An Inheritance of Fire

It was late by the time the group of four reached Cress. Not that they could really tell– the sky was the same murky purple as always. The settlement was one of many scattered throughout Umbra, but tucked at the foot a mountain range, it was more detached from civilization than most. They saw the village wall first; a large, hulking structure crudely constructed by lashing together entire tree trunks. It would do little more than keep Reavers from wandering in, but that was all they truly needed. Drawings and shallow engravings littered its base; the scattered remnants of children’s play. A tinge of sadness rose as Selerim ran his hand over them. Whatever traces he and his friends had left were gone, now, hidden under the weight of the present.

“Finally!” Verad exclaimed as they reached the gate. A large wooden placard hung from its frame, emblazoned with Cress’ emblem— a wolf’s head inlaid with a drawn bow. “My shoulders are killing me!” Grinning, Saya slapped the taller boy on the back. “Come on! It’s not that bad,” she teased, then ducked out of the way as he threw the extra pelt at her. “You try carrying three pelts all the way back, then!” She stuck her tongue out. “Why would I? That’s what I have you f– ow!” Saya was cut short as her older sister grabbed hold of her short ponytail. “Hey! That hurts!” She complained.

“I know,” Senri responded, her expression deadpan.

“Senri? Saya? That you?” A deep voice called out from atop the village wall. Saya’s face brightened as she gingerly pulled her hair from her Senri’s grasp. “Uncle Dale! Tell Senri to stop bullying me!” A booming laugh sounded. “Knowing you, you probably deserve it. Are Verad and Selerim with you?”The red-haired boy grinned at Dale’s words. “She does deserve it!” Selerim, for his part, smiled at the playful admonishment. “Could you let us in?” He asked politely. “Sure thing.” At those words, the gate slid open, revealing a pathway about eight feet wide. “Thank you!” Selerim called out as the group passed. Once they were all clear, the gate slammed shut.

Verad unceremoniously dropped his load onto the ground, stretching his arms above his head and arching his back. “I’m going to be so sore tomorrow,” he groaned. He yelped in surprise and steadied himself as Saya jumped onto his back.

“And here I thought you were all big and strong,” she mocked, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her chin on his shoulder. Growling, Verad spun to the side, shaking Saya off and grabbing her in a headlock. She wiggled out of his grasp with a laugh, sticking her tongue out at him before running off— and leaving her spoils behind.

“She never changes,” Verad sighed as he stooped over to pick up the discarded pelts. Senri mirrored his exasperation. “Tell me about it.” Straightening, he turned towards the other two. “I’m going to go home and pass out. Tell your mom I’ll drop by tomorrow morning with everything.” Senri nodded as the redhead walked away.“What are you going to do?” She asked, turning towards Selerim. The other boy held out his arm, whistling sharply as he did so. There was the sound of rustling feathers as Nyx landed on his forearm, her black and violet form appearing in a flicker of shadow. “I’ll drop mine off before heading back home.”

Senri hesitated for a moment before dipping her head in acknowledgement. “See you tomorrow, then?” She asked softly. Selerim smiled. “See you tomorrow.” Wwith a gentle smile, Senri turned away. Her ash grey ponytail swayed from side to side with each step she took.

Selerim watched as her figure vanished around a corner. Nyx nipped impatiently at his ear. “Alright, alright,” he laughed, ruffling her head. It didn’t take long to reach the collection house. Hearts spilled out of crates stacked on top of each other, and a variety of pelts hung from clotheslines. Arva looked up as he walked in. Her short hair stuck out in every direction.

“What do you have for me this time?” She asked grumpily. Selerim, smiling at her tone, pulled out the stormwolf’s Heart. “Killed a Titan, did you?” Arva asked. He nodded. She rolled the Heart in her hands before setting it to the side. “I’ll mark it as yours. Let the convoy know if there’s anything you want from Signus.”

Selerim nodded in response. “Sorry for coming in so late.” Arva waved his apology aside. “It’s my job. Besides, I owe you for keeping an eye on the girls out there.” Selerim bowed slightly before he left. The cool night air washed over him, soothing his fatigue.His home was on the outskirts of Cress, just next to the village wall. It was a simple, medium-sized cabin that his parents had built with their own hands. Normally filled with warmth and light, it now stood empty and dark; a grim reminder of his sister’s precarious position. “I’m back!” Even as he called out- more from habit than anything else- he knew there would be no response. Removing the satchel from his back, Selerim retrieved his sketchbook before setting it on the table and removing his armor. The gash left by the Reaver was large, but Calon would be able to repair it without issue.

He grabbed a handful of meat scraps from the pantry, offering them to Nyx as he headed to his room. She was free to roam, but rarely ever left his side. Setting his Wyrd on her perch, Selerim flopped down on his bed and flipped the sketchbook open. It was filled with sketches. Some were of his friends, others of Reavers that he had encountered. Each represented a moment he wanted to remember. He briefly thought about adding to the few pages left, but a wave of fatigue rolled over him as soon as he closed his eyes.

The sound of someone knocking roused Selerim from his slumber. Groaning, the hollow rolled out of bed, shaking off the last bit of drowsiness as he stood. Pulling a thin tunic over his head, he held his arm out to Nyx, who stepped on before settling down by his shoulder.

The pounding grew louder as he walked towards the front door, driving spikes of discomfort through his head. Grabbing the doorknob, he pulled the door open. Corvus, his former mentor, stood there. A wide smile spread over his aged features as the door opened. His hair, once the same fiery crimson as his grandson’s, had faded to wine-red over the years. “Did I wake you up?” Selerim nodded.“Good. Wait!” Corvus stuck his foot between the doorway, keeping it open. He held up his hands in a mock surrender before offering something to Selerim. “A letter from your mother came in.”

Selerim opened the door again, trying to keep himself from snatching the letter. “Did you already read it? ”Corvus nodded once, causing his long ponytail to jump. Selerim hesitated for a moment. “What does it say?” He asked. He dreaded the answer.The older hollow smiled knowingly. “Your sister’s condition has improved. They’ll be meeting with another doctor before making any decisions.” He paused. “They want you there with them, to decide what happens next…” He trailed off. “But I suspect your mother would like to relocate to one of the cities.”

Selerim’s heart dropped. Even as he tried to hide it, Corvus grabbed his shoulder with one weathered hand and pulled him into a firm hug. He stood there for a moment, placing his other hand on the younger hollow’s head. “I know you hate the city, and I know you have a life here,” he said softly. “But your place is with your family. You know that too, don’t you?” Corvus asked as he pulled away to look Selerim in the eye. He nodded. He didn’t trust himself to speak. His former mentor smiled in acknowledgement. “The next convoy leaves in six weeks. You’ll be going with them.” Selerim nodded again, looking down at his feet. “... There will be a new moon tonight. How would you like to have your Feast before you leave?” Selerim looked up, unable to hide his shock. “I’m only fourteen!” Corvus threw his head back in laughter. “You’ve already been a hunter for two years! You’re more than ready.”

Calming himself, he looked at Selerim seriously. “It’s best you do it before you leave. You can’t be sure when you’ll have another chance once you leave. But,” he added, seeing Selerim’s face fall. “You’ll always have a home here. Remember that.” Selerim nodded once more. Corvus pulled him into a brief hug once more before stepping away. “Be ready for tonight.” And with that, he walked away, his long red hair swaying with every step he took.

Sighing, Selerim turned back inside, closing the door behind him as he pulled the letter open. It was like Corvus said- his mother wanted him there to discuss what they should do next. As a family. And his sister… probably wouldn’t be able to live in Cress anymore. Sighing again, he rolled up the scroll before tossing it on the table.

He hated the city. He’d gone once, with the convoy, and never again. It was too bright, too loud, and everything was made of brick or stone. If he insisted, he was sure that his mother would allow him to stay behind in Cress, but… he knew Corvus was right. A sharp knock sounded on the door, pulling him from his reverie. Unable to hide his irritation, he threw the door open. “What do you want no-” The words died on his lips. Senri stood there with her hand frozen awkwardly mid-air and a look of shock on her face. Selerim was silent for a second before recovering. “Sorry,” he apologized meekly, “Corvus was here just a moment ago.” Senri’s navy blue eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What did he want?” Selerim hesitated at the question. Seeing that, Senri grabbed his hand, whirling around and leading him away. “Where are we going?” Selerim asked. Senri looked back, a smirk on her face. “If you’re not going to tell me, I’ll beat it out of you.”

Gripping the bottom of the ashwood staff with both hands, Senri swung it down, wringing every drop of strength from her arms. In front of her, Selerim gripped both ends of his own staff, holding it up above his head. As the two wooden poles collided, he turned to the side, pushing her strike to the side while striking at her with one end.

Senri followed her new trajectory. Tucking her shoulder under her body, she rolled under the blow and readjusted her grip as she regained her footing. In that instant, Selerim stepped forward to bring the high end down in another strike. Senri brought her weapon up just in time, rising to her toes and using the force of his blow to create distance between them.

Selerim stood there for a moment as she found her balance, leisurely twirling his staff. Half a foot shorter than Verad, he was also slimmer, built for speed instead of raw strength. His sky-blue eyes narrowed in amusement as he considered her.

“I thought you were going to beat it out of me?” He asked teasingly. Feeling her face redden, Senri took a deep breath before rushing forward. Holding one end of the staff out in front of her like a spear, she jabbed at his torso before bringing the bottom end up in a vertical strike.

Neither blow landed. Selerim sidestepped the first one and blocked the second one, lowering his body to pin her weapon to the ground. Senri dropped the ashen haft and caught his neck in the crook of her elbow, pushing him up and back as she stepped between his legs. Caught by surprise, Selerim fell backwards.

I got him!

The thrill of victory was cut short as Selerim brought his staff over his head as he fell, planting it into the ground behind him. His arms trembled as he slowed his fall, and Senri felt him curl up and kick at her stomach with both feet. Unable to guard in time, she let her body fall closer to his, dampening the impact. It still winded her– and pushed her a few steps back.

Catching her breath, Senri stooped to recover her weapon as Selerim jumped back to his feet. “That was new,” he said appreciatively. Grinning, Senri dashed forward, staff held in front of her once more. This time, she feinted from the bottom first, using the movement to fuel a stronger strike from the top. Instead of dodging or sidestepping, Selerim stepped forward, slipping his own staff inside her guard, pulling Senri off her feet and sending her tumbling. Her back to slammed into the ground, and Selerim was on her in an instant, pinning her to the ground with one foot. The end of his weapon was pressed to her neck. Both hunters fought to catch their breath.

Holding one hand up in surrender, Senri swatted the staff away from her neck. “Get that thing away from me. And get off me!” Laughing, Selerim tossed it to the side and removed his foot, leaning over to offer a hand. She took it begrudgingly.

“Aren’t I supposed to be better at this than you?” Senri complained in an exaggerated manner. Selerim laughed again. “I’ve been doing this longer than you. Plus, what kind of fisherman would I be if I couldn’t do this much?” He smiled as he pulled her up. “This is why I keep saying you should be the group leader,” Senri pointed out. ”Plus, you have–” Selerim shook his head, cutting her off. “Nope. How am I supposed to give directions when I have to lure the biggest one away from the rest of you? Besides,” he snorted, “Those two won’t listen to me unless I smack their heads together.”

Senri laughed. “That’s true,” she admitted. “Still…” it doesn’t help that you’re so much stronger than I am. “If skill was all that mattered, Corvus wouldn’t be the village head,” Selerim pointed out. He bent down to pick up his discarded staff and offered it to her before moving to pick up the second.

Spinning it once in his hands, he leaned on it as he turned to face Senri again. “They listen to you. That makes you their leader.” He smiled. “And mine, too.” Senri felt her face redden. Untying her hair, she shook it loose, hiding her expression behind a thin grey veil. She dipped her head slightly, calming herself before taking a seat on the hard earth. She crossed her legs and balanced the staff on her knees.

Dipping his head in return, Selerim closed the distance between them before doing the same. He sat with his back pressed to hers, and they sat there for a moment, letting the silence wash over them. It was still early, and the training grounds were empty, save for the two of them.

Senri took a breath before breaking the silence. “What did Corvus want?” She asked quietly. Selerim remained silent, and for a moment she thought he hadn’t heard her. “My mother sent me a letter,” he answered, just as she was about to ask once more. With his lean back pressed to hers, she felt the question just as much as she heard it. “What did it say? How is Gwyn?”

She knew about his sister’s illness– the whole village did. Senri felt Selerim hesitate before answering. “She’s better, but… mom doesn’t think she’ll be able to live in Cress anymore.” He paused. “She didn’t say it, but I think she wants to move to one of the cities.”

Senri felt her heartbeat quicken. “What do you think you’re going to do?” Her voice trembled as she spoke, and she was sure that Selerim could feel it. Silence washed over them again, for longer this time. “If I insist, I think she’ll let me stay here.”

Taking a deep breath, Senri knocked the back of her head against his. “Don’t be stupid,” she said softly. Rising to her feet, she dropped the pole and dusted her legs off, turning back to pull Selerim to his own. “Your place is with your family.” She smiled sadly. “Besides, they need you. Both of them. Your mother would die of heartbreak if you stayed behind. Especially after your father…” She trailed off as his expression changed. “Sorry.”

Selerim said nothing as he watched her with a similarly sad expression. With a jolt of surprise, she realized that his shoulders were trembling. Though slimmer- and shorter- than Verad, Senri had never once thought of him as weak. Now, though, with a hint of sadness in his sky-blue eyes, he looked… vulnerable.

Stepping forward, Senri pulled the ashwood staff from his arms before wrapping her arms around him. He returned the gesture after a moment’s pause. His firm grasp was betrayed by his trembling. “You better visit me,” Senri muttered, her words muffled against his chest. Selerim leaned over, his bone-white hair draping over his face like a curtain. It had a light blue sheen to it, stained by the essence that flooded Umbra. Selerim laughed sadly. “I will.” Pulling herself free, Senri stepped away, arching over as she stuck her tongue out. “If you don’t, I’ll find you!” Selerim smiled. “I promise I will.” Nodding in agreement, Senri straightened

.

“When do you leave?

“With the next convoy. So six weeks.”

“So soon?” Selerim nodded before adding, “Corvus wants me to have my Feast before I go.” Senri felt her jaw drop.

“But you’re only fourteen!”

“That’s what I told him!” Selerim laughed.

“Well… are you going to do it?”

Selerim’s mirth faded. “I might not have another chance. Besides… I’ve always looked forward to it.” Senri felt her chest tighten. Clasping her hands behind her back, she leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his chest.

“Stay safe, alright? Don’t get killed trying to find the strongest thing you can.” She felt him nod, but stayed there for a moment longer. She felt his arms around her once more, but neither of them spoke. There was no need for further words.