Resting in the cot, InuShin ran his thumb across the rough amber and deep green crystal, its inner rune glowing slowly, like a calm breath. A faint warmth radiated from it. Comforting.

  Why did you zap Sye and not me? Furrowing his eyebrows, he inhaled sharply, shifting his ears backward. What are you and why do I have you?

  His ear twitched at the sound of a horn. Long and single-noted. Gradually joining, a steady percussive beat and a low flute, akin to the haunting mountain wind.

  “Shin…” Syelira whispered, poking her head into the room. “How are you feeling? Do you need more Silfra Mossflower?”

  “Better,” he said, ears perked up, shaking his head. “You?”

  “Same. The Skifulv are going to make a full recovery. Thanks to their healing arts,” she said, shuffling into the room. The air around her was thick and weighted. Somber.

  Sitting up, he asked, “Are you sure?”

  She stood silently, her fingers gliding across her pendant. Her gaze fixated on the ground as she took deep breaths.

  “Sye…?”

  Head snapping towards him, she muttered, “Sorry, trying to think of what to say.”

  “Is it about the fallen Skifulv?”

  She nodded slowly. “Yeah. The weight of their deaths sit heavy on me. I know I didn't know them personally, but I wish we didn’t have to experience death, especially at such a young age.”

  Her air grew heavier and heavier with each word.

  “I wish everyone was able to live a long, happy life. In harmony with others, regardless of their race, origin, and life. We all want the same thing, to be happy and be surrounded by our loved ones.”

  Sitting quietly, InuShin’s ears flattened as he let her words linger. Moving, he crawled out of bed, the mild tension surging through his side and shoulder pulsing as he used his muscles, forcing him to tighten his jaw.

  “Shin, your injuries.” Her eyes widened, concern filled her face.

  “I’m fine. Really,” he said, straightening himself. “See?”

  “I can sense your air, you’re still severely hurt.” Her eyes locked on his. “There’s no need to push yourself.”

  His stomach growled lowly, forcing heat to rush to his face. “I’ll be okay. I think some food will help though.

  Giggling, she motioned for him to follow. “Let’s enjoy the feast.”

  Tucking the crystal back into his satchel, InuShin nodded and followed her out of the room.

  An intense aroma of charred wood filled the cavern tunnels, its smoke finding its way out through the narrow passages in the walls. Roasted herbs, spiced meats, and earthy tea layered the air. Fragrant. Mouth-watering.

  Strung from the carved stone pillars and tree roots, lanterns radiated a firelight of blue and purple, illuminating the village in remembrance of the fallen Skifulv.

  Every villager, warrior, elder, and child, lit an ember bowl in memory of someone lost. Small, intimate. Personal. Each spark that drifted upward represented a soul finding their way home.

  Leif, with his arm in a sling, carefully ate with his non-dominant hand, his parents beside him. Sigrid stood in line and supported Vetr as they collected some of the feast.

  Numerous eyes fell on InuShin as he stepped into the communal area; a few in welcoming, several in mere acknowledgement.

  I guess I should still expect to not be completely accepted. Sighing, he wiped his hands on his pants and stepped into the ceremonial line.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  A Skifulv handed him a bowl, carved from the mountain, filled with ashroot tree bark and a little fire starter.

  Kneeling in seiza in front of the massive Moonstone, InuShin lit the ashroot bark on fire and bowed as the streams of smoke trickled up the side of the stone, small sparks of ember flickering.

  Beside him, Syelira mirrored his movements, muttering a short Skifulv ceremonial phrase. “We burn so we may remember.”

  Maintaining his position for a moment longer. I hope we can put a stop to this war and everyone can live in harmony once again.

  Finished with his prayer, he rose to his feet and noticed a few Skifulv glancing towards him.

  Shrinking inward, he shuffled his feet as he followed behind Syelira over to the feast table. I know I invaded their trial, but I wish they’d stop watching me. Little by little, he collected parts of the feast and then joined his mother and the other S?lvcù at one of the tables, positioned at the edge of the crowd.

  Different foods were scattered across his plate; meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains.

  Coated in crimson bloodsage and wyrnsmoke dust, Stoneclaw Drake and Fyrboar meats seared to a blackish-red coat that glistened in the flickering light. Pale bulbs of fennrock and blue-veined ironroots roasted with skjald pepper. A handful of raw rimeberries were scattered across his plate. Finishing with a scoop of furrow oats.

  Staple foods of the cold mountainous life of the Skifulv.

  In a clear space in the middle, several Skifulv dressed in a more ritualistic style, began to move in a spiritual dance. The motion resembled the flow of elements: intense fire, calm water, gentle air, stable earth, and sporadic electricity.

  InuShin stared at the food, eyes stinging as the weight grew heavier on his shoulders. How can we enjoy ourselves when not everyone survives?

  His mother cleared her throat. “The flame doesn’t only burn for the fallen. It burns to remind us that we’re still here to feel its warmth. The Skifulv know what they’re doing when they participate in the trial.”

  “It’s their way of maintaining strength within their clan,” Edrimar said.

  “But isn’t there a way to do it that won’t risk their lives?” Syelira asked. “They’re so young, and because of the trial, they won’t get to live long happy lives. They won’t have the opportunity to experience this beautiful world.”

  “We may not agree with their beliefs or their decisions, but it is their culture,” his mother said, her Air emitting conflict. Acceptance and disagreement. “We do not have a say in how they live their life. All we can do is accept their way of life and live our lives the way we believe.”

  She persisted. “They may honor the fallen every month, but they keep adding to it. There must be another way to prove strength besides death.”

  “The trial is not cruelty. It is choice. They test not for survival, but for balance. To know who they are when the Moon watches,” Edrimar said, voice calm and collected.

  “To change the Trial is to strip them of what makes them Skifulv. Every flame burns differently. Theirs burn in challenge. Ours burn in grace,” Maelira added, gentler.

  Frowning, Syelira glanced towards InuShin for support. “But how many more must burn before they realize they’re feeding the same fire that took them? It’s not fair.”

  Hesitant, InuShin’s heart pounded, uncertain what to say. I don’t like that they’re sacrificing themselves in the name of strength, but who are we to tell them that they’re wrong. I’m with Sye and want people to live happily, but I understand mom and Edrimar. I don’t know what to think.

  “There will be many things in life that you won’t find fair,” Edrimar said, his voice more assertive. “Not only with the Skifulv, but the Kobrrev, the Gr?nnage, and all the other clans. We live separately because we have a different perception of the way life should be. Living the same way doesn’t always result in living in harmony together. Sometimes it can harbor tension, which can become even more catastrophic than a war.”

  “Do you think they will continue the Full Moon Trial if we’re able to maintain peace among all the clans?” InuShin asked.

  “That is none of our concern,” Edrimar said. “If we can maintain peace between the clans, then we will return home and live our lives according to our way.”

  InuShin opened his mouth again, but Edrimar cut him off.

  “No more questions. Eat so you can regain your strength,” he said curtly. “And then we can begin your training to understand the other elements.” Grabbing a piece of meat, Edrimar bit into it, averting his gaze towards the Skifulv.

  Glancing between his mother, Syelira, and Edrimar, InuShin took a piece of fyrboar and bit into it. A sharp spice flooded his mouth, mixed with a smoked honey flavor and umami heat.

  Suddenly. A horn cut through the thick stillness.

  A Skifulv scout stumbled into the communal area. Cloak torn and voice hoarse. “Gr?nnage, they breached the outer line to the west.”

  The air shifted. Cutlery clattered, feet shuffled, and conversations turned to chaos. Chieftain Soravell rose as warriors grabbed their weapons.

  Edrimar, quick to his feet, grabbed his staff. His face was hard as granite. “InuShin, you’re with me.”

  Rising to her feet, Maelira snapped, “He’s not ready, his wounds haven’t healed.”

  Without glancing back, Edrimar replied, “If he means to walk our path, he’ll start by seeing what threatens it.”

  “I'll be okay, mom.”

  “I’m coming with you.” Syelira stood, strapping on her bow and quiver.

  “No…”

  “Try to stop me,” Syelira interrupted him, determination filled her eyes. A subtle layer of fear hidden within her Air. “I said I’m going to be a diplomat, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to fight for what is right either.”

  “What I mean is, you’re going to stay with Maelira. You’re both connected to Air, so she’ll be able to guide you into better techniques,” Edrimar clarified, his grip tightening. “I’ll take this moment to teach InuShin more about his Fire attunement. Once things are settled, we’ll meet back here.”

  Tension swelled within the mountain. Flames flickered against the stone walls, shadows lurking like living beings.

  Rushing towards the ridge to the west, the earth vibrated more intensely. Or was it the nerves within him?

  “Edrimar! Don’t you dare lose him!” His mother shouted.

  Without answering, Edrimar raised his staff, the tip made of edrium and dyed to a crimson black, and rushed behind the Skifulv through the narrow cavern paths.

  “Shin! Be safe!” Syelira hollered.

  “You too.”

  Following close, each step burned through the remnants of pain. The elements pulsed through him: the ground, the wind, the crackle, the burn, and the flow. All waiting to be called upon.

  As they arrived at the ridge, the horizon flared a sickly green. Scattered, several bodies of Skifulv guards lay motionless, each with fang-spaced holes in their body and completely drained of blood.

  “This feels different. I’ve never seen them leave damage like this before,” a Skifulv warrior said.

  “What do you mean?” InuShin asked.

  “Now is not the time.” Edrimar lowered his staff, his voice gravelly. “Watch yourself, the Gr?nnage will take any opportunity to gain the upperhand.”

  Exhaling shakily, InuShin unsheathed his tantō and carefully gripped it. Surveying the surrounding lands, he steeled his nerves. This is not a test. It’s real life.