Pack Ceremony - The Uku Dance

Dawali Amara · 04-12-2010, 06:48 PM

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Word Count: 573

Dated: April 6.
I've powerplayed everyone present already, so no one have to play out the arriving part. Dawali would have gone around the night in advance to prepare everyone for what was going to happen.

Here's what's happening;
Every seventh year, the spring ceremony is replaced with the Uku Dance (Uku = the title worn by the chief for the duration of the ceremony). The Chief then dons a particularly elaborate outfit, and performs the Uku Dance in a specially prepared circle in the stone square (by the ceremonial fire). His feet are not to touch soil before they reach the stone circle, and so a blanket of feathers from his hut to the ceremonial ground has been prepared. The tribe stands around the ring and watches, and as he passes them in his slowly moving dance around the area he nods his head to every member, who traditionally would return the gesture. The purpose of this ceremony is both to assert the Chief's position within the tribe, and to give the Chief a chance to formally acknowledge the presence of the tribesmembers. Near the end of the dance, sub-leaders and eventually everyone may join in inside the circle until the Chief stops dancing. After the dance, the ceremony proceeds as usual; the Chief extinguishes and relights the ceremonial fire, those that wish to do so may sacrifice goods to it, and the ceremony ends in three days of feasting and celebration of the return of spring.

come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops

He felt silly. The chief had been preparing for the ceremony for some time, both mentally and physically. He'd repaired the regalia he was to wear, inherited from Ayegali. It was very ornamental, a large leather costume with feathers and beads literally everywhere. Along the length of his arms and legs were pieces of metal and stone that crashed together and chimed as he moved, and the much larger head-crown felt heavy and clumsy on his head. His belt was different, too, and on it hung several pouches and instruments, and a tobacco pipe. Really, Dawali was honored that it was his turn to perform this dance, and he was honored to have the title at all, but that didn't change the fact that most of the members of the tribe knew little to nothing of these traditions and what they meant. He would not blame them for judging him. Still, he would not ignore his responsibility, and luckily this time around he had both his daughter and his friend the hunter to watch out for him; this thought calmed him. If not for himself, he knew he had to do this for them. His feet stepped gingerly on the blanket of feathers as he proceeded towards the ceremonial fire, winds threatening to blow them away. Gvihita sat atop his shoulder looking as arrogant as ever, and today the eagle spirit added to the already mighty appearance of the red wolf, not only the wearer of feathers but also the companion of such a holy animal.

He turned the corner along the path, cleared a house, and the members of the tribe all circling the ceremonial ground came into view. Dawali swallowed once, twice, nervously, and then continued walking without hesitation. Several steps later he was at the edge of the circle laid out in the middle of the square, paved ground, and he stopped for a moment, looking out at the crowd in ceremonious manner. His eyes lingered on Ember, on Nayati and Asha, before they went blank and he took one step forward into the ring and begun his dance. He did not need the accompaniment of drums; his feet struck the ground and sent waves of motion through his limbs, shaking the pieces of metal and stone. Strong muscles flexed as he moved. This was not a dance for the agile, but for the strong, the powerful, and the ceaseless and slow steps created a multi-pitched beat from the chiming metal and stone ornaments on his regalia. His body was a rhythm, was a melody without tones, and he moved decisively around with his eyes out of focus, every now and then looking up at a member and nodding to them before continuing. Never was the rhythm broken; it would not be before he was finished. After greeting every single member in this manner except Ember, he lifted his head and sent her one very decisive glance. He would dance with her, and then the rest of the tribe could dance as well. Reaching for his little bone flute, he started playing a cheerful tune on it whilst dancing on, as if to give the rest of the tribe a little more to go on as they danced. The high-pitched flute played together with the continued chime of his adornments, and he smiled as he released his breath into the ceremonial instrument. The whole thing was going better than expected.

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Yumiko Tsume · 04-12-2010, 07:58 PM

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Hello almighty Chief Smile

Word Count: 417

This was a very special night for both the Chief and the entire tribe. Yumiko was honoured to be a part of the ceremony, and had been barely able to sleep the night before in anticipation. Some may find the ceremonial activities strange, or too traditional, but the blonde wolf thought it was a wonderful way to combine the hearts of every member in the tribe and make them beat as one.

She stood now by the edge of the circle with a clear view of the main event. Though nearly every wolf in AniWaya had shown up, the outer ring of the dancing stones was quite clear. Those coming late, or those joining future dances, would have plenty of space. She assumed that was what it was designed for, after all.

Dawali entered the circle proudly, a fierce eagle perched upon his shoulder. Perhaps that was one of those Spirit Guides Yumiko had heard talk of? Or had he simply been able to tame such a mighty beast? Either way, it made him look more regal and impressive than before, with his ceremonial garb and proud stance. From her view on the opposite side of the ring, she could not see him swallow and did not sense his nervousness. To her blue eyes, he was as determined a leader as ever she'd seen. A calm breeze blew through the crowd, seemingly hushed in the presence of their Chief. He looked at his loved ones, and began to dance. Never before had the young female seen such powerful, meaningful steps as the ones he danced that calm night. An energy thrummed through the air with each of his steps, and she swayed in time to his movements.

When Dawali turned to her and nodded in way of the dance, her ears perked up and she nodded back at him with a smile prominent upon her face. He was worthy of it. Although she had not known him for very long, what she had learned of her Chief impressed her. He had, and still was, guiding the AniWayans through a dangerous war to the North, and had not let her starve through the winter. As he continued to dance, Yumiko began to lift her paws and closed her eyes as the power of his desires moved through her soul. It was more than just some silly ceremony, or a dance made up by a little kid. It had deeper meaning, one that you had to see to believe.

"Talk." Walk. Think.

Ember Phoenix · 04-12-2010, 09:11 PM

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Here is a picture of what Ember is wearing :3

She stood in the circle among the other tribe members, hands down at her sides. Her breath came quickly in anticipation for her part of the ceremony, the part in which she would come forward to dance beside Dawali in the circle. Then the entire tribe could join in if they wished, to dance and embrace the customs and old ways that the chief had brought with him from the old tribelands. Ember sometimes wished that she could have seen them sometime, to know what Dawali's last home had looked like.

Her visible spirit guide hung lazily in the air above the group, his large head sticking out from the surrounding tree cover. The orca was too big to fit in the immediate area, and when in a group setting tended to drift off to the side if he could. Ember gave one glance up to Utriu for reassurance, spotting his enormous head among the branches, then looked down to Lotus, then back up at Dawali. She watched as he nodded to each of the tribe members during the dance, ending with her. When his eyes met the pale green of hers she gave him a deep nod, lifting her foot to step into the inner part of the circle.

She was dressed in a new manner as well, not in her usual cloak or red dress. The dress that she had chosen for this night was a dark turquoise color, the fabric velvet. Over top of it she had a long, thin white dress that laced together at the bosom. She had left her weapons resting against a nearby tree, not needing them for this ceremony. In one hand she held nothing, but in the other was a small shaker that she had crafted out of wood. It had small seeds inside that, when shaken, created a light rattling sound. She began to dance alongside the chief, creating a rhythm to match the cheerful sound of his whistle.

Nayati Utina · 04-12-2010, 09:38 PM

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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.

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Aurèle Aston · 04-12-2010, 10:12 PM

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My characters are not social, haha. I hope you don't mind them playing drums! :] 300+

It had taken a great deal of coaxing for Aurèle to convince her son that he was required to attend what he saw as a silly meeting. Anatole had objected to this repeatedly, arguing that it was pointless. Certainly, to him (and his mother) it was. Neither valued the spirituality that AniWaya did, but it was important to them, and of all the places that might have offered them refuge, Dawali did not push the pale woman beyond her walls. He understood, in a small way, her nature, and that she was not made for this place. The raven, though silent, knew this as well. It had been sent to teach her, even though she would not accept him.

The pair had joined the rest of the tribe, in that uncomfortable two legged form. Though not concerned with her appearance, it was obvious that Aurèle had understood the importance of the ceremony and gone to lengths to blend in. Her fur, which had been dingy and dirt stained when she had arrived, was a pristine white marred only by the dusty tan of her coat. Her hair hung long and straight, and bore a singular black feather that the raven had brought to her earlier in the day. Anatole had made a face at this, but after a sharp look from his mother he had said nothing.

Her son had not made any effort to go beyond shifting to his Optime form, and looked rather disgruntled to be where he was. Anatole had been spending more and more time exploring, and was unhappy that he had to stand around and watch these people dance. Arms crossed under his chest, the boy (who was just beginning to stand taller then his large mother) kept an flat and unhappy mask on his face. Both Aston’s watched their leader move, made up in his feathers and beads, and both nodded at his greeting (if only because they had seen the others do so). Then movement and quiet noise began, but it was subdued and felt peculiar. Neither of the two moved, not until the pied crow flew past its pale woman and landed on an unarmed drum. He tapped on this twice and cocked an eye to Aurèle, who smiled faintly. After a glance to her son, she moved towards this, and with the bird as her guide, began tapping a rhythmic beat. Unwilling to be left alone to dance with the strange wolves, Anatole came to her side and began mimicking the motion on a second drum.

They would not dance, but they would aid in their own way.

Lotus Phoenix · 04-12-2010, 10:39 PM

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Table by Frost.

OOC: 539 words

The charismatic pup had already been warned the night before to stay put and not wander off. That tonight there was a ceremony that all were to attend. He had been so happy to see his Daddy stop by to give this news but upset again when he decided not to stay. Even if Dawali had denied it the thought was still engrained within his mind. When the boy made his mind up about something it was a very difficult task to change it. He claimed Dawali as his Daddy and as leader of the tribe he was sort of a father to them all. He was the one responsible for leading them down the paths of old. For making sure they didn’t stray too far off course. But of course Lotus wasn’t considering this abstract venture. He just assumed that since his Mommy was a leader that the other leader was his Daddy. It was a simple logic that just made sense to him no matter how fiercely it might be denied.

Once at the ceremony Ember had warned him to stay right where he was and not go anywhere. While Lotus might prefer to run around on his own he did know how to listen. Which was why he was standing in the circle formation with everyone else, staying by his mother’s side. He was glancing around at all that had gathered, a few of the faces he could recognize. Though when he felt eyes on him he looked up to catch his Mommy looking down at him. He smiled and wagged his tail as forepaws were aimed to be placed against her leg so that he could stand and get height enough to try to lick at her hand. A simple reassurance in his own away. From what he could understand this ceremony was special and he wouldn’t do anything to mess it up. Which meant as hard as it was for him he would stay right where he was.

When he saw his Daddy come out he had to fight back the urge to run up to him. Instead he stayed on the sidelines like everyone else and just watched. Head tilted to the side as he watched his Daddy’s slow movements. Though when the Kalona got closer his little paws danced in place but he had to remind himself that he was to stay silent and stay put. Still he couldn’t help but feel special when his Daddy acknowledged him. So what if it had been done to everyone else in turn as well? This was his Daddy not their Daddy. The pup dipped his head down in return of the greeting as he had been instructed to do.

But then his Mommy was leaving him to dance with his Daddy. See!? He knew they were family! They got to dance alone together. He really wasn’t silly for his thoughts and assumptions. Or at least that is what he believed. Though then another started to join in on the dancing which caused Lotus to watch curiously to see if he would get in trouble or not. After all Lotus was being a good girl and staying right where he was told to stay at.

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Dawali Amara · 04-20-2010, 09:40 AM

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Post order: preferably as you entered, but don't worry too much about it. If you really want to post and it's not your turn, just go for it

Word Count: 507

come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops

He danced, and as he did so he noticed the approval in the faces of his tribe's members, and he relaxed better. Once Ember joined in, and then the rest of them, and he was playing his bone flute and no longer the single point of attention, he found himself enjoying it much more than he thought he would. He was not old enough to ever have witnessed a Uku Dance before, but he knew how Ayegali had danced, and so he had been forced to fabricate something out of this. There were no elders here to judge him, for he was the oldest. Perhaps he, then, had created his very own tradition on the Uku Dance; the thought was pleasing, even if Dawali was not usually an ambitious soul. The melody from the bone pipe soared above them all, its tones very high-pitched because it was so small. Still, they did not pierce through one's mind in an uncomfortable way, and with the drumming from Auréle and her son and the sound of everyone's feet making rhythms on the ground, it was mighty music indeed.

Finally, he stopped playing and stepped outside the ring, letting the dancing come to a natural halt and finally dissipate. The great fire was alight as always, and he stood beside it and waited until they had all gone out of the dancing circle. Wordlessly, he smiled at them; most of them knew this process, and knew what was coming.
"We've come to the point where we extinguish the great fire and relight it again. This fire burns for our continued existence, but as our lives enter the new season, it, too, needs to be renewed. He motioned for everyone to participate, and quickly started to throw and kick sand onto the base of the fire, its high flames shaking with every inch of burning material that was covered up and out of their reach. Once completely dead save for a few flames at the very top of middle pole, he bent down to rekindle the fire from the burning embers he had set aside; they had been resting on a flat stone nearby until this point. Dawali added more firewood, and within minutes the fire soared high again. One handful of tobacco leaves were also offered the sacred flames, and now their ceremony was complete. All that was left, now, was the feast. The Kalona turned to look at his tribesmembers and his deep voice rung out to them, announcing that the celebrations that would continue for the next seven days for those that wanted to, were now officially started. "With the fire re-lit, all that remains is our celebrations!" His one arm motioned towards the collection of fish and meat that lay behind him, and he reached for his flute once more. Song and dance and food was as important to this ceremony as the great fire itself. The cheerful melody he created itched his feet, and soon he was dancing again, though in a wholly different manner.

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Ember Phoenix · 04-28-2010, 05:31 PM

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Ember wants to dance more! short :3

Ember knew most of the wolves that had chosen to come to the celebrations. Yumiko was a good friend of hers who she and Lotus visited often for suppers or other social engagements. Once her boy was big enough, and once she had had the chance to instruct him on it more, she wondered if Yumiko would like to have a group hunt with the two of them. But those were thoughts for another day.

She watched as the members of the tribe joined in on the festivities, keeping her eye on her son to be sure that he wasn't getting into any trouble. Lotus was a good boy, but she liked to keep an eye on him just in case. She often worried about him, even if she didn't really need to. As soon as the more formal part of the meeting was over, she broke out of the circle to go toward Lotus, so that they might dance together. He wasn't able to shift, so she reached down to see if he might want to be picked up.

Lotus Phoenix · 05-02-2010, 05:37 AM

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Table by Frost.

OOC: 375 words

Being as small as he was and stuck on four limbs Lotus remained out of the way of the dancing tribe members. He remained outside of the ring and simply watched. But it all came to a halt and the focus became the fire. At this he grinned. He had already gone through a small version of this with his Daddy. The pup ducked in to settle in next to Dawali, and with a grin up to the Kalona, Lotus steadied himself in a position that would allow him to help out and kick up dirt onto the fire. It was only a small effort but to him it was a big deal. He wanted to show the wolf that he considered to be his Daddy that he remembered the lesson. And it was that thought that led him to pausing so that he could glance up at Dawali, seeking some tidbit of praise or acknowledgment for remembering what he had been taught.

But once it was all done and the fire was extinguished only to be relit for the festivities to start up again Lotus once more tucked himself out of the way. The young pup moved back to take up his previous position. His rump became placed against the ground so that he could sit and wait out the rest of the ceremony. His tail thumped gently against the ground as he would glance around at all that had come out. It was slightly disappointing to see that there were no other pups. But what could really be done about it? He had already spoken to his Mommy about siblings. He figured he would make a good big sister.

Stretching out his forelimbs the pup laid down. He had thought he was being good so it surprised him when his Mommy came over to him. But the worry that he had done something wrong ceased when his Mommy reached down towards him. Lotus quickly got back up and pushed himself up to stand briefly on his hind legs so that his forepaws could reach out to his Mommy. It was a clear sign that he was willing to be picked up. His little tail even wagged. He was just happy to be included.

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Ember Phoenix · 05-09-2010, 01:45 PM

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She picked the boy up, settling him up against her chest, swaying back and forth slowly. Her mouth formed a soft smile and she closed her eyes for a moment, hugging him close to her. Her child had a scent all his own, but he also smelled a lot like her, in ways. She was so happy that he had been brought to her (practically delivered). Some might think that he was an odd child, but she had grown to love all of that and more.

Ember headed back toward Dawali with Lotus still in her arms, standing by him and starting to dance, moving back and forth. This had been a wonderful ceremony, a wonderful day. They could eat in a little while, but for now all that she wanted to do was dance.

Nayati Utina · 05-20-2010, 02:59 PM

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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.

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