Series of the Uncompleted

Kamlisa was always second place. Her family had expected her sibling, Karam to take on the role as heir of the family. It seemed the role was perfect for him, as he had the traits of an ideal leader: charismatic, charming, sociable, and devoted. Of course, she was just as devoted as her sibling—just as devoted as them. But her personality was lacking. Her voice wasn't cheerful and warm, it was blunt and cold. She didn't like to socialize with back-stabbing nobles, content with staying cooped up and studying on the winemaking process. 

And then a single event changed everything. An army of knights entered the village after a successful war. The commander of them stood high and proud, on top of his horse. Kamlisa paid not a second thought of the army of knights—but Karam...

"Oh, sister dearest! Look! That is Divya's coat of arms! Paladins!"

"Yes, yes..." her eyes landed on the back of their head, watching as their scarlet eyes glimmered with pure admiration.

That steely gaze of desire and the grin on his face sealed his fate. Kamlisa knew. Knew way before their father found out.

Her family was so intent on crushing a child's dream, but their father stood for Karam—proclaiming that he will become a squire until their class ceremony. Kamlisa paid no mind, ignoring the part of her that hoped this dream of knighthood was only a phase. She didn't want to be dragged to social parties and forced to socialize with other nobles. She'd much rather be locked away, studying on making the best wine—perfecting their family's craft.

It was no surprise what their class would be when the ceremony came. Her glass orbs glowed and her sibling radiated smoke. Dark tendrils crept up her neck and curled around the base until leaves sprouted and fruit bared at the edges of her collarbone. 

She was (reluctantly) given the title of heir. 

~

"I haven't seen you before."

She turns to find herself with a child of the Sakurami family. Signature red-pink curls that are similar to her own violet curls.

No doubt about it, they were family. Distant relatives if one will. 

"If you're looking for Karam, he is perhaps somewhere in the crowd."

"I'm not looking for her," he replied, "I wanted a break from the people."

"Well, you've come to the right corner," she murmured, "no one is here but me."

And she was the hostess of this party. It's hard to stand out when your sibling is actually the face of the family. 

"You're a Boivin as well, aren't you?" He asked.

"Oh yes, I thought you'd know as soon as we met." She sips at the sparkling grape juice.

(Even if they were a family of winemakers, they didn't drink so early—at least not in public, for some.)

"Ah it isn't hard to tell," he replied, "with your violet hair and red eyes."

"A signature trait among us, don't you think?" She questioned.

"As with any noble family," he nods briefly, "do forgive me for the dramatic change in subject but I never got your name."

"My name is Kamlisa," her crimson eyes looked at her cousin, "and yours?"

"Lelisa Sakurami. Mother says that you're quite elusive in social gatherings."

"Well, Sakurami, I've never been interested in social gatherings. I am nothing more than one devoted to the family craft," she eyes the clock on the wall, impatiently waiting for time to come crawling to the party's conclusion.

"A wine connoisseur at such a young age?" He mused.

"I must," Kamlisa huffed, "I am a Boivin, hosting gatherings is only one of many duties a future head must do."

"You're the heiress?" Lelisa's eyes widened in surprise, "By Divya! Everyone thought it would be your sibling."

"That's what I thought too, but they are busy chasing after a dream."

"Is that so?"

She watches Karam throw his head back, laughing at whatever the guest said.

"...Indeed."

Only after the party did she realize she enjoyed the Sakurami's company. She never noticed that small smile that was on her lips.

A friend. She made a friend.

~

"As head of the Boivins, you must be able to defend yourself."

As much as she wanted to protest, her father was right. Kamlisa had to learn how to protect herself after all, in case something happened. All those communication and law classes she took weren't going to help her forever. She could use sharp wit but against an assassin? Or a soldier? She was as good as dead.

So here she was, wearing casual clothes fit for sparring. 

Here she was, accompanying her sibling at the training grounds. Karam was chatting away with some girl from Pereiru, being friendly with each other. The sounds of swords clashing rang in her ears, and she feels like an imposter among them. Her sibling was supposed to show her around, and eventually introduce her to her mentor.

Though she supposed he wanted to chat first.

But time was ticking, and Kamlisa has no time for hour-long chats.

"Ahem."

"Oh! Sorry. I'll talk to you later?"

The girl seems to glare at her briefly before smiling, "Of course! Wouldn't want to keep your sister waiting, would you?"

They smiled, "of course not! Come on, Kamlisa."

She follows silently, easily matching Karam's brisk pace. Their golden legs gleamed and shimmered in the sun—a perfect day to spar outside. The sun was warm and the wind is soft and cool, combing through her hair. 

Karam's stride is confident—like he knows this place in his sleep. Their shoulders are loose and relaxed, in their most comfortable state. Arms move back and forth loosely and smoothly as if they had no one to watch them.

Kamlisa wonders if she will ever walk around like that someday.