ACH: Empty Cradles (Prologue): Hope in the Plan

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 12th April 2005

Characters: Kirine, Kirbali
Description: Kirine and Kirbali prepare a plan that will change their lives forever.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 25 of Turn 3

Dinner was well underway when Kirine finally made her way back to the drudge's dormitory. Her apron was gathered up in one hand, cradling the plants she'd snuck out of the stores while sweeping. She'd waited to return to the dormitory until she'd been sure all of the drudges would have gone on to the evening meal.

The room was empty of everyone but her sister, and Kirine smiled as she hurried over to the trunk at the edge of her bed. "It's meadowsweet... I know how to use the roots to make a dye... I think I can make our hair look darker..." Kirine sounded a little uncertain as she pulled the other herb out. "I found the borage as well, but I'm still not sure it will work."

"Well done, Rine." Her sister half-smiled. She could not believe that their plan was finally taking shape. "I think it would be a good idea if we used some of the dye on the older girl. And if the borage doesn't work... well, we'll figure out something." Kirbali, the older of the two, sighed heavily. She did not want her younger sister to think she was faultering in anyway, and so covered up her worries with a story. "I'm just so tired of the laundry! I can't wait to be on our way."

Kirine looked at the herb in distaste. "I suppose I have to take it soon... the party is in just a few days." Untying her apron, Kirine placed it on the bed and set the plants she'd collected in it. Then she moved to the end of the bed and opened her trunk. "Are you going to drop these things off in the cot or should I?" A few more items went into the apron... some other herbs, a few items of baby clothing that they'd purloined from the laundry. Once she was finished she wrapped the apron up and looped the ties into a knot, creating a tight bundle.

"I will. I have a few things I need to take too." Kirbali reached behind her for her own bundle. "Men's clothes I was able to swipe from the laundry. I was even able to try them on. They fit perfectly. I have to say, I think I look rather good in them." She winked at her sister. It was nice to able to joke around about their situation. They had been far too serious as of late.

But Kirine didn't take the joke as well as she might usually have. Even though she had come up with a good part of the plan, she was feeling more and more nervous as the time approached. "We shouldn't stay in here too long..." She handed the other bundle to her sister and closed her trunk carefully. "I'll save dinner for you... and..." Kirine shook her head, looking at her sister. "Do you really think this will work? If they catch us..."

Kirbali put on hand on each of her sisters shoulders gave her a gentle shake. "Rine, don't fail me now. We have come too far. Do you really want to go back to were we came from? There is no hope there. There is hope in this plan. After a few days, _finally_, we can have everything we ever dreamed of. Stay strong for me for just a little while longer."

Nodding, Kirine straightened her shoulders. "I can do it. I know I can. And Lord Enrizial might even thank us..." Not that she was doing this for the Lord's _gratitude_. For herself, for Kirbali... no one else mattered. "I'll save enough dinner for you. You should go now, while everyone is still eating..."

The older girl nodded as she picked up the other bundle. She knew they could not afford to raise suspicions. Not yet at least. "Take care of yourself. I won't be gone too long." Kirbali headed for the door.

Kirine hesitated for a moment, then hurried after her sister, catching her in a tight hug. "Be careful, Kirbali! Just... be careful."

Kirbali threw her arms around her little sister. She could feel Kirine's hesitation and fear. The younger had always been the smarter, if not the braver of the two. Now she was right to have doubts. Kirbali felt them too. But she was the brave older sister, and she knew Kirine needed her to be strong. "Don't worry about me, Kirine. I know what to do. And a few weeks, this all will be over. Trust me."

"I do," Kirine replied, trying to sound sincere. She released Kirbali reluctantly, forcing a smile. "I'll see you in a little bit."

"I think their serving fish tonight. Make sure and don't eat it all. I know its your favorite." Kirbali gave her sister a reassuring smile and a wink as she turned towards the door again. "See you soon."

Last updated on the July 10th 2006

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

ACH: Empty Cradles (Prologue): Hope in the Plan