TCO: Chapter Five

"The time will pass before you know it, nán," said Gyan reassuringly. He was standing on the front steps of his childhood home with his back to the front lawn watching tears threaten to escape Sahdika's light brown eyes.

She stood in the front doorway; her arms folded against her chest.

Gyan's face reflected his mother's features, but he had inherited much of his father's larger stature. His sister, Miliani, on the other hand, had the green eyes and lighter skin of their father but was petite, like their mother.

Although Gyan had enjoyed relaxing with his family the last several weeks after ceremony, he was eager to begin his next phase of training. The weather in Yevani was getting cooler, announcing the coming of winter months, so time spent at the beach and hanging at the falls had become less frequent. As a result, Gyan felt very restless.

"I just do not understand why you have to be separated from your family so long without visitation," Sahdika said with a stern look.

Sahdika was referring to the change in living arrangements that the san warriors were required to do. After the apreidus passed their initial phase of training, the warriors were assigned to live together in the Domusé a Uri—a large home built specifically for light warriors located close to the temple.

Gyan sighed. He had explained the reasons for the san training rules to his mother before. "The only thing I know is that the warriors are not allowed to visit home until designated times because of needing to strengthen the bond of the warrior circle without outside interference… I think it has something to do with focus training. This is the only explanation that Elder Master Syam gave us."

Eamonn came up behind his wife. "Syam told me the same when I spoke to him last week," he said as he smiled at Gyan.

Sahdika walked toward him. His mother had a familiar look of defiance in her eye that Gyan often saw in his sister's right before telling him off.

"Well, you can tell the elder master that his rules are interfering with the bond of family," she said, pointing a finger in Gyan's chest, her voice rising. "How am I supposed to cope with not seeing my only son for who knows how long? Especially while he is still in the same kingdom—the same city even?"

"It has always been the way they do it nán, I dunno." Gyan shrugged as he backed down the steps, cringing as he anticipated more complaints from his mother. He slung the bag carrying his gear higher upon his shoulder.

He looked at the ground to avoid his nán's piercing stare before giving his father a pleading look. He needed his dán's calm nature to sooth his mother's fighting spirit. Gyan already felt guilty for his eagerness to leave and start training again.

Eamonn smiled knowingly as Sahdika quickly moved down the remaining steps and grabbed Gyan tightly to her.

"It will be alright, nán," he whispered as he hugged her in return.

Eamonn came up behind Sahdika and reached his arms around both her and Gyan. "Train hard, Gyan, and learn well. Studying with the training masters is an honor."

Gyan nodded in response and swallowed hard. He let go of his mother and hugged his father fully.

"You'd better go, before your nán chains you up in your room. I don't think even Elder Master Syam could break down her barriers."

Eamonn loosened his grip, patting Gyan once on the upper arm before releasing him completely. Sahdika wiped a tear away and smiled as she squeezed herself up under Eamonn's large arm.

"Where is Mili?" Gyan asked, looking around.

"She was in the house just a moment ago," Sahdika said.

Gyan ran back up the steps. "Mili?" he called through the front door. "Mili!"

The house remained silent.

He turned back to his parents and shrugged.

"She doesn't like goodbyes," Sahdika reminded him.

"Yeah, well…still," replied Gyan, a little stung that she was avoiding him. He looked across the yard to the fruit grove next to their home. "Well, okay, I'm off then…"

Sahdika put her hands on both sides of his face, looking at him intensely. "Promise me you will stay safe and be smart, Gyan."

"Sure nán."

Gyan turned and walked slowly down the rest of the front walkway, fighting the urge to run. It was always uncomfortable saying goodbye to his parents, even if it was only for a short while. He cut across the fruit grove, his parents watching him until he was out of sight.

Gyan looked back at his home and sighed.

"So, nán really let you out of the house then," called a voice from above him.

Gyan started. "Mili!"

Miliani laughed as she jumped down from the tree branch where she was perched.

"Maybe you should work on being more aware of your surroundings, warrior," she teased. "You may beat me in strength and physical agility, but never in mentality." Mili pointed to her head. "I don't think your masters can help you there. But, if they think you're too dumb to learn, I guess you can have your old room back when they decide to chuck you out."

Miliani laughed again as Gyan pushed her lightly in the shoulder.

She brushed her curly red hair out of her eyes and fell in step beside him as he walked through the grove. "So, what's this rumor I hear about you and Jalena?"

Gyan's eyes widened.

Miliani rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't be so naïve, Gyan. There are women lined up, dying to get you to notice them, so any time you spend with a woman will spread through Yevani like wildfire. I have to listen to nonsense about you every day." Her voice rose. "'Is your brother dating anyone yet, Mili? Has he ever talked about me?' Frankly, I'd be glad if you were with Jalena. Listening to people swoon over you is unbearable! Even when I attempt to discredit you by telling them you snore, smell like a dead alk, or have mental issues that appear only during the full moons, they still keep boring me with talk about how wonderful you are." She gave a mock yawn.

"A dead alk?" Gyan laughed. "Well…sorry for the trouble."

"Now I'm off the hook though, right? If you're into Jalena that is…" She peered at him curiously.

Gyan shrugged. "We're friends."

"You like her." It wasn't a question.

Gyan flushed and looked away. "So, you gonna keep nán under control when I'm training?" he asked, changing the subject.

"You know it," said Mili. "Probably have to visit her every other day, so dán doesn't go insane with all her talk about her precious son."

Gyan laughed and reached out and grabbed Miliani into a bear hug. "Be ready to spar when I return so I can practice my new moves on you."

Miliani nodded, returning his hug. "Now get out of here," she choked. She pushed him off lightly, her eyes shiny. "You're interfering with my plans for the day."

Gyan smiled and continued through the rest of the grove. He only took a couple of steps when a pograpaña, a sweet tangy fruit that grew abundantly in their grove, hit him in the back.

"Yes, Mili," Gyan said before turning around.

"Might want to tell the masters to help you with your reflexes too," she said, laughing.

Gyan picked up the fruit and threw it back at her. Miliani caught the fruit, looked at it for a moment, and then sighed.

"Star light," she called out.

"Star night," Gyan responded.

"May our wish be always bright," they finished the chant together as they did since they were children.

Miliani made a heart shape with her fingers over her own heart as several tears leaked from the corner of her eyes.

Gyan held up his hands, copying her gesture attempting to suppress the nostalgic emotion that rose within him. With a small wave, he turned away from the grove and forced himself not to look back. He knew that if he didn't keep walking, he might not ever find the strength to leave.