Oak grabbed me again, this time his hand went around my left wrist. He pulled me close. So, I kneed him in the groin, then elbowed his shoulder as he doubled over before me.
I tried to run, but the first boy I’d attacked was up by then and managed to grab my towel. I quickly undid it and let him have it.
“Spirits!” one of them breathed as I sprinted the short distance back to my window… completely naked. I was up and back in my room quickly, shutting the window, closing the curtains, and breathing heavily. I doubted they’d try to get in here. One shout from me now and they’d be in deep trouble.
“Well,” I said between huffs of breath. “That was fun.”
Was it? You liked that?Auwei asked.
I had. There was a part of me that just loved putting brutes in their place. “Yup.”
Interesting…Auwei said, as if she suddenly knew me a lot better.Very interesting.
I just hoped Pebble had gotten away and would find some place to hide from the others.
I was too energized to sleep, so I paced my room for a moment.
I knew there was something truly audacious about you,Auwei said. There was a confidence in her voice, a resolute I-made-the-right-choice sort of tone.You felt so… alive, when you were out there, your spirit shining bright, it was amazing!
Was it?
Yes, Birch. I think I’ve figured out one thing you want, even if you haven’t.
Oh?
You want to put bullies in their place.
Yeah, I did.True.I hadn’t thought about that in a long time. I’d fought other bullies back in Miraline as a girl, but no one had prompted a good thrashing in a while. I’d have to think on this a bit more.
Then, in my pacing, I caught a glimpse of myself in the long looking glass. Right… I was still naked. I’d blown out the candle earlier, so the only light in the room was Auwei’s faint glow. Still, I didn’t need to see my reflection to know what was there, I’d seen it enough times before.
Tumbling curls of brown hair framing an oval face with a weak chin, and russet brown eyes. Nothing special there, though I did like my cute button nose and full lips. My shoulders were just a little too square, not the elegant slope of a lady. My arms were thick and strong from all the physical play — and occasional fights — as a child. I was a bit straight through the body with not much of a curve at waist or hips. Legs were sturdy and strong as well, though a bit leaner looking since I’d shot up in height over the last two years or so.
Honestly, I didn’t really know what boys saw in me. Yeah, I had long legs, but other girls my age had a lot more curves. I was far from the most beautiful woman out there.
What do you see in the mirror, I’m curious? Auwei asked.
“A girl who—” I cut myself off then sighed with a faint chuckle. “Yeah, that’s the problem. I don’t know whether I’m a girl or a woman. A part of me still wants to run and play and be free, but I also want to be… important and help this nation.” Another sigh. “I can’t decide if I’m a tall awkward girl, with too much of a figure, or an awkward woman with not enough of one.”
Auwei gave the sense of a nod, bobbing a little bit.Want to know what I see? She went on, not waiting for my answer.A beautiful young woman with so much potential in body, mind and spirit, to become whatever she wants to become.My mother had said something like that the night before The Choosing.I think you’ve just shown how much… drive you have to follow your heart and your passions.
“Thanks, Auwei.” That meant a lot to me.
I slept fairly well that night, with pleasant dreams of knocking down arrogant bullies.
Chapter 8
The weeks wore away.Slowly at first, then with more frequency, the Chosen began to Bond and leave Silverveil. By the end of the first month, roughly half of the sixty or so Chosen had left.
Pebble was still around, though I hadn’t seen much of him. The few times I did see him he was keeping close to a young woman, someone from his group, I think. I didn’t know much more than that.
Oak had avoided me after that night, though he’d taken to glaring at me like Cedar did. I think he and Cedar eventually hooked up, probably bonding over their mutual hatred of me. It didn’t much matter, both of them Bonded and left soon enough. I still hadn’t Bonded, and I was beginning to worry more and more about that outcome.
Of my group, four remained: myself, the quiet Maple, the shy and giggly Poplar, and the stoically determined Ash. We were all working hard, but the feeling in the group was the same… a questioning: why not us? Why not yet?
Then finally the day came when I was to go into the Mists. Generally, this was done either as a reward to those who Bonded early or as a boost for those who hadn’t Bonded yet. The five of us, my group and Lady Kitsune, walked for most of the morning to get there. First over a long ridge, then through rolling forested hills, then… to the thicker forests where the Mists hung heavy amidst the stout trunks of ancient trees.
“You will go in on your own, your guide will be your Lumani. Listen to them and heed their words. The Mistlands can be dangerous to unbonded humans.” Lady Kitsune’s tone gave no room for argument.
