The Children of Land and Sea

Ceremony

Dacey's P.O.V

I open my eyes, and immediately remember what day it is. Because of this I sit up with a groan. I hop out of my bed and open the curtains, letting the warm sunlight in. But the warmth doesn't deter the cold fear I feel for my brother.
I walk away from the window and am slightly startled to see that my outfit has already been picked out. I walk up to it and examine it.
It's a long flowing dress that is the color of jade and goes to light blue, and finally orange. At the waist it has a gold and jade belt, the bottom half has an orange netting pattern that resembles a fishing net. My shoes are gold dragon scale flats.
All the jewelry is laid out on a cloth. The shells and jade colored feathers for my hair, and my gold earrings.
I let out a sigh at the notion of having to get dressed up. But I saunter on nonetheless.

Today is the coronation of M'Baku's daughter, Kimya, she will be the next queen of Wakanda. But people are allowed to challenge, and I know either my brother Aphiwe, or my cousin Toussaint will challenge.
I hear a knock on my door, one which drags me from my thoughts.
"Ngena" (Come in)
The door opens and my oldest sister, Izel, walks in. She's has yet to get dressed for the ceremony.
"Ekuseni, dade omncinci" (Morning little sister).

"Morning." I say groggily. I move away from my outfit and towards my bathroom. I see Izel's eyes go wide at my chosen clothing.
"Bast! Is this your outfit?!"
I scoff  "Like yours is so much better!"
This makes Izel chuckle. "Eh, I requested to wear similar clothing to the Dora's. They said I was forbidden from participating in the ceremonial barricade, but I will be allowed to stand with them."

"Hm. That's nice." I mumble as I close the door to my bathroom.
"What is Aphiwe wearing?" I call.

"Standard royal clothing. He and T'Challa decided that he should be the one to challenge. He has a better chance of beating Kimya since he's trained with the Wakandan's and Talokanil."
I let out a chuckle. "Is that the only reason? I thought Aphiwe had a crush on her."
This makes my sister laugh along.
"I'm sure that is part of it."
I emerge from my bathroom and back to where my sister stands.
"Speaking of the Talokanil, are Attuma and Namora coming?" I ask.

"To see Aphiwe fight?! Of course they are! Attuma wants to see Okoye once again, and Namora wants to see her teaching skills pay off." Izel says with a smile.
I nod along.
"Well, it was good seeing you, but leave so I can get ready." I command. Izel nods but says.
"Ok, do you need help?"

"No! Now go." I say once more. Izel obeys and leaves my room. I then remember something and poke my head out the door.
"Oh, but. Can you send Umama in to fix my hair?"
My sister gives me a thumbs up. I smile and close the door, turning to check the time.
Oh Bast!
I see the current time and realize just how late I slept. The ceremony starts in an hour and a half! And I still have to prepare, and eat, and do all the things!
—————
I hear a knock on my door and open it, just as I'm getting comfortable in my dresses uncomfortable belt. I open the door and see my Mama. She is all dressed up for the ceremony. And it is in fact the same dress that my Baba gave her when they first met. It has been altered since she grew, but it looks just the same. And she always looks very nice in it.
I smile at her as she enters.
"Izel, told me you needed help with your hair."
I nod, but my Mama is contradicting.
"Hm. I thought you didn't need my help anymore?" She says with a smirk on her face. I sigh
"Mama. Just because I am grown, doesn't mean I don't need your help."
My Mama smiles, "I'm glad you think that. Now sit down, you have to get ready."

I do as she says. Taking a seat in my chair, while she beings to braid. My hairstyle is where, tiny braids are done on one side of my head, while the rest of the hair is curled and stays down. Seashells, which are on golden hooks, are placed on the braids, and the jade colored feathers are woven in.
Once my Mama is finished, she lets me stand and look in the mirror.
"You look beautiful." She says by as I admire her work.
"Thank you." I say, turning to her. "As do you."
My Mama smiles.
"Your father insisted I wear this since it's been a long while, and it is a special occasion."
I nod in agreement.
"Are you almost ready? We need to board the barge soon."