#teteriu

- Did you hear him, Noor? "Hope you continue your science career, even though you are now married" and yadda yadda. He is such a hypocrite!

The families had come together to celebrate Mezamura's wedding, and Teteriu had just finished his speech for the bride.

- I'm sure he meant well, Eira. He wants what best for his sister doesn't he? And Aurelio seems like a decent man.

- Yeah, it's nothing wrong with Aurelio, he is fine. But Teteriu just say things he doesn't live by. Pretending to be something he isn't. If he really meant what he is saying, why didn't he let me continue my studies? And this big party... giving them your old house... he is just showing off.

- The party is great though, and we all needed something to celebrate after this terrible summer.

- Oh sweet Astanna, yes! First uncle Itaja, then Telamon, and Nashuja wanting to leave Manthos for good. It sure hasn't been joyful.

- Well uncle's death wasn't that unexpected, he was getting older, and I'm just grateful Nashuja was still here when he passed. But Telamon...?! Did you learn exactly what happened?

- Not really. They just told me he was found dead outside the shelter where he lived. From what I've heard he had stopped drinking, but maybe he had a relapse? Or maybe he was robbed? Or struck by lightning? I don't know. I'm still in a bit of a shock, because deep down I did hope to see him again.

- So how is aunt Simadhne coping? Is she feeling better now?

- Well you know. Since we moved in after uncle's death she's been kind of busy with helping with the children and cooking for us all. But when Nashuja is leaving... I fear she will fall apart. We will all miss him so much. And knowing we will never see him again... It is unbearable!

- And Pamesijos? Will he go with him?

- Not if I can prevent it, Noor whispered. How can I loose them both?

- Really makes you think about the sacrifice they made, doesn't it?

- What do you mean? The war?

- I mean our parents Noor, when they let us both go. We were so young! About Khará's age actually! Can you imagine how it must have been for them?

- Well it was different. They wanted to keep us safe.

- Yes, exactly! Not so different from this situation, when you think about it.

- I've never thought about it that way, but you are right.

- But I'm not sure if I ever could have let Khará go, under any circumstances, so I totally understand your reluctance to let Pamesijos go with Nashuja.

- You will have to let her go some day anyway...

- What?

- I mean, she will move out, get married, have her own household. All of our children will. It is terrible, but true!

- Noor! Do you have to talk about such excruciating future visions? Can't we just enjoy this party and have some fun?

- ♫♫ Ναι, να ζήσουν, ευτυχισμένοι για πάντα! ♫♫

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- Noooo! Teteriu!! Is he breathing? The despair had shut in on Eira.

- I don't think so..., someone answered.

- What happened Kyria Sapfó? Noor asked, Where you here? Did you see what happened?

- He just fell! she replied, In the middle of a sentence! There was no reason!

- Please Astanna, Let him live! Please forgive me! Just let him live!

- So, so, sister dear, Noor tried to comfort her. Maybe he just fainted?

- Sadly Noor, I don't think so. Sapfó broke in. I think his spirit left him. There is nothing more we can do.

- Oh no, Noor sighed, This is so unexpected. He wasn't even that old!

- I know. It's terrible.

- Help me! Astanna! Bring him back! This is all my fault! Please don't take him away from me.

- Eira dear, let me help you. Come, let me take you home.

- Nooo! I can't leave him here! I don't want to go home, Noor!

- So, so, someone will bring him to your house. Come, grab my arm.

- Please Noor, just leave me. I can't. This is all my fault. It's all my fault...

- How, can this be your fault? You weren't even here! Come now.

- Why is this happening to me?

- Shhh, It will be all right Eira, I promise you. We will just take one day at the time. Come, we need to tell the children.

- The children? How can I tell the children? I can't!! Oh, Goddess please, noooo!!

- I will help you Eira, I will be there, right next to you. Just lean on me.

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After half a year or so in a crowded house Teteriu approached Itaja.

- I'm considering buying Telamon's house.

- Really? I thought you had decided not to spend money on that house?

- I changed my mind. The tenants just moved out, and claim it is haunted, the current owner is selling it for a reasonable price. I wondered if you would be interested in co-investing?

- Haunted? I don't believe that, it's just rumors. And then you will give it to Noor? Now that Telamon is gone she has no way to pay for it, that's for sure.

- I actually thought I'd rent it to her, Teteriu squirmed in his chair.

- Rent? How is she going to pay rent? She doesn't have any income?

- Maybe her boys will find work somewhere? And she is picking fruit sometimes?

- Well that doesn't even cover a bag of rice a month. I don't know. Did you discuss it with her? Or with your wife?

- Eh.. no. This kind of thing is a man's decision. I wouldn't bother the women with these complicated questions about property and such.

- It might very well be a man's decision, but I strongly recommend you discuss it with them first.

- I will think about it. Does that mean you are interested?

- I will discuss it with my wife and let you know.

Later that night Itaja told Simadhne about his conversation with Teteriu.

- I mean, to be an educated man and all, he really is an idiot! In such an important question, it's unbelievable that he doesn't involve his wife at least. No wonder why Eira and him are having problems.

- Will you talk with Noor and Eira then?

- I think I will have to, even if I don't like stepping in another man's garden. I would hate to make such an investment, just to find out that Noor doesn't want to move back at all! I don't think she believe it is haunted, but you never know.

- That's true, I don't think she does. But it might be traumatic for her. Besides, she and Eira have found a way to organize their lives now that I think they both benefit from. You will just have to let them decide Itaja.

- Mmm. I will. And then there is the rent thing. No way I'm going to let poor Noor pay any rent to that moron. It's outrageous!

- You really love those girls, don't you Itaja?

- If I do!? They are the most precious thing in my life! And you and Nashuja of course, I love you all very much. Now come over here and let me prove it with a kiss...

- Pfff! Don't be silly. We are too old for that kind of thing.

- Absolutely not! I will never be too old for your sweet kisses..

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Soon after Telamon had left Manthos, the sisters decided that it would be better if all the children moved in with their mother in Eiras house. Simadhne came most days to help out, but didn't have the responsibility hanging over her. So now Eiras house were filled with people, small and large, from morning to night. It was not easy for Teteriu to get work done, and the situation was unbearable. For him that is. Eira didn't mind.

- I can't concentrate in this noise, Teteriu sighed.

- What do you expect, Eira said venomously. Where else should Noor be with her children? She don't have a home thanks to you.

Teteriu cleverly didn't answer.

In general Eira loved having her sister as a house guest. Not only did they share the workload with cooking and other housework, but they had a lot of fun together.

- I didn't know you and aunti Noor were so goofy mum!

- We are sisters you know! Just like you and Khará.

- But Khará and I usually end up fighting!

- That has neeeeever happened with us! Right Noor?

- No comment!

They also enjoyed and appreciated that there were always someone to take care of the children's needs. If one of them was tired or sick, the other would step in.

But for Teteriu it was a nightmare. Not only was the noise of all the children more than he could take, he had also given up his bed and bedroom, and slept on the sofa, but - and this was probably the most annoying over time - the bath was always occupied.

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- Noor, I'm so terribly sorry! Did you ask uncle if he could help?

- Yes, but he told me he already bailed Telamon out twice, and that he can't afford to do it a third time. He said, it probably wouldn't stop Telamon from doing it again, and besides, he haven't got the money, since he’s already paying for Nashuja's education.

- I see. I will ask Teteriu. I’m sure we’ll be able to help. I don't know if we have this kind of money honestly, but I’m sure Telamon will be able to find a solution.

- Thank you sister. I'm sorry that I’m putting my problems on your shoulders once again.

- You must never ever think that Noor!! We are sisters! We help each other, right?

- And yet it's always you helping me, never the other way around. You wont even tell me what the problem is!

- If I thought you could help me Noor, I would tell you, I promise you.

- Ever since we left Oasis springs I've been the poor one, the one always needing help. You are always the stronger one.

- I'm not that strong, Noor. It's just coincidences. It could have been me in your shoes.

- I doubt it. I understand that you think I'm not able to help you. And you are probably right. I can't even help myself, can I? But it still hurts, that you wont tell me.

- But there is nothing to tell! I told you, I'm just tired!

- Fine! I don't believe that, but I can't force you to tell me if you don't want to.

Eira didn't answer. She didn't know what to say.

Teteriu was skeptical, to say the least, to bail Telamon out.

- That man is completely inept, Eira! There is absolutely no guarantee that he wont do the same thing again. I know she is your sister, and I feel for her, but we will not throw away our saved gold on this wastrel.

- But Teteriu, they will be evicted! Think about the children! Thrown out on the street! How can we not help them!?

- If your sister needs a shelter, she will always be welcome here. We don't have a big house, but we will manage. But I refuse to lift a finger for that oaf.

- I never thought you were so heartless!

- Sweet Eira I was not the one who created this problem. And I shouldn't be responsible for solving it.

- Don't "sweet-Eira" me please! It's family! I'm so disappointed Teteriu. That's all I can say.

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As all parents know, bringing up children is hard, but also filled with happy moments. And Eira cherished those moments just as much as any other mother would.

She just couldn't help longing for moments of intellectual challenge - researching, studying, debating, learning, understanding.

- I'm not normal, she thought to herself, wanting to read instead of being with my children. I must be the worst mother there is. If it wasn't for those hours they are at Simadhne I would truly have gone mad.

Every now and then she tried to discuss philosophical questions with Teteriu or Mezamura. They were politely indulgent of her lack of understanding of the latest dilemmas. She felt stupid and outdated, so as time went by she more or less stopped getting involved.

Lately she had also been experiencing physical symptoms for no obvious reason. Headaches, stomach ache, tiredness. She managed to do basic housework and look after the toddlers, but she had no energy for most other things. The family was worried.

Noor found her sister crying by the well one day, when she came for a surprise visit.

- Please tell me what is wrong, Noor begged her sister. What is it that you are not telling me? What's going on with you?

- It's nothing. It's just... I'm just... I can't explain it! I'm tired, I guess.

- Sister, you know you can tell me anything! Is it Teteriu? Is he mean to you?

- No! No, I'm just tired, that's all. Don't worry about me, I will be better soon. What about you, is everything okay? How is little Tychon?

- I know what you are trying to do! You are trying to distract me from whatever problem you have, you always do that! I'll leave it at that for now, but don't think you fool me. And the truth is I have serious problems myself, that's why I'm here.

- What kind of problems sister? What can I do?

- Eira I... It's the same problem I always have, isn't it? It's so embarrassing! After Telamon started drinking again we have no money, and almost no food. Just the roots and berries the children bring home, and the eggs I get from Simadhne.

- Oh Noor I'm so sorry! Take whatever you need from our pantry, you don't even have to ask, you know that!

- That's not all...

- What is it dear?

- Eira it's... We are actually in danger of becoming homeless. Uncle Itaja told me that Telamon pawned the house in a card game and lost. Telamon refuses to talk about it, he only says it under control. But there is no way he will be able to pay since we have no money or valuables, and nothing to sell. Eira, I'm terrified...

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Simadhne treasured seeing the children grow up, especially Nashuja, her adopted son.

The last year he had become quite tall lad, and handsome too. He was well liked by his peers, and very popular among the girls. Even more important, he was doing really well at school, and had a bright future ahead in every way. Simadhne and Itaja was so proud of him.

The downside was of course that they were growing older as well. But what is the alternative?

Noor also found her first gray hairs, and her skin was not as smooth as it used to be. She was still very beautiful, but life had put it's marks on her.

With five small children in the family and a husband that was ... well, let's just say unstable, it was no wonder. Noor's life was not easy, that's for sure.

On the surface, Eira's life was easier. Three children was manageable, and she had support from Teteriu and Mezamura if she asked for it. Which she didn't very often, but at least the opportunity was there.

But Eira was not happy. She rarely smiled, and when she did, her smile didn't seem to reach her eyes.

.

- Eira, what are you not telling me? I haven't seen you for ages, and then suddenly you come by without any obvious reason, what is going on? I am your sister, you know you can tell me everything.

- I'm fine Noor. I mean, I just needed to see you, and I'm a bit fed up. I really don't have any problems, not like you have. No offence, but everybody knows you're struggling to make ends meet, and that Telamon is not, ... well you know what I mean.

Noor looked down, but didn't say anything

- Teteriu is providing well for us, we are not rich, but we have everything we need, and more so. I really have no reason to complain.

- But?

Eira's eyes filled with tears.

- Sister, tell me what is wrong!

- I just… I'm so incredibly bored! I know I'm ungrateful, because … I know it's not right. I love my daughters, I really do, but I'm going crazy just doing housework and taking care of them.

- And when I see Teteriu and Mezamura working with those papyrus scrolls, she continued, and I can't help feeling jealous. And I'm so ashamed for that! I don't know what to do!

- I don't know what to say sister, Noor said.

- No, what can anyone say, Eira sighed. I don't understand how you do it! With four children, and doing laundry for others and picking lemons for extra income, and with a husband like yours... Where do you find your strength Noor?

- Strength? I don't know about that. I'm exhausted most of the time. Thank Astanna Pamesijos is helping out in the house. That boy is more useful than his father to be honest. And soon your Khará will help you as well. It will be easier, you'll see.

- I doubt it. Because there seems to be a new baby growing in my belly. It's just never ending.

- But aren't you happy for that, sister? A new child is something to look forward to and to be happy about, isn't it?

- I am! I love my girls! And your children too, Eira said and smiled to Eteokardiás, they are all very dear too me, don't get me wrong. I just wish... sometimes... that my life had room for other things as well.

- What other things? What is it that you want Eira?

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