Scissors, please.

Today.. I got up.

Today I got up with the sun and left the fires cold, the chores undone and told no one where I would be.

Today I took my daughters hand and walked with her alongside the stream until we thought our legs would collaspse beneath us. And then we rested in the shade of a small, dry tree on the soft yellow grasses. We spoke little at first. Tiny words of comfort and empty smiles. But slowly we began to open up.. away from the harriga, away from judgement and lies and forgotton promises. We began to speak of Trayu.. and Trayus son.

First Son.. Only Son... No Son.

Lei and I began to heal each other though... all the real healing had begun when Fonce silently readied us for the move. It was bridged when Tasco held my hands and kissed them and offered us all he had to give. The only two people in our world that came to see us was the two of them.. thier gestures were like night and day. But both equally needed, equally appreciated. I expected it of Fonce, it is what he does for his family and we are family. But Tasco had surprised me, we are only passing friends. Our conversations have been scattered and brief but always meaningful. He has shown me more friendship that I could expect. I wanted to cook for him again but I have seen that Yamka.. stays with him now.

Irony defined, isn't it? Yamka once sullied my name for sitting at Fonces fires.. but she sleeps in a male prospects wagons. I hope she is greatful for the friends who demanded she be moved back to her own wagons and did not judge her for things obviously beyond her control.

The walk back was slow but.. happier. My Daugther and I smiled a little more, we sang to Trayus son in our hearts and said our goodbyes to her father and her brother. There are many children and families that depend on her and I.. patron saint of widows we are.

There will still be songs to sing and meals to cook. Skirts to wash and leather pants to scrub. I have a child to raise and a heart to mend. There are friendships to nurture and ties to cut.

Ties to cut... if they have not been cut for me already. I have to see Fonce and Ayguili.. I need to speak up. Loudly.