It was another beautiful day in Mirro te Weavia. It was another beautiful day that called for the Brave Leader to decide as a rare moment to take the day off for himself. He had written a note to all the Braves to not expect training to commence with the help of his companion, Vetersalv to send it to them. With the soft breeze causing ripples over the large lake that sparkled under the bright sun, Gundisalv rested in the tall grass he called his own to admire the sheer beauty that was his home.
It was home to all of the Water Tribers that had in the last many moons began to flourish with offspring. It was wonderful to see the next generation of the awakened tribers take what they had begun to learn themselves and develop them to their full potential. From merchants to scribes, to soldiers to weavers, to name but a few of the talent that existed in making their culture rich. It made them more cultured and challenged their intellect.
Laying his head down on his crossed paws and shifting his large body to find that perfect spot on his side where the grass cushioned and covered him and the sun warmed him enough that didn’t burn. The fresh scent of the water soothed him as his mind and body took a much needed rest. It was a rest that he had needed more so than he ever. Every part from him from his whiskers to the tip of his tail he felt exhausted. Gundisalv’s muscles tensed and felt that heat of pushing his muscles to the limit if not past their limit. Shifting again to find a better spot he sighed deeply, opening his eyes to show a great deal of annoyance in them. This was not comfortable at all.
Gundisalv thought back to the source of his discomfort was from the day and night before. The leader of the braves pushed harder than ever after seeing to the formation of this tribe’s army. One by one there was a calling for those to come join his army. One by one through his interaction he determined if they were made for the Braves, some were even approached. Like RipTide, he thought to himself remembering his interaction with the male who was creating something big and would be the perfect chief engineer for the Brave army.
But of course he did lose some in the brief conversation he had with a female who wanted to join but suddenly disappeared. Gundisalv had gone in search for the female but he stopped himself and bowed his head in prayer to an understanding that came to him. The female was not meant to be a part of the Braves and was no doubt destined for something else. It was the way of the Grand Weaver of which he accepted wholeheartedly and without a single question of why. No Gundisalv immediately dismissed the female and moved on working harder than ever to be better for his tribe and brave recruits. Every day he trained harder. Every night he trained harder.
When he wasn’t training then he was ensuring that his Brave Privates were training and confident in their positions. He always looked to caring for them and their well being, including ensuring that this profession was not overwhelming to the point of not seeking out a mate and a family. While it was very hard for Gundisalv to find a female seeing as he made most of them a little bit afraid of him, he knew that someday he would find the love that everyone he has seen found. He did not want to mate with anyone for any political or power alliances but for love since that was the one thing he did not have in his life.
Lifting his head up, he watched as his colorful companion Vetersalv swimming in the lake in front of him, playing with his fin-like tail slapping at the water then diving before coming up. Swimming on his back, Gundisalv was amused by the little creature that he adopted after several attempts to push him away. Vetersalv was a brave little creature. He was fierce and loyal to Gundisalv of which he was glad for. Vetersalv could sometimes get in the way of his legs because he wanted to play but when it came down to business everything in the little creature changed. He was more alert and had a fierce growl for his small stature. Vet, as shortened name for the little companion, was good to Gundisalv and he thanked the Grand Weaver for bringing Vet to him just as he was thankful to waking up to see the days and nights.
Finding that he could not truly take a nap as his body in this rest position was tingling and overly exhausted yet was not feeling the need to sleep; the large blue male got up and shook out his fur. With a flick of his tail he entered the water to join Vet in his little game which his familiar was all too happy to see. Greeting him with several bark-growls, Gundisalv growled sharply then drove down to catch Vet. As he swam deeper into the dark blue depths of the lake with the only light coming from the sunlight he saw his familiar swimming around him fast, swiping at him a few times to catch him…he missed of course. But that was their game. Swimming towards the surface, Gundisalv was struck with how beautiful the sky and the sparkling sunlight looked. It was like he was encased in a peaceful jewel.
Yet the light seemed to become brighter and brighter, the sun rays reaching deeper and piercing the depths as it went towards Gundisalv. He felt the warmth touch his fur in the coolness of the water which surprised him. The brightness of the light became blinding and he had to close his eyes tightly. While he has never stay down in the water this long, Gundisalv felt no fear. There was just this light and the warmth that caressed over his limbs, relaxing all of the muscles and rejuvenating him. Light wrapped around Gundisalv’s form, encasing him in the bright glow of rays until finally the light burst away from the large male allowing him to break the surface for air.
Roaring as he reached the surface, kicking his legs powerfully to reach the shore line he pushed himself out of the water and shook out the water from his drenched fur. Vet came running through the tall grass but paused as he looked up at his master, wagging his tail yet tilted his head to the side in a curious manner. Gundisalv opened his eyes staring at Vet, wondering why he was not jumped or licked on the face or even tackled by the companion. ”What is the matter Vet? Did a water grass stick on me?” He questioned raising a brow at how Vet didn’t make a move towards him. Turning around to see if anything including a creature was stuck to his braids, he looked down into the mirror of the clear water and gasped out.
Blue eyes widened at the sight of…..of himself! Gundisalv stared as he took in the noted change of his appearance with a thicker mane and longer braids. Turning to look at the rest of his body he noted that he was much larger and his tail was longer than it was before. This could not be! It was an illusion. It had to be. Looking back into the water his appearance didn’t change just as he touched the water gently to see if it would change. It did not. Stepping away he moved along the tall grass finding that he now dwarfed them which meant if he really was changed he needed to find an actual den to call home. Not that that was a problem it was wrapping his mind around…..
Gundisalv eyes squinted when something flashed sharply in his eyes from the light hitting it. Moving closer the light subsided and right there on the ground was body armor. Not just any kind but the most elegant yet fierce body armor. Touching it he used his telekinesis with the guidance of his paws to place the helmet and the armor on his body. Once they were clasped on…they fitted perfectly on his newly large form. Gundisalv furrowed his brows as no unique scent was upon the armor or the cloths that were attached to them or paw prints anywhere. Even Vet didn’t react like he normally did to anyone coming close.
The large male sat there thinking about this deeply. There was no evidence of anyone leaving these items here, Vet seemed more subdued than normal, almost in awe of his sheer size if not a little cautious about him……and his body was different.
The sun shined in his eyes that made him close to keep them out from blinding him when it finally hit Gundisalv. It was the sunlight. It had entered the water with warmth within the cool currents of the lake and.....
The large male stood up then bowed deeply in his changed appearance with the gifts presented to him by the only one who left a mark without leaving a physical imprint. The Grand Weaver. It was the greatness and generosity of the Grand Weaver who changed him and gave him these gifts for a higher purpose. Gundisalv felt that all the hard work he has accomplished so far came down to this through his learning and gaining wisdom. It was through this that he needed to accomplish far more and the only way to do that would be to have reached his full potential and feel that his soul, the very spirit that existed because of the Grand Weaver.
”Thank you, Grand Weaver. I understand now that you have chosen me with your blessing to fully awaken my spirit in this new form and gifts. I vow to you that I will learn more and do more in your honor and the honor of my tribe. Thank you, Grand Weaver.” He said with all of his heart and soul feeling the sensations of one.
Looking to Vetersalve he raised a brow as he nuzzled the little creature’s head to reassure him that he was safe and it was still him. ”Come Vetersalv, the Grand Weaver has given us greater purpose and responsibility to accomplish. We will not be able to do as such standing here with questions. We must accept these blessings and honor them.” Then he gave a slight smile when his companion barked with his tongue lolling out. ”You also need not to be afraid of me, runt. I am still me and you will still follow me to annoy and aggravate me.” He drawled and clearly his companion understood that.
The great chief of the braves looked at the lake then up at the sky before turning to walk towards his tribe. It was time to get to work.
[Word Count: 1,851 ]
