Hae Ri
~ A year later ~
Drums, flutes, cymbals, and shakers all came together to make beautiful music. Jurani people danced around the central fire, holding hands and stomping to the beat.
It was a colorful sight, the Jurani dawned a specific color to represent their role. Children wore yellow clothes symbolizing their youth and happiness while elders wore purple for their wisdom. Black was the color of stability, which was best suited for the hunters. Warriors were known for their loyalty and strength, so they wore blue.
Being an outsider I did not have a special color, so I just wore my everyday brown tunic and trousers.
A group of children approached me. "Miss Hae Ri, come dance." One of them said pulling on my arm.
I would've loved to join the festivities, but the gift I had in my hands wasn't going to deliver itself. "Sorry can't guys. When I get back okay?"
They went left me to my business. I spotted Chief Jang sitting off to the side and speaking to some men. Like the warriors, he was dressed in blue. His robe was the deepest blue with silver embroidering. The headpiece he wore was decorated with many large navy feathers and beads.
He smiled when he saw me and made his way over to me. His walk was improving, he still had a limp, but he did not need a cane anymore.
I bowed and returned the smile.
"This is quite the celebration isn't it?"
"Yes, it is lovely," I replied.
"Please allow me to thank you for your hard work. My men and I have enjoyed the tea you made. The taste is strong, fitting for a warrior."
No one has ever complimented me on my tea before. "The pleasure is all mine," I said. "Do you need me to bring you anything?"
"Oh, no I am fine thank you. You've done so much already. Is Areum almost ready?" he asked.
"She should be. I'm on my way over there now."
"I'll leave you to it then." He said and returned to his men.
I headed to the southside of the village, being careful not to bump into anyone. If I did, this present was sure to be crushed. When I reached the house I gave the door three gentle knocks. "Areum, it's Hae Ri are you almost done?"
"Come in," Areum said in a annoyed tone.
I entered and found my friend dressed in a forest green dress. The sleeves were sheer and long. It had gold flowers stitched all over the torso. The dress stopped just above her ankles. Her shoes were the same color and came to a point at the toes.
The outfit was beautiful, but I couldn't say the same for her hair. It was a knotted and tangled mess at the top of her head.
"I'm not going." She threw the wooden comb down and crossed her arms.
I set the box on the table and picked up the comb. "You're not going? Do you want to stay twelve? Or do you want to turn thirteen?"
She pouted. "I want to turn thirteen," she said in a low voice.
"Alright then you have to go. Turn around." I began to comb through the knots.
Areum was going to be thirteen, which to the Jurani, meant she was going to be an 'adult.' I would never honor this, because the truth was, she was no where near ready for the issues that came with adulthood. She had been so excited for it, so I decided to play along.
Her thirteenth differed from other Jurani because she was the chief's daughter. On this night, she was to be named the new leader of the village. I began braiding the front sections of her hair.
"Hae Ri? Have you ever been scared before?" she asked.
I had always been afraid. Flashbacks of my days with mother played through my mind. I remembered how I nervous I was around her and how I had to watch my every move.
"Of course I have," I took a pin and secured the left braid to the back of her head. "Why do you ask?"
She paused. "Well, it's just- I didn't think I'd be scared about this."
I began braiding the right section of her hair. "Is that so? That's perfectly normal." She had every right to be afraid, this was a lot of pressure.
"I don't want to let them down. You know?" She grabbed her dress tightly.
Taking another pin I secured the right braid to the back of her head. I then smoothed the hair I left out with a brush and turned her around. My face was gentle. "Push all those doubts to the side. You are capable of handling anything that comes your way as a leader. Me and everyone in Jurani village believe you have what it takes. It's time you start believing too."
I retrieved my gift from the box. It was a flower crown that I had made out of yellow abelias. I placed it on her head.
"Thank you Hae Ri," she said and gave me a hug. "Hey, why are you dressed like that?" She was referring to my basic attire.
"What? I'm okay with these."
She shook her head and dug inside a chest in the corner of the room. "Here, put these on," She said handing me a set of red clothes.
I went into the other room and changed. The top was a short sleeved robe that stopped at my hips. The trimming on the collar and sleeves were green. Matching pants were also included. Surprisingly enough, the wooden shoes that came with it fit me.
When I showed Areum, she smiled from ear to ear. "Wow, look at you. Oh, I almost forgot." She retrieved a pair of silver cuffs and slid them on my wrists. They had an intricate design of swirls etched into them. "These were made for me but they look so much better on you."
Someone knocked on the door. A woman peeked her head in. "Ladies, the ceremony has to start now."
"We'll be right out." I said. Before we left I gave Areum some last words of encouragement. "You'll do great. Hold your head high. And remember I'll be right there."
I joined everyone by the common area. It was time for Areum's big entrance. She appeared and everyone bowed. A signal was given and a group of drummers started the drum a song that grew in intensity as she got closer to the stage.
Chief Jang, who was waiting on the stage offered his hand to her. When she got there she turned to the crowd and stood with pride. The drummers were ordered to stop.
Then the chief spoke. "People of Juran. I am most honored today to be a part of this momentous occasion. My daughter has been with us for thirteen years today." He waited for applause. "She is older now, which means she must take on more responsibilities, with one of them being leadership. Let us begin the ritual with the 'Warrior's Blessing' led by the youngest warrior, Min Woo."
The crowd made way for the warriors. Min Woo stood in front with a staff in hand. Two veritical blue lines of paint went from his forehead, to his eyes, and down to his jaw. His face was serious and he gave off this aura of authority.
The warriors all repeated after him. "For honor! For glory! For Juran!" They screamed with all their heart.
Min Woo then preformed a series of moves which the others followed. Every move he made was precise and strong. I watched in awe as they swung their staffs around and threw them in the air. Their performance was so intense that it brought tears to my eyes.
When they had finished, they bowed and put their hands over their hearts. This showed everyone that they were ready to accept their new leader. Areum must have felt this for she wiped her eyes.
It was time for her big moment.
The crowd was silent as Chief Jang spoke. "From a young age my daughter has proved herself numerous times to be a person of loyalty and bravery. When I was her age, my father passed down his title to me. Now I must do the same." He took her hand and raised it in the air. "I present to you Chief Areum."
The crowd roared. I waved my hands in the air and called out for her. When she found me she smiled. I couldn't wait to tell her how proud I was. Then the most bizarre thing happened. All sounds became muffled and it was like time itself had slowed.
I couldn't believe my eyes. A person appeared behind Areum with their face full of sorrow.
It was Mother.
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