Chapter 1.4 A Reason To Smile

So the village has been joined by two little terrors. At this stage still not being acknowledged by the men, they feel they can do anything. Even worse is the fact, that Arcadia and Hephastion seem to feed off each other. Interrupting meals,
trying to pull down washing, pulling out plants. Barsine and I have had to reduce the size of the garden and request the men to build a small fence around it.
All these in the first two months of their weaning year. I see the next three years of my life stretched out before me and I am not looking forward to it.

They probably would of attacked the paintings to those above if Father hadn't given them a stern look. I forgot how scary he could be. I don't remember anyone saying parenthood was this hard. Yet their are moments that I feel so blessed when Arcadia is sleeping,
when she seeks my love and attention,
and when her and Hephastion are playing with my grandmothers old doll.

They seem to talk to each other with their baby sounds and it scares me as it means troubles on the wind. I can not wait for their talking year to understand what they are saying. Seven months into their weaning year,Arcadia and Hephastion grow hair.

Things progressed the same all through their weaning year. It was only at the start of their walking year, that some interesting changes took place. I couldn't really believe it was happening, but it seemed the ones above had not completely abandoned me. I remember something my Father used to always tell me, it was the oldest saying our people had, its roots were unknown. It went like this, the ones above are not so cruel, as to not give you a chance to change things, but sometimes you must believe in the impossible.

I had just put Arcadia down to bed.
I was in a bad mood, I ached in places I had never hurt before. I saw Peritas walking towards me.
He gave me a hug
and I felt all my tension disappear. I forgot how much I needed companionship, it had been so long. Barsine was staring, something her eyes told me this was not over.

After that me and Periats began talking again,
it was hard at first but after awhile we were better than we had ever been. I suspected by Barsine open affection to Seleucus
and continued talking to Peritas,
that she had something nasty planned for me. I certainly wasn't looking forward to it and dreaded each day as it came.

When I came upon Barsine and Seleucus talking, I knew things would be worse.
"Barsine, it is not right to take up so much of a mans time. I forbid you to talk to Peritas unnecessarily", Seleucus told Barsine.

I knew now that Barsine would find every possible means to hurt me. I put down Arcadia next to Hephastion. At least I thought I would always Have my daughter.

Barsines P.O.V

I looked at Leptines happiness and hated her for it. Why should she be happy, when she brought down the wrath of those above on us? Sure Seleucus still yelled at her,
but nothing like before.

Now my only means of getting to her is gone. Or maybe not, I know she loves Arcadia more than anything. What would happen if her precious little girl didn't love her anymore? I picked Hephastion up and smiled.
It was about time my little walking boy,
learnt how to talk. Maybe his first word could be destroyer.

Leptines P.O.V

"Come on Arcadia, come to mumma", I say.
I smile as she struggles to walk over Deciding that since Hephastion is walking, I think Arcadia should be to. After all it is nearly her talking year.

As soon as I see Arcadia take her first steps towards me,
my heart swells with pride. I knew my trials weren't over, but finally I had a reason to smile. I was ready to face Arcadias talking year with renewed determination.