Princess of the Ice

Princess of the Ice

That day Mother walked in was a day that I'd never forget. Bright Heart and Crow Feather were running behind her excitedly.
“Mother, what is happening?” I asked.
“Oh, Yellow Bird, the Hearts of heart have given us amazing news! You are the new Messenger! Bright Heart and Crow Feather shall join you. You have blessed us all!” Mother said happily.
I could hardly believe Mother. Me a Messenger? What have I done to deserve this? Now I no longer had to go through the hardships of life and could join the Sun God early with my two wonderful brothers.
“Oh! What must I do?” I asked. I could barely contain my excitement.
“We must get ready. The ceremony is tomorrow.” Mother said.
And thus we did get ready. There was so much to do. We worked on getting the best clothes in the village and getting dressed up with red, holy paint made from clay. The next morning Mother braided Bright Heart, Crow Feathers, and my hair perfectly. I was leaving the world of the living and having the honor of joining the Sun God early.
Mother helped my put on the finest gold jewelry. As I felt the holy weight of my sun necklace I could almost feel the whole glow of the Sun. Our gold holds the to the connection of our Universe with the Sun proving it's worth to us all.
But I was scared. I would be given coco leaves so I would not get dizzy on the way to the Sun Volcano. I will have drunken corn wine so I will fall asleep. And I would be left on Calm Ledge. Calm Ledge is where the Gods come to take people who have the honor of joining them.
There was no denying that my people were in trouble. When I entered the realm of the Sun, I would beg the Gods for their forgiveness and help and even for their love. I was the Messenger from the people to the Sun God.
Right before we left, Mother gave me a hug and said, “Take care of them in the Sun realm. You are their mother now, Yellow Bird. Make us all proud, my love.”
“I will, Mother. I'll get the God's help. I'll end this famine. You will eat until you are full by next starlight.” I said. I worked to keep my tears back. I would see my Mother soon. I knew I would.
We started up the long trek to the mountain top and I ate my coco leaves on the way up and fed some to Bright Heart and Crow Feather.
I watched them with a smile. They were beautifully young to be Messengers. So young that the Sun God would take pity on them and grant their requests. Bright Heart was eight and Crow Feather was nine. They were so lucky.
When we arrived on top of the mountain I drank my fill of corn wine and gave some to my brothers. Then we sat down on Calm Ledge. Bright Heart and Crow Feather went straight to sleep. I checked on them once to see if they had died and joined the Sun Realm yet. They hadn't.
I checked them again a hour later. They had joined the Sun Realm. I momentary felt a stab of pain for my brothers but it was quickly replaced with a wave of tiredness.
It was my turn to join the Sun Realm. I sat down by the wall of the Calm Ledge and pulled my knees to my chin. I place my arms around my legs and pulled the tight.
Slowly I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

WORD COUNT: 625