It wakes and returns for the third time

Ralla · 05-04-2011, 04:14 PM

[html]

J'adore's sudden speaking did surprise Ralla a little, but it was more the words than the act of doing so. She had expected him to give some sort of explanation for their culture project, but a thank you? The blush returned in full bloom, and forest-green eyes sought out her mate's, lest she keel over from embarrassment or over-gratitude. J'adore's modest step back into line gave Ralla the chance to lock eyes with him, too, and to convey her deepest humility and thanks for his own gratitude. It was the first time that Ralla felt like a real teacher, and not just a tribe member attempting to spread a culture that made her come off as preachy. It was nice, being appreciated. With a bond of friendship, she placed a hand on his shoulder--no longer teacher and student bound, since their only connections to such lied in the duty and art of script. No, J'adore had learned fast, and was still advancing well; there was plenty more room for friendship rather than anything else.

A sudden weight on Ralla's leg brought her back from the mutual look, making her bend to greet her daughter's affectionate nuzzle. In her muzzle still was the bound part of the little child's hair that Ralla had helped her to cut as a sacrifice, and Ralla hoped that the Great Spirits would be satisfied with it. Why should they not be? It is a part of her; she is giving herself. And finally Ralla's anxiety and her daughter's had been laid to rest when Ayasha had decided to become a Tsula Agateno, which Ralla thought suited her perfectly. And she would have Inez to aid her, once her riding skills became sharp enough. Ralla gave a silent prayer that she would excel, but this would also require her own or one of the animal caretaker's attentions and instruction. As it was, it was looking like the latter, since Ralla herself would be busy with so much more than normal... Shiloh came, then, and gave her own thanks. It seemed as if spring had brought out the kindness in everyone, and made them realize that there was much to be thankful for; especially after that storm. And then another unexpected gift; Shiloh's craft. Handed to the white wolfess from the scarred one was a set of bowls, beautifully inlaid to mimic owls who in turn mimicked Nootau. Placing the bowls and jars in turn next to Nootau--who hooted a barn owl's song in appraisal of the work, a rare show of pride that he normally did not voice--Ralla went to smiilarily place her hands on Shiloh's shoulders as another gesture of thanks and friendship. An embrace would be far too awkward, what with her belly full of pups and all... "Thank you, Shiloh," Ralla said, putting all her emotion that she had given J'adore through their look into her words. Both were invaluable tribe mates that Ralla would always remember. Like the owls on the bowls and jars, Ralla's heart was taking flight.

At their chief's signal, they all went forward to distinguish the Great Fire, Ralla bending on her knees just to be able to toss sand onto it. The ceremonial stone grounds just a little ways off glinted in the dying sunlight a little dimmer as the fire's light was diminished, but this time, it was going out with ceremony and honor, and would be re-lit in the same fashion. After Chief Dawali had placed his own sacrifice upon the tree, Ralla and J'adore both hefted the object its short journey to rest upon the ashes of the Great Fire, resting steadily in the embers that remained. They, too--and everyone else--still had things to give. Making a quick trip to Kemo and Ayasha, Ralla retrieved her own sacrifice which she had left with them when she had come up to speak; a rolled scroll of her first writing, being given as a sacrifice to show that she was still learning and would continue to do so, all to preserve, protect, and better the tribe. It was a bit of scripture referring to how fire came to be, and although the writing was far from perfect, it was her first true words in ink, after all. This she let hang from its string by a strand of beads, twirling from the wafting smoke that continued in wispy fingers.

Moon walks. "Moon talks.' Moon thinks.

Login




Remember me Lost Password?