Dragoncrest Cliffs Toujours

his family assembled.

thibault spoke in a quiet inquiry: pearl ceremony he mouthed to the boy, keeping quiet while faces spilled in. he smiled warmly to chani's impish greeting, waved silently to theo and astera; but it was tousaint's stormy entrance that caught his eye. he made note to ask the boy later.

chacal's song broke over the congregation. val stood at attention, ears perked and expression that of warmth and excitment. he recalled his own pearl ceremony -- how stingray had been so proud -- the grinning faces of every sapphique wolf as each tried their mettle against the tough shells.

he wondered just what the pause was in chacal's voice - the way her eyes twinkled told him something was up her sleeve. when mireille took to stage val was shocked to find her eyes fall upon him. a current thrummed under his skin.

she beckoned him forward.

with a reassuring smile sent to both tousaint and thibault, val rose from the sand. a sense of shyness took his heart, to be called upon in front of a gathering -- but val did his best to hide his trepidation, standing before mireille with his gaze sparkling. a soft gasp spilled from his mouth unbidden as mireille continued -- offering him a rank all his own of the most beautiful color.

he looked to each of their faces. some -- most of them -- he'd grown up alongside. but others, like maleah and coraline, had come into their fold as if they'd never been absent. he was so singularly proud of them -- of this moment -- that his heart sang as he quietly replied: i will -- i'm honored.