Xanthia eyed the sweet rolls on the table, sorely tempted but wanting to
set a good example for Oberon. She stood and wrestled with the
temptation.

"A Bear nomad eats meat," Oldreth supplied, directing Xanthia to the
sausages and bacon and away from the desert table.

"Eggs, too?" Xanthia asked.

Oldreth laughed loudly. "Yes, eggs too. Protein, it's what makes a nomad
grow strong!"

"Will Oberon grow strong?" Xanthia asked, scooping up a serving of eggs
for herself and a serving for her nephew as well.

"Yes, of that I have no doubt."

***

Xanthia set down her tray and cut up some sausage into small bits for
Oberon. She put the plate of diced sausage and scrambled eggs in front
of the boy, letting him eat with his hands. 

"He has a good appetite," Oldreth smiled approvingly.

"Tell me about the dagger of eternal honor," Xanthia asked. "Tell me
about Pa'gan's dagger."

"Well, first tell me what you know about it, why don't you?"

"He used it to settle a dispute between him and Trinale, except that she
hurt his honor more by not taking the challenge and he went off into the
wilds. He cut off his braid first."

She watched as Oldreth winced.

"What's wrong, does something hurt?" Xanthia was perplexed.

"The nomadic men wear their hair in a braid proudly. It is a symbol of
our manhood. Tell me, how did she refuse the challenge?" There was
sadness in his tone.

"Well," Xanthia mused, "Th'rin said that Pa'gan gave Trinale a choice,
run him through with the dagger or pull it away and apologize publicly.
She took the dagger and threw it to the ground."

A moan came from the blond giant. "Oh, she did not understand what a
grievous thing she did. Forgive her!" It sounded almost like a prayer.

"What?" Xanthia looked perplexed.

"When she through the dagger down, she insulted his honor. There are
only two honorable choices at such a challenge. It a ritual that is only
done in disputes between two people who are close, like family.
Otherwise, the matter would have been settled in combat."

"After he cut off the braid, he left his leather armor, his sword, and
his..." Xanthia searched for the word, gesturing at her head to try to
get her meaning across, "He was Ar'Neahm, crescent moon..."

"Circlet, but that is worn by the Ar'Neahm priestesses. A man cannot
become a priest of the Ar'Neahm."

"They did Pa'gan, because he was special. Aradia was his priestess and
teacher. And his mate," Xanthia blushed. "He left his dagger of honor
and his braid with Trinale. She gave them to Aradia," she continued,
"Then he went into the wilds, to get back his honor."

"Did he?" Oldreth was curious.

"I guess so. He died, but he killed the thing that killed him."

"Ah.... Then he died with honor, this is a blessing indeed. Do you have
the dagger? I'd like to see it."

"Th'rin does, but I don't think he'd mind if I showed you."

***

[After breakfast]

Xanthia took Oberon and she and Oldreth entered Th'rin and Merissa's
apartment. Oberon rubbed his eyes and fussed.

"I think he needs a nap." Xanthia said, and took him in to put him in
his crib. Once he was settled, Xanthia came back out and walked toward a
chest.

"This is where they are kept, for Oberon," Xanthia said.

She took out the bow, and then the honor dagger, She unfolded the
leather and lay the dagger upon it's wrappings on the floor.

"This is a very old Honor Dagger indeed!"

"How old?" Xanthia asked.

"3 or 4 centuries... How did Pa'gan get it?"

"He was the chieftain's son. It was handed down."

Xanthia was busy examining Pa'gan's sword, fascinated by the enormous
weapon. Suddenly a click was heard and a small glass vial fell out of
the pommel.

"What is it?" Xanthia asked?

"Put it back!" Oldreth insisted, taking a harsh tone.

"What? I don't understand..."

"Give it here, I'll fix it," Oldreth said, taking the small vial and
putting it back into hidden compartment in the pommel. He then carefully
wrapped the sword and put it back in the chest.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break it," Tears stung Xanthia's crystal
blue eyes.

"No... you didn't know..." Oldreth stroked her cheek.

"Know what?" Xanthia sniffed.

"The powder in the vial, it is part of Pa'gan's ashes. This sword will
be passed down to Oberon, once he becomes a man, and then when he passes
on, we will take out the vial and replace it with one with Oberon's
ashes."

They were just putting the dagger back and closing the lid of the chest
when Merissa walked into the apartment. 

"What are you doing?" Merissa asked.

"I just showed Pa'gan and Aradia's things to Oldreth."

"You should have asked!"

"I'm sorry," Xanthia apologized, "I need to go... to the med center..."
Xanthia babbled, though it was far too early for her shift.

"And I have an appointment I need to keep with Trinale," Oldreth said,
excusing himself.

"Where's Oberon?" Merissa asked.

"Bed," Xanthia replied simply, following Oldreth out the door.

******

NRPG: OK, no tags here but I understand that Barb has something in store
for Xanthia so I'll stop here. Xanthia can be in the med center or not.
Her shift doesn't start til midafternoon, she just needed an excuse to
get out of there.




                \=/,         _-===-_-====-_-===-_-==========-_-====-_
                |  @___oo   (    Submitted by:                        )
      /\  /\   / (___,,,}_--=    Jacqueline "Morgan" Allgood          )
     ) /^\) ^\/ _)        =__                                          )
     )   /^\/   _)          (_                                         )
     )   _ /  / _)            (      Danika/Kalindeth of Daere        )
 /\  )/\/ ||  | )_)            (_    Xanthia/Maxima of Whiteriver     )
<  >      |(,,) )__)             (   Kattibrie/Calishandra of Telnor )
 ||      /    \)___)\             (_ Yasmine/Starlin of Marrid       )
 | \____(      )___) )___           -==-_____-=====-_____-=====-___==
  \______(_______;;; __;;;

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