Kaya: The Beginning

[vinralfakyn2]

Note: No one has to join this if they don't want to. This is the beginning story for my character so I will probably need to double post so it doesn't get too long.

[vinralfakyn2]

Kaya awoke from her trance-like sleep to find the sun's rays shining down on her face. She loved the forest. The way that her room swayed in the breeze made it seem like it was just an ordinary day, but she knew that it wasn't. There was no training today. She knew that it was her time. As Kaya began to turn on the water for her morning bath, she reflected on the previous day....Islanzadi had called for her. As she nervously walked to the Queen's throne room, she opened the door to a shining face. Kaya preformed the traditional elf greeting, "Atra esterni ono theldiun" the Queen replied, "Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr" with a sweeping bow, Kaya replied "Un du evarinya ono varda." After finishing the long formailities, Kaya spoke. "You wished to see me my Queen?" Islanzadi, with a smile on her face, replied, "Yes I did, and for good reason too. You know what tomorrow brings, yes? Good. Not only is it the Agaeti Blodhren, but a time when our youth have the chance to test their luck as future riders. I would like you to partake in this as well as the celebration. It is my hope that an egg will hatch for you." Kaya replied, "Yes Islanzadi svit-kona. I will do my best to please you." "Good. I hope to see you tomorrow." Islanzadi replied with a curt nod, signaling Kaya's dismissal.
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After replaying through yesterday's events, Kaya went back to the task at hand. Her bath. As she slipped into the warm water, she began thinking of how she would spend her day until the festival began. First, I think that I will go to the training field to brush up on my skills. You never know when you might need them. After that, I think that I will goo back to my room so that I can finish my painting for the Agaeti Blodhren. Satisfied with her plans for the day, Kaya quickly dried off and put on her favorite tunic. With a flourish, she turned around, buckling her sword, and dashed out the door. As she strolled through the streets, she could feel all of the life around her. With a smile on her face, she dashed off towards the training field. Kaya met with her friend Parix and they sparred for a while. After a few hours of sparring, Kaya returned home for her bow. She continued to practice until the light started to fade. Kaya quickly ran to her room so she could finish her work in time. A couple hours later and she was finished. She had painted the view outside one of her windows. It was a single tree surrounded by exotic flowers and animals. It was one of her favorite places in the garden. As Kaya began to clean up, she heard a knock at the door. She opened the door to an elvish guard, "Lady Kaya, Islanzadi has asked me to escort you to the Menoa tree to make sure that you arrive on time." "One minute. Let me change into a more proper outfit." Kaya replied as she closed the door. A minute later, Kaya opened the door to see the elvish guard still waiting for her. "Right this way please" said the guard while showing her the way. After a few minutes of walking, the Menoa tree was in sight. Kaya watched as Islanzadi placed the werelight inside the tree. A loud shout went up as the celebration began.
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As tables appeared with food, Kaya began to celebrate. She had never felt so alive! The three days of the Agaeti Blodhren passed in a blur of music and dancing. During the final hours of the celebration, a single clear note echoed throughout the forest. Kaya tensed as the sound passed over her. It was the signal for the rider testing. Slowly, Kaya began to make her way towards the Menoa tree where the eggs were waiting for potential riders. As Kaya stepped up to the eggs, she ran her hand over each one. They were cold and hard and looked more like rare stones than eggs. As Kaya neared the end of the eggs, she began to loose hope. Maybe, she thought, I was never supposed to be a rider. As soon as the thought had left her head, she felt a tremor underneath her hand. She looked down to see a black egg shaking uncontrollably. The elves watched in silence as the egg began to crack. As soon as a small, slimy black dragon emerged and uttered its first squeak, the elves cheered. Kaya smiled, Me? A rider? No way!, as she placed her hand on the small creature, she felt a blast of energy climb up her arm. A gasp fell from her lips as she saw the silver oval appear on her hand. She was now a rider. As thoughts swirled around in her head, she could feel something new. It felt as though she was being watched. Kaya walked down from the tree to see the same elf guard waiting for her. "My lady, Islanzadi had asked me to escort you to your room. There is food for you and your dragon waiting there. The Queen wanted me to also relay the message that she will summon you in the morning." Kaya walked home in a daze. As she closed her door, she was finally able to relax. She set the dark bundle in her arms down and watched it as it began exploring her room. As kaya sat down, she picked up a tray with meat on it. As soon as it had left the ground she could hear the dragon squeaking. A thought filled her mind. A furious hunger. Strip by strip she fed the hatchling until its stomach was bloated. A clear peal of laughter erupted from her throat as she watched the little creature totter away on now unsteady legs. Kaya stood up, calling to her new friend, "Come little one, it is time to sleep." Kaya picked up the little black dragon and set it on her bed. The little dragon curled up on her back as she slowly fell asleep.
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As she awoke, Kaya heard the same squeaking sound as before. Again?, she thought, Do they never get full? Kaya looked down to see that her small dragon had doubled in size from the night before. Kaya quickly fed the dragon as she heard a knock at the door. Kaya could hear a clear voice on the other side, "My lady, the Queen would like to see you. Please go to the throne room as soon as you can. As Kaya began to change into more formal clothing, she felt a thought enter her mind. It was curious and probing. As Kaya looked to the dragon, she could tell that it was the source of this new thought. Kaya thought, I can hear its thoughts? Yes, A voice replied. Kaya thought, who are you? The voice replied, Do you not know? I have no name because you have not given me one yet. Immediately, Kaya knew that it was her dragon. Ok then, she thought, Let's think of a name for you! After going through numerous names one finally stuck. How about Helmanin? That's a good name!, the dragon replied. So you are a boy? No wonder it took so long to find a name! I was giving you girl names! As Kaya realized her mistake a peal of laughter escaped her. Ok Helmanin, now that we have a name for you, let's go see the Queen.
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Helmanin glided to Kaya's shoulder as she dashed out the door. Sooner than she realized, Kaya found herself back in the throne room. After the formalities were completed, the Queen spoke, "Kaya, I knew that this day would come for you! You have brought a great blessing to our people! You will be taught by Oromis in the way of the dragon rider. You will start today. Please go to his home, and may you have luck and success in your new journey." Kaya, smiling, bowed, " Yes Islanzadi svit-kona, I will do my best." "Kaya," Islanzadi called, "I will watch your training. After your basic training is over, I will summon you again." Kaya was dismissed with a small nod.
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As Kaya left the elven place, she found Maud. "Hello Varda!" Kaya called out as she saw a little old lady appear out of one of the shops nearby. As Maud turned around, Kaya could see her little sharp teeth were visible in a grin. Hello Kaya. I thought that I would find you around here somewhere. I wanted to see your new dragon. Helmanin isn't it? "Why yes it is! He's amazing isn't he?" Kaya replied. "I'm going to visit Oromis for training, could you show me the way please?" With a small chuckle Maud replied, Why not? A little exercise would do me good! After a long walk, Kaya finally found Oromis' house. As she knocked on the door an old man appeared. "Welcome child. I have been waiting for you. You may call me ebrithil." Kaya replied, "Yes ebrithil." As she entered the sparsely decorated room she heard Oromis say, "There is much work to be done and we must be quick about it. Quick my child, we will start now....."

[vinralfakyn2]

After a year of training, Kaya had learned many new things about dragons, dragon riders, magic, fighting, and the world around her. During this time Kaya, along with Helmanin, had grown. She was now more muscular and developed a talent for flying. Helmanin's shoulder was now well past Kaya's head. He had learned much during his training as well. He could now perform difficult aerial manuvers and could breathe fire. During their training, their bond had also strengthened. Kaya and Helmanin were now one. As unrest appeared in the land, Kaya knew that her time training was coming to an end. It was her final day as a full-fledged student. She would continue to learn, but not at the pace she was currently at. It was time for her to accept the duties of a rider. She made her way to Oromis' house for her final lesson. After learning all that she could that day, Kaya walked back with Oromis to his house. "My child," he spoke, "Your training is far from done. I know that you are eager to test your abilities as a rider, but make your decisions wisely. Promise that whenever you have a chance, you will come back to learn more." With a bow, Kaya replied, "Yes ebrithil, I will make you proud." After a quick embrace, Kaya mounted Helmanin, ready to take off. "Wait." Oromis quietly said. "I have a gift for your departure." Kaya watched as her master came back from his house with a long object covered by a soft sheet. "What is it?" Kaya questioned her master. "Open it and you will see." Kaya took the object from Oromis and slowly started to unwrap it. She took the blanket off to reveal an exquisitely made leather sheathe. It was a sword. Kaya slowly drew the gift to reveal a long and slender sword make from the finest material. It was inscribed with golden runes spelling the name Edoc' sil. Unconquerable. "I had this sword made for you in preparation for this day. Apply your teachings to your actions and you will be like your sword. Unconquerable. This sword is what I wish you to be. Go forth young rider. Be the symbol that our race needs. Be unwaivering in your actions, be kind to those around you, and have courage to change the world." Oromis finished his speech with a proud smile on his face. "Master, we take your teachings to heart. Know that we will fight for what is right. Good bye master. We will see you again. We vow to come back for we have not yet learned all that you have to teach." With a bow, Kaya strapped her sword to her waist, mounted Helmanin, and took off towards the palace. The Queen was waiting.
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Kaya jumped from Helmanin's back as he touched the ground. Careful where you step Helmanin, I don't have time to fix the flowers you step on this time. With a throaty chuckle Helmanin replied, As you wish master. Kaya, with Helmanin in tow, quickly made her way to the throne room. She opened the door to see the Queen sitting patiently in her throne. With a faint smile Islanzadi stood saying, "Come my child, the day has finally come. I would have wished for you to learn from Oromis for a little longer but the time has come and I know that you are capable of the tasks that lie ahead of you." Kaya walked toward the Queen and kneedled down before her with her sword in her hands, " My Queen, Islanzadi svit-kona, I pledge my unfaltering allegiance to you and your cause." As do I, said Helmanin with a bow. "Use us as you will". Islanzadi took Kaya's sword and touching each shoulder said, "I accept you pledge, O loyal rider, stand and hear what I would have you do." Kaya stood to hear her Queen's request. "Kaya I want you to fly to Surda. You will be my vessel there serving the Varden in whatever way they need you or until I give you further command. Also, Maud will accompany you to help you with your learning." "Yes svit-kona," with a turn Kaya bowed and left the throne room. Kaya went directly to her room in order to prepare for her journey. Helmanin landed on the balcony with a loud thump. I wonder, will there be good food in Surda? What do they eat there? Helmanin, Kaya laughed, is that all you think about? Food? We should be concerned with other things! A good question to ask is if other riders are in Surda and if so, how many? You have a point little one, Helmanin rumbled. Picking up his saddle in his teeth, Helmanin muttered, I will be in the courtyard waiting. Meet me down there when you are ready to leave. With an absentminded nod from Kaya, Helmanin departed. Fifteen minutes later, Kaya was ready. She donned her favorite shirt and a pair of leather leggings. Kaya looked back on her room, I have been here for so long and even though I don't wish to leave, I know that I must. Hopefully I will see home again soon. Kaya quickly descended the steps to find Helmanin sleeping in the courtyard and Maud impatiently standing next to him. With an impatient tap, the raggedy white she-cat muttered, This brute has been sleeping the whole time! You both haven't changed one bit! With a quiet laugh Kaya said, "Its nice to see you too Varda. I'll wake Helmanin up so we can leave." With a kick to the side from Kaya, Helmanin opened one eye, How long does it take to pack? I feel like I just hibernated through winter! Anyways, when you are ready to leave, so am I. After strapping his saddle, Kaya was ready to go. Maud jumped up first, settling herself into the large nook on Helmanin's neck. Kaya followed with a graceful jump and buckled her leg straps. Helmanin, we're ready when you are, Kaya said. Here we go! Helmanin's muscles tensed as he prepared to jump into the air. After a powerful leap, Helmanin's wings snapped open. As the strong wind blew through her hair, Kaya knew that a new adventure was just around the corner...................