Araceli and her mother had been traveling extensively as of lately. It had been ages since they’d seen Ara’s father or slept in their own beds. So they had both decided that it was time to head back to the Celestial Planes for a little rest and relaxation. Ara had quickly gathered her things when her mom told her that they’d be leaving that same day. It didn’t take long for either of them to pack and be on their way. Both were excited by the prospect of finally being home after so long.
As they settled down for the trip home Ara’s mom looked at her lovingly. The pull she felt for home wasn’t the only reason she had suggested they come back to the Celestial Plane. It was about time her daughter chose her clan. Ara’s mom let out a sigh. “What’s wrong, mom?” Ara asked quietly, wondering what her mom could be sighing about.
“Oh hunny, you’re just growing up so quickly.” Tears formed at the corner of Niyol’s eyes. She quickly wiped them away, not wanting her daughter to see her shed tears of any kind. She needed to stay strong. “We aren’t going home just to relax.” She finally broke the truth to Ara.
Araceli’s eyes widened at this tidbit of information. “What? Really?” She frowned. “More work then?” Ara’s eyes turned solemn. She had so hoped to spend some quality time with her mom and dad. Now, it seemed as though that wouldn’t happen.
“No, no. I don’t have anymore work, for now Ara.” Niyol said in response. The teen Dovaa let out a relieved sigh. What then, needed taking care of so urgently. “What is it? Why else are we going home?”
“Well, you need to train.” Niyol hesitated, wondering how her daughter would react. “You’re also getting older. Growing up. You need to choose your clan Ara hunny.” There, it was out. The time had come for Araceli to take one of the biggest steps in her life. She must choose what clan she would associate with for the rest of her life.
Araceli frowned and looked away from her mom. She knew it was to happen soon. There was no avoiding it. However, choosing her clan meant facing her past and Ara wasn’t sure she was ready for that. She played with the two fingers that now had scars on them from a failed dragon hunt of her’s. “But...what if I choose wrong?” Ara asked as she kept her eyes on her hands. “What if I become like
him?” She asked.
Niyol frowned, knowing that Ara was referring to her birth father. “You will not Ara. You are better than that.”
“Tell me about what happened again, please?” Ara asked of her mother.
Niyol stared off into the distance. “You were just born when it happened. You know the story. It was impossible to keep you from hearing about it. Your father saw your eyes and instantly went into a rage. The whole village heard.” Niyol shuddered at the memories of her best friend and neighbor’s screams as her husband had tore into her, blaming her and cursing her for laying with an Oblivionite. “Your eyes, you know they’re not because your mother was unfaithful. An unfortunate birth defect as was later found out.” Niyol’s hand reached out and stroked her adopted daughter’s cheek.
“Do not let the events of the past deter you from choosing the path you feel is right. And do not think your father and I would love you less if you did not chose to be part of the Aiskala clan.” Her mother gave her a reassuring smile. “It is a lot to think on right now. Rest until we arrive home.”
Word Count: 627
Reply
