Page 9 of Daughter of the Serpent

People waved and sang her praises as they passed on the street, many wearing garbs of her creation. Standing proudly in front of herwares, Sonya gleamed in unison to the many differing silks and fine fabrics showcased on her table. Her booth was a kaleidoscope of every shade and hue, her fine cloth in every color imaginable. Rich and lavish purples, deep blues, and vibrant reds, the silks glimmered under the streams of sunlight in a mesmerizing dance of color. Stepping out from the crowd, Sonya showcased the lavish garb of her own design, the dazzling pink fabric hugging her feminine form just right, only bringing further testimony to her many talents. The deep ruby of her garb brought out the depth of her olive skin, and a certain gleam to her dark eyes. A warm smile touched her face, strands of her long raven hair coming loose from her braid as she pulled Tara off the road closer to the cart.

“You must pick something!” She exclaimed, “It must get painfully boring having to wear white all the time!”

Tara’s eyes instantly lit up like candles in the dark. “We would love - ”

“We couldn’t possibly.” Sylvie, interrupted firmly. “It is not permitted.”

“This would only be between us, no one at the temple would know.” Sonya said under her breath, clutching Tara’s hands. “Besides, how else would you be able to make an appearance at the feast this evening?”

Sylvie shot Tara a stern look.

“I didn’t say anything!” Tara exclaimed, holding up her hands to plead her innocence.

“Anyone with eyes can see your scheming from a mile away.” Sonya said with a laugh and a wink. “Besides, what young lass wouldn’t want to be a part of the year's biggest celebration? Doesn’t take a seer to foretell your ambitions Tara…Sylvie however...”

Sylvie quickly turned away, peering over the crowd, gratefully catching sight of Hjalmarr out of earshot.

Thank the gods.

“Well, in case you change your mind, I insist you each take a token from me.” Sonya persisted, reaching out for Tara’s satchel andtaking it discreetly. Two fine fabrics disappeared from her wares then, and Sylvie thought she saw her fold them neatly into the leather bag.

“We cannot possibly take these…” Sylvie pushed, but Tara interrupted, taking the bag quickly under her arm.

“Thank you Sonya, your generosity is unparalleled!”

Tara pressed her two coins into Sonya’s hand, both women gleaming like sunlight dancing on the ocean waves.

“I will never understand why they withhold such simple pleasures from you.” Sonya mused. “Where I am from, none are withheld.”

“Sounds like a lovely place.” Tara said under her breath. “I wonder why you ever came here?”

“I had a divine calling.” Sonya smiled. “On this very day three years passed, the gods told me to come this way, and I have never looked back since.”

“Wow, that is so brave!” Tara gawked, her eyes glittering with fascination.

“The gods always promise exciting new chapters with the change of the season. With this rebirth we are all given the opportunity to start again - it is the day where anything can happen!”

“You will partake in the rite?” Tara inquired curiously.

“Yes. I have done so each year, but I will admit - tonight feels different.” She mused, her eyes turning discerning as she continued to fold pieces of cloth. “You can taste it in the air. I feel this one will be special.”

For centuries the rite took place after the rituals of the gods, and offered all those who willing, a chance of rebirth - to start again. The ceremony was one rumored to be dangerous in nature, as one must be willing to take the sapling of the vine, and enter the dreamtime. There you would await your challenge, often face your darkest fears, to then be placed before the gods to decide your destiny.

Many had come from the rite, changed forever.

“I have always wondered what it would be like.” Tara whispered,a devilish grin spreading over her face. “I am afraid I would falter if given the chance.”

“Thankfully the rite is only given to those of age, and you Tara, have a few years left.” Sonya murmured, “Besides, aren’t the children of the light barred from partaking?”

“Yes.” Sylvie cut in. “Our fates are already decided.”

A sudden gust of wind swept in, causing the fine fabrics of the table to scatter, and instinctively Sonya reached for them. Aiding her, Sylvie and Tara began to refold the fine garbs, laying them straight upon the table once more. Sonya nodded in thanks, before gripping her hand into Sylvie’s arm and bringing her lips to her ear. “The gods listen, Sylvie. Like the wind, they now bring forward a gust of change - can you not feel it?”

Sylvie nodded.

“I may be risking a lot by these words, but I believe one should always choose their own destiny.”

Stepping back, she smiled - but something in those brown eyes had changed. Sonya’s voice hit something inside her, landing in a way that her words hadn’t before. It made something come alive in her spirit, and a strange feeling awoke within her that chimed in acknowledgement.