It seemed as though Ruby was surrounded by villagers asking her how she coping with the news about Sophia becoming the chosen. And though some were generally concerned over the poor sickly woman, others in the crowd were only excited to torment the woman who they had all grown to loathe. The fact that someone as weak as Ruby Red could win the heart of Tallkin was unimaginable due to some saying she was a homely looking woman.
Ruby kept a smile upon her face as she greeted them expressing her pride in the circumstances. She did not want to lose her only child, but overall, Sophia would be a heroine saving so many. The fact that her daughter had grown up healthy and happy was the best solace and it brought her soul peace.
Many dreaded the idea of their daughter being the sacrificed, but Ruby had a different mindset than most always seeing the bigger picture. Her daughter was a hero and the gods specifically chose her. She was Ruby's pride and joy and now others would have to remember her at her best.
It wasn't as though she didn't want her daughter to have a healthy life… in fact! She would do anything to keep her daughter alive! But she also had a strong faith in the skies realizing she needed to give them all her fears. She also owed the skies everything, so if it was time for them to take her daughter, she understood.
"I'm surprised it was Sophia. I know the Turner family expected one of their daughters to be the chosen! They after all have seven! I'm sure they wouldn't care if they lost one!" Expressed a woman near the age of Ruby. The woman didn't seem to care expressing her thoughts so publicly. She was a skinny older woman with salt and pepper hair who had many wrinkles due to all the frowning.
"Well the skies have chosen." Ruby grimaced getting annoyed with all the same questions and remarks concerning her daughter. Some regarded things in such careless ways that Ruby felt uncomfortable when they spoke about the children in the village. She knew many in the village didn't care for her, but many had jealously toward her daughter.
"Such a shame with your health that Sophia was picked. Winter season is coming soon and you live too far from the center of the village square to receive any help. You should use your time stocking up on supplies so you don't have to leave your home. Sophia won't be there to support you any more Ruby." Lectured another woman thinking about how unfortunate the Red woman had it. "I doubt you can do much yourself. Maybe use your daughter to cut wood instead of shopping. That sounds much smarter to me."
"Oh I'm feeling much better and can function quite well! No need to worry about such things!" Ruby faked laughed not liking how they suggested that she should be using her daughter these last precious days she had left.
Although Ruby tried to stay positive, villagers saw through her mask. They knew she would die from no one helping her around the little cottage. They often spoke about the Red women in other gossip since it was a pitiful situation and they liked to basked in it. Not only did they live in poverty with no male support, the mother was sickly and needed bed rest at some times.
Now the only good thing from the Red family situation, Sophia's beauty, would be lost on the full moon. Their only real hope was for the daughter to have a suitable marriage so the girls could survive and maybe take care of her mother with her husbands money. But the family seemed to be spiraling downhill because the skies were not on their side. Some women in the village quietly mocked them grateful to get rid of competition.
"Well, where is the child?" Came another question referring to Sophia.
Before Ruby could answer, Sophia scooted into the crowd answering before her mother. She knew she needed to clear a path so the two of them could make their way home.
"I'm right here. Just enjoying the marketplace, but it seems I was missing all the commotion." Sophia spoke with a smile although she didn't like how many women pointed out the negatives in her life to her mother. Most were giving the girl a big smile, but Sophia saw their masks of jealously.
She stood near her mother who was obviously uncomfortable with the amount of people surrounding them and Sophia had sympathy toward Ruby who struggled with social encounters even as their own relationship was strained. Her mother was too delicate to handle things which is why Sophia took care of her since she could remember.
Ruby was use to be outcasted and not very well liked since she married her husband. Many woman were envious of the pair until he died making them mock her. Sophia was the only positive in her life and she didn't want to be around the ones who mocked her about her being the chosen when it was an honor.
"My you are a beauty! I'd say even prettier than Lacy Seet! She's being pursued by some councilmen due to her so called beauty….but here I am shocked to see that Sophia isn't being chased." A woman with short hair said giving Sophia a ruthless look. "Some would say you're a witch since you are abnormally pretty."
"Beth! You shouldn't say such things!" Another woman countered with a frown forming on her face. "You should never try to demean another girl in our village! And accusing someone of being a witch falsely is punishable!"
Sophia watched the two woman interact with curious eyes even though she had been called a witch. Perhaps she would have been hurt, but Sophia had been called a witch since she started maturing. Village woman often said offensive comments when they spoke to one another, but Sophia was taught to take things with a grain of salt. Besides, there was no reason to be upset since her days were numbered.
"Oh calm down!" Beth exclaimed. "It's not a secret. Sophia Red is the most enticing girl men set their eyes on. It will be quite a blessing when she's gone. We might actually have suitors for our daughters!"
The other woman rolled her eyes looking toward the Red women embarrassed by her friends words. They too had gathered in the circle wanting to know more about the situation.
"Ignore her," one said referring to Beth. "She honestly is too blunt for her own good."
"I'm not of age to have any suitors. So my death won't change much." Sophia answered. She then turned to look at Beth giving her a kind smile. "So I don't believe I'm the reason why some daughters aren't getting marriage proposals."
Beth's nose scrunched hearing the girls words. Sophia might be a beauty, but her personality often brought anger to women in the village because of her sharp tongue.
In truth, Beth's daughter was over the age of twenty one making the woman stressed on becoming the little towns gossip for the year. She was excited to hear that a threat to her daughters happiness would disappear on the next full moon. Everyone knew how the village men eyed the dark haired girl since she turned fourteen even as they were told she was off limits.
"Ruby, your daughter has quite the tongue." Beth said still staring into Sophia's eyes. "It almost sounded like you were saying my daughter is ruined for marriage when she is quite a catch. I can't imagine you teaching your daughter to speak in such a way."
Beth then look toward a neighboring villager whispering in their eye, "Yet, her daughter doesn't seem to be taught anything. The thing can't afford proper tutors."
Sophia shook her head answering sweetly so villagers knew that the conversation was only meant to defend herself, not to attack other girls.
"On the contrary. I admire how your daughter is able to be independent. I wish to be like her one day, but I do not like hearing people say I'm the reason why their children aren't married. I have no control over such matters" Sophia said.
"Well," Beth began glaring at the child. "You won't be able to be like her will you? You'll soon be dead."
"Enough!" Beth's friend intervened. "Beth, Sophia is the chosen and we should be thankful for her sacrifice!"
Beth huffed walking away from the women. "Believe me, I'm am grateful for her sacrifice!"
When Beth left the area, the other woman offered apologetic looks knowing Beth had a tough year in giving away her daughters hand. Her comment wasn't gratitude for the people of the village, but for a chance to get rid of competition for the other girls in the village.
"I think she was jealous to see the councilman speaking to Sophia. She has tried to propose an engagement between her daughter and Randel for the past couple years. Please forgive her." Beth's friend said wanting to fix the mess her friend started.
"The councilman was just offering his congratulations. That's all." Sophia said hoping it would reach Beth's ears. She didn't want any drama for her mother once she left. And the idea of Randel pursuing another girl made her feel some relief.
"Of course he was." Said the woman with a smile even though she had doubts. "We are all truly grateful. But I will still pray to the gods you make it till sunrise."
Sophia gave her a small smile and thanked her for the kind words.
"Mom, I saw some bread over there, would you like to go grab some for dinner tonight?" Suggested Sophia trying to get away.
Ruby nodded holding her daughter's arm. It was not the day she expected to have coming the the village square.