sisterhood // [uni]

[sbeeg]

Orithyia

The staff rolls through my fingers like wind through leaves. After so many drills for so many years, it feels like an extension of my being rather than an object to use. I grip the wood, slicing it through the air at my imaginary opponent and feel pride swell in my chest from a job well done.

Not that means you can stop practicing.

The group won't gather for sparring for another hour after the sun finally rises. I don't like waiting around at home staring at the ceiling. I rise whenever I am awake, which is usually in the early hours. I will be warmed up and ready when they come, ready to smack a drowsy sister over the head with a staff.

I may not have the title of teacher, but I teach my young sisters plenty of lessons.

The sun creeps up across the sea, dying it warm oranges as it stretches the sleep from its rays.

I follow my drills, moving them each step like I have since the day they dared show me the steps. Like a dance, moving weight from heel to toe, leg to leg. A dance unique to the island, that no main lander could ever truly learn.

I stop to take a breath, throwing my staff between my hands. A figure is walking across the lush, green hills. I squint in the early morning dim and cannot help the sour expression that crawls across my lips.

Athena.

I fall back into my drills, my dance more jarring and violent than before.

There was no love in my heart for my sister Athena. I was curious when she washed up on our shore, but since then she has been nothing but a briar stuck in my toe. She was not born on the island like I was, and yet can move like water with as much ease as any Amazon.

She is an amazon, I will give her that. She is my sister, but that does not mean she is my friend.

I end my drill with a loud yell before spitting on the ground between my sister and I.

[Unitato15]

ATHENA FOTOS

I fall out of bed, drowsy. Fuck me. No matter what state I'm in, the floor never does get softer. As I maneuver myself into a standing position, a tiny knife jackhammers the inside of my skull. At first I think perhaps that it was the fall, but nope, this is a much more familiar pain. Hangover, probably. That's new. Not the drinking, of course but, the impact. Am I a fucking lightweight now? Nah, Probably not. The memories rush back. Oh yeah, its close to reaping time again, time to watch all the little kiddies, oftentimes with locks not unlike my sister's, fall apart like wet meat. Guess I went on a bender to block it all out. Ah well, at least I've got training to look forward to.

I'm stumbling and stupid, as any hungover drunk is, but, nonetheless I arrive at the training site earlier than my "sisters." Shit. I hear a noise. A solid one, then I see the ugliest motherfucking face around. Someone else made it hear before me. And not just anyone, but one of the few who disrespect me. Motherfucking, Orithyia.

The bitch never liked me. While others watched in awe she always scowled while I worked, her little beady eyes glowing with resent. I never did understand her hatred. I'm not exactly the cuddliest of bears, and definitely not the most sober, but I never speak ill of most. I need this place. Always have needed it. As a training space, as a shelter from the malice of man, a warm sanctuary far removed from the brutal horrors of modern panem, as a home. Of course I wouldn't disrespect it or its caretakers, of course I'd avoid spilling venom onto these grounds. They're sacred to me. The others, for the most part, understand that. They know my story, they see my pain in my actions. So they leave me be. They RESPECT my efforts. But not Orithyia. No. She'll only accept those born to this place. Nevermind the UTTER FUCKING HELL I went through to get here. The very sight of her fills me with rage.

Despite my anger, I do not react. I swallow my feelings, and I watch as she screams a final war cry and spits angrily upon the Earth between us, and think only of when I'll get my next drink. It seems to clean up any poor feelings.

"Hello, Orithyia", I say emotionless, as I head towards my favored training station, "You're here early".

[sbeeg]

Orithyia

"You're here early".

I try to control my emotions. There's no need to be outwardly cruel to a sister who has not been aggressive towards me. She moves towards the weapons ready to start her own practice. I watch her move, trying to figure out how a mainland cast off has become an Amazon so easily. I worked everyday of my life to be as strong as I am. I thought being a sister of the island meant something special but knowing anyone can wash up and become a great warrior wore at me.

"I'm here at this time everyday, sister," I say calmly, falling back into a fighting stance and letting my staff roll across my shoulders to my other hand. The air feels warmer now that I'm not alone. My cheeks flushed with the knowledge that someone will be watching me, seeing every flaw I make.

I twist my staff around, stabbing at the air and shoving my foot into the moist dirt.

"It is you, Athena, who are early."

[Unitato15]

ATHENA FOTOS

Maybe I lost some brain cells when I hit my head this morning, too, because I've never seen this bitch here before me. I take a swig from my flask, to choke back my anger. She isn't worth my bitterness, and besides, I don't need to prove myself to her, I've already proven myself to the whole rest of the damned island.

Except, I do. The only reason I'm alive on this island is because I have stayed strong and vigilant. Vigilance breeds no room for complacency. I stand my ground, and still do not fight. Not out of complacency, but out of stubberness. She can eat my bitter ass if she thinks I'll lose my status in anger. Even if she is just venting, I'm sure she thinks I'm more wild dog than woman, as elitist as she is, and that I'll snap back.
I gulp down another swig of bourbon.

"Whatever, princess", I snarl sarcastically, taking hold of my own weapon of choice: nothing.

This bitch fights with her hands, I've no need for pussy spears. I use only my tightly trained aerobic ability to quickly amd efficiently demolish the dummy in front of me. I'm a better fighter than her and I smirk in her direction in wait of a reaction.