions on the husband's and wife's faces that he saw from his parents. Love, his parents had told him. He saw love. Often times he found himself wishing that, in the future, he too will experience such a feeling and have someone like his parents had each other. But that was later on.
"We do." Jongdae agreed before looking at Kyungsoo. "Well, I have no more questions. How about you?"
"They are all about Endëmar so no. I have no more questions as well." Kyungsoo got Jongdae's hint that it was time to go. Baekhyun and Chanyeol were done. They turned back to Yoojin and the others. "Thank you for your time!"
"You are welcome, Ancalima, Yauncë." There was a scattered snickering when Jongdae complained about his 'Little Feline' nickname and insisted that he be called Chen instead. As the two children were walking away, Yoojin added in, "And next time, you only have to ask us for some food. No need for your silly tactics."
Kyungsoo and Jongdae turned around with wide eyes before grinning. Baekhyun and Chanyeol, having caught up to the two, laughed. All four bowed and shouted, "We will! Thank you!"
The two, who had not had their fill yet, ate heartily as they walked. They listened eagerly as Baekhyun explained the plan he had come up with to fool their fellow children. He noted how Chanyeol's and Kyungsoo's writing seem to look like the handwritings in books. Chanyeol beamed at the compliment while Kyungsoo simply hummed as he nibbled on leavened bread.
"But what has that got to do with what you are planning?" Chanyeol questioned.
"If you let me explain first before asking, then you would know. So hush." Baekhyun motioned for Chanyeol to close his mouth before continuing. "I thought one of you could write that there is treasure hidden in Málantë's place, somewhere within all of the envinyatala he has made. We will tell them that Kyungsoo found the paper while reading an old book from the Coa Parmaron. Then we will get them to search for it in time for Málantë to catch them."
Jongdae nodded with a thoughtful expression. "It sounds like a nice plan."
"I will write it!" Chanyeol bounced on the balls of his feet, eager to do the job. Baekhyun looked as if he were pondering if he should take the offer. Truthfully, he had already known Chanyeol would volunteer his services. The other always did. Baekhyun nodded with a grin after a few moments of watching Chanyeol be overly excited. “Yes!” Chanyeol shouted in delight.
"I will tell you what to write." Kyungsoo spoke, face deceivingly blank but his eyes betrayed him. He was already formulating what would sound convincing to their peers. There was a soft snort from him when he thought that it wouldn't take much to actually convince them. All three of his companions looked at him with amusement. They all thought that having Kyungsoo in the group was one of the best decisions they made, even if Kyungsoo was slowly growing rather violent. Of course, it was only ever towards them.
"Baekhyun and I will be in charge of the talking." The smile on Jongdae's lips was mischievous. "When will we carry this out?"
"Let us prepare today then do it tomorrow. I heard Málantë will be tending to Sihyun heri after midday." The plan actually came forth when he had learned of Málantë's absence. It was rare; their apothecary was seldom ever called out of the house filled with fragrant smoke. The townspeople were healthy most days. "It will be the perfect time."
"Well, if that is so, then we must finish the supposed clue before night comes and we are caught. Let us head to the Coa Parmaron." Kyungsoo was already walking briskly toward the building.
Between the four of them, he was rarely ever scolded because he usually took little to no part in the actual process of playing out the pranks. The thinking and planning parts were more of his specialty. Least to say, he had suggested and had come up with a fair share of brilliance. "We need not worry about Tirmanwa. She usually leaves me alone when I come by to read."
They arrived at the building that looked much like every other one in their town, only that it was one of those larger establishments aside from Condo's house, where the important town meetings are held; the tólië's workroom where they make tóvacco; and Málantë's house, where all the envinyatala were made. All four surrounded the irendë like a protective barrier with the tólië's workroom in the north facing the mountains, Málantë's house in the east facing Calataurë in the direction of the rest of Hrívë, Condo's house in the south facing Calataurë in the direction to the long misty river Híduinë, and the Coa Parmaron in the west facing Calataurë in the direction to the great ocean Altaeäron. The townspeople's houses, in turn, enclosed them.
Their Coa Parmaron was small and contained fewer books compared to what the others have told of the Coa Parmaron in other towns and cities. The earnings they gained from tóvacco trading were mostly spent on envinyatala, carmar, and hyalini ar móro—medicine, weapons, and papers and ink. At best, they were able to buy 5 new books. At worst, they were only able to buy 1.
A soft chime resounded in the otherwise quiet Coa Parmaron. Tirmanwa, who watched over all the books stored in the building, looked up from her reading to greet them. The middle-aged woman smiled, "Mára aure, tittasén."
"Tirmanwa, we are not little children anymore." Kyungsoo stated with the barest hint of irritation underneath the words. It has become exasperating for him to still be considered a child at 10 because it led everyone to address him in a manner that comes off to him as patronizing rather than kind.
"Oh Ancalima. But I am still taller than you. And you would not be an adult until you are 15 years of age." Tirmanwa reached a hand out to pat Kyungsoo's head. "Do not be in too much of a rush to grow older."
Kyungsoo huffed before conceding defeat for now. "I will try, Tirmanwa."
"But you are in a hurry to become taller, Kyungsoo. I know you are the one drinking all the milk." Jongdae snickered as he closed the door gently. The comment garnered quiet laughs from everyone except Kyungsoo, who glared at his friend.
"I thought that was you and Baekhyun though. I seem to remember you were the ones who took several pitchers of milk several days ago." The retort was scalding and it had effectively stopped the two's laughing. Chanyeol and Tirmanwa only laughed harder. The former got punches from the two as warnings to stop as well. Kyungsoo smiled at them before addressing Tirmanwa again. "I will find another book to borrow, Tirmanwa. Do you have any suggestions? Particularly those about Endëmar. Or maybe the king and queen."
She pondered for a while. "You might want to try Quentalë Endëmar. It is the most basic book if you want to know more about the capital. I trust you already know your way around here."
"Yes, Tirmanwa." Kyungsoo nodded with a smile. He asked for some pieces for paper, a quill, and ink which were readily given to him. His feet were already taking him to the rows and rows of books. His three friends were right behind him with words of warning from Tirmanwa to keep it quiet as the quettelië, situated at the far corner of the building, were busy making copies of the books. They looked over at the hunched backs hovering over tables and hands that were painstakingly writing each word perfectly. Chanyeol, particularly, watched with fascination.
When the book had been acquired, they made their way to a secluded table. They were the only ones there today aside from Tirmanwa and the quettelië, but they would not take their chances on being caught. Kyungsoo immediately began to write down his thoughts for Chanyeol to copy later on.
The Málantë of each village is given a red stone as a mark of becoming one. They are instructed to keep the stone in a wooden box sealed with a lirina (spell) and to keep it from others. Its appearance will easily seduce anyone into stealing it, from its rare color to its shining brilliance. The powers within the stone are limitless and incomparable. It could give one strength to lift a mountain or the ability to fly. However, there are consequences to using it. Hence, the need for it to be kept by the person with the most control over mind and sairina.
By the last word, the whole paper had been filled. Kyungsoo's quill punctuates it with a splotched point before handing it over to Chanyeol. The paper was taken by Baekhyun though who read through it once and gave Kyungsoo a wide mischievous smile. Jongdae loudly wondered how Kyungsoo could think of such things, to which he pointed out that he had spent a lot of time reading various books.
"Then what happened to Jongdae?" The remark from Chanyeol resulted in hushed snickers and a glare.
Jongdae's lips tilted to a mocking grin, eyes glinting with challenge. "At least I read. I am not too sure about you."
When the beginnings of an argument were about to take place, Kyungsoo took the paper from Baekhyun's hands and shoved it to Chanyeol's face who sat across him. He placed a hand over Jongdae's mouth after, easily enough as the other sat beside him. "Be quiet or I will have Tirmanwa throw you out. We are not here to fight. Chanyeol, copy that before our time runs out.It is almost nightfall."
Chanyeol nodded with the paper still stuck on his face. There were speckles of ink on the flushed skin when the paper was removed. Baekhyun choked on laughter after seeing it and Jongdae grinned behind Kyungsoo's hand. Kyungsoo tried to suppress a smile but caught Chanyeol's confused stare instead. He moved his hand away from Jongdae with a knock on the other's forehead as a warning. He then told Chanyeol of the ink smudges and suggested they be washed off later. Everything watered down to excited mumbling as Baekhyun and Jongdae exchanged ideas on how to go about tricking the other children. The scratching sound of a quill running across the surface of a paper and the periodic sound of turning pages became background noise.
They stayed until Tirmanwa told them it was almost sunset. Kyungsoo had reluctantly let go of the book he had been reading but brightened when Tirmanwa let him take it home. They all bid her a good day as they headed out of the Coa Parmaron and into the irendë once more. People were starting to gather and prepare for the Alta Ocombë. Their own excitement was not for tonight's dinner but for tomorrow's misadventures. The feeling continued on until they were put to bed and even in their sleep.
Least to say, the plan was a success. The next morning, the four children started as soon as their parents had left them all together to play. It had been with a little reluctance from the parents who had an inkling there was something up that day. After innocent smiles and reassurances, the friends were finally alone and they trudged over to the other children who unknowingly welcomed them into the group. Minutes later, there were less children seen at the irendë and footprints could be found leading to Málantë's house. While the rest sneaked around and snooped all over the place, the masterminds of this expedition were safely outside, pretending they were uninterested in the stone and playing amongst themselves. The four held back their laughters as the owner of the house arrived and started scolding the children found inside.
"We never told them to go inside, Málantë." Once fingers were pointed, Baekhyun immediately stepped in and reasoned with the apothecary. "We simply showed them something interesting we found in the Coa Parmaron."
Even the children could not help but agree because it was exactly that which Baekhyun and Jongdae did. They were unaware of the manipulations they were subjected to by the words the two had spoken. Even if neither had outright told their peers to look for it, they steered the conversation well enough to burn curiosities. They ended up successful in escaping punishment from Málantë. Punishment from their parents was a whole different topic altogether.
All of the four's parents knew their hand at this and rightfully forbade them to be in the company of each other for 3 days to contemplate on what they have done. Unfortunately for the people in the town, they had come up with more elaborate plans in those 3 days—mostly Baekhyun. Kyungsoo had his lessons, Jongdae had his books on the different towns and cities, and Chanyeol had his songs and poems. There was never a boring day with the four children up and about.
"Where are we going, father, mother?" Kyungsoo looked to his parents. No longer did he strain to tilt his head up. He had surpassed his mother and was only inches smaller than his father. They both smiled at him, secretive and amused.
"You will see, hinya. Be patient." Misun placed a hand on her son's shoulder, tapping her fingers lightly before placing her hand back to her side. "Surprises are not called such if they are revealed beforehand."
"Yes, mother." There was tiny bit of embarrassment coloring Kyungsoo's cheeks. It had been some time since his parents had lightly teased him like this. He was now 15, an age at which people were considered almost adults. It was at this age they chose which profession they would have and start to learn under a master. No one was surprised when Kyungsoo had chosen to be a roilië like his parents when asked on his birthday. His wit well-matched the skills of his hand.
He thought back to the Alta Ocombë, the night of his birthday a few nights ago. He had been the person of honor then with songs to Helcaran seeking guidance for him. Everyone had the mission of stuffing him full. His three dear friends laughed at his predicament until he pointed out that they had looked worse on their 15th birthdays. But he had taken everything in stride because it has always been like that in the tradition of their town. The 1st, 15th, and 20th birthdays of a person were the most meaningful in one's life, and they celebrated these with much festivity.
"Are you excited to begin your training, Kyungsoo?" Seokju began a light-hearted conversation as they walked past houses and politely greeted the people they passed by.
"I am. I know I will learn a lot from you and mother." Kyungsoo's smile was bright and hopeful. If he were completely honest, the prospect of starting his training soon had him staying up late some nights. His mother always had that knowing smile greeting him in the morning as she gave him a cup of warm tea. "It will be nice to finally explore the forest past the set boundaries."
“Oh, but I remember quite well a group of four young boys going past them and entering the more dangerous parts of Calataurë without any supervision or even weapons to defend themselves with." A hint of barely hidden laughter could be heard in Seokju's voice. His words eliciting a laugh from his wife and a groan from his son. "Why, I think you were one of them, Kyungsoo."
It was true. 3 years ago, they had the most brilliant—and that is said in very loose terms—idea to go on an adventure in Calataurë and see what wonders it had hidden between the brown and black trunks of its trees. Luckily for them, they did not meet any predators in their path, only small creatures that Jongdae, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol said looked like Kyungsoo. They found themselves with mouthfuls of snow minutes after their constant teasing. It had not been long on their journey that the roilië on a hunt that day found them. Jongdae blamed Baekhyun for stopping at every new vorolvar they had encountered and Chanyeol for being in a daze and spouting poetic lines about everything they came across. Kyungsoo was spared the blame because he and Jongdae were leading the trek and exchanging imaginative thoughts of what may lie ahead. Needless to say, they were forbidden from entering the forest again without accompaniment, along with a month long punishment of repeatedly writing down why it was dangerous and why there were boundaries set by the roilië that should not be ignored.
"Father, may we please lay that to rest already? I have learned from my mistake." Kyungsoo hid his warm face underneath his hands with a shake of his head. His parents had no mercy when they were set out on embarrassing him. He mumbled to himself, "Will this never end?"
"I think it is a nice reminder to the younger ones not to go running about and breaking the rules." Misun openly grinned at her son's discomfort. It was only in these moments did she feel like he was a child again. He had matured too quickly for her liking. She was quite thankful to Chanyeol, Jongdae, and Baekhyun for being the ones to coax out the childishness in her son as he continued to become a little more solemn each year. She had wondered of the reason when she first noticed it but came to the conclusion that it was just the way Kyungsoo was. He had always been on the quiet side, watching his surroundings instead of actively taking part in them, content in his own space and mind. His love for singing was the only thing that had him willing to be in the lights of attention and a constant onslaught of praises. "Do you not think so?"
Kyungsoo grimaced at the thought of becoming known for such a reason until time ceased to exist. "I would rather if we were not made an example to the children."
"You speak as if you are not a child yourself, Kyungsoo. You are only 15. There is much growth for you to experience still." Seokju's hand came up to ruffle Kyungsoo's hair affectionately. He smiled as his eyes took in the almost unnoticeable jut of his son's lower lip. There were surely some things that will not change if one were to look close enough. He too shared in his wife's longing for Kyungsoo's childhood. However, they both agreed that their son had grown beautifully—his appearance, his mind, and his heart. He was their pride, the physical evidence of their good upbringing. "You are a long way to 60."
With the reminder, Kyungsoo felt a sadness creep up on him. Both of his parents were already 41 years old. In 19 years, they will leave him for the afterlife.
Everyone died when they turn 60, exactly on their birthday. They said it was because life was already fulfilled to its fullest at that age. There was nothing more to do after helping the town prosper, raising a child into adulthood, and welcoming a grandchild into the world. It happened by Helcaran's will and knowledge. Effírië, the passing, was always at night and always peaceful from the closing of eyes to the last breath drawn. Orosta, the ascension, was the burning ritual where they send the soul from the flames and into the heavens. But of course, all this was not without grief nor longing for the one who has left.
"Do not be so down-hearted, hinya. Today is a happy day. It will do no good to dwell on things that are not yet to pass." Misun held her son's hand. Death was inevitable and they had accepted that. What they could do was focus on the present, on Kyungsoo who still needs their guidance and strength. "Smile, Kyungsoo. You are most beautiful when you smile."
Kyungsoo tried his best to do as he was told and Misun was happy enough with his shaky smile. He gripped her hand tightly in his own, feeling comfort when she squeezed back. His father clapped a hand on his shoulder and held him to a stop.
"Here we are!" They all looked toward the open door from where a dizzying amount of hot air wafted from. It was rare for them to sweat but becoming accustomed to the cold had beads of perspiration forming on their foreheads and necks. That was only from being outside of the building.
Seokju's exclamation was met by silence from Kyungsoo. The boy had been stunned to see that they were standing in front of Tano's workshop, the town's smith. It only meant one thing. He looked back and forth from his father to his mother and then to the entrance. There was undeniable hope twinkling in his eyes. Short laughs escaped from his parents' lips.
"Yes, Kyungsoo. We are here to acquire your sicil and quinga piliniyë." Seokju's answer to Kyungsoo's silent enquiry made his son's lips stretch into one of the happiest smiles he has ever seen on them. They would have given their son his dagger and bow and arrows on his birthday if not for the off-chance that he decided not to be a roilië. "We made an order on your birthday."
Kyungsoo embraced his parents. "I-thank you so much. Thank you."
"Oh come now. Of course you are going to have your own." Delicate-looking hands move up and down against Kyungsoo's back. Misun's tone is a bit chiding but mostly delighted. "But you are most welcome."
They moved away after Misun's words but her hand held onto Kyungsoo's and Seokju's hand laid atop Kyungsoo's shoulder. He mused, "Shall we get in and see what Tano has made for Kyungsoo? I am quite excited as well."
They were welcomed as warm as the place was. Tano was one for theatrics and built up the three's anticipation as to what he had in store. For all the wait, the weapons were worth it. The sicil glinted sharply amidst the burning flames within the room. Near its hilt was an engraved sun which Tano had told was 'perfect for our Ancalima'. (By then, Kyungsoo had just had about enough of his nickname, having been teased about it all these years by his friends. However, he tried not to grimace and indulged the man who went on further to say that the idea came to him in a dream.) Even his quinga piliniyë had little suns engraved at the ends. His parents received all of it well. Kyungsoo, by the end, also did despite the initial reluctance on the chosen design. He had to admit that there was something captivating about them.
It was weeks before he was able to use them, however, as his parents first taught him of stealth and directions. They showed him how to find his way in the maze of the forest, had him memorize the routes that have been well used by the roilië. They had him make his own paths and his own markings on the trunks.
When he was deemed ready, the quinga piliniyë were the first to be mastered. It took him some considerable time to be comfortable with them but he didn't mind since he had his friends as target practice when they each finished with their own lessons—Jongdae with Joowon and the other cundor, Chanyeol with the quettelië, and Baekhyun with Málantë. Jongdae often caused trouble to Joowon with his unsanctioned trips to Calataur. He still turned out to be one of the best apprentices. Everyone had laughed heartily at Chanyeol’s choice to be a quetteli. It didn’t seem to suit his loud nature. He proved them wrong when he did his work splendidly. Baekhyun had been the most surprising. No one ever thought for a second that the boisterous prankster would choose such a level-headed profession. But he did and he had been accepted as Málantë's apprentice.
After a few incidents with his friends and his quinga piliniyë, he went on to his sicil. It was easier for him to regard the sicil as an extension of his body than the quinga pilinyë. He learned the swiftest ways of killing different kinds of vorcelvar without granting them much pain. He had made it a habit to pray to Helcaran after every kill, wishing for its soul to join others in heaven.
The other roilië and their apprentices smiled at him in what he came to understand as mild condescension, commenting on how pure a heart he had. His parents would tell him time and again that they agreed with the others. He indeed had a pure heart. They went on to say that it made him more desirable, even more beautiful than he already was. His friends, on the other hand, would tease him, asking how he could be so kind to vorcelvar when he was so violent to them. He responded in kind by smacking their heads.
By the age of 16, Kyungsoo was already participating in a few of the hunts. He would be accompanied by one of his parents at first but they eventually let him go on his own. There were some mishaps of scratches and bites but they were never serious enough to end his life. Jongdae was always there at the outskirts of town to help him walk to Málantë's place. Baekhyun always healed him but not without the constant teasing. Chanyeol never failed to entertain him with songs and music as he rested.
When he turned 17, Condo officially appointed him as one of the roilië and he frequented the forest more, taking up his mother's place. And a routine had been established between him and his friends. He and Jongdae would meet up as their works end. They would grab hold of Chanyeol who was by far the noisiest of the quettelië though he seemed to have grown on them. Baekhyun would be waiting for them outside of Málantë's house with some food he had managed to plead for from those preparing for the Alta Ocombë.
His mornings and evenings were always spent with his parents in the comforts of their home. Kyungsoo felt happy with what he had and who he shared his time with. Days were never dull and nights were always peaceful. Life was good.
