Unique

The Betrothal

The village was bustling with preparations as the sun rose high in the sky. Daoyi stood nervously outside his family’s hut, watching the tribespeople scurry about, gathering decorations and setting up for the upcoming ceremony. Today was the day he would be formally betrothed to Kenyai, the son of the High Warrior. He was now twelve and the ceremony had to be performed before Kenyai could leave for his five training to become a warrior. His hands fidgeted at his sides, fingers brushing the delicate waist beads that had been given to him by the Priestess the day before.

“They’re supposed to make you feel proud,” Amaela had said as she tied them around his slim waist, the colorful beads clicking softly against his skin. But Daoyi didn’t feel proud. He felt exposed. Trapped between roles he wasn’t sure he could fulfill.
He wore a single strand of waist beads around his tiny waist as of yesterday to signify his betrothal. Beads were always given to girls and women to signify each passage in their journey through womanhood and since Daoyi was a Carrier, he had to adhere to this feminine culture.
One strand of beads signified betrothal, two strands signified engagement, three strands for marriage, the strands of waist beads continue to increase, the number of children determining the number of strands to be adorned.

Now, standing alone outside his home, he felt the weight of the expectations pressing down on him. His father, High Chief Kennan, had explained the importance of the ceremony several times, but the words still echoed in Daoyi’s mind like a distant drumbeat. This was his duty.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Kenyai, tall and strong for his age, walking toward him. There was something reassuring about Kenyai’s presence, though they hadn’t spent much time together. His future husband-to-be carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who already knew his place in the world.

“Pretty flower,” Kenyai called out, his voice warm but steady. “Are you ready?”

Daoyi managed a small smile with a tiny blush, though his heart pounded in his chest. “I think so.”

Kenyai smiled in return, his dark eyes softening as he looked at Daoyi. “You don’t have to be nervous. This is a good thing. The whole tribe will be there to celebrate.”

“I know,” Daoyi said quietly, his gaze dropping to the ground.

Daoyi nodded, grateful for Kenyai’s support but still unsure of what to do with the complicated feelings swirling inside him. Was he really worthy to be Kenyai’s bride, would he be able to fulfill his duty as a wife? Various thoughts gnawed at him causing a frown on his face. Kenyai noticed and held his delicate hands to reassure him.
“You are more than enough for me, pretty flower, do not worry yourself” he told him softly.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Later that evening, the village gathered around the central fire pit for the betrothal ceremony. The flames crackled and danced in the growing darkness, casting flickering shadows across the faces of the assembled tribe. Daoyi stood beside Kenyai, his heart pounding in his chest as the Priestess approached with the ceremonial beads that would seal their engagement.

“Daoyi, Kenyai,” the Priestess intoned, her voice carrying the weight of tradition. “Tonight, we honor the bond between you, a bond blessed by the Goddess herself. These bracelet beads represent not just your union, but the balance you will bring to the tribe.”

She placed her hands gently on Daoyi’s shoulders, her eyes soft as they met his. “Daoyi, you are a Carrier, chosen by the Goddess to fulfill a role that few can. You will bring life into this world, and through you, the legacy of our tribe will continue.”

Daoyi nodded, though his throat felt tight. He could feel the eyes of the entire tribe on him, judging, expecting. His hands trembled slightly as he clasped them together.

“And you, Kenyai,” the Priestess continued, turning to him, “will be his protector and partner. Together, you will uphold the values of strength, wisdom, and unity that our tribe holds dear.”

Kenyai stood tall, his voice steady as he replied, “I will protect Daoyi and honor our bond.”
They both received the ceremonial bracelet beads and exchanged it between each, the beads signifying a promise of eternal love.

The Priestess smiled and gestured for them both to step forward. “As the Goddess wills, so it shall be.”

As the ceremony concluded, the villagers erupted into applause, but Daoyi’s mind was elsewhere. His heart was heavy with the knowledge that, despite the outward celebration, not everyone in the tribe saw him as a true leader—or even as a true person. The weight of both male and female expectations pressed down on him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that, no matter how hard he tried, he would never fully belong.

As the night wore on, Daoyi found a quiet corner away from the dancing and festivities, his fingers idly tracing the waist bead that now seemed to symbolize everything he wasn’t sure he could live up to. Kenyai approached, standing beside him in silence for a moment before speaking.

“You were strong today,” Kenyai said softly.

Daoyi shook his head, staring down at the ground. “I didn’t feel strong.”

“You don’t have to feel it,” Kenyai replied. “You just have to be it.”

Daoyi glanced up at him, searching his face for some kind of reassurance. “Do you really think I can do this?”

Kenyai smiled, his hand resting gently on Daoyi’s shoulder. “I know you can. And I’ll be with you, no matter what happens.”

Daoyi felt a warmth spread through his chest at Kenyai’s words. Maybe, with Kenyai by his side, he wouldn’t have to carry the burden of the expectations alone.