by T J Muir
In response to her attempt to interest them, they both turned around and walked off towards the barn with no invitation for her to join them. Diya walked after them until she caught up.
“Celebrating your birthdays would be a great chance to have some friends over. You could have some fun games” she said, trying to persuade the twins to take advantage of this opportunity.
Pasha grunted, “Games? What, are we ten?”
Diya knew they would both have fun if she could just convince them to have this party. “You have had a party before?” she asked.
“Of course we have,” Esha answered curtly. “When we were ten.”
“Adults have parties too, you know,” Diya replied. “It’s a great opportunity to spend time with some friends.”
“No, okay? Why don’t you just leave it?”
Diya wanted to convince them to have a party but she knew when they couldn’t be pushed, so she stopped, watching them disappear towards the barn.
Then she headed back to the house. She went down to the kitchen, where Korina was making bread. She got herself a cup of hot tea and perched up on the stool.
“Can I ask you something?”
Korina glanced up from the ball of dough she was pounding on.
Diya took her look as permission.
“Why do the twins keep themselves so locked up? I’ve never known anyone that age that didn’t want a party, who had no friends their own age. I know they seem okay,” she said, not wanting to put Korina on the defensive, “but it just seems strange. I don’t understand it.”
“I’d be thinkin it’s their ma,” Korina said, grunting as she folded the dough over and pressed it down.
“Jinna? I don’t understand. Would she forbid them to have a party?”
Korina shook her head, wiping her forehead against her shoulder. “H’ain’t nothin to do with bein forbid.”
Now Diya was even more confused. “Then what?”
“They’s afeared sommun is gonta come here and carry some cold or contagion, and Jinna will take sick.”
Ooh. Now she understood. The unvoiced fear and protectiveness for their mother. She just nodded, her heart wrenching for the twins. They must be living in daily fear of what might happen.
It was late by the time they came back from their ride, covered in mud and horsehair.
“What have you been doing?” she asked, stepping away from the filth.
“We went for a ride. There was a muddy area,” Esha said wiping her hands on her filthy jacket, peeling it off and dropping it on the ground.
“The ponies are shedding,” Pasha added grunting as he pulled off his mud-caked boots.
“Upstairs. Both of you. Now. Shower. Scrub head to toe and use soap!”
Watching them trample mud down the hallway Diya was even more sure that they would benefit from having friends their own age. Given the twins reluctance to have a party Diya decided to do some preliminary planning on her own. They might get more excited if they heard what their party would look like. She would keep it small, and make sure it was away from the house.
So she took a trip down to the village to talk with the baker. It took awhile for Lushal to understand that Diya was primarily interested in suitable young people. When she left the baker's shop she had four names. Kallam and Frix the local healer's boys, Timilyn whose father was the so'hars steward and Hanni the ward of a retired History professor. Figuring out those four had been difficult. Maybe if she planned something absolutely stellar the So'har himself might hear of it and feel obligated to make an appearance.
Back home she knew all the right people to invite to any event. It seemed the twins had no local connections at all. By the response she had from the baker the family was seen as a cross between a sad situation and a pack of eccentrics.
On the walk home she tried to remember what games they had played at her young parties. She remembered exciting rounds of Tattix. It was a great strategy game they loved to play. Back home they had specially built courts for the game where the wooden balls were tossed down the court but there was no clear place to make that kind of perfectly level and smooth court. All of the grounds were grassy and sloped the kind of precision needed for Tattix wasn't there. She considered what a challenge it would be trying to land the balls in any exact location. Oh! Maybe that would make a good game. If she could locate the wooden balls she could design a target zone so that they would earn points for landing their balls on specially marked circles.
She would have to work out the details but that should give enough of a challenge without being overly difficult to understand. Maybe each of the guests would enjoy posing for a quick drawing of themselves. She could make each one of them look like some kind of animal and they could do a scavenger hunt working in teams. She could only hope that with a little more prodding on her part the twins would agree to having a party.
When she returned to the house Korina met her at the door.
“The missus asked for you,” Korina pointed in the direction of Jinna’s rooms.
Diya startled and looked at Korina to see if she could find some hint of what had happened while she was out. Korina just turned and walked back to the kitchen. Diya dashed upstairs long enough to give her hair a quick brushing and to smooth out her clothing.
Knocking on Jinna’s door, Diya eased in when she received a soft call to enter. Diya glanced at Jinna who was on her daybed. The twins were also there, looking triumphant.
Oh, no. Diya tried desperately to think about what had occurred recently. Had the twins done something or told on her for something she hadn’t done?
“Korina said you wanted to see me,” she addressed Jinna, looking as innocent as she could.
“Yes,” Jinna said. “The twins were just telling me that you were planning a party for their birthday.”
Oh no, Diya thought. She hedged, “Well, I did think it would be a nice chance for the twins to have some friends over but they didn’t seem excited about it.”
Jinna glanced at the twins and turned back to Diya. “And you didn’t think you should discuss it with me?” she asked, sounding annoyed.
Diya imagined birthdays and celebrations had always been Jinna’s sacred territory.
Diya replied, “Well, if they had been agreeable, I would most certainly discuss it with you,” she lied, realizing it had never occurred to her. It probably should have. “But since they don’t,” she shrugged, “I did not want to bother you.”
Jinna reached for her tea and took a long sip. She watched the twins for a long moment. Diya looked at them and saw the range of conflicting emotions on their faces. Every time their mother coughed or wheezed, they both winced.
Pasha stood up, hands on his hips. “Okay, this is enough. Mama is tired. Are you happy now?”
“No,” Jinna said, sounding tired. “It’s okay,” she said, putting her tea down.
“It’s not okay!”
She stifled a cough. “I think you should have the party.”
“What?”
“No!”
Both twins looked at their mama with shock.
“I understand,” Jinna said, placing a hand on Esha’s arm. “It’s okay. I’ll be okay.”
“It’s a bad idea.”
Jinna took a deep breath and started coughing. The twins looked at each other in alarm.
“Here mama, your tea,” Esha handed her mother her cup of tea.
Pasha gently covered his mother with her soft blanket.
“Please mama, don’t be upset.” Esha took Jinna’s hand and held it tightly.
“No,” Pasha nodded in agreement.
Jinna’s coughing stopped. She took a sip of her tea and looked wearily at her children. “I want you to have the party,” she gasped out. “Please,” she said, a single word that sounded like a cross between a command and a plea.
“Of course mama, if it will make you feel better,” Esha replied, “we will have a party. We just--”
Jinna exchanged a look of
understanding with Esha. “I know,” she said softly.
She gave the twins a tender look. “I need some rest now,” she said. “You can work out the details among yourselves, okay?”
The twins popped up and quickly gave their mother a peck on the cheek. Leaving the room, they looked back at Jinna worried.
Once they had left, Jinna turned to Diya. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You’re right. The twins need to move forward, to have their own lives.” Jinna sighed, and smiled sadly.
Diya was relieved.
“You are welcome,” Diya said to Jinna. Jinna nodded and waved Diya to go.
On her way out, Letta came in carrying a tray with hot tea on it. As the girl passed, she mumbled under her breath. “Big ideas, puttin everyone at risk.”
Diya spun around to respond but then she saw Jinna propped up on one arm, wheezing. So she held her tongue and closed the door quietly.
She spent the rest of the week making preparations, determined that it should be a perfect day for the twins. The afternoon of the twins’ party was sunny and warm. The dining table had been moved outside through some effort from Ben and Chak. Diya had decorated the table with flowers that she and Tilly had selected from the garden. The bright blooms helped to create a festive atmosphere.
Diya was grateful for an opportunity to wear some of her finer clothing, a beautiful pale blue silk blouse, a darker blue vest that was embroidered with rose colored needlework and her dark blue skirt with matching rose embroidery around the waist and hemline. She had even convinced Tilly to forego her usual leggings and wear a pale pink dress instead.
Esha still wore blue leggings but at least they were clean and made of a soft woven fabric. Also, she wore an embroidered tunic over her leggings that was a soft golden color with blue needlework around the neckline and hem. She had even traded her usual boots for something a little more dressy. Pasha wore his usual black pants with a dark blue shirt that was at least tucked in. He had also polished his shoes so they didn’t look scuffed or worn.
Diya went around to make sure the buffet and snacks were set up and that there were places for each of the guests. She looked up and noticed Jinna on the veranda, bundled up and nested on a daybed. Jinna waved down and Diya took that as approval. Hopefully everything would go well. She looked around for one last check.
Where were the twins?
She didn’t see them anywhere.
By the nine hells!
She scouted around the yard, and thought she saw someone heading towards the barns. Two red heads, making a beeline in the wrong direction.
Are they running out on their own party? They’d better not be taking their ponies out.
Excusing herself, she went chasing after the two guests of honor. As she neared the barn she heard some soft chanting and whispering that seemed to come from the direction of the family’s shrine. Puzzled, she headed towards the path that lead to the shepherdess’ statue. She slowed down as she approached, stepping quietly on the stone path. She spotted the twins kneeling by the water. They didn’t notice her. Pasha was placing a feathered nest on the ground where flowers had already been placed. Esha was nearby and was pouring some water into the spout. Diya spotted a large pile of the candies Jinna liked.
Oh! They were making a special prayer offering for their mother. Diya wondered if a prayer had more power if it was offered on a special day. For a moment, she felt petty and ashamed. She couldn’t remember ever wishing for anything other than her own wants. Until recently. Until Jay. Then she wondered how she would feel if someone imposed themselves on her private moments.
She took a few steps backwards, careful to remain quiet. The twins had agreed to have a party. Their own mother had argued for it. It would be better if she left them alone and trusted them to keep their word.
Everyone who had received an invitation came. Diya noticed that Kallam and Frix had dressed similarly to Pasha. Hanni wore a tunic with leggings like Esha, but Timmilyn was dressed more finely with a purple vest and skirt and a white blouse. Pasha’s eyes kept glancing over to Timmilyn, but really he was looking at her chest. When Esha spotted where Pasha was looking, she elbowed him in the side. The other boys shuffled around while the two girls whispered to each other.
Diya ushered the partygoers to the area she had set up for games. She had gone over her ideas for games with the twins earlier, and they had either agreed or disagreed with her suggestions. Diya started the first game off by splitting up the youngsters into teams to ensure they all mingled. At least all of them seemed to know how to play the game so Diya did not need to keep a close eye on the competition.
Diya quickly glanced up at Jinna’s veranda, but Jinna must have left a while ago to rest. When the guests left, Diya was exhausted but satisfied. It was a tiny event by Tatak Rhe standards but she had managed it all on her own. Everything had gone smoothly and the twins had enjoyed themselves. She made a note of the ones they seemed to get along with, intending to find another opportunity for them to socialize. She would give the twins a little bit of time before she pushed the idea, though.
CHAPTER Twenty-one
The week following the party went smoothly. Diya hoped that this success might further improve her relationship with the twins. The weather was finally pleasant by her own standards and there had been no significant arguments with either of the twins all week.
The morning sun had finally crept over the treeline and Diya moved to the backyard garden with her drawing pad. Korina brought out a pot of hot tea and butter cookies putting it down on the table.
“This came for you this morning but I didn't see it until now,” the cook said her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity in it as she handed a package across the table.
It was addressed to her at the estate. She grabbed for it. It had to be from her family! News from home. She tore at the paper before remembering her manners. “Thank you,” she said to Korina. “This is wonderful,” and then her attention was completely focused on the papers in her hand.
On the top of the package was a note with large letters that said OPEN THIS FIRST. She slipped that message out from the neat bundle and opened it. It was from Marrick.
First- do not get excited. We are working on the situation at this end while continuing to search for you. I have seen Jay. He is alive and in one piece. Your parents also know about the letter from him which opens up several new options of possibility. Please stay put. Don't try to find him or leave your current location. Trust us that we are working on this as well as we are able. Make no mistake Hak'kar is searching for you. He is openly assisting the family's search and searching covertly as well. He is also searching for Jay and Kirrin with a substantial bounty on their heads. I tell you this to instill that the very real and ongoing danger still exists. Use your good sense and stay hidden.
Marrick.
He had seen Jay! Her heart raced. Marrick didn't mention where or she might have raced after him. She reread the note. Your parents also know about the letter. What letter? She turned her attention to the bundle of papers, frantically pulling at the string that bound them together. Finally, she got the knot undone and rifled through the stack. There was one letter from her father, and one from her mother. Beneath those was another letter on different paper, folded over. She snatched it up and almost tore it in her rush to get it open. She recognized the writing immediately. Jay never had been a good writer.
Diya,
I hope this letter finds you-- wherever you are. I trust Marrick will make sure it gets directly to your hands. He told me that you are safe but would not say where becuz he promised your parents. And now that they know who I am I am no longer sutable company.
I am so sory that I had to lie to you. I hope that you will understand why and that if I had ever known how much I would come to care about everyone and how much I would love you that I would have done so much diferintly.
I hope you arent mad at me. I have been working to find a place where we could be safe if that is
still what you want. I have been staying with the Faenyr and have bin addopted by a very well respektid family there. It is very diferint with the Faenyr but I love it. They are so jenerus and caring. And it is a place our Hak’kar cannot reach. If you want I think you could stay here also. There is so much to do and learn. They are horse people. Cham taught me how to ride. I'm not as good as the Faenyr but I dont fall off as much anymore. I cannot believe the welcome and jenerosity I have found.
I dont know if you will be able to get a letter back to me. But I also have a friend in Treyu. His name is Gherant. You culd trust him with a letter. He is also a flier and knows magic too! I have had so many adventures that I cant wait to tell you about.
But know that I have not forgotten you or stopped trying to find a way for us to be together. I think of you every day.
Yours always,
Jedda
He’s alive! She felt relief and joy surging through her. Part of her never doubted. But another part of her had been terrified. If he had been right, and been telling the truth, Hak’kar was a far more dangerous man than she had ever understood.
But Jay, Jedda, was safe. And he was trying to find a way for them to be together. It sounded like he was having quite an adventure, even learning how to ride a horse. She tried to imagine him riding. It made her smile.
Diya read to the end, catching at the signature, She remembered Trey telling her Jay’s real name was Jedda. But that wasn’t how she thought of him. She didn’t know Jedda. She knew and loved Jay. Why did he sign as Jedda? Was that who he was? Was that who he had always been? It left her feeling uncomfortable and uncertain.
Then she remembered the other two letters one from each of her parents. She recognized the bold strokes of her father’s writing.
Cazze’en,
I trust that you are well and settling into your new accommodations. Your family continues to work towards a solution. Enclosed is some additional spending funds for you. Remember to monitor your expenses and to guard your identity carefully.