AMACon 3: Oikos - Children

Sacrifice - Dawn

WRITTEN BY:

introvert_0821

"At sunrise everything is luminous but not clear."

She hurried towards his kneeling form as the sky lightens up with the first beams of Shams. The valley was dressed in hues of orange, red and gold but this time she didn't stop to admire it like she always did. Returning late last night from her father's grave meant she was snoring when he came to pick her up for their daily stroll.

'Stupid', she scolds herself as she picks up her skirts to climb up easily. It was a miracle he was still up there praying otherwise by this time, he's busy being Al-Haytham to everyone.

At the mere age of 12, he had everyone around his finger. But with every right to do so. He had more knowledge and wisdom than the scholars of the valley. From the tender age of 3, he had been accompanying his father everywhere, even going on his various travels where he would spend his days learning from the wise men of the respective tribes. People from faraway places would come to him to seek his guidance in matters that troubled them. And he would solve them without losing a single breath.

If God had blessed him with a sharp mind, he was equally gifted in other skills. There was no better swordsman and fighter than him. His easy go personality made him a favorite amongst children and adults both. It didn't help either that he was a sight to see as well. With his broad chest, lean body and a handsome face, he was every girl's dreams.

These very qualities were the reason that people had come to associate him with the young eagle, someone who would grow up to be just as wise, fearless and great leader like the bird. No matter how many times he had told his people not to call him that, they wouldn't listen. It was like the name stuck. His humility only made people convinced that their future was safe in his hands.

'Do you plan on staying there the entire day?' his voice strikes her ears and she shakes her head to focus on him. He was sitting on one of the rocks sipping some water from his container. Looking at him, you couldn't guess that the 8 out of 9 tribes of this valley had already decided he would be a great successor to his father, their Ameer Al Umara. But right now, he looked exactly what he was. A 12 year old Ra'id Jaber or as she liked to call him RJ.

A boy with simple dreams. To strengthen his relationship with God, make his father proud and lead his tribe right.

He steps away from the stone and moves his hands in front of her eyes, 'You're lost again, what's up with you Meng?' he asks her curiously, 'Are you in love?'

She pushes him with such force that he ends up on the ground clutching his knee. But the smirk stays on his face.

'That really hurt Meng', he groans, 'Look at you, all bones and skin yet it feels as if you are made of steel'

'Stop acting all weak, Oh Great Future Sheikh Ra'id Jaber', he cringes at his full name. 'Don't be an embarrassment. We all know how strong and tough you are'. She settles herself on the rock where he was previously sitting, not getting swayed away by his antics.

'You too?' he looks at her teasingly, flexing his muscles.

'Do you want me to push you again?' she says in a warning tone. He holds his hands up in surrender. She gives him a victorious smile.

These were the times that she looked forward to most, the minutes spent in each other's company. Away from all their responsibilities and the people's expectations, they could be who they were. Just kids.