83 The Vidat Child Part 1 (1/2)
It was a cold summer night in the Zhertva tribe. The tribe traversed the vast empty desert under the blazing sun until they reached a small oasis where they set up their large tents and fortified walls. They made a small stable for their camels, donkeys, and goats to rest and a large bonfire in the middle of their camp. Next to the bonfire was a small table, and on it were thirteen dolls wearing white gowns. These dolls represent the thirteen Vidat candidates.
Cyrus was watching the adults set up the display while in the shadows. They held each doll with great care, as to not damage them. The dolls were pretty, but Cyrus did not care for any of them except for one, her doll. The doll had a beautiful brown hair braided at the back of its head and shiny brown buttons as eyes. She wanted to get a closer look at her doll, but the adults were gathered around the table, preparing for the final exam and festival to celebrate the arrival of the Vidat.
Suddenly, white smoke appeared across the small lake. A large red tent far away from the tribe sat at the opposite side of the oasis. The most powerful priest in the dessert lived inside that tent, and she never leaves it unless for emergencies. When they migrate, the priest will use her magic to make the tent float, and it would be pulled camels. The only other time the adults talk to her was when white smoke rises behind the tent. The adults that were preparing for the festivities dropped everything they were doing and left. Now the area was empty, and only Cyrus remained. Her tail stood up in the excitement with the tip curling inward. The small girl ran across towards the table and took her doll.
The doll was soft, and its white gown looked pure and pristine compared to her rainbow patterned dress. It was simple yet elegant, and Cyrus loved it. She walked towards the stable to show their family goat the doll, but a group of old men was there, feeding the animals. She hid behind a palm and listened to the men's conversation. ”I hope the next Vidat is a cute girl.”
”Why is that?” One of them laughed.
”So we can have fun with her before the sacrifice. I'd like those cute little lips to wrap around the family jewels if you know what I'm saying!”
”You pervert!”
”I do admit, watching them naked and afraid brings a different kind of thrill.”
”I just wish we didn't have to kill the Vidat. It really brings the mood down afterward.” Cyrus's hair stood up, and her tail pointed at the sky.
”You idiots! What if one of the kids hear you.”
”It's past their curfew. No one besides us is here.” While the men continued their conversation, Cyrus ran back to the table and returned her doll. She walked to her family tent with her mind occupied by the conversation between the old men. Only the moon and stars were lighting her path, guiding her every step while her mind drifts away. Was it true that they will kill the Vidat? What will they do to the poor girl chosen? These questions continued to swirl inside her head, and before she realized it, she was in front of her tent with an angry woman standing in front of its entrance. It was her mother, and she was not pleased to see her daughter walking around past the curfew.
”What are you doing outside this late,” She said while pointing at the night sky. Her tail wobbled back and forth, and her ears pointed behind her.
”Sorry, mama,” Cyrus said in the sincerest way possible while showing her sad puppy eyes.
Her mother tried to maintain her posture, but she could not help but accept her daughter's apology, for she is far too cute, ”Oh, I forgive you, my love.” She bent down and embraced Cyrus.
Cyrus entered the tent and was met with Sam holding a white gown with beautiful floral embroidery on its chest. ”What do you think, Cyrus? Isn't it beautiful?”
”Yes, beautiful.”
”Oh, I can't wait to see you in this gown walking down the aisle to sit on your chair, looking over the tribe like a chief. I'm so excited!”
”Haha.” Cyrus gave a halfhearted laugh, ”Yeah, me too.”
”If only we can keep it, but we have to burn it once the festival is over because only the Vidat can wear it.”
”Oh!” Cyrus realized she was just a candidate, and there's no way she will become the next Vidat. ”Yeah too bad I won't be able to keep the dress.”
”Who knows?” Their mother interjected, ”Maybe you are the Vidat. Then you can wear the gown forever.”
”Yeah!” Sam said with excitement. ”Imagine that my sister is the Vidat! All the kids are going to be jealous for sure.” Sam grabbed her sister's hands, ”You have to do your best and become the Vidat. Ok?”
”Ok,” Cyrus whispered under her breath.