Of Life and Death

Chapter 1...

I wrote most of this on a plane btw. I hope you like!

"The Birth of Life celebration," the Holy One intoned, high up on his balcony, "Is a very joyous occasion. On this happy day, all of our people of the Life Clan celebrate the birth of Life, as the name of this holiday implies, from his father, the One. Today, as all of you know, is the Birth of Life celebration." The layers upon layers of people watching clapped and cheered with joy.

The man they called the Holy One waited until his people settled down before speaking again. Although the High Elders were the leaders of the clan on paper, the people of Life saw the Holy One as their undeniable ruler.

"My people," he continued, "we aren't the only ones who feast tonight." Morrigan, as well as the rest of her people, felt a shiver run down her spine. 

"The Death Clan, those... heathens, are also celebrating. In their inhumane way, they are feasting. Dancing. Just as we are." The Holy One lifted three white-gloved fingers in the air, fingers matching the rest of his outfit. Matching the outfits of every single person in the square that day. "For three years to the day, our people have been fighting an endless war with those in the Death Clan." The Holy One paused to let his words sink in.

Even from her place towards the back of the crowd, Morrigan could see him mouthing 'dramatic pause' before returning to his speech.

"We will never forget those we've lost," the Holy One said somberly. "But tonight, we rejoice! We dance around our Pillar, our gift from Life our patron deity. We eat more than we've ever eaten before. Tonight, we celebrate!" 

The crowd again erupted in cheers. People all around Morrigan were stomping and screaming. Clapping and laughing. Morrigan was doing the same.

She had no reason not to.

Morrigan glimpsed a blonde head in the corner of her eye. Turning away from the Holy One's balcony, which he wasn't even on anymore, Morrigan caught sight of a girl edging past a few still cheering spectators.

"Danna!" Morrigan yelled above the din. The blonde girl turned and caught eyes with her.

"I was looking for you!" Danna screamed back. "Come on!"

Morrigan ran after her oldest friend, nearly bumping into multiple people in the process. Although she ran, Morrigan wasn't afraid of loosing Danna in the crowd. She was the tallest person in their clan. Her hair was the color of the sun, and just as vibrant. Her cheeks were rosy, very different from Morrigan's. Her's were the color of the dirt in the road, or the wood of the empty stands to either side of her.

Morrigan's mother, Grace, always said she looked her best on the Birth of Life celebration. The white of the required clothing always off-set the color of Morrigan's eyes, which were brown as well, nicely. 

At least, that's what Grace would say. Morrigan wasn't so sure.

"Danna, where are you taking me?" Morrigan laughed when they were far enough away from the crowd to talk normally. 

"Your house! Your mom said that there's a 'special someone' who's waiting to see us." 

Morrigan grinned and sighed. "It's Terran, isn't it."

"Probably."

The two girls ran the rest of the way to Morrigan's house. Like all the other buildings in the Life Clan, this one was two stories and made out of wood. The door was so tight in its frame that Morrigan had to push with her shoulder to open it.

Grace was standing in the kitchen when Morrigan and Danna walked in. Whenever people see mother and daughter together, they are struck by how similar they look. The same piercing eyes, the same smiling mouth, the only difference was the fact that Grace had a few streaks of gray embedded in her black hair. Morrigan's was still as pure as a pot of ink.

"Hi, Mom," She sang as she stole a jam-stuffed pastry from a tray. "Still baking for the feast?"

Grace chuckled as she handed a cookie to Danna, who was being good and waiting patiently for the sweet. "Needs is my Subility," Grace explained, as if Morrigan needed to hear it again. "I specialize in nourishment. Now, girls, go on out back. There's someone there waiting for you!"

Danna took the last bite of her treat, licking her fingers as she and Morrigan raced to the back door.

Alright, that's it for the first chapter. It's not terribly long, but I just wanted to post something quick. Believe me, I'm working really hard on this story. I really hope you like it, and if you do please tell me. It really boosts my confidence and gives me the will to write at least another chapter.

Thank you so much for reading!

<3, Devon