The Festival of Color

  Licorick had been waiting for this day for years. The Festival of Color: the time when a young dwarf discovers the color of their cotton candy. Sure, some had cheated and seen their tufts of candy growing in patches along their upper lips, but not Licorick. He followed the rules. He was determined to join the leaders of the clan one day and a leader doesn't lie or cheat.   "Here ya go, Rick. Ya gunna be a real dwarf today. No more kiddie stuff." Straightening his vest, he looked himself over in the muddled mirror. Did he look adult enough? Would they take him seriously? What if he approached and they found no color? Had there even been a cotton candy dwarf without color?   "Don't work yourself up, kid. Ya gunna be fine." Rick's father Tootsie leaned against the doorframe, a broad smile across his face.   "But what if-"   "There's never been a dwarf without a color, Rick. Ya bein' ridiculous, c'mon, ya gunna be late. What would ya mother think?" Tootsie walked to the front door, slipping on a light jacket before cracking open the door. Rick shuffled out of his room, running his fingers along a small, handmade clay urn sitting atop the hall console table.   "Love ya, Ma. Be lookin' out for ya today," he kissed his fingers and swept them to the sky on his way out the door, trotting quietly behind his father. The pair made it to the center of town and joined the growing group of young people collecting in the square. Some were already showing with lightly colored, fuzzy neckbeards. Rick settled in next to some friends, pounding out a quick, smooth handshake with a laugh.   "Good morning, our newest clan members! It's lovely to see all of you here to share in this ceremony. A magical time for any young dwarf, the Festival of Color does not determine standing or position, as it may have in the past. Here we seek only to celebrate the growing of our clan members into adult dwarves. We show our appreciation and love for our young ones and help carry them into the next chapter of their lives." The leader of the clan stood in the center of the group, raising his hands up and out to gesture around. Faces lit up at his words and a wild cheer broke out through the crowd. The ceremony was about to begin.   Rick glanced back at his father nervously, swallowing the fear and focusing his gaze back at their leader. This was it, no turning back. the clan would know his color and his intentions. As the ceremony began, young dwarves stepped onto a small platform and had their chins inspected. The leader shouted out blues and pinks, letting each dwarf state their future plans within the clan. Some planned to leave and spread the culture of cotton candy dwarves throughout Culinaria, but most remained in the village to protect their lands.   When it was finally time, Rick took his spot upon the platform and closed his eyes, waiting patiently for their leader to announce his color. Coarse fingers ran along Rick's jaw, seeking out the smallest big of fluff.   "Purple!" The leader held out his hand, gesturing to a small patch of cotton candy growing in along his chin. Although a slightly rare color, Rick was too caught uo in sharing his ideas to notice. The audience cheered him off the platform as the next dwarf was called up. Rick rushed to his father, throwing his arms around the man with a grin.   "Your mother would be so proud of you, Rick. A real clan member. My boy, purple! Destined for greatness, I say!" He clamped a hand down on Rick's shoulder, leading him off to find some lunch.