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AMYRA
The sun dipped behind the mountains as the Vector forest came to life. The vines of the leaves and flowers, roots of shrubs and trees glowed in the darkness, coating the forest in a serene glow of peace and mystery.
Amyra nocked another arrow in her bow, aiming at the target once more. The cold wind blew through her curls, creating waves in her baby blue dress. She released the arrow.
Amyra took a sharp inhale as the arrow once again landed off the bullseye. After tossing the bow in the trunk of her hover car, Amyra adjusted her cloak around her shoulders.
"Hey, that was the best one yet!" Diana chirped, pushing back her transparent baby pink glasses.
"Yeah! I am sure you are gonna get the bullseye next time!" Dahlia said, curling a strand of her black hair around her index finger.
The twins were sitting on a blue picnic blanket near Amyra's hover car, delicate teacups in their manicured hands.
"You guys are just being nice," Amyra said with a pout, taking a seat on the blanket. "I suck at this."
"No you don't, stop being hard on yourself," Dahlia said, tucking the strand of hair behind her ear. "and considering how it is 'illegal' for girls to even step in this forest, let alone practice archery here in secret, you are doing quite well." she added.
"But I have been training for years now! This shouldn't be happening."
"Some things take more time than others," Diana said, passing a teacup to Amyra. "You will do it, don't worry."
Amyra tilted her cup, gazing at her reflection in the dark liquid. Her downturned chapped, but full lips, her almond shaped hazel eyes, her bushy, but arched eyebrows, the soft cut in her cheek, her round chin —all ordinary features, yet not unappealing to look at. Only if people knew her temper and impatience instead of getting fooled by her innocent face.
She wondered why Jamal chose her, her out of all people. It wasn't that he didn't know her personality.
The only thing that was out of the ordinary was her hair—part black and part white.
"Hey," Diana placed her teacup down and leaned towards Amyra, mirth dancing in her gentle brown eyes. "Do you know I found a strand of grey hair on Dahlia!"
A strangling sound escaped Dahlia's throat as she sputtered her tea. "W-What!" She exclaimed, eyes as big as saucers as Dahlia stared at her twin in disbelief, the latter's grin as wide as the Cheshire cat's.
"Oh yes," Diana continued as she blew in her hot tea. "I found it yesterday while we were watching television."
"Y-you did not!" Dahlia protested.
"Yes I did! I even showed it to you."
"You are the one to talk! I saw gray hair on you the other day!"
"It was the foam of the hair spray!"
Amyra's frustration and anger washed away by the twins' antics, now replaced with mirth and amusement.
"So, how is everything going for your wedding preparations?" Dahlia changed the subject, eyeing her twin warningly while doing so.
"It's going well. The hall is booked out, the wedding dress is picked, decorations and stuff are almost done. Jamal and I have finished furnishing the cottage, now we are in the process of shifting our personal belongings," Amyra tucked her legs underneath her and asked, "That reminds me, how are the dresses?"
"Amazing."
"Lovely."
"I am glad. I can't wait to see you guys on the wedding day."
Diana giggled at Amyra's response, a shade of pretty pink dusting her dimpled, bronze color cheeks as she shyly replied, "Aw, Amyra. You are too sweet."
"We can't wait to see you in your wedding dress," Dahlia said, taking a bite out of the cheese sandwich. "It's your day tomorrow, Amy." She added with a wink.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"Now turn your head to this side, Yes."
"It looks good, Diana."
"No, no Dahlia, her makeup should be perfect."
"Hmm, you are right. What about..."
The twins' voices filled the room as they helped the bride get ready. Amyra sent an apologetic look to the blond makeup artist who stood at the side with a sour expression, her work taken over by the twins who were currently fussing over her makeup. Amyra, in truth, was actually relieved that it was her best friends who were helping her with her makeup. She knew nothing about makeup and the makeup artist knew nothing about her. Who is to say that the artist wouldn't have turned her into a clown?
"Oh girls, she looks beautiful!" Lilah, Amyra's mother figure, exclaimed as the twins made way for her. Her brown, chestnut hair was tied in a simple high bun. Her maroon dress grazed the floor ever so slightly. A dark red shawl, embroidered with silver and golden patterns, was draped over her small figure. Her plump face, joyful yet a hint of sadness in her olive green eyes.
"Look at you," Lilah said, caressing Amyra's henna-covered hands. "It feels like yesterday when Nasir brought you to our family."
Amyrah placed her other hand on top of Lilah's, the familiar warmth of the older lady's hand comforting her, washing away her nervousness.
"Thank you, for taking care of me Lilah. You and Nasir are amazing parents." Amyra spoke sincerely, a smile adoring her lipstick covered lips.
"Now now," Lilah dabbed her eyes with a tissue as she spoke, "Don't make me cry," A sniff, "What are we waiting for? Let's get going! Everyone is waiting for the bride."
Chuckling, Amyra got up, straightened the pleated fabric of her laced gown. The pleats started from the waist all the way down and around her white heels. She readjusted her white veil before Lilah guided the bride out of the door where Nasir was waiting for them. The twins trailing close behind the two, their floral dresses fluttering in the wind as they exited the house.
This day would be embedded in Amyra's memory forever. Not just because it was her wedding day. Not because of the excitement that bubbled inside her at the thought of the mystery the future held as she left the mosque after signing the life changing contract. Nor due to the giddiness she felt as her hands touched Jamal's for the very first time as he walked her to the stage during the reception, but because of the five soldiers from the main city who coated her bright world with a dull black paint of gloom.
