Mark of the Hunter [R'le]

[Shoki]

As the clearing came into view, R'le tried to figure out what sort of place it was. Of course it was a futile attempt, mostly because it he would be down there in a moment. Still, at least it looked like he was in the right place. They landed quickly, and R'le helped Sanderon out of the gear, noticing his family gathering as he did so. After teh boy was free R'le looked up to see those gathering, noting the mother first and then the approaching man. His family looked interesting, to say the least.

"Hello, thanks for the warm welcome." R'le looked friendly, per usual, but Burn decided to take his leave. The Flame flitter went to the Cloud and clung to the dragon, who accepted him amiably.

"I'm R'le of Cloud Quiorith, it's nice to meet you." R'le wasn't exactly a formal person, by any means, but he loved a good introduction, since it meant meeting new people. He was harper hall trained, of course he was a social person. Still, he glanced between Sanderon and the man in front of him, not entirely sure what was the protocol here.

[catsavage-Z]

Hating to look weak but knowing that he was going to need help dismounting due to the pain in his ribs still, he said to R'le under his breath,

"Please dismount and shake my father's hand. My mother would appreciate a small acknowledgement. Then perhaps you could help me not to land so hard when I dismount? I would not want to disgrace myself in front of my father. Assist me last please. Go to my father first." He added the last part as a reminder. He could feel the tense uncertainty in R'le's form. He could only guess it might be the current situation.

When it was time to dismount, he swung his leg over carefully. With his bow and quiver held in one hand and the 'evidence' in his other, he leaned back and slide down with his knee bent so R'le could brace it as he came since his hands were full.

"Thank you Sir." He thanked R'le somberly, and then stepped up to his father. Meeting the man's gaze, he saw his father's chin lift slightly and one eye brow twitch. It was a sign of surprise. Something about Sanderon's gaze and countenance had changed.

"Has my son returned a man?" His father asked him in voice that carried. It was the beginning of his family's private ceremony. It was not the hunter way but it was theirs and it meant a lot.

Without a word, he held out the arrow with the eye and brain remains and the fangs out to his father. Taking a hold of the cloth that covered them he pulled them back and saw clearly what it all meant. He also had noticed the obvious signs of injury to his son. Now he understood why Sanderon's gaze was so changed. His son had looked upon death and survived.

Turning around to his wife and his two sons (the other having arrived just after Sanderon dismounted), Sanderon's father called out with a loud voice. "Look! Sanderon the boy has left us. Sanderon the man has returned!"

With the official announcement of his return as a man, everyone broke out with big smiles. Sanderon couldn't help but smile too. His mother stepped forward to greet him but his father surprised them all.

"Wait. This man," He gestured to Sanderon, with a kind glance to R'le given in acknowledgement of the man's presense, "Sanderon will tell us the tale of his Hunt that turned him into a man."

To his father, he said, "I claim right of friendship to R'le. He can join this tale for he is part of it."

His father's amiable smile turned to R'le and he said, "Welcome R'le. Please join us for refreshments for any friend of Sanderon is a friend of mine."

Gesturing to the large stone cottage house, he led the way inside. The Sons and mother waited for Sanderon to enter next and then R'le. Then came the Mother and two brothers.

In a quick warning whisper to R'le, Sanderon warned, "Do not be startled by what comes next. It has been a tradition in my family for several generations."

[Shoki]

R’le’s head didn’t move as he listened to Sanderon speak; he merely smiled a bit more before sliding off Quiorith with a practiced ease. He offered his hand shake to Sanderon’s father, and then one for his mother. After he was quite sure it was a proper greeting he returned to help out Sanderon and made sure he didn’t hit the ground too hard. It had been a rough couple of days for him, he knew. So he didn’t flinch very badly at being called Sir. Wasn’t the time to be bugged at that. He turned his head toward Burn for a moment, looking at the firelizard very seriously. Burn continued to cling to Quiorith, so that was well then. After that it was merely a quick bit of conversation to Quiorith.
Make sure Burn stays here.
Quiorith nodded once and R’le attention shifted, so that it was fully on what was going on. Sanderon sure had some interesting events surrounding him. R’le watched silently as Sanderon interacted with his family, and admittedly it seemed nice. He still wasn’t very sure what was up but hey, he’d manage to keep his mouth shut and not get himself into trouble before, so it should be fine. R’le listened carefully after Sanderon had done most of the talking, to his warning. Huh, so it should be interesting he took it.
“Feel free to elbow me if I go and put my foot in my mouth or something.” R’le grinned mildly and followed Sanderon’s lead into the home. He could tell this was going to be a big deal for Sanderon. Either way Sanderon decided on Quiorith’s offer, it was certainly going to be a day for him to remember. R’le just got to watch.