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This is a WIP, NaNoWriMo 2015, Forest Wed. The gods of a town in the rain forest chose a new forest wed couple from the unmarried young people–Addan and Kaie (who was engaged)–they marry, return their totems to the gods’ statues, and patrol the edges of the village, where something has followed them from in the trees. Adann’s last line asked if the thing making the noise has left, or is watching them.
Kaie glanced at her, “Why would you think that?”
“It’s better to think there might be something watching you from the branches, waiting to drop of you and break your neck, than to think there couldn’t be. If you’re cautious and wrong, there’s no problem, but if you’re careless and wrong . . .” Adann trailed off, considering her next words, and then settled on a shrug instead.
“You’re a bit more bloody minded than I expected,” Kaie said, after a long silence.
“You hardly know me, so it’s not surprising, is it?”
“I know you just fine,” Kaie snapped.
“Mmm,” Adann watched a flight of bright yellow birds break through the cover of the forest, flying through the scattered greenery of the town before plunging back into the dense weave of branches.
They completed the rest of the patrol in silence, their gazes scanning the area around them, and didn’t look at each other once until they stood in front of the gods’ statues again.
* * *
Beikife is a small town in something like the Amazon rain forest, protected by a pair of married gods. The gods are represented by human avatars, two young people chosen and married by divine power. The strength of the marriage represents the bond between the gods’ blessing, so the new forest wed must find a way to connect to each other, or the crops will fail, the rivers will flood, and the cursed monsters that live in the forest will claim many lives.
caitlinsternwrites 
Enjoying the scratchiness of their interactions, nicely done Caitlin!
They’re not quite strangers, but they’re close enough that this whole thing is pretty awkward for them.
*Evil authorial laugh*
Hmm, Kaie thinks he knows her, but is surprised at her “bloody-mindedness?” I have a feeling he’s going to be surprised a few more times before this is over.
He’s seen her around, had some brief interactions with her, etc.–which doesn’t really tell you all that much about people, but he thinks it does.
He’ll learn otherwise. 😉
Now I’m really curious as to whether they are being watched and are they in danger. Great snippet
I have a bit more writing to go before I circle back around to it, and I haven’t decided yet.
But, you know, they probably are.
The dialogue is fine. Added to the scenery, you have a most interesting story.
Thanks! 🙂
Their dialogue as they get to know each is excellent. I like how they’re finding out things about each other that they didn’t expect.
There’s nothing like a high stakes game of ‘getting to know you.’ 🙂
Still so much reluctance from Kaie. This is going to be tough for both of them. Great snippet! 🙂
He really hasn’t had all that long to adjust–and, he’s not really trying to do so yet. Difficult man.
Hi Catlin. I really enjoyed your excerpt. I love how Adann trails off then shrugs. Nice job. The premise sounds interesting.
Thanks! Sometimes, it’s best to keep your mouth shut–Adann gets that, even if she has some pointed things to say to her husband.
I think they may surprise each other more than a few times! and maybe surprise the gods as well? I think the dialog here is perfect for showing us the developing relationship – excellent excerpt.
Of course they will! Surprises are fun. 🙂
The gods, I think, knew exactly what they were doing when they tossed these two together.
I wonder what she means by “I know you just fine.”
I may possibly skip ahead to the snippet where she explains.
But, for now, I’ll say this–Kaie is not as good as she is at paying attention to other people, despite what he thinks.
My, aren’t we being a bit Snippy McSnipperton? Wonder why she thinks she knows him so well. But at least nothing dropped down on them from the trees. The bigger danger seems to be between them! Great snippet, loving this story. Must.Know.More!
Nothing dropped on the from the trees yet. 😉
Wow–their rough start isn’t getting any easier. Good continued tension, Caitlin. 🙂
Things have to get worse before they get better, right?
Thanks!
Love the dialogue- 2 people trying to figure an awkward situation out.
Tweeted.
It’s going to be a long path to understanding. 🙂
So awkward. They know ‘of’ each other. They don’t really ‘know’ each other. I want to see how this relationship develops. 🙂 Great banter and imagery.
I don’t know if it’s better or worse than marrying a complete stranger–sometimes expectations don’t go so well…
I do feel bad for both of them. They really don’t know each other, and this must be so hard for them.
It is pretty difficult. And it will get worse before it gets better!
I love the awkward antagonism between them and can’t wait to see what happens next! Great snippet.
Thanks. 🙂
Realistic dialog, good job with that. I’m guessing they like each other well enough but haven’t faced a true test of their relationship. so I’m sure they’ll find whatever happens as scary as readers do! Hope you pick up from here next time.
~Marcia
They got married earlier that day, as near-strangers, so not yet! 😉