Note: Most of my names (first names, anyway) are real ones. However, some characters do have fictitious, made-up names. Somahri is one of those (although it was inspired by a real name I saw some years ago in a magazine). The name, for those who may be wondering, was Soma. I forget what the title of the article was now, but it was about Africa. Soma (as well as Goma) was one of the people quoted in the piece. Some names, like Cheveyo, are not actually used (outside mythology, that is). I have always been fascinated by names in other cultures, and so have looked up quite a few of them (using multiple sources in some cases). #Untitled 34# Her stomach was doing nervous little flips as she timidly said, “it’s got to be me.” All eyes turned to her, and she flushed with embarrassment. Who knew something that felt so right could be so hard? “I love him,” she said simply when the silence became too great to bear. Cheveyo was the first to look away. He was divided on the subject. On the one hand, he agreed with what the young girl was saying. She and Ontario were boyfriend and girlfriend. If anyone could save him, it was her. On the other hand, it was too dangerous for one so young. Rarely had he ever experienced an inner turmoil like this. Feeling a hand on his arm, he looked up, his black eyes locking with those of his fraternal twin. “It’s not as if she’ll be alone,” Sahriah pointed out. “The rest of us will still be there, just as we planned. Only differentce is, she’ll be the one to carry her out. With our protection, the danger to her is no greater than it would have been for you, or anyone else for that matter.” When he averted his gaze she continued, “you were the one who first expressed reluctance to join this rescue mission because you were so sure that the Enemy were setting a trap for you.” He started, his eyes flying back to hers. “I’m still convinced of that,” he retorted, “but a 7-year-old stands even less chance of getting out of there than… than…” He fell silent, his eyes blazing furiously. She was using his own logic against him, something he did not appreciate. “Look,” she told him sharply, “there’s danger involved for everyone. We understand that. Quit hesitating, because the longer he remains their prisoner the less likelihood there is that anyone will be able to rescue him.” Cheveyo took a deep breath. “You’re right,” he whispered. “It’s settled, then.” The 19-year-old turned to the rest of the group. “Let’s do this,” she said with as much confidence as she could muster. “Back-up systems are in place in case we need them,” remarked a male voice from the back of the room. Cheveyo narrowed his eyes in order to better see who had spoken. Upon seeing his good friend, Somahri Javiteya, he smiled thinly. His sister was right. He needed to let go of his paralyzing fear that their mission would end disastrously. After all, he thought, who could he trust if not his own people?
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:56:15 +0000