We walk into to a room that looks a lot like the one I was in last time. I sit at the table while my brother and dad sit behind me.
"Now what is it you want to talk about it." The priest gracefully sits down in front of me.
I take a deep breath, look up at the priest and begin. "I want to make a deal with you."
Everyone in the room is surprised by my comment. Even the priest's eyes widen a little.
"Aren't you a little too young to be making such a suggestion?" The priest points out.
"Yes I am but I strongly dislike the idea of not seeing my family anymore and since I'm so young I feel that I should still be allowed to. I also know I have a temper and will make things very difficult for you so let's make a deal. I will move into the temple and learn what I can and be here for special moments but when I have free time I want to be able to come and go as I please. I know I won't be doing something all the time and when I am not doing something I want some freedom to do as I please. Do you have any questions?"
"It's not how we do things here but I suppose we can make an exception. I would like to make my side of the deal now. You will have to be here for breakfast and supper and once you are in for supper you can not go out again till the next day. There is no running around at night. Also, you have to stay here for a week and get our routine down as well as get to know your way around. Also what we teach here can not be told outside this temple. If you break this deal you will be punished for it. Do you agree?" He puts his hand out for me to shake. I look at my brother to see what he thinks. He looks surprised to see this at first but nods his head in agreement.
I look back at the priest and put my hand in his, "I agree," we shake our hands up and down before letting go.
"It starts now little Lyria" He gets up and walks off.
I guess I should've asked to start tomorrow. I look at dad and big brother. I smile and run to dad to hug him first. He bends down so I'm able to hug his neck.
"I'm gonna miss you so much, Daddy." I kiss his cheek and smile while holding back my tears.
"My little girl is growing up. I don't know what I'll do not having to take care of you anymore." He holds me a little tighter and I see a tear roll down his eye. I wipe it off and lean my head against his.
"It's only for a little while and ill make sure to see you as often as I can."
I notice a little movement next to me and see my brother tightening his fist. I let go of dad and step in front of big brother. I take his balled-up fist and kiss it.
"I hate this," he whispers but I still hear it.
"I know but mom made this agreement so I have to agree at least a little. I'm my own person and still have things I want to do, plus we both know how much I hate rules." I try to make my brother feel better but I'm not even convinced.
"Your our sister why should someone else take you away." He says angrily.
"Look Ryker," I look directly into his eyes, "regardless I have to stay here. I don't like this either but I have to be smart about this, Isn't that what you told me." He calms down some and really looks at me. "I have to stay here but with you and dad as my witness ill have a free passage in and out of here. I took things into my own hands and made it work for me too. So big brother be a little happy for me and hug me already." I almost choke on my words trying hard not to cry. He bends over and picks me up hugging me tightly. I wrap my legs around him and finally cry. I nuzzle into his neck not wanting to let go.
"You're my best friend and favorite brother, I love you." I choke out. Brother stiffens and hugs me tighter. This feels like a long goodbye. Brother starts to walk while holding me not ready to let me go either.
When we get to the steps, is when Ryker finally stops. "It's time for us to go now kitten." I pick my head up and nod. He puts me down and I watch them leave. My chest feels tight watching them walk away. I wipe my face clean and pick my head up. I need to be strong for those I care about.