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Birth of a Covenant Legend: CHAPTER 5
Posted By: Ryst Airasee<RystAirasee0208@AOL.com>
Date: 9 February 2005, 12:18 AM
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CHAPTER 5
The baby Sangheili looked up from his meal, which consisted of a thin strip of dried meat. Its eyes glimmered, plainly conveying the pleasure he was sensing. Since he had no teeth, he had to tear off bits with his hands that were small enough for him to swallow whole. 'Iskramee watched in amusement as he tore off a piece of meat bigger than his mouth and tried to swallow it.
'Lihamee intercepted. "Slow down, young one. You don't want to choke."
The infant looked up at her questioningly, and then grunted as he realized his meal was being taken. He tugged on the meat, but was easily overpowered by his mother. He growled shrilly in rebuke and only quieted when she handed him back the piece, neatly broken up into pieces that he could manage.
"Shouldn't we get him some clothes?" the anxious mother asked.
"Now it's your turn to slow down," 'Iskramee laughed. "First things first. Once we're done eating we can see about clothing him."
The baby Sangheili had a voracious appetite, and easily finished with the first piece. It began to slow on its second, and could manage only a couple of bites on the third. It was only then that he finally relaxed.
"Now then," 'Lihamee said, "You stay and entertain him, while I fetch him some garments."
"But..."
"Don't say anything," she told him. "I'm tired of being penned up in bed. As soon as he's dressed properly, we're all going outside for a walk in the meadows."
She left, and the infant looked around for her, obviously confused. Then he saw his father, who picked him up and resumed his seat near the window. The sunlight glimmered on the baby's pitch black scales, and the glow of his silver markings seemed even more radiant. He enjoyed the caress of his father.
"What are you to be, young one?" 'Iskramee asked quietly, as his son located one of his fingers and began chewing on it. "Surely you will be shunned in your early years. Your scales... as black as a void, or a moonless night. And your markings..."
He paused, swiveling his head to look out the window. But he dismissed his unease and turned his attention to his son once again. "Am I ever going to get that hand back?" he asked teasingly. "Think you can keep it forever?"
At that moment, 'Lihamee returned, a small bundle tucked underneath her arm. Her child dropped the finger he was chewing on and stared curiously. It took awhile to get the fussing Sangheili into his new clothes, and when they were through he wore an expression on his face of utmost indignity.
The clothes he was in consisted of a brown flank that covered his chest like a shirt and ended near his thighs. A white sash streaked diagonally across that and connected to a white belt. His hands, from the wrist up, were wrapped in cloth, with the exception of his fingers, which protruded out. His ankles were also wrapped in the same cloth.
The baby Sangheili gave a shrill growl, conveying his displeasure. 'Lihamee laughed. "Don't fret, my child. You'll get used to them. Shall we head off now?"
'Iskramee nodded. They walked slowly, so their child could keep up. They entered the lift, and as it lurched beneath their feet the baby hissed at the unknown sensation. However, once they were outside he was a completely different Sangheili; his eyes shone happily as he was assailed with new scents and sights and he let out a contented sigh.
He followed his parents across the landing pad and down a grassy hill. The feeling of soft grass against his feet was something new. But he got over his fear quickly and tried to dash ahead, only succeeding in tangling up his limbs. With a yell of dismay, the infant rolled into the grass.
'Lihamee laughed and picked him up, setting him on his feet. Then the walk continued, and they passed under trees, giving their son time enough to bat at falling leaves. They stopped at the shoreline, and the baby gazed uncertainly at the lapping waves.
Suddenly, a large wave loomed up and crashed against the shore. Water sprayed on the Sangheili child, and he screamed in fright, running behind 'Iskramee. From the safety of his father, he hissed at the retreating waves.
His father's laugh was cut off suddenly. Both parents turned to face an approaching Elite, clad in the same Zealot armor that 'Iskramee was. He glanced down at their child but said nothing, and his mandibles parted as he prepared to talk.
"I am Rew 'Senamee," the Zealot began. "I have important news for 'Iskramee."
"I am here," growled 'Iskramee in response. "What is it?"
'Senamee paused again. "The battle for planet Herret, in the Eridanus system of the Humans, has taken a drastic turn. We require your help on the battlefield immediately."
"I have a child!" 'Iskramee told him. "I cannot leave him. You know the words of the Covenant promise six successions to parents so they can teach their young ones..."
'Senamee shook his head. "I'm sorry, 'Iskramee. The Prophet of Truth has ordered me to do it. We cannot risk losing the planet of Artifacts."
'Iskramee lowered his head, his fists clenched.
"As... compensation," 'Senamee stuttered, "The Noble Prophet of Truth has granted you the permission to name your child here and now, instead of forcing him to earn it on the battlefield. And this name shall never be repeated."
'Iskramee wondered about the last statement, but dismissed it. "I also deserve some parting words."
"It is a bargain, then. Name your child, say your words. I will not rush this parting gift."
'Iskramee looked at his soulmate, his heart full of longing. He wanted to stay with her, with his child... but he knew he could not. He was bound to his duty, and began thinking of a proper name for his son. "Riao," he said. "Riao 'Zextramee."
'Senamee nodded.
Then 'Iskramee knelt near his son, taking his tiny hands. "Son, I have faith that you will understand these words when you mature. There is a fine line between caution and fear, between boldness and headstrong. You must never cross those lines. I know that you will make me proud... I have every bit of faith in you. Let honor guide you."
He embraced Riao, who snorted questioningly. Then he did the same to 'Lihamee, fighting down the pit in his stomach, the tears in his eyes. But when he turned to leave them, his head was held high, his eyes shining with pride. He and 'Senamee headed to the main hangar.
'Lihamee knelt down and cradled Riao to her chest. She sat there with him, watching, waiting. It seemed like an eternity until a single Phantom rose into the sky, its engines humming, and flew off into space.
They never saw 'Iskramee again.
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