B: Stare at the mirror

A smile doesn’t come, no matter how long you stare at the mirror. You can see tension in your jaw and feel a subtle tremble in your hands. It will hold together for now. You will hold these limbs still and steady as they are offered up for the sake of everyone else.

A silver torque is placed around your neck. The weight is somewhat comforting even though the metal is cold against your skin at first. As it slowly warms you watch your aunt begin to thread thin ribbons into your hair as she braids it. They belonged to your cousin. They are bright and shining yellow. You think they’re made of something expensive, you don’t recall exactly. Your uncle had been away for nearly a year and came back with all manner of fine things. The ribbons were your cousin’s favourite.

They were still in her hair when they found her body. Bright and yellow as buttercups in her dark hair. She stood out amongst the sheep remains, still mostly whole where they were ripped and chewed on. They seem to vanish into your hair, melding with the pale brown colour of it.

With your finery on and your dress tied you are ready to be presented to your husband to be. You can take an item with you from home.

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