A New Dawn, A New Beginning

To become one of the faith is a goal to strive for, but a fate that lies in her far future.

For now, the young girl closes the book in her hands loudly, allowing a dull reverberation throughout the library of her large family home. The sound prompts her mother to emerge from a nearby room, curiosity with a tinge of concern lacing her visage.

A smile rested on Hina Lam's face as she sank into her chair, cherishing her own passionate dreams. "Mom," she begins softly, side glancing in her mother's direction, "There is more out there to learn than what's here in our library, you know," she continues, holding up the book for her parent to see, "I want to know what else is out there and learn than just the limited knowledge about Sheng, of my faith, Jiuweihu, some notable Agarthan figureheads, and the fairy-tales you have here."

"And what of the dangers that Meranthe has to offer?" Hina's mother questions, motioning for her nearby father and Aunt to approach and be part of the conversation.

"You're still young, Hina," her father firmly states. The Aunt is silent, though opinion given in verification of her father's opposing disposition and words.

"I'm not that young anymore to need your permanent supervision. I can handle myself!" Hina declares, swiftly standing from her chair. A balled hand raises towards her chest as a stance of determination. "I'm old enough to know better about the dangers that lurk on this continent and stay away, I swear it."

Silence befell them all.

She was the fourth born nine-tailed Kitsune of Eternia, after all.
Secure protection of this entity was deemed necessary as a result.

"I won't be able to progress here, Dad. I'd live a long life of stagnation - I'd never amount to anything in this world." That was Hina's argument, for her parents always mentioned to the girl to follow her own path and forge something unique for herself, but how could she manage that here? Hina neither minded the continuous monitoring, nor would she mind enlightening her parents on her ambitions as she goes on in life with letters and treasures, but she'd not find herself living her life out in complete seclusion because of their fears. She did understand their point of view, though.

"There's more to live for out there than here," she adds. "Please, let me finally make friends, learn more about Meranthe, the religions, the magics - everything! I won't disappoint any of you!" She held strong on her argument.

Who were they to deny the request? How could they argue Hina's logic. For what reasons were there to keep her from embarking on this newfound journey of mysteries and discover herself further along the way?

Silence once again befell them all.

The atmosphere grew tense. Anyone there could sense that easily. Her father is rendered speechless, but agrees nonetheless with a mere nod of the head, almost a disappointment flushing over his features. She was right, after all. It was time for his little girl to grow up and find herself in this world.

Hina screeches excitedly, placing away the book she held on the nearby table. "Thank you, I promise you, all of you-" she chokes back a little as tears form by excitement. Thoughts swirled in her temple - what truly awaited her out there? In seconds, Hina finds herself asking a million questions, but she still manages to complete her sentence, "-I won't be a disappointment to anyone, and I'll tell you everything through letters and visit sometimes!"

Hina's mother is seen drawing a light smile on her lips. It's notable that her parents are worried for their child's safety, but because of Hina's determination and faith in herself, her deity, and senses for dangers, she can't help but to at least be happy that her daughter will begin a new, intense, but exciting journey.

Day passes on into evening, then eventually the night; the Kitsune can be found rummaging through her belongings for the most important pieces she'll need for long-term travels. Journals for memory keeps, notepads to produce letters, and her favorite pendant, gifted to her when she was born, procured as a gift by mysterious, wondering travelers. This pendant held a semblance of significance to her - as her father had put it so long ago, 'This pendant represents your devotion to Jiuweihu; while she preaches for you to have your own fate, you are her one chosen, her blessed. Not following in her enlightened pathway may have consequences for you, Hina.' Regardless, there is no second thought when the girl places the pendant around her neck. A beautiful golden gemstone of the unknown, bathed in glorious beauty. She'd never seen anything like it before, as she unconsciously holds it and stares, she can't help but feel as though it may connect her further to the Sun Deity.

Restless as Hina was, she remained awake during the night purely by excitement. How could one sleep at a time like this anyways?

However, as the sun begins passing over the top of the horizon, bathing Eternia in its golden rays, Hina goes out for one of the first times in her life without her family.

"A new dawn," she whispers to herself.

A new beginning.