Daughter of God meet Son of the City

<< Chapter One >>

Chapter One

 

The girl, the one with the red top, has slipped behind the curtain of large Riridiro Tree leaves. She joins two men the first of which, a lanky man with scars across his bare shoulders, breaks all customs rushing over to grip her in a tight embrace.  The other comes forward more composed, an arm to grip her forearm in a formal handshake. He gives her a nod, one that holds as much meaning as the bear hug from Diniour.

Silently, he hands her a bundle of thick red fabric. She takes the package diligently in her hands, holding it away from her. She looks to each of her riccidbrothers, looking for approval in their eyes. When she is satisfied that this is all meant to be, that it will all go well, she gives a sharp nod and gets down on her knees to unwrap the fabric.

She unfolds it with care, a corner at a time, an inch by an inch. Inside is a knife, jagged and broken, a small pouch of herbs, feathers and string, and two leather strands wound tightly around each other.

She uses one to tie the corners of the red fabric together at one hip. She leaves the black skirt that previously occupied it’s spot on the ground. She helps her brother tie their own feathers into their hair and braiding it down to their shoulders. They do the same through her thick hair, feather after feather, string after string, tied and knotted to black strands. Her hair is not braided, it is left to drift down her back. The knife is tucked between the knot of leather and waist, and the herbs emptied into her hand.

They stand there, three soldiers awaiting the music’s end. Shoulder to shoulder they stand, dressed in red with bright feathers twisted in their hair.

“Not a thing will ever be the same,” Diniour says suddenly, urgently, “After we walk out there, we are warriors for the ori. We will have partners, we will have missions, we will have stakes.”

“If you don’t stop rambling, your life won’t last long enough to go on any missions.” Arionou snarls from where he stands, his fingers tracing the outline of the dagger in his skirt.

"This is our last moment like this," Diniour continues, "After this we belong to the city."

"We don't belong to anyone but the gods!" Arionou spits back.

Suddenly, the music stops and there is an unexpected quietness and stillness that makes them all afraid to take a breath. The birds begin to chatter again, and so do the bugs and animals- it's as if the jungle suddenly came alive. And then Cioro's booming voice echoes over the crowd.

He greets them, gives a special welcoming to our guests, and then begins our introduction, "We proudly represent three of Abdicrior's riccids to partner with the city's soldiers. "

First to join Cioro on the platform is Arionou, then Diniour follows. D’Ricriciouani’s chest is sore from the pounding of her heart, and it feels as if she has swallowed a Durcici whole. Taking a deep breath she follows Diniour and she knows he is right.

The moment I step on the platform, nothing will ever be the same.

 

Stepping through the leaves and joining the men on the wood is like letting out a breath after holding it for years. It's darker out here, the only lights are from the stars above and a few torches spread across the area. D’Ricricouani stands beside Diniour and he looks straight ahead, he doesn't flash her an encouraging smile like one expected. The young soldier follows suit, staring off at the line of giant trees.

It is hard for the riccids not to drop their gaze and find the foreign men at the front of the crowd. One whom will be their partner. No day will go on where they won't see his face, no day where they won’t be at his side. For now, though, they may not look.