Disclamer; i dont own the yamini islands

The Choice of Parting

Lanai looked at me with pure hatred. The men drew me aside. They spoke in whispers, but I could hear them.

"This one is a real lotus. She is a credit to the head man. He is her father. Can read, dance, she has the voice of a bird." He seemed to be looking at a scroll. "She works hard raising silk to support the village. Virgin. 12 winters. She was born in December right before midwinter in the year of the horse. Spirited, but obedient. Has no claim to the gift, but has a "connection" with horses. Possibly minor wild magic. Plays many instruments. Full lips. Perfect completion and eyes. Unusual eye color. Black with flecks of purple. Glossy black hair. Hourglass figure. Long legs. Full hips, will bear many sons, and breasts." He stopped and looked at me. "A real prize if I've ever seen one."

The assistant looked me over and nodded. They told me to go back. Then they called Lanai over. The men looked less pleased with her. She seemed to be even less pleased with what she over herd. She came back to me, holding in her emotions like a good Yamini. I could tell that she was upset. She let a lone tear drop from her eye. The scout took me aside. They told me they had chosen me. I took out my fan and hid my emotions with it like a good Yamini. I would not betray how joyful I was.

"I am honored with this opportunity to make my family proud." I said, my voice as calm as a river in summer. "I will come with you. Please allow me to tell my parents the news." They nodded and I took off. I found my father and told him all that took place in the temple. His eyes crinkled with joy. He was easy going for a Yamini.

He said "daughter, I am proud of you. You give your family the opportunity to have great honor. The families of the chosen girls are often invited to the capital and elevated in rank. The scout tells me that the lord of our lands has no heir. Hanato Noh Yakama will make us the inheriting family. When he dies, I will be lord of Yakama!" I felt like my heart was flying. My family, nobility? It was unthinkable and yet apparently possible. I bowed to my father.

"I am glad to hear this." I went back to my house. My sisters hid excitement while I hid both excitement and fear, with a hint of joy. They came into my room with me to help me pack. I did not own a lot. A writing book, some sandals, a pair of boots. 3 inner kimonos, one fawn, one brown, and one sky blue. 5 outer kimonos in equally plain colors of peach, tan, forest green, teal and maroon. 1 fancy inner kimono of tea green with a pattern of bamboo. 1 shear gauze outer kimono in white with silver embroidery. The traveling dress I was wearing. 6 obis; 3 black and 3 white. An obi with sliver embroidery on it. 4 fans, 2 black and silver 2 white with brown paint. My necklace. A few personal things. My portable family alter. My makeup. All I had was a trunk and a small travel valise. I got into my bed-mat and fell asleep.

A/N; Yakama is pronounced Yah-kah-mah with a's as in Mama.