The Lion's Kiss

IV

"Why are your eyes so red, Anfisa? Are you sick?"

Dawn was already upon us, yet Anfisa was still in bed.

"Oh, I had a terrible dream last night. I barely had any sleep."

"The men have left for today's meal, let us prepare."

I quickly wrapped my skirt around my waist. Leaving the house, without a top. Nudity was common in most villages, due to the scorching sun. Today, my chores lie in the fields. I had to tend our village's crops. As I walked down to the fields, I sung of the wonders and fantasies that the gods have brought to us. When I was suddenly pulled off the side of the path.

A hand covered my mouth, "Shh. If you speak to loud that might find us."

"Vlad! What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be out with the men?"

He laughed, "It's a long story."

He suddenly noticed how close we were and released me, "Oh, sorry."

I blushed red, "It's fine."

We sat in silence, this was the first time we were alone, since he promised me his hand.

"I should get going..." I said. "They'll be wondering where I am."

"But, before you go--" he brushed the long, black hair that had flown into my face away. And, leaned in. A kiss sweet as the golden sun.

"Vlad..." I couldn't think when I was with him. I helped myself to more of his bitter, sweet kiss. He tilted my head and dug in for a deeper kiss.

I gasped for air, "Vlad."

"Say it, again."

"What?"

"Say my name, again."

He reached for my bosom, grasping them.

"Vlad!" I pushed myself away from him. "You're going too far."

He blushed deep red, "Sorry, I couldn't stop myself."

Vlad looked so disappointed in himself, I sighed, "You have to wait until the Choosing."

"I know..." he said quietly.

"I have to go," I said to him.

I turned around to get back on the path, when he slapped my butt.

"Vlad!"

He laughed, then winked. I just shook my head and left for the fields.

They say that Tonatiuh, god of the sun, dropped a piece of the the sun to start mankind. That drop of sun, turned into corn that feed men. Those who worshiped Tonatiuh was blessed with land that made corn grow year after year. Those who didn't perhaps lived in darkness and starvation.

"Where's Anfisa? It's uncommon to see you two apart, " said Mother Cato.

Mother Cato was the wisest of the women. Although old, she was young at heart. Her husband, Father Remus, was the strongest warrior during her time. He often lead the hunting groups and was always the first to get drunk at parties.

"Anfisa..." I said. "Is sick."

Mother Cato looked me in the eye, "Anfisa's heart is sick."

I gulped, "What do you mean, Mother Cato?"

"Be weary of her, Vika. She is sick."

And, so she continued her gardening. Anfisa sick? I didn't think much of it, for Vlad invaded my mind.