Tiger Lily

1645

My hands shook from the braids in my sister's hair. It was her sixteenth birthday, and she was getting married to some brave warrior. My father was the greatest warrior in the Piccaninny tribe. He was right hand to the chief and ruled over our family like a tyrrant. "Amitola," I whispered," are you afraid?" She fingered the tassels hanging from her dress, small turqoise beads clacked together as she did this.

"Of course, Ayianna. I will be leaving my sweet Eternal blossom to the hands of my demon father." I laughed, not only did she call me by my nickname but she critised my father without fear. Gently I placed a small white lily behind her ear.

"What if you are hurt by this.. this man you don't know?" She turned and took my cold hands.

"Listen. I want you to know something, something important. You-" My father bursted in clearly ready to get the wedding moving. "Father," we said in unison bowing.

"There is my lovely eldest daughter! Tiger Lily leave, I would like to properly say goodbye to my daughter.'

"Yes father," I said. I opened the curtain on our wigwam and left the camp. "I don't want to see her wedding," I whispered to myself," it just means that I am going to be alone with my father." I sat on the edge of the ocean and looked out into the water. Today the ocean was grey like it knew my feelings. Tears slipped down my cheeks, " Please," I whispered," just take me away. I don't want to be here, it's hell." I was talking to Him again.

"It's okay, sweet Lily," a male voice whispered in my head. "I'll see you in your dreams tonight." I breathed uneavenly and listened to the waves. The wedding drums pounded in the backround and earthy smoke flew up from camp. I undid my braids, took off my shoes and dress, then jumped into the cold water.