“Hildr...” Came a soft, comforting voice at the edge of my dreams. “Hildr, you don’t want to sleep in, do you?”

“Hella take your nose from your stupid face, Nicolai… ” I groan, turning over.

“Did you forget you asked for this?” I could hear the smile in his tone. “Do you not remember what day it is? You’ve been looking forward to it so excitedly. Surely you have not forgotten?”

“No one talks like that. You’re lame.” I say, clutching my eyes tightly shut.

“It’s the morning of the Feast of Sunna, darling sister.” He said, sweetly and patiently. “And you asked me-”

“What time is ti?!!” I squeal, leaping off my bed, and scrambling to my closet.

My older brother smiled, slowly rising from his kneeling position next to my bed. He had neat, red hair, and calm brown eyes, and was very tall and thin. He was sixteen, and far too old for toys. “It is five thirty. Just as you asked. You have plenty of time.”

I went through my closet, tossing everything off the hangers that wasn’t what I was searching for with reckless abandon. I knew exactly where it was, I watched mama put it there, then had her show me where she hung it up last night, not willing to put anything to chance. But this was the perfect excuse to make a huge mess that I just wasn’t about to pass up. Finally, the only thing left in my closet was a long, white robe with knitting that got better as you went down. I had asked mama to show me how, just for this. I wanted it to be something of my own hands. I put it on, cheerfully, holding out my arms for Nikolai to see it in all it’s glory.

He smiled and ruffled my hair, causing me to smile, leaning in to the motion. “A fine job, Hildr. You can see the heart and soul that went into it.” He motioned for me, as he walked out to the common area. “Come now. Let’s get started.”

I moved to follow him, stepping on my robes as I twisted towards the door. My feet caught under each other and I landed flat on my face. Just as quickly, I jumped up and shuffled after my brother, swinging my arms happily.

As we entered the kitchen, I could see everything I needed already set up next to the coffee maker, with a stool pulled up against the counter. “Now,” Nikolai said. “Just as I showed you.”

I nodded, tongue sticking out slightly as I mentally reviewed the steps. mama and papa liked their coffee black, mama only adding the smallest touch of honey into hers. Nikolai ruined his coffee, making it more milk and sugar than anything else. But this was only the third or fourth time I have ever made coffee, and it needed to be perfect today.

I pulled out a small tin box filled with the special beans only issued out during December, and carefully put a couple handfuls into the silver dish at the top of the coffee grinder, and started turning the crank carefully. I held back my usual energy I apply to all tasks big and small, for this was a delicate operation with billions of lives at risk. Maybe even zillions. I had no idea whether or not grinding the beans in a certain way had an effect on the taste or consistency, but I just wasn’t willing to take that kind of chance.

Taking a nearby spoon that was often used for the task, I opened a small draw at the bottom of the grinder, revealing the dark brown grounds I just created. I put the spoon into the coffee grounds, before hearing my brother tut. I half turned to him and he smiled, helpfully. “Did you forget something?” I paused, turning and scanning everything laid out before me. I suck air through my teeth, annoyed at myself. I jabbed the spoon into the coffee grounds, leaving it sticking up. Grabbing a nearby coffee filter, I opened the top of the coffee maker, and placed it inside. Before returning to the grounds, frustrated, I scanned everything twice over with a scowl, making sure I absolutely wasn’t forgetting anything again.

Satisfied, I picked up the spoon again and dumped three, healthy sized scoops into the filter. Slamming the top of the coffee maker down, with a grin, I moved over to the sink, pot in hand. Careful to watch the water filled up to the mark that Nikolai made for me signifying three cups worth. We wouldn’t be wasteful of what the Union provided in this house! I shuffled carefully back to the stool, making doubly sure not to spill as I went, again sticking my tongue out as I stared cross eyed at the pot in my hands.

After pouring the water and turning the coffee maker on, I left it to brew, turning my attention towards the fridge. I opened the door and pulled out a small cake, just enough for three. I cannot bake. This Nikolai and I learned quite a while ago. We got scolded for ruining rations. So this, my big brother helped me with. But I cracked the eggs! That's the funnest part anyway. I placed it into the microwave, and by the time I was cutting it into three slices and placing them on three separate plates, the coffee maker dinged at me.

“Ah.” Nikolai said, from his seat on the counter across from me. “Well that would be everything. Wonderful job, Hildr.”

“Go to bed!” I said, turning to him.

“Pardon?”

I dragged him off the counter and started pushing him out the kitchen. “You have to be in bed! That’s what Gyeja said!” I complained. “Those are the rules!”

“But Hildr-” he tried, turning to face me. We had made it into the hallway.

“Goooooooo!” I moan, blocking his way with my arms at both walls of the hall. I was growing bigger.

“But your crown, Hil.” He said, patiently. “You’ll need assistance with it, will you not?”

I stop, face burning. I forgot about that. This annoyed me. “Yes...” I grumble, arms falling to my side.

“Then come,” He smiled warmly, taking me by the shoulder and leading me to the living room. “We will finish fixing your attire, and I promise, straight to bed.”

“Swear?” I asked, looking at him suspiciously.

“On the gods.” He smiled. He walked me to the living room table where, sitting at the center, was a small crown of candles held together by a leather strap with pouches. Nikolai placed it on my head and lit each candle with a single match with practiced care. “There. Now-”

I pointed harshly down the hall. “Bed.”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, smiling. “Yes, as promised, Hil. But please,” he added as he walked away. “Do not set the house aflame.”

“No one talks like that.” I grumble to myself, as I placed the coffee and cakes on a serving tray.

After getting it all situated and properly balanced, I walked down the bedroom hallway, taking my first stop at Nikolai's room, pushing his partially open door with my foot. He was laying in his bed, nose deep into a text book going over the political science of the different union houses. His assigning was coming up soon and he was trying to become a political representative to one of the labor unions. He’s been taking every waking second to study. But woke up early to help me.

He looked up at the sound of the door creaking open with mock surprise. “Ah! Hildr! What do you have there?” he grinned.

“It’s the Feast of Sunna, big brother.” I giggle, walking to his bedside. “Did you forget?”

“Must have escaped my mind!” He chuckled. “It has been all over the place lately, what with testing close at hand.”

“This will help you study!” I say cheerfully, handing him a piece of cake, and carefully place his coffee at his bedside.

“Thank you Hildr.” He smiled, taking a sip of the coffee. “You did a wonderful job. But now it’s time for the true mission, is it not?”

“mama and papa!”

“Exactly. Go. I am sure mother is already awake. But father may yet sleep.”

“Lazy.” I giggle.

“Truly.” Nikolai said, sharing the laugh. He gestured with a nod towards the door. “Go on then. I am sure they’re waiting with bated breath.”

I nodded, grabbing the tray and walking out towards our parents room. Like Nikolai, they left it slightly ajar. I pushed my way forward. mama was sitting up in bed, reading through the paper, papa rolled over next to her, head shoved deeply into his pillow. She looked up as I entered and gently shoved papa. “Yaromir, our dear loving daughter has come bearing us a very special gift.”

He shifted in his sleep, before waking up, looking around the room dreary eyed. Upon noticing me, bouncing slightly in excitement, he gave a soft smile. “Good morning!”

“Good morning mama and papa!” I said, holding up the tray. “I have breakfast!”

“So you do, my darling!” My mother smiled. “It smells wonderful.”

“Did Nikolai get his share already?” papa asked.

I nodded, furiously, while walking to their bedside. “His room is first down the hall.” I say simply. “I save steps this way.”

“Smart.” papa said, taking my crown and blowing out the candles. “Come, enjoy the fruits of your labor.” he picked me up, placing me between him and mama.

tray sitting on my lap, I handed them both their beverages and cake and sat happily with them, enjoying the morning. After sharing papa's cake with him, he got up to get ready for work and I curled up with mama to help her with the crossword because I always had the best answers.