The Lion's Kiss

II

I awoke to a sight seen every summer. Drunk warriors with their new brides, trays where last night's feast was placed, and a dawn like no other. Soon the others will be awake and today's chores will be like any other day. I found myself sleeping near a bush, where others had gathered to avoid the night's wind. Next to me slept Vlad, a close friend of mine, yet Anfisa was nowhere to be seen.

"Vlad?" I said as I shook him.

He fumbled, then answered,"What? Party over?"

I laughed, "Yes. Now, come on. Let's get working."

"No," he said tiredly.

"Oh, don't be like that!"

"Fine, fine. I'm up."

Vlad was strange. His family and him came from another village that housed the Goddess Tlazolteotl, she was the goddess of filth and guilt. They arrived one day to our village as visitors, but somehow made home here. Their house was built away from the rest of the village, they settled at the edge of forest, away from the rest of us. But, Vlad loved interacting with everyone. Vlad was indeed one of our strongest warriors, any bride would be lucky to be his.

"What are you smiling at?" Vlad said, popping into my thoughts.

"What?"

"You. What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing," I said.

"Oh, quit lying, Vika!"

I laughed, twirling to face him, "I do not lie, Vlad."

He smiled a crooked smile that could make many girls fall for him, "Then, is it true that you are the best dancer in the village?"

"What! Who told you that?"

"I hear all the women talking about how you are the best dancer. You tell your stories perfectly through your dances."

I blushed, "I'm just getting ready for the Choosing, alright? Nothing more."

After a moment of silence, he said, "Vika, dance for me?"

I turned around to face him, "Vlad! You know I'm not allowed to do that."

"Oh, just this once! I promise I won't tell."

I looked around me, and just this once I couldn't tell myself no.

"I should only dance for my future groom..." I said quietly. "But, just this once, Vlad."

Dancing in front of the women felt natural, but dancing in front of a single man. It was something completely different. It felt like I had presented myself in my most purest form, and only for him. I chose my dance carefully, I started with telling a story of a young tiger left to grow and fight for himself. My body listened and followed. And, when I stopped Vlad had the look of a man in love.

"Vika."

"So? What did you think?" Straightening myself up.

"Every man there at your Choosing will chose you, Vika."

"Quit with the lying, Vlad. I know you're just saying that," I blushed immensely.

Vlad hugged me from behind, "I'll get strong, Vika. Just for you. Then, I'll be able to chose you first."

Vlad? Wants me?

I gulped, "Vlad, if anyone sees us, now. You won't be able to chose me first."

He let me go, only to turn me around to face him, "I'll chose you, I promise you that!"

"Vlad--" He ended my sentence with a kiss and ran off into the rising dawn.

"Vlad, I would be happy to be yours, too." I whispered from my lips; words said when chosen at the Choosing ceremony.

Huh? I thought I heard something.

A few feet away, stood Anfisa crying, "Vlad..."