Mine. Chapter 1 Part 5
Mort looked at Oneida. They shared a bond that only the bookends of children could. As the oldest and youngest children in the family, they exemplified all of their siblings’ good and bad characteristics. Both had tested their parents wits to the utter edge, and both were held as an example for their good will.
Although he’d only been 7 when she was born, Mort had placed himself in the role of protector and confidante. He had shaped Onieda’s attitudes as much as either of their parents. They had all instilled on her a deep sense of right and wrong, a love for their people, their families, and their way of life. The last month had deepened their love for each other. Their mother’s death resulted in all of the siblings renewed attachment with each other. The pain at her loss echoed in all of their eyes, down to their souls. They bonded together to fight the emptiness she had left behind.
Mort saw that today, something was different with Oneida. Today, she stood with her shoulders squared and her head back. He knew that she had made a decision about something. He arched his eyebrows in concern.
“Good Morning ‘Da. What’s got you moving so early today?”
“Mook, it’s my birthday. Today, I’m recognized as an Adult before the eyes of all Grippa. Today, I turn from the games of my past to the ideals of my tomorrow. Today, I make known to the land my availability as a courtee.”
Mort stared at Onieda in disbelief. This couldn’t be his sister. She had not spared a moment of thought in her entire life to getting married. Never had she even flirted with another, nor performed any of the precursors that any courtier practiced from birth.
“Hah! You should see your face dear brother. I fooled you so well!”