So sorry for the lack of updates, life has been crazy lately and has not left me much time for writing. Thank you so much for your patience! I hope you find it was worth the wait!
AW
CMCM
The morning of my birthday dawned bright and sunny, yet chilly. I stayed in bed a little longer than usual, between the blankets and Mica's body heat, I was nice and warm. Running my fingers through her thickened fur, I stretched and yawned. It was then that I noticed something wasn't right...my feet were hanging over the end of my bed.
"Momma!" I screamed frantically. I didn't exactly get the reaction I was expecting. She came running into my room, sword at the ready, clad only in her underclothes. Oh poop! Slowly pacing across the room, she pulled me off my bed and pushed me behind her. "Who was it and where'd they go?"
"Uh...Momma?"
"Shhh...stay behind me."
Moving out in front of her, I tried again. "Momma!"
"Cadi, I said stay behind me!"
"Xena?" Mom appeared in my doorway. "What are you doing?"
Finally relaxing and lowering her sword, "I thought I was protecting our daughter from whatever made her scream for me!"
Oh poop! "I wasn't in danger Momma."
"Then what in tartarus made you scream?"
Now that I stood there with both of them staring at me, I looked down at the floor in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I honestly didn't mean to scare you. It's just...when I woke up...I noticed something."
Mom knelt down next to me, "What did you see baby?"
"My...uh...feet hanging over the end of my bed."
Sighing in relief and shaking her head, Momma joined us on the floor. "Oh Cadi...what am I ever gonna do with you?"
I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know? Love me?"
Grabbing me, she started tickling me all over and had me laughing. "Momma! Stop, please! I'm gonna wet my pants!"
She paused with her hand high above my stomach and grinned, "Not my pants."
I looked over at Mom, "Mommy! Do something!"
"Well, honey, it is her birthday after all."
"Oh okay, I will show you mercy...this time!" She laughed, helping me to my feet and giving me a playful swat. "Go on...before we have a mess to clean up!"
CMCM
Mom made breakfast in our hut instead of us going over to the dining hut like usual. I straightened up my room and got dressed while I waited for her to finish.
"Cadi!"
"Coming Mom!" As I walked out to the table the delicious smells hit my nose. "Honeycakes! Thanks Mom!"
Honeycakes were my favorite but Mom wasn't able to make them very often. There was also mashed apples and grape juice.
"After we're finished, Cadi, we'll go over to the storage huts and see if we can't find a bigger bed for you."
I swallowed the last of my honeycakes and nodded, "Okay Momma."
The storage huts were where the tribe kept all of the various things that were still usable but no one needed at any particular time. Such as baby cradles or other furniture that was salvaged from old or destroyed homes. Basically, Amazons didn't throw anything away if it could still be used at some point. Communal tools and celebration items were also stored there as well.
There were four or five Amazons carrying things out of the storage hut when Mom and I walked over. Mica found a small patch of shade by the steps. Even though the air was chilly, the sun was still warm on her thick, black fur.
As we made our way through the things piled high, we finally spotted two different bedsteads against a far wall. It didn't take us very long to dig them out and decide which one would work better for me. "We will go over to Sofi's and see if she has any mattress cloths handy as well."
"Okay Momma."
She smiled at me and ran her hand over my head, "Who told you that you could get so big, huh?"
I shrugged. "Dunno."
Two of the others walked back in and Momma called out to them, "Tessa, Reyna? Would you please help me carry this over to the Queen's hut?"
"Of course Xena."
Now that breakfast was over, the village was busy getting things ready for the evening's celebration. Traditionally, when a girl reached her tenth year she was given her first mask at the monthly Moon Festival but because I was the Princess of the Amazon Nation, I would receive mine at my Birthday celebration.
I followed Momma and the girls back home as they carried my new bed frame. Thankfully it did not need to be re-threaded with new rope, otherwise it would be another day or two before I could sleep on it. I ran ahead and opened all the doors and tried to push the old bed frame out of the way. No luck, it was too heavy. With the girls help, Momma quickly set my new bed across the room from my window.
"How come I can't have it under the window like always, Momma?"
"Because, silly girl, it's getting very cold at night and I don't want you getting sick again."
"Oh." I nodded. Poop.
"Thank you for the extra help, ladies! It was greatly appreciated."
"Our pleasure," Reyna smiled. "Anything for the little Princess. Is there anything else we can do?"
"No, thank you." I smiled at them.
"We'll take the smaller one back with us, since we are headed back that way." Tessa picked up one end as if it weighed nothing.
When they were gone, I turned to Momma, "Will I ever be that strong?"
Momma just shook her head as she picked up the mattress, "I have no doubt Little One."
CMCM
Sofi looked up and smiled as we walked in, "Perfect timing Xena!"
"Oh?"
She led us to a little room off to the side, "Why I just finished stuffing a bigger mattress yesterday!"
"How did you know?"
"I didn't until just now, Princess." She grinned.
Once we got home and finished getting my bed set up and my room reorganized, Momma suggested that we going fishing.
"Really Momma?" I jumped up and down in excitement, it wasn't often that I got to spend so much time with either of my parents. Well at least during the day since usually I was in classes and they were handling village affairs.
"Yep, really! Today is your special day!" She grabbed me and swung me around. I laughed as she set me back on my feet.
"Ya hear that, Mica? We're going fishing!" Mica just looked at me and licked my face.
CMCM
The sun was low in the sky as the drummers beat a slow and steady rhythm, I slowly walked up to the steps of the dais and stood in front of Mom, Momma and Aunt Eph. It wasn't often that I was the center of attention of the entire village and I'm not sure that I really liked it all that much.
Mom put her hands up in the air, signaling the drummers to cease and for everyone else to quiet down. Once all was quiet, she began speaking. "Tonight celebrate the young life of our Princess and the progression of her role within the tribe. From this day forth you shall have a voice within the Amazon Council of Elders, you will be allowed to address the Council with any concerns you might have about or within the tribe. Also, you will begin to further your education and learn about our Laws and Traditions."
I stood there listening intently to Mom speak, when she winked at me I knew it was a signal. I bowed in respect of my Queen and her Consort. And, of course, our Regent.
"Regent Ephiny?"
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Would you please bestow upon our Princess her first mask?"
"It would be my pleasure, my Queen."
Ephiny smiled warmly as she knelt down in front of me, "Princess, it is with great honor that I present you with your first mask. Not only does it signify your rank, name and title; it will also offer you protection should you need it. Always keep it nearby and keep it in good condition."
I smiled back at her, "Thank you Regent Ephiny. I promise to honor this tribe and my mask."
"Good girl," She whispered as she bowed to me and resumed her place next to Mom.
"Weapons Master Eponin!"
I turned to see Aunt Pony standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Would you please present our Princess with her first crossbow?"
"It would be an honor, my Queen."
I watched as she climbed the steps and stopped in front of me. "Princess, it is with great pride that I present you with your first cross bow. In the coming months you will be taught how to use it and care for it properly. Along with this privilege comes great responsibility, one which I know you can handle."
I took the pro-offered weapon carefully, I smiled as it fit perfectly within my hands. "Thank you Aunt Pony...uhhh...Weapons Master Eponin." Oh poop!
I heard Momma stifle a chuckle at my choice of words.
"Princess Cadence, please turn and face your tribe." Mom stepped forward as took my hand in hers. "I present to you, Telaquire Tribe of the Amazons, Princess Cadence!"
Cheers erupted and I felt my face turn beet red. Mom raised her hand again, signaling the drummers and once more they began drumming. At least this time, with a bit more enthusiasm and rejoicing. I sighed in relief, at least this part of the celebration was over and now I could relax. We descended the stairs, followed by Momma, Aunt Eph and Aunt Pony and made our way over to the food laden tables. I heard Mom's stomach growl at the same time as my own and looked at her, I noticed that her belly seemed to be somewhat bigger than it was a few seven-days ago. There is something they're not telling me!
