Username: Lillybear ── Name: Ruby
- Ruby tilted their head upward as the rain crashed down from the sky like barrels being emptied. They didn't particularly care for getting wet─but they also weren't the kind of Kalon who got irrationally upset over unchangeable things. They hadn't brought an umbrella, and with no other quick fix to keep dry in the storm, they had no choice but to continue. Ruby kept walking as if the sudden downpour had been nothing more than a mere, inconsequential sprinkle.
Besides, the rain would act as an excellent device to obscure secret words from prying ears.
Not that there would be any prying ears. Everybody knew not to play in the swamp surrounding the kingdom, for it was (supposedly) dangerous. And nobody knew of the society's existence.
But still, extra precaution never hurt.
It was 8:46 PM. The initiation would start in precisely one minute. Ruby wasn't worried. (They were never late).
Right as the clock turned, seven faces made themselves known from the shadows of the swamp. Each of them took a claw and delicately hooked it around something that hung from their necks, and presented the objects to the group─and then six beautifully carved keys came into the light.
One of these faces did not have a key. They were new.
"Good evening, Keepers," Ruby spoke, "tonight marks a momentous occasion. We have finally found a Kalon suitable to be the seventh Keeper in our society."
Their statement was met with cheers. Finally, a seventh. The final key would have an owner at last.
Ruby retrieved a small package from a satchel slung around their waste. Unwrapping the carefully folded paper, Ruby reveled the key. It was a fierce looking snowy owl. (All of their keys were adorned with birds. Ruby's was a stunning hummingbird).
Ruby turned to the initiate.
"A great responsibility will henceforth be placed on your shoulders─but also a precious gift. You will have access to the entire kingdom. As a Keeper, all doors are open to us."
The five other Kalons echoed in unison, "All doors are open to us."
Ruby looked to their own key. It was true─it was all apart of the legend. Seven ancient keys that could open every door, that would end up in the possession of seven worthy Kalons destined to be the secret protectors of the realm.
"Do you accept this responsibility, swear yourself to secrecy, and promise to uphold our scared duty of assisting the kingdom?"
...
Ruby returned home as if they'd had an incredibly uneventful walk.
(Despite the fact that they were soaked to the bone, and had just initiated a Kalon into one of the kingdom's greatest secrets.)
446/450 words ── swamp image
