grasshopper pie
The elders sat back and conferred, leaving the two to wait and sweat as they came to their verdict. This was more than just them – this was a decision that would determine the fates of every hybrid family in the village and, soon, the fates of any sympathetic Alkidike that dared to voice her less extreme views. That was the way things were going, and that was what the elders saw.
Hijil found her breathing difficult to manage, the air heavy in her lungs as she waited. She tried not to be too obvious as she looked at Bhima, seeking comfort in her love's face. Surely, they would understand. Everything that Bhima said made sense, absolute perfect logical sense. It should, Hijil thought, be clear even to someone who didn't hang on every one of Bhima's words.
No matter what the elders said, that would not change about Hijil. She would always believe Bhima. She would always trust her. She squeezed her hand, tense as the elders rattled and rustled and whispered.
Finally, one of the elders cleared their throats, a move that nearly startled Hijil into a jump. Hijil stared anxiously at the woman, wondering just what she would say.
“We agree...” the elder said, “That the behavior of our sisters was unacceptable and they should be reprimanded. We will make it clear that this will not be tolerated. Explicitly.”
“I still think...” said one of the elders, tiredly, “That it isn't so serious that we must act in this way. Why humiliate our sisters and bludgeon the whole town with this? It's simply the act of nervous people. Nervous, worried people...”
“Well, that's the problem, isn't it, Elder Fikkha? The whole town is nervous. The whole town is worried. The whole town has been trained to be warriors and this is a problem that cannot be smashed, slashed, or battered away. So, they will smash, slash, and batter something and pretend it is the problem...” said the elder that spoke, her tone admonishing but gentle.
“I still think that this is premature. It was an error of judgement, that's all. It's nothing to worry about...”
“It was just the beginning, Elder. The attacking will happen, we all know that. That is simply the way of things. But this is too far, and we need to stop this before it gets out of hand. Long before. In fact, it is already out of hand – sisters invaded the home of these two – people who mind their own business and are productive members of the town... and...” the elder gave a cold glower at one grey-haired elder, “of the tribe” The grey haired elder glared right back, but said nothing, maintaining her dignity. “So I say it is not premature, but the argument is done anyway. We came to an agreement, the majority of us, and that is that.” she rolled her shoulders, apparently savoring her victory. “So, we will make it clear that violent or aggressive action is not to be tolerated. There have never been riots in Andile, and we will not have any.” She bowed, “Thank you sisters, and good night. This will come into effect tomorrow...” The protesting elder shrugged under her steady look, “And all of us will do our part to protect our town from our own fears.”
The crowd of Elders began to disperse, and the Elder that had led them their came up to the pair with a big grin. “Would you look at that?” she said, impishly, “They listened to reason. Hopefully, it will be enough to stop the bad behavior...” her smile faded somewhat, “If someone tries that again, let me know, all right? And, I must be honest, someone will try. It'll be harder for them with this decision, but someone will be stupid, I guarantee it. Just let me know, and it will be dealt with.” she held out a hand, open palm up, to shake. “All right?”
