Chapter 1 Trials
I got a feeling of discomfort from my brother that showed clearly in his pale eyes, so like the color of ice on the water in the winter. I glanced at him only briefly before turning back to Tijer, I didn't need to look at my brother's face to know what expression he wore.
"Uh, hello 'Chite. Did you have a pleasant dae?" Tijer asked me.
"'Twas nothing noteworthy, but 'tis definently improving." I replied coyly. Looking at him then, the world seemed an abundance of possibilities. One look into his golden brown eyes and I was pulled in, the rest of the world melted away. I could spend hours memorizing every line of his face, from the scar on his brow to his deep curving dimples to the alluring divet in his strong prickly chin.
Somewhere outside my thoughts Geren shifted uncomfortable and he muttered a goodbye, saying he would see us inside.
"Well, 'Chite, I suppose we had best get inside and wash up for supper."
"Not before you give me a proper welcome. Come over here and kiss me you handsome oaf." I said, my last words muffled by Tijer's lips on mine. For a moment I forgot about mother and Lapis and all my troubles. 'Twasn't easy then, for me to be so brazen, I was trying to hide my insecurities. I was struggling to puzzle my way through the changes in our friendship, I hardly knew then, what it meant to love.
A sudden yell from the house intruded, and the moment was lost. "Are you two coming or shall we feed your shares to the dogs?" Geren, what impeccable timing.
"Shall we?" I asked.
"But of course, my dear 'Chite. We mustn't keep the family waiting. 'Twould be dreadful if they grew suspicious and refused to allow us to be alone together unsupervised!"
When we entered the dining hall, everyone was already seated and my mother, not surprisingly, was wearing a displeased expression. "Malachite, be quick and sit down. The rest of us are waiting." She said with tight reservation. Then to Tijer she said, "Oh, Tijer. How good to see you. Have you been well?" Sweet to everyone but me.
"I cannot complain. My Uncle is well and business is good," Tijer replied. He works with his uncle making carts and wagons,
(cont.)