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And just like that, you are now <span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-i">Akule Anak</span></span>. The ceremony is surprisingly brief and sparse, just a simple declaration to the people of the village, who understand and begin to spread the word. All you have to do is correct those who name you incorrectly, and then they nod and change your address. You are no longer Akule the Mainlander, you are Akule Anak. The moment you took on that name, it is like a magic spell. It's like you are covered in paint and everyone looks right past your blue fur and instantly; you are one of them. It really is incredible.
You didn't quite realize exactly what that meant until it happened. You knew that Zuj and his family were important; being the leader of the Golden Hand and all, but you didn't realize exactly how important really. The Anaks are probably the most famous of all blonde families, even <span class="mu-i">other</span> tribes still in war with your own seem to respect this family's name. You suppose you should be thankful that out of all the blondes who decided to adopt you- it would be this one.
The Mainlanders have famous families too. The Blackspots, Durix, the Takars- though they are foreigners. All of them are, of course, very rich. The Anak family is respected not because of their money- they are not even the richest of all blondes- but for honor, tradition, strength of arms, and the approval of those that follow them- not wealth.
But by far the most interesting change was the sudden amount of... female attention. Something that you can honestly say you don't remember having any of back in Centralia. As one of Zuj's sons, you are a very eligible bachelor. You like it. It makes you feel good. It's no small lose- Centralia women were all whores- even the few good ones were already taken or hidden in the cracks where you could never find them. Guys like you were practically invisible to them. Here- marriage is the standard, no polygamous sugar-daddy nonsense. You'd be surprised that Brun isn't married yet, but considered arranged marriages are still common among the blondes you suspect as the son of the chief he's probably waiting for a similar high-value match.
Speaking of Brun, he has seemingly become more aggressive lately, ever since Zuj invited you to the family. You understand why he may be upset, and he seems to be avoiding you, but you still train with him. When you spar with knives- you know the restraint he must have. You are sure he could have killed an uncountable number of times- as for yourself, you don't think you ever even got a window no matter how much you try. Your knife fighting skills improve, but Brun just seems one step ahead always.
<span class="mu-r">”You can't beat me, Brother! Mainlanders are too civilized. You need the killing instinct- you don't got it!”</span>
