They were not what the elders wanted. 

When Ariska was seven years old, her half-sister was born. She sat in a dark corner watching the festivities as everyone celebrated the child’s birth. Blond, blue-eyed, and perfect in every way, Rihona was the complete opposite of the tan-skinned, dark-haired and almond-eyed Ariska. At night, as everyone slept, Ariska crept into the nursery. Armed with a pillow she went to Rihona, her heart burning with anger and pain. 

As she raised the pillow, Rihona woke up. She grinned a secret smile. Ariska smiled back; the babe too, was not what the elders sought.