Bherek turns 18

Bherek White turns 18 in the graphic novel of Book 1. His birthday was celebrated with a small group of people.

Bherek’s eighteenth birthday was celebrated at Prava’s insistence. Bherek did not like to be the centre of attention, showing off the new clothes Prava had made for him: A bright tunic of red with gold trim, black trousers and a new cloak of blue. She helped Bherek tie the cloak loosely around his neck. It was supposed to be a quiet birthday, with only the family and Bherek’s friends present, but Vivus made noise enough for ten guests.
“Ha, ha, Aunt Prava,” he said, “Bherek can tie the cloak by himself. You treat him like a child and make him blush!”
“There,” said Prava, patting Bherek on the shoulder, “that’s perfect. He’s always my child, Vivus, you brat, and so are you. Now go and finish the cake while I set the dinner table. Coming, husband?”
“Yes, my favourite wife,” said Rok as he followed her to the hall, and was rewarded by a playful slap on the cheek.
“A child?” said Vivus, “Bher bro, you are eighteen and an adult now! You also look it!”
“Hear, hear,” said Zanny while Brav laughed.
“Don’t laugh so heartily, Big Brother,” snickered Vivus, “You look like a married lion with ten cubs!”
Zanny blushed furiously and marched out to the garden, followed by Brav.
“That because you are so tall, Zan” said Brav.
“Let me go and help Aunt with the table,” said Bherek, but Vivus grasped his arm.
“Are you mad? This is your birthday.”
“But…”
“Come outside, let’s tease Zan a bit more.”

Prava had set the table with Rok’s help. Zanny’s mother had also come to help her with the cooking as some guards from the palace, like Thicker and Cabarone, were expected to bring their families to dinner.
“Now where are your palace friends, Titon Dear?” asked Prava, from the hall. Titon peeped out through the kitchen window.
“They will be here soon, Prava, but come here for a moment, will you?”
“What is it?”
“Look.”
Rok had been looking out at Bherek and friends outside. Zanny and Vivus were sitting on the wall, facing the road, while Brav and Bherek were in the garden.
“Hey, look at that one, Zan,” said Vivus.
A pretty spotard passed them on the street, fluttering her eyelashes in their direction, causing Vivus to nearly fall off the wall.
“That can be mine,” said Vivus, “now pick on one your size, Big Bro!”
“They are not fruits in a shop,” said Bherek, “for you to pick and choose. They are people, you know.”
“Ah, I am willing to be picked and chosen by them,” laughed Vivus, “but they don’t do that. They only speak with their eyes, the cunning charmers. What say, Big Bro?”
He poked Zanny’s side with his elbow, and Zanny smiled.
“Join us, Bherek and pick one for yourself,” he said, “Since it’s your birthday, you get to choose first.”
“You go ahead, friends,” laughed Bherek from the garden, “I need many more birthdays for that.”
“Hey, there’s an amazing lioness! She must be new here!” said Vivus.
“No,” said Zanny, “She’s from Riverside. Lives near my home.”

“Well,” said Rok from inside the house, “Our nephew isn’t interested in girls.”
“All in good time, husband of mine,’ replied Prava.

Later, after Rok’s friends had come and gone, Bherek’s friends said their goodbyes at the gate. They discussed their work and what was to become of them at the palace.
“Now that Uncle Titon is a Valiante, we stand greater chance of our strategies being put to practice.” Rok had been recently promoted to Valiante, general of the armed forces of Auris.
“Yes, Bher,” said Brav, “Uncle Rok treats you not like little cub.”
“Since our training is over, can you ask him about us joining the guards?” asked Zanny.
“But no need to hurry,” added Vivus, being with them only for fun and friendship, not to taste real battles!

But the promotion happened soon enough.