First Soul Quill

Background

By mine own feather

Kliasta famously make quills from their own feathers. To other people (and a growing number of kliasta--it's 157 AB, people. Stop living in the past) this is seen as simply convenient.

Traditionally, however, there is no more intimate way to write something or more sincere present to give someone than a quill made from your own feathers.

Featherbrained

As kliasta grow only down feathers until adolescence, soul quills can only be made by adults. Over time, making one's own soul quill became more and more of a statement of maturity. These days, presenting the person or people who raised you with your soul quill is seen as a respectful and heartfelt symbol that you're ready to 'fly the nest'.

Keep your feathers close

The more conservative among the kliasta believe you should only ever make three soul quills across your lifetime:

1. One for your parents, when you leave home

2. One for your spouse, for them to make their signature on the marriage certificate

3. One for yourself, for personal documents like your will

Late Plumers

Some kliasta are unable to grow feathers sturdy enough to make into quills well into adulthood.

This used to be a mark of shame on the family, but the stigma is (slowly) weakening.