Yama and Ursa
Yama grew up in Blackrock and never knew the East Halls. She was slender for her people, the oldest said because she was a baby during their people's flight so was teased mercilessly growing up until she knew and learned she was fast. The Easthall Dwarves taught weapon-craft and discipline at a young age. Before coming of age each Dwarf, cook, baker, weaver or soldier has to pass the three tests. One before the weapons master, one before the teacher and one before their god Oarth.
When Yama turned twenty, with a dozen other young dwarves she walked into the training hall. Like the other students she took up the short hafted, long bladed spear that her people favored. The weapons-master, ancient old Ursa watched them all go through the first forms, taught by parents to their children using walking sticks. Three students Ursa told to return their spears and take up swords. To Yama she turned and said “Return your spear and leave, come back after evening meditation.” Yama's face reddened thinking about the other children who would ridicule her later. You couldn't even make it through the first day runt!
Yama left and fought off the tears long enough to return to her families quarters until evening meditation, though she didn't want to go. The teacher led them through their breathing, the long intake and exhale of breath. She felt her upset lessen over time but it returned as they finished. As each dwarf dropped a sage leaf in the brazier next to Oarth's shrine she began back to the training hall where she found Ursa sitting on a mat. No fighting apron or weapon in hand. She motioned for Yama to sit before her, Yama did so and bowed her head all the way to the floor wondering why Ursa asked her here to tell her she would never pass the test.
“Oleg teacher tells me that you are one of his best students, did you know that?”. Yama shook her head, not looking into Ursa's eyes. “The Oldest see you and laugh behind your back, like your peers do. They say you are not a Dwarf but a halfling, perhaps one of the people of Ham placed you in your mothers arms when we fled.” Before Yama's shame could spread to her face Ursa broke out laughing. “What a stupid story! The monks of Ham are drunken fools who could not sit still for Oleg better than one of our toddler's yet you are, one of his best students? What will we do with you? The spear needs an anchor. A well of strength behind it or its pushed aside easily. The sword is more supple but still requires a stronger arm. I will not have you die on your first raid.” Ursa paused and smiled and finally Yama looked into her eyes. “Show me your hands child”. Yama tried and failed to hide her surprise and not knowing what to do reached her hands out. Ursa took them, each in turn, turning them over, returned them and smiled. “You will come back to me tomorrow and we will begin”. Yama bowed again and Ursa was up and striding out of the room before Yama could react.