For everything that begins must end.
This was the last night of the Trade Feast and a winner must be declared. Everyone was gathered at the Village Square with their kills from the morning hunt mounted unto one another, right in front of each family. The torches provided light for the arena, ensuring that the cloak of darkness that was decorated by the stars above, wouldn't act as an obstacle to their celebration.
The success at different stages were being calculated, as each judge went around with a small slate and chalk in their hands, recording whatever it was they needed to. Belladonna could see Jazliy from where she was standing next to GrandPapi, but she ignored her gaze knowingly while battling a smile. Eli was in front of Sazey's family along with the representative. Belladonna could see his back from here and the little smirk he sent her way when he turned and caught her watching, only reminded her that she couldn't run forever.
She might have escaped this afternoon but many more escapes weren't promised for her.
If she never got the space she needed, she would never be able to make a decision that wasn't influenced by his ever-constant presence.
That was something she wanted to do.
This was her chance to make an informed decision and she would not let him steal that away from her just because he knew how much effect he had on her.
It was a relief that he had nothing going on with Jazliy though; She couldn't help but smile to herself about that.
It was something she shouldn't feel, she knew, it was stupid, she knew that too, but she felt it anyway and it made her happy anyway.
A loud cheer drew her from her train of thoughts, a pair of strong arms pulled her into an embrace and a squeal almost deafened her ears.
"We won!" That was Jazliy. Guess she was no longer passing water. "We won, Bella!"
Belladonna joined in the cheers.
The beating of drums filled the air almost immediately, singing and dancing, one which Jazliy had pulled her into.
Belladonna could feel the weight lift off her mind. There were probably many more brides being appeased at this moment too. This was probably linked with the delivery of the coins.
It was a lovely moment of learning more dance steps that were traditional to Kaytegun and singing songs in their ancient language that she had even forgotten they had.
It was such a lovely moment of swinging her hips to the beat of the drums, while her bare feet hit the floor with each drastic turn she had to take.
Beads around the wrists, ankles, and waist clattered together, blending into the melody of the night.
It was so lovely that she asked Sazey if this was a moment she wanted to be part of, despite knowing what effect such possession would have on her.
Sazey was overjoyed and agreed.
Immediately Sazey was in control, her dance moves changed, they became more fluid. When the dance was over, Jazliy pulled her aside to the table of palm wine and roasted meat.
"You danced like you have lived in Kaytegun all your life." She yelled loudly, trying to catch her breath and speak over all the voices in the rowdy Village Square, so that Belladonna could hear her.
"At that moment, it really felt like I have been." Belladonna's heart was racing. Although her bracelet wasn't burning, she couldn't help but look up at the sky every once in a while to ensure that Alaris hadn't been summoned by her slip of control once again.
She didn't want to have to spend more time practicing with him on how to keep the walls of her mind up at all times.
She didn't want to see him, not after everything that had happened the last time they had been in the same space together.
"Try this." Jazliy offered her a stick that had been pierced through small pieces of roasted and sauced meat. Belladonna accepted it from her.
"We'll be leaving at the crack of dawn."
"Already?"
Belladonna chuckled. "Yes, I'll miss you."
"Of course, there is much of me to be missed, you'll miss me." Then her voice dropped slightly, "And I'll miss you like a part of me lost in the forest."
"I will write you letters."
"And I will try to read more words that are trying to swim off the pages." She gestured with her hands, the stick of meat still within her fingers. "Thank you very much." She laughed as if she had just said the funniest thing, but Belladonna didn't find that funny.
Now that she was leaving, how would she be able to teach her how to read?
They never even got a chance to begin it.
Jazliy observed that was what was on her mind.
"You worry about me too much. When you are around, I will learn and when you are away, a good male that can read will come in handy."
"Well, aren't you in luck?" A man said from behind Belladonna and when Jazliy noticed him, a light of recognition lit in her eyes. Belladonna turned to see who it was. She recognized him to be one of the sons of the other competitors. Although now that the Trade Feast was over, the families were acting like the competition didn't even exist to begin with. Everyone related with one another like it was simply a game that birthed a winner and that was all.
Kaytegun felt so peaceful from all the other villages Belladonna had been to, it felt almost like a dream.
"And why do you say so, Handsome?"
He offered her a calabash of palm-wine, but she didn't move to receive it. Instead, she waited for his response which came almost immediately. "I can read."
She accepted the palm wine then.
"Meet Belladonna, my friend."
"The tales of the Bride has gone round the forest of Kaytegun. I am Ozayn, from the Yzen Family. It is an honor to meet you."
"It is lovely to meet you t---"
Her words were interrupted when he pressed a kiss to both her cheeks. Then he stepped back.
It must be a way of greeting in his family.
Then, he turned to Jazliy.
"What is your name?"
"I presume you already know." She smirked.
He smiled. "Jazliy."
"Well, what more can you do besides read and hunt?"
"I can write you letters of your beauty and read them to you."
"Well, that is something that I might fancy. Tell me more."
Belladonna smiled.
She was certainly the "crowd" here. With hurried and polite words she excused herself. Without an expert, like Jazliy to guide her, she ended up with the dancing group again, only that this time, a partner was required.
From one partner to the other, she danced, finding it a more fun way to spend the night until she found herself in Eli's arms.
He had a frown on his face, and had wiped away invisible things from her cheeks.
"You tempt me to hurt him grievously."
"It is a very foolish thing to lay claims over that which isn't yours." She snapped.
"Well, it is a good thing that you are mine then."
She scoffed. "I am not. Also, I am surprised, I have never considered you to be unreasonably boastful."
"I will be anything I have to be to have you again. You can be rest assured, there will be more surprises coming your way."
Well, that didn't feel assuring one bit.
The rhythm of the music was too fast for any lingering touch, the steps required were too rigid and drastic for any close contact that lasted for more than a second, yet Eli made them happen over and over again.
When it was time for them to exchange partners, he didn't let her go either.
Belladonna was more than certain now that the distance she wanted was imperative in order for her to make a final decision on this back-and-forth relationship.
She would certainly acquire that distance no matter what she might have to give.
But for tonight, at least, she could... pretend?
Maybe?
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((Yesterday's Update - Sorry for Missing it.))