SATIA
Two years earlier:
Satia’s eyes are glued to his plate. Seated around the family’s long wooden table are his parents, grandparents, and all ten siblings.
“Because you’re such a hard worker, Tanir, you’ll be taking over my farms one day,” praises Masil, their father. Tall and strong, the eldest sibling gives a grudging nod of appreciation, but he stares at his food as well, knowing where the real praise rests.
“And your enterprise, Satia, has caught the attention of Menara's healers,” Masil continues. “With all the dialects you speak, we’ll get a good price for the shrimp at market. But, those pretty flowers of yours will bring a handsome profit. If you do well, even I’ll have to consider switching.”
At seventeen, Satia’s heart is conflicted over the compliment. The sale of his first crop of floating river blossoms will dwarf everyone’s income. But he especially feels bad for Tanir whom he loves and admires for his solid character, hard work ethic, and duty to family. Satia’s knack for turning a quick profit has created an awkward gap between them.
Success isn’t everything it’s cranked up to be, he concludes.
Satia’s eyes are glued to his plate. Seated around the family’s long wooden table are his parents, grandparents, and all ten siblings.
“Because you’re such a hard worker, Tanir, you’ll be taking over my farms one day,” praises Masil, their father. Tall and strong, the eldest sibling gives a grudging nod of appreciation, but he stares at his food as well, knowing where the real praise rests.
“And your enterprise, Satia, has caught the attention of Menara's healers,” Masil continues. “With all the dialects you speak, we’ll get a good price for the shrimp at market. But, those pretty flowers of yours will bring a handsome profit. If you do well, even I’ll have to consider switching.”
At seventeen, Satia’s heart is conflicted over the compliment. The sale of his first crop of floating river blossoms will dwarf everyone’s income. But he especially feels bad for Tanir whom he loves and admires for his solid character, hard work ethic, and duty to family. Satia’s knack for turning a quick profit has created an awkward gap between them.
Success isn’t everything it’s cranked up to be, he concludes.
