#efhag

- Mother, why do we never talk about uncle Efhag?

- How do you know about uncle Efhag?

- It was just something Sanie and Nobi was talking about. Is it forbidden to talk about him?

- Well, no. Not forbidden. We just don’t. What he did was very shameful, and when we, his siblings, talk about him, we feel that shame.

- But why? What did he do?

- Okay, I will have to tell you from the beginning. Efhag was my older brother, and the twin of uncle Klyg, and just like you and Noor, they were always together.

- Efhag was always the most daring of them, and Klyg always wanted to do what his brother did. Most of the time Efhag also was blamed, and punished, for any prank the two of them did. Efhag was the one who said things that nobody else dared to say, and did things nobody else dared to do. He was brave, but sometimes also very selfish. He was the one who took leadership, but not always in a good way.

- When your father first came to Oasis Springs Efhag did go against the will of your grandfather in a very stupid and dangerous way, and for that he was punished. But this time Efhag didn’t back down, and continued to behave in a very bad and disrespectful way, so my father banned him from the family. He lost his trust and faith in him.

- And now? What happened to him?

- He lives in the outskirts of Oasis Springs. He had a partner for a while, but some people say that the spirits wanted to punish Efhag for his disloyal behavior, and that they killed Ajul to teach him a lesson. I don’t believe that, but anyway, he is alone now, as far as we know.

- I feel kind of sorry for him, no one should have to live alone. Especially not a twin! Noor said sorrowful, and looked at her sister.

- But you have to remember it was his choice, sweetie. He made this bed, and now he is lying in it. Besides, Klyg goes to see him sometimes. He never talks about it, but I know he does.

- But, but... can’t you forgive him? After all this time?

- I’m sure we could. But to forgive someone, they have to ask for forgiveness, and say they are sorry. I don’t think Efhag will do that.

- I could never live alone! Eira burst out. I love you all too much! But I still think it’s very sad with uncle Efhag.

- So do I honey-bunny. I really do.

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It was a beautiful night at Rock my Soul and the boys were ready to party!

The girls were already on the dance floor.

There was mingling...

Stunning performances...

Bush activities...

- Hey Efhag! someone whispered, Isn’t that your sister over there with that foreigner?

- I'll kill him! Efhag hissed, but was firmly interrupted by his older sister.

- No, you are not! Boui said. Don’t you remember what father said? Hdajk have the right to decide for herself. Besides, you are smarter than that.

- You are right sis, Efhag nodded. I am.

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The dreaded wresteling a wild boar without any weapons.

Rusa fought well and came out on top. Not without wounds and injuries.

But for the wild boar the result was even worse of course, it ended up as dinner.

- Congratulations! That was some fight! Efhag was the first to congratulate.

- Thanks. I think I have proven myself now.

- You have. You are now our brother. You will have our support and respect from today and as long as you live. We do expect the same from you. You are also free to share a cave with any woman you like, that is not already sharing a cave with a brother.

- Good. Let it be so.

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They say that when it rains in Oasis Springs it pours, and the days after the full moon it certainly did. Some said it was an omen.

- Okay guys, he is coming! Are you ready?

- Hey! Stranger! We have a proposal for you!

Rusa was hesitant, because the situation didn’t seem reliable, and he was alone. Should he run or should he face the guys. In the end he decided on the latter.

- What do you want from me?

- We want nothing from you. But you might want something from us.

- Oh?

- You want to be accepted by the community here right? Especially by us Ogn-guys right?

- Well, maybe...

- You can pass some challenges, and then you will become a member of our clan. But it will take strength and courage! If you accept the challenge and prove yourself to us, we will accept you.

- And if I don’t?

- If you don’t, then we know that you’re a coward. We don’t like cowards.

It wasn’t much of a deal, and Rusa felt under pressure. But in the end he chose to take the challenge.

First there was the fire pit walk.

Walking on hippos.

And finally the third and most dangerous...

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Life felt easier for Hdajk. There were still work to do, but after the siblings started helping it was not overwhelming, and there were time for good moments.

Oyw had good days and bad days (haven’t we all?), but most of the time he was in a good mood, even if he couldn’t remember things and was more easily tired.

Sometimes “The Stranger”, as they all called him, visited. He seemed to enjoy the talks with Oyw. “He reminds me of my grandpa back in my home valley”, he said, “I loved him very much”.

Not everybody in the family, or in the village for that matter, was happy about The Stranger’s presence.

- I really don’t understand what he wants here! Efhag said. It’s suspicious how he talks and talks with father, as he was the village chief or something.

Sometimes things were even said straight to The Stranger’s face, which was not very kind-hearted.

- Stop asking our father about tips and tricks! Klyg was clearly annoyed. And you father should stop telling him all your secrets! You don’t know what he will use it for!

- Come on, Klyg! Hdajk jumped in. What’s he gonna do with it? Sell the information to the highest bidder? He is just being friendly and interested.

- Really, I have no evil ulterior motives, Rusa said. I just like talking with him.

- I find that hard to believe, Klyg answered back. And you! He turned to his sister.

- Why are YOU defending him? Do you fancy him, or what is it?!

Hdajk turned red, and gave her brother a look that could kill.

- I refuse to hear such rubbish, Klyg. You really disappoint me.

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