Valek leaned against the edge of the stone terrace. A much welcomed breeze was weaving its way through the streets of the desert city. Valek, like many others in Sulburi, were happy to welcome the wind because it was a nice relief from the scorching rays of the midday sun. It was honestly perfect. The older youngling couldn’t help grinning as he studied the crowds walking in the streets below. That looks so fun. He couldn’t help staring at a group of performers who were walking through the crowds. They were doing little skits and entertaining anyone who wanted to offer coin or food as a reward for their playful antics. What fascinated the young boy the most was just how colorful the group of foreigners were. They were from...Bel-Belrea? That was the name of the new country, right?

It was strange to think that the Belreans could perform so freely like that in the streets now. Valek was young but not unaware of the bias that a lot of the Oban people had against foreigners and hybrids. His own birth all those years ago had been quite the gossip in the area. He had overheard other younglings speaking about how Valek and his sister were strange. Their parents gossiped, some were actually superstitious thinking that their black gaze was an ill omen while others simply ignored them as if there weren’t there. It was crazy to think about how often he had to stand up to other younglings to prove himself! Of course it worked out that his mother was a healer so often when Valek came back with bruises and scrapes he would be healed….after a small lecture of course.

Over the years he had become craftier about hiding his scuffles with the other younglings in the neighborhood. It was far easier to hide his injuries than to talk about them with his mother. He truly hated worrying her and especially hated worrying his sister. As the years passed a lot of the fighting became less about his heritage, especially with other countries and cultures mingling more and more now, and more just about him picking fights. He wanted to prove he was stronger and despite the more open world a lot of younglings still enjoyed picking on him. They were children after all and it was easier to pick on the strange boy than to pick on any of the other pure Obans living in the area. It made Valek want to become stronger, strong enough that he didn’t have to put up with any of their teasing. It was his original motivation for going out of his way to not avoid the fights but rather to embrace them. His papa was strong and in the military so why couldn’t Valek become like him one day? Then came the big battle with the scary monsters that put fear into everyone’s hearts. It had been a scary time and they were all so relieved when his father came back.

Still when his father came back he had injuries and even after being healed his papa looked so worn down. Valek had talked to him about it, asking many of the questions that came to mind like most younglings with no filters, but his father had stated how proud he was that he could protect his loved ones against such creatures. It really was inspiring! Valek’s motivations became less and less about petty vengeance against other younglings and to instead become strong enough to protect everyone he cared about. He wanted to become a strong warrior one day! So he spent the next couple of years just practicing over and over.

And now here he was. He was older and much taller than he had been five years ago. He towered over many of the young earthlings who played around in the streets now. He was so tall that he could actually lean against the railing and look over at the crowds below. It was delightful to watch the performers really. Valek was happy that he had found this hidey spot over the years. It gave him a great vantage point and a good place to rest when he just wanted a break from everyone. He was enjoying it while he could. Apparently his father and mother had mentioned something about a school? Valek wasn’t certain exactly what that would entail or if he would end up traveling with his father now that he was older. All he knew was that he would keep helping his mother out with the healing shop while practicing fighting in secret. As long as nothing drastic happened he would continue his routine that he had picked up in the last five years. Morning chores, helping his mother and sister out, sneaking out in the afternoon to wander about and then resting up here afterwards.

Though it should be dinner soon. Valek stretched his arms far above his head before hopping down from his perch and heading back towards the apartment he shared with his family.


WC: 844