Wakan Tankan Nici Un

Nayati Utina · 12-16-2010, 10:55 PM

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Nayati Utina had worked hard for this day, and yet now that it was here it felt as if he walked in a dream. No matter how much he had hoped of one day becoming the Gadui Kanati of the tribe, he hadn't even really thought that it would happen. But now here he was, standing in front of his Kalona, his friend, who was about to bestow the ancient right upon him. It was an effort to keep his breathing normal and despite all his greatest efforts his heart beat loudly against his ribcage. Some of his fellow tribesmembers joined them in the hall and his jitters only increased. He gave each assembled face a silent nod of greeting, except for Liliana whom he shot a sheepish smile. Even though he had not doubted that she would be here for this, he was so glad to have her there.

The waiting came to an end though, and as Dawali turned to face him, he turned to face his chief. As the Amara began to speak, his heart picked up the tempo of a fevered war drum. Nayati was not someone who was given to emotional displays, but as Dawali spoke of his merits he could feel hot tears sting at the corners of his eyes. He did not let them fall, but they were there for the Kalona to see. It meant so much to receive this station from him, the man who was like a second father to him. There was only one thing that he wished different about this moment, and that was that he wished his parents could be here to see him. Nayati wished to see the pride in both his father and mother's eyes. Despite their absence though, he stood tall and still while Dawali painted the antlered mark of the Gadui Kanati across his chest.

The Utina felt the brush strokes across his fur and skin and almost had the sensation of a strange new force entering his body. She had not been there initially, but now Onawa appeared by his side and sat, watching the process of the marking. Nayati didn't look down to her for he did not want to lose his composure, but he could feel her and he could feel that she, too, was proud of him. Her approval meant nearly as much to him as anyone else's and he had to close his eyes for a moment to keep his face dry. Finally, when it was finished, Nayati released a deep breath and felt a great contentment settle over his soul.

At first he believed that to be it, but then Dawali turned and retrieved an old spear from a bag. It was highly decorated, and clearly not meant for actual use. Yet again this day, he had his breath taken from him. He accepted the ceremonial spear with reverence, and as it touched his hands he could feel its age and its power. "I will." He would handle the sacred item with respect, and would protect it with his life. "Wakan Tankan Nici Un - and with You." Nayati bowed before his chief and then turned to face his tribesmembers. "I will continue to serve AniWaya with all that I have. You can trust in me." He was as much their servant as Dawali's own. He may be a Master now, but that meant that his obligation to AniWaya was only larger.

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