The Stars in Your Skin

CHAPTER17

Naawri glances up when her brother enters his home, giggles dying in her throat at his expression. 

Wiua is the first to speak. “What’s wrong ma stxeli,” she rises. Her gentle face is a etched with concern.

Naawri's eyes widen slightly when his eyes spear her. What was he mad at her for this time?

“Why didn't you tell me?” He demands, but there's an odd timbre in his undertones.

She fights the urge to shrink away when he draws closer. “Tell you what?”

“Why didn't you tell me what that kalweyaveng Tsifanu did to you?”

Her hand shifts to rub her wrist. “Because, I,” she tugs at a braid, “I didn't want to make matters worse.” 

He drops down across from her. “And you just let me say the things I said? You let me yell at you?”

She shrugs. What else could she do? Despite how he appeared her brother was protective with a quick temper. Violence would ensue if he confronted Tsifanu. “I–,” she swallows, before saying in nearly a whisper. “I also thought you would not care.”

“Oh, Nawri,” Wiua says sympathetically.

Naawri peeks up at her brother, expecting to see displeasure. His expression is softer than she's seen aimed in her direction for a long time.  Her brow creases at the sight. She barely registers the movement before he yanks her into his arms.

Her eyes widen. What? Eyvir is hugging and not yelling at her? She casts a side glance to Wiua who only beams at her. A beat later she returns the embrace, staring at him with surprised eyes when he draws away.

“Forgive me my sister. In my desire to see you mated I made you feel like your place in my heart had lessened.”

The hand he places on her head, like he used to do to comfort her, tugs at her heart strings.

“It has not.” He presses his forehead to hers briefly before drawing away to tousle her braids. 

The words spoken with the utmost seriousness clogs her throat with emotions.  She downcasts her gaze, blinking back the tears pricking her eyes.  “I forgive you tsmukan, but you have to let me find my own mate. If I want.” She narrows her eyes when he opens his mouth.

He nods, expression placating. “Okay.” His expression hardens. “But I still have business with Tsifanu.” He rises and stalks towards the entrance.

“Perhaps it would be wise to wait until your thinking is clearer my muntxatan,” Wiua suggests. The small woman strides to Eyvir, no doubt looking up at him with pleading eyes. “Besides, you haven't drank your draught today. You can't miss it.”

Naawri's heart warms at the tenderness filling his eyes as he gazes at Wiua. He places a hand on her head, leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead. “Of course, ma tsyeym.”

The love in her brother’s eyes is a beautiful thing to see. Maybe one day she would experience such a love. If not, she would find joy in other ways and the happiness of her family. For now, she would give them time alone.

“I'm going home. There's something I need to do.” She rises. “See you later.” She exits the home, happiness twirling through her. Maybe she and Eyvir’s relationship was in a better place.

Later that morning she stands in the entrance to her home, Wiua wrapped in a tight embrace. "It's going to be positive this time," she says to the anxious female. "You both drank your draughts every day right?"

"I didn't miss one day. I did have to remind Eyvir a few times but he never missed a day." Tears flood her eyes. "If it doesn't' happen this time I don't know if I will be able to take it any more." She sniffled. "Oh Nawri do you think Eyvir will stop loving me?"