Borte and Oelun
At first, Borte reminded me of a freshly made dumpling.Soft.
Round.
Full of life.
Bright.
Or perhaps she reminded me of a young Asian child, with a round face, small eyes, and full cheeks.
She seemed to be dancing.
Or singing.
Her smile, her eyes, and her joyful expression matched the celebration around her.
Then everything became still.
I could no longer see very much.
Behind the cheerful impression was someone else.
She was not always smiling.
Joy was not her whole personality.
Beneath that gentle face lived the heart of a warrior.
Strong.
Disciplined.
Quiet.
Thoughtful.
At times, even cold.
───
Another woman was sitting on the floor with her head lowered.
Her coat was large.
Her fur hat was long, making it difficult to see her face.
The heavy coat spread around her in a wide circle, making her look like a bird resting in its nest.
She was older.
Her face was delicate.
Beautiful.
Thin, unlike the broad faces I had expected.
A different kind of beauty.
Quiet.
Reserved.
She was Oelun,
Temujin's mother.
