Willow.
That was my name before I took my vows. I did so last year, during the season of the Tithing Green Moon. I remember the day vividly as if it occurred yesterday. I think I'll always remember it.
My grandmother, born in the Year of Wilting Grass, anticipated the day with much vigor that she ended up inviting the whole village to my rebirth.
"People have to bear witness to this. It is crucial for when the season of Glorified Mating arrives."
"You'll need all the favour you can get child, and who to give it more than those who witnessed your rebirthing into society?" she continued.
I did not quite agree with her, but she had seen to it that I had grown up well fed, well dressed and well disciplined that she knew I could never say no to her. She was quite different when she was mad. Or angry. Very different. I had learnt to steer clear of her environs when she got into such moods but sometimes I wasn't as lucky. The marks I bore attested to that.
"Something about the Year of Wilting Grass...I think a phenomenon occurred. Everyone born then has a blemish. Even my uncle Black is as violent," my friend then, Pine, would comfort me. I don't think I ever believed her. She was known for her lies.
Luckily, the rebirth process just like its name, meant a complete reset. I could start a new, with an unmarked body. That part, that part I couldn't wait for.
And a new name. That part, I didn't know. Turns out a lot of things I didn't know.