Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. They really inspire me to write. Here is Chapter 9, at long last. It's been a week, I know. I'm REALLY sorry. But, this delay also has a reason. (Drum roll please) I have a beta!!!!!! Her name is Sara McGregor. (I'm her new beta, too.) So, it takes longer for me to write it down, type it, e-mail it to her, have her edit it, then have her send it to me, and me to get it back on Microsoft Publisher so it can upload correctly, than if it were just me writing it, typing it, and uploading it. With this new system, however, everything runs smoothly except the last part. I have finally resorted to just writing it down on paper from Sara's e-mail, then typing it all over again. You will be happy to know that this is the 4th draft of this chapter. Yay me! I can't figure out how to move words from one program to another!
Note: On a more serious note, these next few chapters will not be good days for Mirian. (In the effort of preventing flames on this, I have included this note. ) I thought long and hard before deciding to put this up. Many of you say that Mirian's innocence is what most appeals to you. One review left last chapter said something like, "Mirian's innocence is refreshing in a world where innocence is in short supply." I almost changed the plot direction when I read that! That was before I realized that childhood is not always perfect, which these next few chapters will help to convey. I also realized that although the world is not always such a good place, children still tend to retain their innocence. While the title of this chapter is "Loss of Innocence," it is really only gone temporarily.
Age: 4 (5 or 6)
Koari's Age: 5 (6 or 7)
9- Loss of Innocence
I am going to meet Koari's parents!
Mirian thought excitedly on the way
to her friend's home
Koari, however, wished
she had never asked to see his home
but he led her anyway
into the valley
up the hill
to his family's scoop
built into the side of the
sharply inclining hill
the scoop was a perfect oval
and was bare and clean
for his parents' philosophy
was that order,
was the essence
of perfection
and near-perfection
was required of all
as the familiar sight
greeted Koari
he felt awash with fear
opposing to the flow of
Mirian's anticipation
he knew he would be scolded
for being late from "grazing"
and bringing home a friend
Koari was fairly sure
he could make up
a story on his own
but he could only hope
Mirian would play along
inside the scoop
Koari's mother
looked up at them
from her delicate art
of flower arranging
Koari!
she said
I was beginning to
wonder where you were
her tone changed as
she noticed Mirian
standing at his side
Who is this?
she asked, suspiciously,
eyes narrowing
sharp and almost cold
I am Mirian
Koari watched
his mother study her
long, gawky legs
matted fur
dirty hooves
bright eyes
I am Kambar-Kirili-Naparaken
his mother said,
considering whether to be
polite or to be direct
she at last settled for the polite way
Come in for a moment
she said, tentatively
then, hardening her tone, added
but only for a minute
then Koari must get back to his studies
Thank you,
Mirian said, unsure
she did not think she liked
this woman much
and even now
she could feel
her disdainful, disapproving gaze
Koari's mother led the children inside
and offered Mirian a bit of Napal root
she shuddered as its bitter taste
and slimy texture
slid its way up to her stomach
Koari accepted his without words
although the black poison
of unexplained dread
was coursing through his stomach
So
his mother said abruptly
you are the girl
that has such a hold over my son?
Are you also not the girl
whose idiotic parents
let her run around
when she should be studying for school?
You know,
she continued with distaste,
it is not easy when you are thrust
into school at age six!
Koari studies now
so he will be smart enough
when school-time comes
Mirian was struggling
to control her rage
idiots!
this vile woman dared to
insult her parents!
she felt angrier than she had ever been
but swallowed it to say coolly
My parents are not idiots
and with all due respect,
I think Koari is happier playing with me
thunder crashed
in the distance
as a shadowed void of silence
came over them
the mother snapped first
and summoned Koari to her side
the two went into a tidy corner
of the scoop
a kilrah away
Koari was sick with fear
as his mother shouted at him
in private thought-speak
This is what you have been
neglecting your studies for?
Mother, please
Koari begged
although he couldn't tell why
Look at her!
She is stale grass!
I have forbidden you to play with her
you have ignored my instruction!
We are friends, Mother!
The
friendship
ends
now,
Koari-Naful-Naparaken
his mother knew she had won
but she was surprised when
Koari let Mirian into the conversation
and took the first great stand of his life
NO!
he shouted
Excuse me?!
No! I will not do it!
I am tired of following
your stupid rules! Mirian is
my
best
friend
and neither you, nor Father
can take her from me!
his mother was shocked
by his open defiance
she hit him
with the flat of her tail blade
in his back
and he cried out
and so did Mirian
Koari!
How dare you speak to me like that!
his mother cried
but at the same time
she was horrified
by the look of betrayal
in her son's eyes
Leave, girl
she snapped
at Mirian
You have caused enough trouble
in this home
Mirian sobbed in her heart
for her dear friend
took one last look
and ran out of the scoop
as lightning flashed dangerously
and the heavens
opened their tears
to the earth
A/N: Next chapter up Thursday.
