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May 3rd, 1965

Mel
The True Role

The tent's dim light flickered like a candle in the wind, casting long shadows that danced across the canvas walls. I sat cross-legged on the floor, the dull thud of the heartbeat in my ears echoing with each breath I took. The memories of James's tent were seared into my mind like an indelible mark. He had been so close, the warmth of his presence palpable in that confined space, in the dark. The silence between us had been so thick it felt like I could slice through it with a knife, yet every attempt to voice my thoughts had faltered before the words even reached the surface.

My fingers traced the intricate patterns of the rug beneath me, feeling the texture as if it could ground me to reality. The tension of the moment clung to me, wrapping around my chest like a vice. His scent—a mix of earth and sweat—a reminder of the trials he's endured since arriving in our village. My heart pounded, recalling the way he had looked at me—eyes full of unspoken questions and regret, with deep confusion. I desperately now more than ever needed his forgiveness like the air I breathed. I didn't take pride in what I've done to him. He didn't deserve that. What had I been thinking, drawing my bow on him like that?

Before I could delve further into my thoughts, Ama burst into the tent, her presence as vibrant and insistent as ever. "Sheba! Sheba, come quickly!" she called, her voice bright with excitement. "Aike sent me a gift!"

I blinked, the spell of my reverie broken. "What is it, Ama?"

"A basket of fresh fruits! Come see!" She practically dragged me out of the tent, her enthusiasm infectious despite my lingering melancholy.

We reached the training grounds where Aike was waiting, his usual stern demeanor softened slightly by Ama's joy. The basket he held was filled with an array of vibrant fruits – mangoes, papayas, bananas – their colors a stark contrast to the earth-toned surroundings.

"Aike," I said, offering a polite nod. "Thank you for the gift. Ama is thrilled."

He shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "She deserves it. And I thought it might be a good gesture."

Ama beamed up at him, her eyes shining with admiration. I couldn't help but smile at her delight, though my mind was elsewhere. Then from his woven bag, he pulled something. My eyes glistened at the view: a gold pair of arm cuffs. I hopped, the delight and mesmerizing beauty of the gold. They weighted nicely, and matched my gold bracelets. I sent Ama out to her way, back to the tent. Then I went with Aike to the camp, knowing we had training. We walked together, my mind not allowing me to engage much with his chatting. I couldn't keep up, neither felt up for socializing. But I kept my smile on, not wanting him to shut down about his exciting stories. His hunting chronicles in the forest. He loved to hunt, and no wonder he struggled to keep at my slower walking speed.

Reaching the camp, my gaze wandered to Aku, who was hauling water to the soldiers, his small frame struggling under the bucket's weight. The soldiers laughed and jeered at him, their mockery cutting through the air like knives. Aike watched impassively, making no move to intervene. I looked at him, my eyes subtly imploring him to. He did not catch on. Or simply, he chose not to.

"Leave him alone," James said, stepping forward, his voice firm despite the exhaustion that clung to him. It was first first training day. No one was meant to be easy on him, and my heart ached for him. What was happening to me? My heart ached for the foreigner. A threat to my mother's survival. "He's doing his best."

The soldiers snorted, looking to Aike for approval. Aike merely raised an eyebrow, pursing his lips. "Since you're so eager to help," he said to James, "let's see how well you do under pressure." He picked up a large rock and thrust it into James's hands. The rock's weight pulled James I forward bending, his knees slamming together for balance. "Run with this. And don't stop."