Surra knocked on Iya’s door hoping she would already be awake. Her mother opened the door and whispered she was still asleep. Surra was too excited about the day to let Iya try to sleep in. She walked into her bedroom and headed straight to the windows. She pulled back the curtains letting the sunlight shine in. “Wake up sleepy head, it’s our day! Yay!” Surra was definitely a morning person. She then walked over to Iya’s bed and pulled the sheets from around her. “Come on Commander… we have our leader duties to do today.”

Iya cringed and curled up into a ball when Surra pulled the sheets back. She popped her head up from the pillow and opened one eye. “Ok… I’m up. I am up…” Iya slowly got out of bed and began to get ready for the day. Neta laid out Iya’s casual attire. A simple and comfortable short sleeve shirt with the Sagen symbol on the chest. She decided to go with pants that morning. Surra had on the same outfit but with shorts. Iya finished buttoning her light jacket and placed her gold crown back over her braids. She looked over at Surra who was eating her breakfast and said, “You ready? I’m sure we’re late for story time.”

Surra had a mouthful of fruit, “Yea, the kids are eager to go to town and see their parents.”

Both left together into the main district. Iya and Surra walked to the training arena which was on the other side of the palace. They took a shortcut through markets where they smelled fresh baked bread, cookies and cakes. The Second borns were preparing for the second day of lots of customers stopping by. The bakers and cooks had carts filled with delicious foods and treats. As people walked by Iya they stopped and bowed, saying hello to their princess. She was use to the attention. It made her happy her people were so kind and respectful. She kindly returned the gesture by bowing and saying good morning.

When the girls got to the arena, they saw General Amos sitting with the Fourth born children. He was telling stories of past legendary fighters. He was also teaching them Sagen traditions and morals. The children sat around Amos and watched as he animated his tales. Iya and Surra walked by Amos nodding and smiling. They remember when Amos used to tell them stories when they were small.

It was Sagen tradition for the older ones to teach the younger generations how to properly function in society. Beside from regular school of learning the basics, nothing was more important than hands on training. For the Fourth borns it was the Warrior’s Solstices. The two day event meant everything to them. They made the most of their days by putting on displays of past war victories won by infamous soldiers and small competitions. The youth trainee’s got to have one on one training sessions with their favorite soldier and a chance to go to the market. The children were also allowed to spend the days with their families. During the festivals, twice a year the children were allowed to return home. The older soldiers escorted the small children down the common areas where their parents would be waiting. Family was very important on Sage. Everyone worked together and functioned as one. Sending the kids home to reunite with their families helped to remind them of that.

At night was a completely different vibe. The children went home when it was their curfew and the night belonged to the adults. It was a chance for the soldiers to let their hair down and have a little fun before returning to the battlefield. The first night of the Warrior’s Solstice is called the ‘Night of Life’. The families who were chosen to have their fourth child are honored and gifted with special aphrodisiacs. Also the families whose children are of age to join the military and start their training are honored as well. During this night, it’s tradition the soldiers ‘chose’ a partner. As long as the person consents, it could be anyone. They believed the energy from the intimacy and passion helps those families to conceive their fourth baby. The second day is more relaxed, it’s dedicated to the fallen soldiers those who lost their lives fighting for Sage. The day is spent honoring their lost loved ones with stories and families coming together. Everyone reminisced their time spent with that loved one. The Warrior’s Solstice was significant to everyone on Sage in some way.

Surra waited for Iya as she finished giving an award to winners of the competitions. She stood by and watched as Iya raised the little girl’s arm high in the air, congratulating her. The little girl gave Iya a big hug before running off to show her classmates. Iya jumped down from the stage and began walking with Surra back to the palace. Surra untied her band that held her large afro puff ponytail together. She shook her hair back and forth letting it free fall down to her shoulders. Surra had beautiful long thick hair which was very light brown and blonde. She loved dressing up for all the Warrior’s Solstices even when they were children. Surra skipped along twirling in circles in excitement for tonight’s party.

Iya smiled as she watched Surra act like a little girl, twirling around and flinging her hair. “You are extra excited this time.”

“Well yea! We gotta do it big tonight Iya. Think about it we just chose our next Star Lord and tonight’s the Night of Life. Which means a whole night of partying and hot steamy sex…” Surra laughed a loud along with Iya. “You know what? I’m going to dress you up tonight… you gotta go big with me.”

Iya was still giggling at Surra when she looked up at her. She thought about what Surra had said and it wouldn’t hurt to try something different for a chance. Plus she was sure that would definitely get Kal’s attention. “Ok… I’ll dress up with you. I’ll ‘go big’ tonight… whatever that means.” Iya huffed as she kept walking.

Surra was shocked and taken back a little. “Wait what? You’re actually going to wear a dress tonight? And you’re going to let me dress you up?”

Iya smiled at Surra, “Yea… you’re right. I should do something different for a chance. Besides after this Warrior’s Solstices we’re leaving and I’m not sure for how long. Keep that to yourself but it’s important we make the best out of tonight. So… do you mind helping me get ready? Cause you know I know nothing about dressing up.”

“Of course I’ll help you! This day keeps getting better and better…” Surra and Iya were walking shoulder to shoulder when it hit Surra like a brick, making her stop in her tracks. “Wait, you’re not dressing up because you’re choosing someone tonight are you?”

“What?! Why would you think that? I’m just dressing up, it’s harmless.” Iya blew off the assumption.

“Oh my goodness… you are choosing someone. You got to tell me who…”

“Surra I said I’m not for goodness sake. I just want to dress up… promise.” Iya smirked at Surra shocked face. Surra had a feeling there was something else behind her reason of wanting to look glamorous tonight.

“So Cashius is getting lucky tonight then?” Surra smirked right back trying to pry any information out of her best friend.

Iya gave Surra a look like she was disappointed she started with him. “Um… no. I think it’ll be best if he stayed in the friend’s zone.”

“What?! Details…”

“Later, I’ll tell you the story later.” Iya did not want to think about last night’s encounter with Cashius. She was only looking forward to spending it with Kal. Deep down she really wanted to tell Surra the truth about how she felt about him. It was best for now, she kept it to herself.

“Okay…” Surra looked at Iya with suspicion. She thought she could reveal who her secret admire was. “Luca? Is it Luca?”

“No…”

“Willie, Miles, Charlie?”

“All no’s and stop guessing. I told you it’s harmless.”

“Please don’t tell me it’s Marcus… Alisha?” Surra’s eyes opened wider when she dropped Alisha’s name.

“Eww to Marcus and Alisha is a girl. I love Alisha and all, just not like that. ”

Surra shrugged her shoulders, “Just throwing it out there. A First born? A Second born? Or a Third born like my lover? You know I love me some Jayce.”

“Nope, you might as well give up the guessing game and yea I know too much about you and my brother.”

“Am…”

Before Surra can get his name out, Iya interrupted, “If you say Amos I’ll change my mind and not go tonight.”

Surra put her hands up surrendering, “Ok fair enough… Then who dammit! I’m your best friend and you don’t want to tell me who your lover is.”

“Surra there is no lover! I just want to dress up okay…”

“Well after I’m done with you there better get a lover after tonight. I better have a full report of how it went too.” Surra pucker up her lips while squinting her eyes with frustration. She could only think of one more person but she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. “I do hope that cousin of mine Kal doesn’t get with that Cassie girl again. He’s too good for her and her sloppiness.”

Iya slowed down a bit but shrugged off Surra’s comment before she gave it away. “Well that’ll be his choice…” Iya smirked at Surra and kept walking. Hearing Cassie name made Iya cringe at the thought of her being with Kal again. Iya felt tonight would be her only window of opportunity to tell him how she felt and possibly more.

The day turned into evening and the horns sounded off for the curfew. The live music band began to prepare and setup in the middle of the common area. The small crew of acoustics and drums played a variety of different music. People came together to sing and dance. Crates of alcohol were hauled in from the back of the stores and brought up front. They put bar stools out and tables in front of the shops so people could sit and eat. The scenery changed with red lights streams hanging from above the food vendors connecting the stands around the market. Everyone came to enjoy the Night of Life.

The evening turned into night and the adult festival was beginning to start. Back at the palace, Surra was still pulling out different dresses making Iya try them on. She laid them all over Iya’s bed, one after another. None seemed to be suitable for Surra nor Iya and they tried on many different dress types. Iya tried a straight silky one, two fluffy ones, a flare out one, and a really short one. They all looked nice but none were the right fit for Iya until Neta came out with the perfect one. She carried it draped over her arms like it was delicate. The dress was a crème color light beige with gold trimmings. Neta was equally as excited to dress Iya up for the festival. It’s been something she’s been trying to do since Iya was little.

Neta laid the beautiful elegant strapless dress on top of all the others. It was soft like silk but was made with a special cloth. This special cloth can only be found in the southern continents of Sage. The order has to be made months in advance to make any clothing out of it. Neta knew how special this dress was. She had been saving it for this very special occasion. She also felt Iya was possibly dressing up for someone, considering the conversation they had.

Neta stood back next to Iya and Surra and said, “Try this one on. It was your mother’s dress… She wore this dress the night she stole your father’s heart. And now my dear it’s yours. I’ve been fixing the seams for years, so it should fit you. If you are choosing someone tonight this will surely do the trick.” Neta nudged Iya and winked. They were relentless on finding out Iya’s mystery man. She was beginning to see why Patrisha told her to keep everything with Kal on the low, meaning don’t tell anyone. She loved Surra and Neta and hopefully one day she will be able to tell them the truth. Until then Iya needed to get Kal fully first.

Everyone was almost ready. The crème color dress hugged Iya’s body perfectly. It wasn’t too snug or too tight around her waist. The bottom flared out just enough to still flow above her knees. With it being strapless, the dress opened up Iya’s chest showing a good amount of bosom but not too much. Afterwards Surra sat Iya down and did her makeup. She didn’t need much, she was a natural beauty. Surra finished by placing Iya’s crown slowly on top of her neat upward bun. Lastly, Neta grabbed the matching crème colored heels and placed them next to Iya’s feet. She slipped them on and stood up straight then turned around. Neta and Surra gasped at the amazing job they did on their princess.

Neta walked over to Iya than turned her around so she can face the mirror. Iya was taken away for how she looked. Iya cleaned up nicely. Neta started sniffling when she saw how beautiful Iya was. She couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer. “I’m sorry guys… it’s just you look so much like your mother. I wish she was here to see you dressed up.”

Iya walked over to Neta and gave her a big hug. She squeezed her tight and said, “I wish she were here too Neta. You and Surra have always been there for me and for that I know my mom is forever grateful.”

Surra walked over and joined in on the hug. She picked up the long elegant dress from the bottom making so she didn’t trip. Surra also always cleaned up nice as well. The dark blue dress was v-cut and she wore her hair in tight springy curls. With the gold necklace and bracelets, Surra looked like Greek goddess. The girls were ready to make their appearance at the festival.

They both yelled good bye to Neta who was also making her way out the door to spend the evening with her husband. Together the girls dashed down the hallway. Iya wasn’t as skilled as Surra was running in heels, so eventually they slowed down so Iya wouldn’t break an ankle. When they started walking, Iya noticed the people’s reactions as they walked by were taken away by her new appearance. So much so they would completely turn around to continue starring at her. When they got to the door Iya felt that chill go up her spine. This was her moment of truth.