05-20-2010, 02:59 PM
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| http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/ ... itable.png); background-position:bottom; background-repeat:no-repeat;"> 300+ Nayati lost himself in the rhythm of the sacred dance, his feet and body moving to the beat. Someone picked up some drums and began to mimicked the beat of the dance on the instruments. He was curious as to who, but found that he could not open his eyes or tear his focus from the dance until it was time to do so. He didn't know how many here understood the importance or significance of the event, but he could really care about that at the moment. The man couldn't help himself from becoming a bit nostalgic and he imagined himself back with the Great Tribe, feeling completely and wholly at home once again. Coming here was a great change, and the transition wasn't always easy. Now though, sharing in this revered ceremony gave him a sense of home, and he understood what Dawali had told him, about how important it was not to let go of their old ways. As long as they kept these things in their hearts, they would have home with them. Suddenly the playing of the flute stopped, and his pale blue eyes opened once again, seeing that the initial dancing was now over with. Nayati exited the circle, waiting for the Uku to continue with the ceremony. Dawali spoke and then motioned for them all to help him extinguish the great fire. The Utina moved to help, kicking sand onto the flames until they were no more. He then stood back and watched as the great was rekindled and burst back to life with renewed vigor. The scent of burning tobacco filled his nose and he exhaled slowly, his spirit completely at ease being surrounded by such familiar things. It was then time for feasting and more dancing, but before he rejoined the festivities he retreated to gather up a bundle he had made to sacrifice during the ceremony. It contained some herbs and feathers, wrapped in a small hide, tied together with string and one of his best arrows on the top. Picking up the bundle, Nayati returned to the fire and knelt by the life-giving flames. Carefully he pushed the bundle into the great fire and then his eyes closed and lips moved silently, breathing a soft prayer for health and happiness for the whole tribe. He stayed there for a few moments, watching as his offering burned away, and then he rose once more, the smile back upon he face. The Utina moved back to the other revelers, beginning to dance again. |