"Raka-what now? I'm not sure I'm familiar with that," Braze offered simply.
"Unfortunately… everything changes in time, I've come to learn. For better or for worse."
He looked down at his bowl, frowning briefly, before reaching up to draw aside a small section of his long white hair. With nimble fingers, he began weaving a thin braid. Slipping a hand into the sleeve of his night robe, he produced a few tiny bands, the sort he usually used to secure his Padawan braid or other decorative braids, and bound the delicate microbraid at top and bottom.
That same hand disappeared into his sleeve again, this time pulling out a small pocketknife. He opened it with a soft click, cut the braid free, and tucked the blade back out of sight. Turning gently, he lifted Jasper's arm and nestled against his side, guiding the larger hand around himself. He turned Jasper's palm upward in his own.
"You know," he began, voice quieter than usual,
"there's an old story I learned from my father, long ago… about a mighty king. He summoned his wisest counselors and told them: 'I want a ring made, one that will help me in times of great distress. I want it to bring me peace when I am sorrowful, but also remind me of truth when I am overjoyed. The ring must hold a message that is true in all times, in all situations.'"
Braze shifted, brushing the fringe of white hair from his face before looking up at Jasper with somber jade-green eyes.
"The wise men debated for days. They argued over verses and philosophies, but nothing seemed eternal enough. At last, they returned with something simple."
Working delicately, Braze bound the bit of woven white hair into a small ring.
"On the ring," he continued softly,
"they inscribed only this: 'This too shall pass.'"
He took Jasper's hand with surprising care, slipping the woven ring onto his left index finger and pressing it snug against the knuckle.
"The index finger on this hand," Braze explained,
"is for purpose, for guidance, for the things you point toward when you lead others or yourself. By wearing it here, it's a reminder that both pain and triumph are fleeting. When you're lost in sorrow, you'll know it won't last forever. And when you're at your highest peak, you'll remember to stay grounded."
Slowly, he let Jasper's hand go, his eyes lingering on the tiny white band.
"It's not much," he murmured,
"but it carries the truth. Everything… good or bad… will pass. And that's what makes every moment of life worth holding."
