[ Backdated to Dec 10th ]

If she was going to be truthful with herself, Mary spent a month and a half brooding. On one hand, she’d made a complete fool out of herself in front of a very nice young man, dislocated her shoulder, and been no help what so ever. On the other hand, she wasn’t exactly sure if that same nice young man actually liked her or simply showed that level of affection to every cute girl in the Chronos knights roster. Even laughing at herself about getting all upset over a crush didn’t exactly fix her mood. It simply gave it a depressing edge to it, one she wasn’t even sure made a lot of sense.

Yet she brooded about it, and no amount of tea and cookies could bring her out of it.

“Perhaps you should go to the Bifrost,” her grandmother suggested one evening with a kind smile. “Perhaps it help recenter you. I always return to my koi pond when I’m out of sorts. Maybe it will work for you as well.” It had seemed kind, though unhelpful, at the time. Yes, there wasn’t much she could do in terms of fighting, and no that didn’t make her unworthy of the title, but she still… worried that the Bifrost would be closed to her. It took her a while to build the courage to attempt a trip up.

The cold of space clung to her skin and she stood in front of her wonder. She felt at peace almost at once, a welcoming sort of feeling of home. The Bifrost welcomed her, even with her doubts. It was reassuring. It was even more reassuring when the antechamber shimmered into existence, at her command.

Prena waited for her within the antechamber, looking down at one of the open books on the desk. The former knight tilted her head at her, and frowned.

“You’re troubled…” she said quietly, settling with Bifrost on the cushions.

“I fear… I made a fool of myself. I got worked up over a person, and tried to be helpful. I ended up having my shoulder dislocated and chucked into said person. And I feel… that the most I’ve done was being strong willed enough for the Surrounding to awaken me as Bifrost,” replied the squire, clutching a pillow to her chest. She shrank into the cushions, feeling small. Prena was quiet for a moment, staring at one of the bookshelves in thought. Bifrost glanced where Prena was looked, spotting a small golden haircomb. It was rather unremarkable to Bifrost, but perhaps had significance to Prena. A gift from a friend or confidant?

“You’ve done much, my dear. More than I did. I stayed couped up here for my life, you get to actually live a life. As for crushes,” Prena smiled at her, amused, “they will come and go, and if they’re really worth it, you’ll know.”

“Are you sure? I worry I’m not worthy of the title…” mumbled Bifrost from behind the pillow. Prena raised a see-through eyebrow and snorted, laughing softly. The squire glared at her. “What’s so funny?”

“You are far more worthy of the title than I was, m’dear. You protect those you care about, and embody a hope I’ve not seen in my existence. If anyone is to hold the line, it is you, m’dear. Have faith, you are far stronger than you give yourself credit for.” Prena sort of petted Bifrost’s head, in a Force ghost not quite touching way. While it didn’t assuage all of her doubts, it was nice to hear that Prena approved of her - given how they started off year ago. The Bifrost itself hadn’t completely ejected her yet, so that was a good sign too.

“I’ve been thinking. We missed a crucial part of being the knight of the Bifrost,” continued Prena. Bifrost looked at her, head tilting.

“What part?”

“The changing of the guard. Its an old ritual where the title passes from the former knight, to the new one. Usually this was a simultaneous awakening and retirement, and the former knight had taught the new one for many years, but I think we can alter tradition for us.” Prena smiled at her, offering a very rare wink and show of emotion.

“The ritual consists of three days. The first day, the two knights conviene in here for one last day of lessons. Final tasks and duties are outlined, and the former knight has a chance to pass on any wisdom they have to the new page. The second, the page is tasked with finding their signet ring - which you’ve already done - and the knight’s guardian creature is introduced. At the end of the day, the guard officially changes over. The former knight bids farewell and goodluck to the page, and leaves the wonder. The third day, the page stands vigil in their wonder, communing and attuning to it. After that, the ritual completes.”

Perhaps it would help reaffirm in Bifrost’s mind that the Bifrost was hers, and it was the correct path for her. It sounded involved, but if it could bring her closer to her wonder… Well, what did she have to lose anyway?

“Alright, that sounds like something we should do. Three days, huh? I can handle that, yeah,” said Bifrost, more to herself than Prena. Her ancestor chuckled again.

“Come back when you’re ready; take what time you need. If that means two weeks, a month, half a year, I understand. Next time you return though, we’ll officially change the guard over.” Prena smiled at her, “You’ve learned far more than I ever accepted, and by all accounts, you’re far readier for the position than I was.”

“You.. think so?” she asked hesitantly, clutching the pillow to her chest.

“Little Mary… you’re far more capable than you realize. Don’t worry so much. Now, you should go. I’ve much to prepare for, as do you.” Prena chuckled, ushering her out of the antechamber. Bifrost wasn’t sure if she felt better or worse, but it helped that Prena approved of her.

So. Three day ritual to change the guard.

Time to get packing and planning out food.


[ WC: 1028 ]