Chapter 330 - The Aegis of Aegin Bloodthorn (2/2)
Cora turned to Rima, ”Rima Bluesand, you have already accepted the role of Chieftain for the newly formed Blue Sands Tribe, and now you may b.a.r.e that proof with the rightful totems. Your time spent among the Red Eyed Snake Tribe was much shorter, but do you wish to b.a.r.e your friendship with them as well?”
Rima hesitated before she shook her head, ”No, the Totems are a sacred thing, and I spent far too little and contributed far less than Tigin ever did to the Red-Eyed Snake Tribe. Whilst I will always have their friendship in mind, I do not feel that it is right for me to b.a.r.e it among the totems you have honoured me with”.
Cora gave a small smile, then nodded, ”Rima Bluesand, First Chieftain of the Blue Sand Tribe, shall b.a.r.e her position and heritage among her totems”.
”The Elders accept Rima Bluesand, First Chieftain of the Blue Sand Tribe”.
Finally, Cora turned to Aegin, a smile upon her lips, ”As Tribesman, we believe that those who walk paths, be they Chaos or Order, should not hold allegiance to the Tribes or Peoples who are born and remain unaligned. I also know as your friend, that you will place your allegiance with nobody but yourself even if we were to ask. Still, your efforts, however selfish or selfless they may be, we will not speculate which, did directly contribute to our continued survival”.
The room seemed to hold it's breath as everyone looked at Aegin for a reaction of some kind before Cora continued, ”If you will allow it, Lord of Gluttony, we would name you an Elder of Tribesman”.
Aegin smirked, ”Lord of Gluttony, how pretentious. I'm not much for such things. I am more than happy with a place to rest and a decent meal with friends. But these are both things I have not had in quite some time. There are even times I've questioned if I've ever truly had them”.
Aegin looked around at the Elders, then at Rima and Tigin before turning back to Cora.
”Here, in the Hava Rastellan, this is where I was truly reborn,” said Aegin, ”This is where I realised the mistakes I had made, and came to be at peace with my regrets. This is where, for the first time in a long time, I could be among those who treated me as an individual, and not a means to an end. I am honoured to have met you and known you, and it would give me no greater p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e than to know that wherever my journey may take me in my very long life, that I can return here and feel as if I am home among the people”.
Cora gave him a warm smile, then turned as Mira approached her from behind with a desert fox skin pouch in her hands. Cora unwrapped it carefully, then took out leather strap that held several wooden beads carved with different symbols. The Elder's Totem. She stepped forward and presented it to Aegin, who, for the first time and much to everybody's surprise, knelt before the old woman.
”Around my neck,” Aegin stated, ”Where it will be closest to my Life Lines”.
Cora was surprised, as were the Elders. They were all aware of how sacred Life Lines were. For Aegin to request such a thing was unheard of, but also an unprecedented honour for them. Cora did as asked, then she turned as Aegin stood and retrieved the second item, a traditional dagger, the hilt of which was also carved with symbols and totems of the Hava Rastellan.
Aegin smiled as he received it from her.
”I name thee, Aegin Bloodthorn, walker of the Path of Gluttony, and Elder of Tribesman,” stated Cora.
Aegin chuckled at the name, but there it was, carved on the blade of the dagger. Bloodthorn. Aegin recalled his dagger of blood that he'd used to 'kill' Yashi, and realised where the name had originated from.
”Is the name not to your liking?” asked Cora, confused as to why he'd laughed.
Aegin just shook his head, ”Names…I was named Bloodthorn before, a long time ago. I did not like it then. But now…now I cannot help but think that names have a way of finding us if they are meant to be”.
”The Balance works in mysterious ways,” Cora stated, ”Perhaps the name was always meant for you”.