04-12-2010, 09:38 PM
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| http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/ ... itable.png); background-position:bottom; background-repeat:no-repeat;"> 300+ Nayati stood in the circle with anticipation high in his chest. This would be t first Uku Dance he was ever to witness and having the sacred ceremony performed here in new home gave him a refreshed sense of belonging, like this really was an extension of his old home. He had no regrets about deciding to come here, but that did not mean that he got homesick for the old faces back in the main part of the tribe. Many of the wolves who lived in this tribe would not know exactly what the Uku Dance meant or was all about, but Nayati was glad that Dawali had decided to conduct it anyway. Onawa sad beside him, and even the stoic puma seemed to exude an air of excitement. Her thick tail swept the ground every few moments, displaying the energy that permeated the air. The Utina man stood next to Asha, happy that he was not the only one in the crowd who this meant an immense deal to. He glanced over to her and smiled warmly. This was her first Uku Dance as well. An awed silence came over the gathered tribe as their Kalona - now Uku - stepped forth and traveled down the path of feathers. Inside he knew that the Amara man was nervous about performing the dance, but from what he saw his friend was every bit the part that he was performing. Some may have thought the ceremonial outfit looked ridiculous, but Nayati saw it as a regal and important part of their heritage. He looked proudly upon his friend and chief as he entered the ring and began the sacred dance. It brought a deep sense of contentment to the man and he allowed his spirit to soar high into the air, just like the feathers that adorned their Uku once had. His broad chest rose and fell steadily, slowly taking in all that surrounded him. It was a magical experience, more so than he had even expected. Dawali passed him in the circle and nodded and instinctively the Tsisdu Kanati returned the gesture, as tradition had always dictated. The Uku made his final nod at a dark pelted female who then joined him in the dance. That must be Ember, the one who helped Dawali to lead the tribe. It was the first time he had set eyes on her. But there was no time to be focused on her, for now was time for all to join in the ceremonial dance. The flute played and Nayati joined the leaders in the ring, his feet moving to the same beat that Uku's did. It seemed to be ingrained in him, something that wasn't even taught, simply known. A small part of him was self conscious, but it disappeared quickly enough as he was swept up in the spiritual movements. |