The Elephant Gate

After cleaning up, and putting on a new set of clothes, Kevin headed to the kitchen, where the smells of delicious food teased his nose. However, once he got there, the staff quickly ushered him out. He guessed they had some surprise for him, so he agreeably wandered back outside.

By now it was late afternoon, and the sky was ablaze with orange and red streaks. Based on the crowd already there, it looked like the staffs from all the training centers were invited. Kevin found himself moving through the crowds, until he found his father in conversation with the kind, at the far end of the pool.

When he stepped up to Thadchai, they were almost eye to eye. Even though he was still gangly, his upward growth had slowed down, much to the delight of Khun Mattaya and her sewing skills. It would still be years before he filled out, but the promise of handsomeness was there in his hazel eyes and wavy hair, which wouldn't stay tamed no matter how hard he tried.

He gave his father a hug. "Hi Thadchai Dad. Good evening, King Phuna. Thank you for coming to my party, uh, at your house." His faltering speech caused several within earshot to chuckle. He grinned. Oh well, it was his party!

On a nearby table, there was a small heap of presents. He was looking forward to opening them, but after he ate. Roaming around the grounds had given him a hearty appetite, even larger than usual.

Soon, a small fanfare was played, and everyone began drifting to the tables.

When everyone was seated, Thad nudged him to stand. He had already practiced his speech with the older man, but when he stood up, his mind suddenly went blank.

He opened and shut his mouth like a fish. Unexpectedly, he felt a hand grab his own, and turned to look at Suri, who smiled. His prepared words flowed back into his head, and he took a deep breath to begin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for being here to celebrate my tenth birthday, and the second anniversary of my stay in your beautiful country. The past year has presented some challenges and milestones, and I hope I will continue to grow and learn. I want to especially thank my adoptive father, Khun Thadchai, Captain of the Royal Guards; my instructors Khun Wit, Khun Tae, and Khun Preem; and all the staff that has guided me. And thank you to the Royal Family, who has taken me under their wing." He gave a low bow to three seated to his right.

"Now let's everyone dig in and enjoy our meal!" Applause and cheers went up as liveried wait staff brought out platters of steaming food to the tables.

For a while there was nothing but the sounds of cutlery and clinking glasses.

Kevin was finishing a final small plate of fruits when a collective "ooohh" made him life his head.

Khun Mattaya and the palace head chef wheeled out a large cake was brought out: several layers covered in white icing, with dark blue piped edges and a circle of ten candles along the center layer. There was a large single candle on top.

"Happy Birthday!" The crowd yelled and cheered as he stepped forward. Kevin took a deep breath and did his best on the circle, ending up with two still lit on the far side. Once those were out, he stood on his tip toes to blow the final candle out. He hugged both cooks; Khun Matt took this with equanimity but the rotund palace chef was clearly uncomfortable with the gesture.

After the cake was distributed, it was time for presents. His dad Thadchai gave him a green bicycle; Khun Preem, his combat instructor, his own belt knife and scabbard; Khun Tae, a handsome riding crop with his name embossed in the dark leather. But it was Khun Wit's present that gave him a warm glow of happiness.

He handed the boy a black lacquered box with a war elephant cloisonné on the lid. Nestled inside the red silk lining was a small tusk. Kevin looked up with delight. "It's Kandi's milk tusk, right, Uncle Wit??"

The wizened man broke out in a smile and nodded. "I thought it would be appropriate. They say that a tusk has magical properties." He clapped the younger boy on the back. "Plus I'm sure she would want you to have it."

Kevin lifted the bit of ivory out and looked at it. He could see tiny striations running the length of it, though it felt smooth and cool to the touch. He tucked it into his pocket.

He was distracted and kept touching it, even as he was presented with a handsome teak wardrobe from the royal family. Suri grabbed his elbow and pulled him away to the edge of the crowd. "I want to see it," she demanded. He pulled it out and held it flat in his hand. The girl reached out, paused above it as if reconsidering, then gingerly pressed her palm against the surface.

They smiled at each other, their hand wrapped together around the tusk. Two faces blushed when they realized their close proximity. Suri stepped back first, and Kevin slipped the tooth back in his pocket.

"What did you get me for my birthday?" He asked gruffly. It was the first thing that popped into his head. She gave him a small cloth bag.

"My mother helped me pick it out." When he opened it, a gleaming necklace of silver with a small sunburst symbol poured into his hand. "I wanted to give you something to wear, and she thought this was the best idea. Do you like it?"

Kevin lifted the chain and looked at the pendant winking back and forth. It didn't look girly as all, and he knew Thadchai dad wore a similar one that was a gift from his mother.

"I wrote something on the back," she said in a small voice. Kevin grabbed the sunburst and flipped it over. It was a miniature of their initials and heart they carved on the wooden bench a few days ago.

He tried to put it around his neck but it slipped out of his clumsy fingers and fell into the grass. Suri picked it up and fastened it for him before giving him a backhug. The sunburst felt a little ticklish, but also right. He placed his hands on her arms wrapped around him. "Thank you, Surikitiyia. I really like it."