THE HEART IS A HEAVY BURDEN TO BEAR
(YOU'RE GONNA CARRY THAT WEIGHT)
"Freya..." The soft gentle tone the youth exuded was one of pure love and fondness - one born from a bond only siblings could truly understand. His azure blue gaze gleaned softly at nothing in particular as he held the old black phone to his ear. He could hear his sister's voice on the other end as it crackled to life - full of joy and vibrancy - one that he missed dearly and hoped to hear it in person someday soon. Maybe when he visited their home again - he was sure Freya and the servants would like that very much. He'd even cook them all dinner. He smiled despite himself releasing a small chuckle - he could just imagine their faces...
"Well, you sound happy big brother! But I don't think that's why you're calling." Ah, perceptive as always - she was always a smart cookie - even when they were kids - nothing left her quick-witted senses. "No, I suppose not - I was just checking in before I leave today - for... well, my first ever official Rune Knight business." He said hesitantly his tone almost timid as he tried to mask his worries and fears.
"You call me every day though!" She joked sarcastically before letting out a laugh. "But I'm happy for you! Now you're finally obtaining your dream! You've worked really hard for this! Don't get cold feet now!" She admonished him vibrantly her voice a mix of scolding and exasperation.
"You're right - but I-" His sister huffed on the other end of the line already getting irritated of his self-doubt. "But nothing, Rune! Have you've forgotten why our parents gave you your name?" She inquired though they both already knew the answer. "Because father had high hopes of me becoming a Rune Knight, I know, I know." He said flatly his tone going almost icy at the mere mention of their distant and disappeared sire.
"Exactly! And that's why you have no reason to worry! If your name is connected to your job then it's practically fate that you'll succeed!" Rune was pretty sure that wasn't how fate worked but wasn't going to argue with his sister on the subject - much like the rest of their family she inherited the Felcrest's signature "stubborn streak" and wouldn't back down from her beliefs. It truly was a curse if they ever had one.
"Right, right..." He relented his tone tired but endearing. Refocusing he noticed the clock on his dresser and frowned deeply. It seemed whenever he talked to Freya the whole world just became white noise - in fact he missed the alarm that went off twice already! "Ah, my apologies Freya - but it seems like your big brother has to go - the meeting starts in thirty minutes."
The girl whined a bit but otherwise gave in - knowing this was important for him. They said their goodbyes (with intentions to call each other tomorrow) before Rune hung up, fastening his Rune Knight half cloak - to match the rest of his (unfortunately all black) uniform. Making his way towards the door he quickly sheathed his freshly polished saber and briskly walked out - shutting and locking his apartment door as he did so.
Promptly ten minutes later he made his way to the pointed place with a whole twenty minutes to spare. Having been early there were only a handful of other Rune Knight recruits there was well - some others were cutting it a bit close or would possibly be late entirely, but that wasn't any of his business nor should he care that they refused to be punctual. Those in charge would no doubt note their tardiness for future endeavors.
Minutes later, he and the other Rune Knight Privates stood attentive as a senior officer walked through a clipboard in hand. He began listing off names in which each and every recruit replied with a crisp "Here, Sir!" Before he went into an explanation. "Welcome to the Rune Knights, however, you're not exactly Rune Knights quite yet." A wave of murmurs rippled through the line of hopefuls though Rune deigned to stay quiet his face showing perplexion, however.
"Officially, you're just recruits - but once this is over you'll be officially Privates who will be tasked with upholding peace and justice throughout Fiore." The man gazed at the eager youths before him - most were young, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed and had no clue what being a Rune Knight entailed. Most of them would end up quitting the force before getting properly settled - it was the sad truth of such a job, many just didn't have what it takes to be a Rune Knight.
"In a moment one of your superiors will appear and give a speech. Listen to their words and engrave them in your minds. Understand that what you strive for is to bring prosperity to our lands not to covet power or to lord over the weak." He narrowed his eyes at them, knowing full well that some came here just in hopes of getting a bit of power to walk all over those beneath them. It has happened before and no doubt it'll happen again. Luckily, they have gotten better at stamping out those with such thuggish behaviors.
"Now, wait here - you got ten minutes, you can talk but talk among yourselves very quietly." With that, the man left the room leaving the hopefuls to their own devices as they chatted somewhat lively to one another - obviously not taking things very seriously. Rune, however, was far than amused and instead watched and waited - wondering exactly who would enter those doors...
(930 Words)