《The Huntress and the Demon》Chapter 21: Naming ceremony

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Chief elder Daren stood on an elevated stage in the middle of the central square. A mantle of brown fur hung from his shoulders and his left hand held a bone staff. The multitude of accessories made from claws and teeth tinkled every time he moved.

On either side of him sat Harald and Cane, also dressed up for the occasion. Harald wore a cloak of pitch black fur with silvery tiger stripes, while Cane had donned a grey-brown scale armour and a head ornament with four horns on top.

Nearly the whole village had gathered around the platform, watching as Arick made his way towards the chief elder.

Arick himself did his best not to let his nervousness show. It wasn't everyday that so many people stared at him at once. In fact, this was only the third time, the first being when he graduation from the military academy, the second when he was appointed leader of his own winged squad.

Jyl, as the one responsible for teaching him, walked beside him, but only until they reached the platform. With an amused expression she pushed Arick forwards and upwards.

"Go on", she wispered, "They won't bite."

After having glared at her for enjoying the situation, he ascended the stairs. Only to find Harald smirking at him as well. Really, like grandfather like granddaughter. Luckily, Daren seemed to be taking the whole thing more seriously. As he approached, the elder spread his arms and spoke:

"Today a new hunter joins the ranks, having passed the test he was faced with, having killed a beast alone!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd, startling Arick with their intensity. He had realized this before, but the villagers were pretty excitable, they grabbed every opportunity to be merry and enjoy themselves.

"And so," Daren continued once it was silent again, "as is the tradition, he shall be known by the beast's name."

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Cane handed the chief elder a cloak made of brown feathers, its back decorated with seven familiar silver-coloured ones. Daren then laid it on Arick's shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile at the same time.

"Arick, the silver-crowned falcon!"

He cringed, both because of embarrassment from the bird's name and the volume with which the crowd expressed their approval, earning him a chuckle from Daren.

"Now, to celebrate!" the elder shouted. The villagers in response raised their voices even higher, something Arick hadn't deemed possible.

The elders dragged him off the stage and towards the main table, where food was already served and ready to be eaten.

As they pulled him along, Arick noticed that Jyl was nowhere to be seen. Knowing her, she had sneaked out during the excitement. He wonder where she went during these occasions.

Before he could let his thoughts drift off, Daren pushed him into the chair at the head of the table, while Harald shoved a large chunk of meat onto his plate.

He frowned at the size of it. "I hope you do not expect me to finish that."

"Of course", scoffed Harald.

"According to tradition, the hunter gets the best parts of their own kill", Daren added smilingly.

"Though tradition says nothing about sharing it", Alcaeus' voice sounded out.

Turning his head, Arick saw a group of people approaching, all of whom he knew. Alcaeus walked in front, followed by Aiden, Mirus, Cecile and Lyall, with Solon, Evelyn and Rina in the back.

"Well then, we'll leave the youngsters be", Daren excused himself, taking Harald with him into the crowd.

"Congratulations on a succesful First Hunt", said Lyall.

"Yeah, congratulations, silver-crowned falcon", Cecile teased him.

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